India will continue purchasing oil from wherever it secures the best commercial deal, prioritizing energy security for its 1.4 billion citizens, said Indian envoy to Russia, Vinay Kumar, in an interview with TASS. Amid U.S. criticism over discounted Russian crude, Kumar emphasized that trade is driven by national interest and market dynamics. He called U.S. tariff hikes “unfair, unreasonable, and unjustified,” reaffirming India’s stance. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also responded, stating, “If you don’t like it, don’t buy it.” Kumar highlighted that other nations, including the U.S. and Europe, continue trading with Russia. India’s cooperation with Russia contributes to global oil market stability. (PC: Hindustan Times)

DRDO carried out maiden flight tests of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System off the Odisha coast On 23 Aug 2025 at about 12:30 pm. The test follows the announcement of Mission Sudarshan Chakra on 15 Aug 2025. IADWS combines indigenous QRSAMs, VSHORADS and a high-power laser directed energy weapon. The Ministry of Defence said the system will help detect and destroy missiles, aircraft and drones. It will link with Indian Air Force and Army command networks. DRDO will work with private firms to speed development. A defence official said, "This test shows our defence strength." (PC: X)

US Vice President JD Vance said Donald Trump used “aggressive economic leverage,” including tariffs on India, to pressure Russia over the Ukraine war. Speaking to NBC, Vance said secondary tariffs on India aimed to cut Moscow’s oil revenue. Washington has often criticised India’s Russian crude imports, arguing they fund Russia’s military. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hit back, saying, “If you have a problem, don’t buy Indian oil.” Trump earlier doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, linking part of the hike to Russian oil trade. Despite tensions, Vance said Russia has made some concessions in talks. (PC: India Today)

Israel launched missile strikes on Yemen’s capital Sanaa on Sunday, targeting a power plant, gas station, and areas near the presidential palace, according to Houthi officials. Videos showed thick smoke, explosions, and panic among residents. Locals described houses shaking and windows shattering from the blasts. These were the first reported Israeli strikes in Yemen since last week, when Tel Aviv claimed to have hit Houthi energy infrastructure. Israel has not confirmed Sunday’s attack. Houthis vowed to continue retaliation against Israel, saying they would not abandon Gaza. The strikes follow the rebels’ missile launch toward Israel earlier this week.

Russia accused Ukraine of drone strikes that caused a fire at a nuclear power plant in the Kursk region on Sunday, August 24, as Ukraine marked its 34th Independence Day. Officials said the fire was quickly controlled, with no injuries reported and radiation levels normal. Ukraine has not commented. Russia also reported drone debris causing a blaze at a fuel terminal in Leningrad. Moscow claimed it intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones overnight. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in Kyiv, vowed Ukraine would secure “peace with strength.” Norway and Germany announced new air defense aid. Pope Leo XIV prayed for peace in Ukraine. (PC: NDTV)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully carried out its first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for the Gaganyaan mission. The test demonstrated the parachute-based deceleration system, ensuring astronaut safety during re-entry. It was conducted with support from the Indian Air Force, DRDO, Indian Navy, and Coast Guard. ISRO chairman V Narayanan confirmed that the first uncrewed Gaganyaan flight, G1, will launch in December with the humanoid robot Vyommitra. India plans its first crewed flight in 2027. Future missions include Chandrayaan-4 in 2028, a Venus mission, a space station by 2035, and a Moon landing by 2040. (PC: X)

The first look of Mumbai’s iconic Lalbaugcha Raja was unveiled on Sunday, August 24, ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations starting August 27. The idol, dressed in striking magenta attire, left devotees spellbound. Located in Putlabai Chawl, Lalbaugcha Raja is one of Mumbai’s most visited Ganesh mandals, attracting lakhs of devotees, including celebrities, every year. The ten-day Ganeshotsav is celebrated across Maharashtra and India with rituals, prayers, music, and cultural events, ending with a grand visarjan. The Lalbaugcha Raja mandal, established in the early 1900s, continues to symbolize faith, devotion, and the cultural spirit of Mumbai during Ganesh Chaturthi.

Cheteshwar Pujara has retired from all formats of cricket after playing 103 Tests for India. The 37-year-old revealed he thought about retirement for just a week before making the decision on August 24. Pujara scored 7,195 runs in Tests at an average of 43.60, with 19 centuries and 35 fifties. He last played for India in 2023 during the World Test Championship final. Speaking to Aaj Tak, Pujara said, “This was my personal call.” He added that he wants young players to get more opportunities. Pujara ends his career as India’s eighth highest run-scorer in Test cricket. (PC: India Today)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the United Nations’ declaration of famine in Gaza, calling it a “modern blood libel” and “outright lie.” The UN-backed Integrated Food Security Classification (IPC) said half a million people are already in famine, and more than 6,40,000 could face catastrophic food insecurity by September. Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 281 deaths from hunger, including 114 children. Netanyahu said, “Israel has no policy of starvation. The only ones deliberately starved are Israeli hostages.” He accused Hamas of orchestrating a “starvation campaign” and claimed aid deliveries are often looted before reaching warehouses.

BJP leader and Hamirpur MP Anurag Thakur told schoolchildren in Una, Himachal Pradesh, that Lord Hanuman could be seen as the “first astronaut.” Speaking at a PM Shri School on National Space Day, he asked students to “look beyond textbooks” and connect with India’s traditions. Thakur later shared the video on X, writing, “Pawansut Hanuman Ji… the first astronaut.” He said Hanuman’s journey showed India’s ancient knowledge and culture. “If you look at our traditions, you will find many things,” he added. His comments came as India celebrates new achievements in space exploration this year. (PC: HT)