President Donald Trump convened a policy meeting on August 27 to discuss Israel’s war in Gaza and post-war plans for the Palestinian territory, joined by former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and ex-Middle East envoy Jared Kushner. Topics included the hostage crisis, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction. Trump’s earlier proposal for a U.S. takeover of Gaza and permanent displacement of Palestinians drew global condemnation as “ethnic cleansing.” Israel’s offensive since October 2023 has killed over 62,000 Palestinians and displaced the entire population. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who stated there would be no Palestinian state. The conflict began with a Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis. (PC: Reuters)

The UK and the EU will summon Russian ambassadors after deadly strikes on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv killed at least 17 people, including 4 children. Dozens more were injured in the overnight attack, which damaged homes and buildings, including the British Council office and the EU mission. A guard at the British Council was hurt. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the strikes “senseless” and said they sabotage hopes of peace. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of choosing “ballistics instead of the negotiating table.” Ukraine’s forces said they struck a Russian oil refinery in the Krasnodar region in response. (PC: BBC)

PV Sindhu stunned World No. 2 Wang Zhi Yi with a dominant 21-17, 21-15 victory at the BWF World Championships in Paris on August 28, marking her first quarterfinal appearance since 2019. The 30-year-old Indian shuttler rediscovered her vintage form, silencing critics after a string of early exits. Sindhu’s aggressive play left Wang unsettled throughout the 48-minute match. She will next face Indonesia’s ninth seed Putri Kusuma Wardani. Earlier, India’s mixed doubles pair Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto pulled off a major upset, defeating Hong Kong’s fifth seeds Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet to also reach the quarterfinals. (PC: India Today)

U.S. House Democrats have sharply criticized President Trump for imposing steep 50% tariffs on Indian imports over its Russian oil purchases, while sparing China, Russia’s largest energy buyer from similar penalties. The move, they argue, undermines two decades of bipartisan U.S.-India ties and “hurts Americans.” The new tariffs, which double earlier levies, are expected to impact $48.2 billion in Indian exports, risking job losses and economic slowdown. India has refused to yield, citing sovereignty. Pharmaceuticals and electronics have been exempted for now. Trade negotiations remain stalled, with the U.S. demanding greater access to India’s agriculture and dairy sectors amid rising geopolitical tensions. (PC: Responsible Statecraft)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a two-day visit to Japan on August 29 for the 15th India-Japan Annual Summit with PM Shigeru Ishiba. Key agenda items include Quad cooperation, regional security, defence collaboration, and expanding bullet train projects beyond Mumbai-Ahmedabad. Modi will tour Tokyo Electron and the Tohoku Shinkansen plant, with discussions on procuring E10 bullet trains. Japan plans to invest ¥10 trillion ($68 billion) in India across eight sectors, including AI and semiconductors. An AI cooperation initiative and increased Indian tech workforce in Japan are also on the table. Modi’s visit precedes the SCO Summit in China, where he may meet Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin amid rising U.S. tariff tensions. (PC: Prime Minister’s Office Of Japan & ANI)

A tragic mass shooting unfolded at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis on August 27, 2025, when 23-year-old Robin Westman opened fire during a morning Mass, killing two children and injuring 17 others. Armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, Westman fired through stained-glass windows before dying by suicide in the parking lot. Authorities recovered disturbing weapons inscribed with messages like “Kill Trump” and “Nuke India,” and are investigating a manifesto and videos linked to the suspect. The FBI has classified the attack as a hate crime and act of domestic terrorism targeting Catholics. Westman, who had legally changed names and gender identity in 2020, was not previously known to law enforcement. President Trump ordered flags at half-staff nationwide in mourning. (PC: The New York Post & NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a strategic eastward tour, visiting Japan and China amid escalating U.S. tariffs. After attending the India-Japan Annual Summit with PM Shigeru Ishiba, Modi will join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, alongside leaders including Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif, and China’s Xi Jinping. The visit comes as the U.S. doubles tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, citing oil trade with Russia. Modi aims to strengthen regional ties and launch initiatives to build “greater resilience.” India and China are also working to ease trade barriers and resume direct flights. A potential Modi-Putin bilateral meeting remains under discussion. (PC: Deccan Herald & Reuters)

Russia has strongly defended India’s oil trade following White House advisor Peter Navarro’s claim that New Delhi is funding Moscow’s war machine. The Russian Embassy in India dismissed the accusation, calling the oil trade a bilateral economic relationship. Navarro’s remarks, labeling it “Modi’s war” that sparked backlash, especially after Trump’s 50% tariff hike on Indian goods took effect. Critics in the U.S. accused Trump of unfairly targeting India while sparing China. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to domestic interests and promoted self-reliance. Despite tensions, Indian officials emphasized ongoing dialogue with Washington and confidence in India’s diversified export base to weather the economic impact of the tariffs. (PC: The Independent & Times Now)

Bihar has been placed on high alert following intelligence reports of three Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists infiltrating India via Kathmandu, Nepal. The infiltration reportedly occurred on August 15, coinciding with India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations. Authorities are intensifying surveillance and security measures across the state in response to the threat. The terrorists, linked to the Pakistan-based militant group, are believed to have entered Indian territory with unknown intentions, prompting swift action from law enforcement agencies. The alert has triggered coordination between central and state security forces to prevent any potential incidents. Further details are awaited as investigations continue into the nature and scope of the infiltration. (PC: Daily Excelsior & Project Gecko)

The FBI is investigating the US Minneapolis school shooting as an anti-Catholic hate crime and domestic terrorism. Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed and 17 others injured when the attacker fired into Annunciation Church during morning Mass. The suspect, 23-year-old Robin Westman, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police said the attacker used a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, and also left a smoke bomb. Mourners gathered at the church, leaving flowers. Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sorrow, while officials called the act cruel and cowardly. Security agencies have stepped up monitoring as investigations into the motive continue. (PC: BBC)