The US has issued a notice imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian goods from August 27, raising the overall duty to 50 per cent. The move targets India’s purchase of Russian crude oil. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking in Ahmedabad on Monday, said India will not bow to pressure. “No matter how much pressure comes, we will keep increasing our strength to withstand it,” he said. Modi assured that small entrepreneurs, farmers, and shopkeepers will be protected. NDTV reported that he also criticised global “politics of economic self-interest,” calling it unfair and short-sighted. (PC: NDTV)

Russia plans to hire more Indian workers beyond construction and textiles, where most Indians currently work. According to India’s Ambassador to Russia, Vinay Kumar, companies in the machinery and electronics sectors are now seeking Indian talent. The rising demand has also increased the need for consular services like passport renewals and registrations. Kumar also defended India’s energy trade with Russia, saying it is guided by national interest and energy security for 1.4 billion people. He rejected U.S. criticism of India’s oil imports, stressing that many Western nations also continue trading with Russia despite sanctions. (PC: Business Today)

The Defence Ministry has started the process to buy 76 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUHs) for the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Of these, 51 will go to the Navy and 25 to the Coast Guard. The helicopters will support missions like search and rescue, medical evacuation, disaster relief, and maritime patrol. They will also be armed for low-intensity operations. The NUHs will be made under the Buy and Make (Indian) category, boosting self-reliance in defence. The move follows Operation Sindoor and is part of India’s plan to modernise its forces and replace ageing helicopters.

US President Donald Trump has changed his claim about the India-Pakistan conflict. On Monday, he said seven jets were shot down, though last month he claimed the number was five. Trump again said he helped broker the May ceasefire and prevented a “nuclear war”. He did not specify which country lost how many planes. Earlier, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh confirmed India shot down five Pakistani jets and one early warning aircraft during Operation Sindoor. India has rejected Trump’s mediation claims, saying the truce was reached bilaterally after talks between the two countries’ military leaders. (PC: Bloomberg)

The United States has announced new tariffs on Indian imports starting August 27. President Donald Trump ordered an additional 25 per cent duty, raising the total tariff to 50 per cent. The move comes as a penalty for India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. The notice was issued by US Customs and Border Protection under Trump’s recent executive order. India has called the tariffs “unfair and unjustified”. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India will protect its national interests and strengthen itself to face pressure. The new duties will affect a wide range of Indian products. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured farmers, shopkeepers, and small entrepreneurs that their interests will be protected despite US tariffs. Speaking in Ahmedabad, Modi said, “Your interest is paramount. My government will not allow any harm to come to farmers or small businesses.” His remarks came after US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, along with an additional penalty over Russian oil purchases. India called the move “unfair and unreasonable.” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed trade talks with Washington continue, but India will not compromise on protecting farmers, fishermen, dairy producers, and small entrepreneurs. (PC: News18 )

US Senator Mike Lee has suggested pausing H-1B visas, asking, “Is it time to pause H1-B visas?” His remarks came after unverified reports claimed Walmart took bribes to hire Indian tech workers while cutting American jobs. Walmart denied the claims, saying the case had “nothing to do with H1B visas.” The comments follow far-right congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s call to stop H-1B visas for Indians, saying they replace US workers. The debate comes as President Trump threatens tariffs on India. Indian nationals hold over 70% of H-1B visas, making them the most affected by such proposals. (PC: HT)

A new bill in the US, called the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act, could make even one drunk-driving case grounds for deportation or entry denial for Green Card and visa holders. The bill, backed by the White House, has already passed the House and is under Senate review. Immigration experts warn it could apply to old cases, even from decades ago, and might bypass due process. Critics say it targets legal immigrants and skips rehabilitation. The law could affect lakhs of Indians studying and working in the US, leaving immigrant families anxious about their future. (PC: India Today)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel “deeply regrets” a “tragic mishap” that killed 20 people, including 5 journalists, in a strike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza. In a statement, Netanyahu added that Israel values the work of journalists, doctors, and civilians. Reuters, Associated Press, and Al Jazeera confirmed that some of their contributors were among the dead. The incident has sparked international outrage, with press freedom groups warning that the deaths of reporters make covering the war more dangerous. Human rights organizations and global leaders are urging a transparent investigation into the hospital attack and civilian casualties. (PC: NDTV)

India will buy oil from where it gets “the best deal” to protect its 1.4 billion people, envoy to Russia Vinay Kumar said. His remarks come before US President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian goods take effect, including penalties for buying Russian oil. Washington accuses India of funding the Ukraine war through Russian crude purchases, which Delhi denies. Russian oil now makes up nearly 40% of India’s imports. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar defended India’s stand, stressing “strategic autonomy” and calling US tariffs unfair. Both President Putin and President Zelensky are expected to visit India later this year. (PC: BBC)