The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans to bring in the rugby-style Bronco Test as a fitness standard. The new test, which includes shuttle runs of 20, 40, and 60 metres, has sparked debate. Former India batter Manoj Tiwary claimed it may have been introduced to sideline ODI skipper Rohit Sharma ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Tiwary said Virat Kohli will likely remain in plans, but Rohit must improve fitness to survive the challenge. The decision comes after fitness issues in the England Test series. (PC: NDTV)

Arunachal Pradesh Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona inaugurated the Pasang Wangchuk Sona ISRO Space Laboratory on August 16, 2025, at Mechuka Government Higher Secondary School in Shi-Yomi district—co-developed by ISRO and the Muskaan Foundation. Named in honour of the minister’s late father, the facility aims to offer hands-on learning in space science and technology, inspiring innovation, critical thinking, and scientific ambition among students . Sona expressed this is more than an educational facility—it's a heartfelt tribute and a beacon for youth in his region to “dream bigger, explore science fearlessly, and reach for the stars”.

From August 27, 2025, the US will enforce steep new tariffs on Indian goods, doubling duties to 50% on several key sectors. The move, tied to Washington’s concerns over India’s surging Russian oil imports, threatens over 55% of India’s $87 billion exports to the US. Exporters warn shipments could drop 20–30% starting September, while the rupee and stock markets have already declined. New Delhi is preparing relief measures for exporters and urging diversification into China, Latin America, and the Middle East. Economists caution the tariffs could cut India’s annual GDP growth by 0.8 percentage points. (PC: Reuters)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday flagged off Maruti Suzuki’s first electric SUV, the eVitara, from Hansalpur, Gujarat. He said EVs made in India will now be exported to more than 100 countries. Modi praised Suzuki Japan for choosing India as a hub for EV production, calling it proof of global confidence in India. He also announced the start of hybrid battery electrolyte manufacturing in Gujarat, a big step towards self-reliance. Modi linked the plant’s 13-year journey to “teenage years,” saying it was now ready to spread wings. Suzuki plans to invest ₹70,000 crore in India in coming years. (PC: HT)

A cloudburst struck Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Tuesday, causing flash floods that damaged more than 10 houses. The disaster followed similar events in Kathua and Kishtwar. Authorities said no loss of life was reported, but water levels in several rivers rose above danger marks. The Jammu-Srinagar highway was closed due to landslides, and all schools in the Jammu division were shut because of heavy rain. The weather department has warned of more cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides in high-altitude areas until August 27. Rescue teams are on alert, and people have been asked to avoid water bodies. (PC: India Today)

Delhi Metro fares have gone up for the first time in eight years. From August 25, passengers will pay Rs 1 to Rs 4 more on most routes, while the Airport Express Line fares rise by up to Rs 5. Short trips up to 2 km will now cost Rs 11, while the longest ride above 32 km is Rs 64. Popular routes like Huda City Centre to Connaught Place will cost Rs 54, and Noida City Centre to CP is now Rs 43. Smart card users get a 10% discount, plus extra savings during off-peak hours. (PC: News18)

Mass protests broke out in Israel as families of hostages blocked major roads, demanding a deal to bring their loved ones home. The unrest came a day after an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza killed at least 20 people, including five journalists and four health workers. Footage showed rescuers hit by a second strike. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a “tragic mishap” and promised an investigation. Nearly 200 journalists have died in the Gaza war, the deadliest conflict for media workers. President Trump said he wants the war “settled soon” and hinted at a ceasefire deal. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump praised China for its monopoly on rare earth magnets but warned of heavy tariffs if supplies to America stop. “They have to give us magnets. If they don’t, then we have to charge them 200 percent tariff or something,” Trump said at the White House. He added that while the US and China share good ties, Washington holds stronger cards. China had earlier restricted exports after US tariffs, but a trade deal later resumed supply. Trump also recalled how Chinese jets stayed grounded without US airplane parts. (PC: Reuters)

In the tragic case of Nikki Bhati's dowry death in Greater Noida, her husband, Vipin Bhati, was found to have been involved in an extramarital affair. Nikki reportedly caught him with his lover, leading to a confrontation. Subsequently, Vipin allegedly assaulted his lover. The situation escalated, culminating in Nikki's death, which is suspected to be a result of dowry-related violence. In a separate incident, Vipin attempted to escape police custody but was shot in the leg during the attempt. He later denied responsibility for his wife's death, claiming she died on her own. (PC: India Today)

Chinese President Xi Jinping will host Prime Minister Narendra Modi—his first China visit in over seven years—and President Vladimir Putin at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1, 2025. The summit, the largest in SCO history, serves as a powerful display of Global South solidarity, highlighting China’s push for a post‑American international order amid Western pressure. Xi emphasized China‑Russia collaboration to safeguard security and development interests, reinforcing strategic partnerships while showcasing collective influence over global political and economic narratives. (PC: NDTV)