American political scientist Carol Christine Fair sparked controversy after calling Donald Trump “ch***ya” during a live interview with journalist Moeed Pirzada. The remark, a Hindi slang word for “idiot,” drew laughter before she repeated it. Fair explained that she often uses the word in Urdu and even has it on her car license plate. She criticised Trump’s administration, saying many officials lack expertise and have weakened US bureaucracy. Fair also noted that thousands of State Department staff were lost in recent years, affecting policy. Known for her sharp views, Fair specialises in South Asian political and military affairs.

Cheteshwar Pujara said he has no regrets about his cricket journey after announcing retirement from international cricket. In an interview, he shared that he took a week to think before making the big call. Pujara said he feels proud to have played 100 Test matches for India. He also mentioned that even though he was not picked in the team for the last 2 years, he is happy with what he achieved. Known as a Test specialist, Pujara built his career on patience and determination. He thanked fans for their support and said he will continue playing domestic cricket. (PC: India Today)

Heavy rain and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir have killed nine people, including five on the Vaishno Devi shrine route. The yatra has been stopped after a landslide near Adhkwari injured several devotees. Officials said two people died when their house collapsed, while two others were killed in flash floods. A cloudburst was also reported in Doda district. Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar and Doda-Kishtwar highways has been blocked by landslides and flooding. Rivers Tawi and Ravi are flowing above danger level. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called the situation “serious” and directed officials to carry out rescue and relief work. (PC: X)

The U.S. is set to impose a 50% tariff on certain Indian products starting August 27, 2025, but exporters can avoid this duty if specific conditions are met. Goods must have been loaded onto vessels and in transit before the deadline, and they should be entered for consumption or withdrawn from U.S. warehouses by September 17, 2025. Additionally, importers are required to certify eligibility using HTSUS code 9903.01.85 to U.S. Customs. Meeting these criteria ensures Indian exports remain tariff-free, mitigating the impact of new trade restrictions. (PC: Bloomberg)

Returning from a year-long break, Mirabai Chanu staged a powerful comeback at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships—held in India—by winning gold in the newly configured 48 kg category. She lifted a total of 193 kg, smashing three Commonwealth records across snatch, clean & jerk, and total. Despite a handful of missed attempts, she dominated the field, reaffirming her elite status. This stellar performance not only boosted her morale but also positions her strongly for upcoming global events, including qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and a key lead-up to the World Championships. (PC: The Hindu)

Two psychologists have raised concerns about Donald Trump’s health, saying he shows signs of frontotemporal dementia. Dr. Harry Segal and Dr. John Gartner said Trump’s speech, language, and motor skills are getting worse. They pointed to his unsteady walk during public events, calling it a “telltale sign” of brain disorder. Videos from his recent meeting with Vladimir Putin showed him struggling to walk straight. The experts warned his psychomotor functions are deteriorating. Despite concerns, Trump insists he is healthy and has often boasted about his cognitive test results.

Heavy rain in Manali caused the Beas River to overflow, leading to floods and landslides. A multi-storey hotel, houses, shops, and restaurants were swept away by the strong currents. The Manali–Leh highway has been cut off at several points, leaving hundreds stranded without power or connectivity. Visuals showed a truck being washed away in the raging waters. Several residential areas remain submerged, though no casualties have been reported so far. Officials said stretches of the highway between Kullu and Manali have also collapsed. Himachal Pradesh continues to face heavy rain damage this monsoon season.

On August 25, 2025, an Israeli double-tap airstrike hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, killing at least 20 people, including five journalists from Reuters, AP, Al Jazeera, and Middle East Eye. The second strike struck as rescuers and media gathered, intensifying outrage. The IDF expressed regret and launched an inquiry, claiming journalists were not deliberate targets. The attack triggered mass protests across Gaza, the West Bank, and global capitals, with demonstrators demanding accountability, civilian protection, and an immediate ceasefire. International bodies, press groups, and the UN condemned the strike as a grave threat to press freedom.   

A massive manhunt is under way in Porepunkah, Victoria, after two police officers were shot dead and one injured in an ambush. The officers were part of a team of 10 serving an arrest warrant when a heavily armed man opened fire. Police say the 59-year-old detective and 35-year-old senior constable were “murdered in cold blood.” The suspect fled into nearby bushland on foot and is considered dangerous. Authorities urged locals to stay indoors. Hundreds of officers, helicopters, and emergency teams have been deployed. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the bravery of the fallen officers. (PC: X)

The Indian Navy commissioned two advanced stealth frigates, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri, at Visakhapatnam on Tuesday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the ceremony at the Eastern Naval Command. The ships, built under Project 17A, feature 75% indigenous content and highlight India’s progress in warship building. INS Udaygiri was built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, while INS Himgiri came from Garden Reach Shipbuilders, Kolkata. Both frigates are equipped with BrahMos missiles, Barak-8 air defense systems, and advanced sonar and radar. Their induction boosts India’s maritime power and strengthens security in the Indian Ocean region. (PC: X)