NASA’s Curiosity rover has captured images of unusual spherical rock clusters on Mars’ Mount Sharp that resemble fossilized dinosaur eggs. Found in a region called “The Boxworks” along the Gediz Vallis Ridge, these formations are not biological but geological, likely shaped by ancient fluid movements and mineral deposits. Scientists believe they may provide vital clues about Mars’ watery past and its transition to a dry planet. While drilling is impossible in the rugged terrain, Curiosity is using cameras and spectrometers for close analysis, continuing its mission to decode Mars’ environmental history. (PC: Money Control)

White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro has accused India of acting as a “laundromat” for Russian oil, claiming Indian refiners profit from processing Moscow’s crude while fueling the Ukraine war. He dismissed India’s energy needs as “nonsense” and warned of a 50% tariff hike on August 27. Navarro criticized India’s trade practices, calling its tariffs “Maharaja-level,” and urged New Delhi to reconsider its role in global peace. Despite praising PM Modi’s leadership, he stressed that India’s actions perpetuate conflict. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar countered, noting the U.S. had encouraged India’s Russian oil purchases to stabilize global markets. (PC: Reuters & NDTV)

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman V. Narayanan revealed that a liquid oxygen leak in the Falcon-9 rocket, slated for the Axiom-4 mission, was initially underestimated by SpaceX. ISRO engineers insisted on thorough checks despite reassurances, uncovering a crack in the oxidiser line that could have caused catastrophic failure upon liftoff. Thanks to ISRO’s insistence, SpaceX corrected the fault—saving the lives of the four astronauts. Narayanan emphasized that this action stemmed from decades of Indian experience with liquid-oxygen systems, underscoring ISRO’s critical role in ensuring mission safety. (PC: ANI)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Moscow on August 21, 2025, meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He pushed back strongly against recently imposed U.S. tariffs—up to 50% on Indian goods tied to New Delhi’s purchase of Russian oil—questioning the fairness of Washington’s criticism. Russia emphasized expanding energy cooperation, including new extraction projects in the Far East and Arctic regions, and committed to continued oil supply to India. Jaishankar underlined the resilience of India-Russia ties, promising to boost Indian exports in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles while addressing trade imbalances. 

The Supreme Court will deliver its verdict on Friday on the August 8 order directing civic bodies to capture all stray dogs in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Faridabad. The order required shelters for 5,000 dogs within eight weeks. Animal rights groups opposed the move, calling it unlawful and cruel, and argued that the Animal Birth Control Rules mandate sterilisation and release, not mass confinement. The case was reassigned to a three-judge bench led by Justice Vikram Nath, which reserved orders on August 14. The ruling will decide if the order stands, is modified, or suspended. (PC: HT)

Ukraine faced one of the heaviest Russian attacks in weeks, with 574 drones and 40 missiles launched overnight. Ukrainian officials said 1 person was killed in Lviv and 15 injured in Transcarpathia, where a US electronics firm was hit. The air force claimed 577 incoming weapons were intercepted. Hypersonic, cruise and ballistic missiles were used, with strikes from Russia, Crimea and the Black Sea. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine was ready to meet Vladimir Putin in neutral Europe, but ruled out Budapest. The strikes came as Donald Trump led diplomatic efforts to end the war. (PC: BBC)

Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), led by Masood Azhar, is raising PKR 3.91 billion through digital wallets to rebuild terror bases destroyed in India’s Operation Sindoor. The outfit plans to set up 313 new camps across Pakistan. Investigators say the group now moves 80% of its funds through mobile wallets, bypassing Financial Action Task Force (FATF) checks. Many donations come from Gulf countries. Sources claim funds are also being used for weapons, including drones. Indian security agencies warn JeM is decentralising camps to avoid future strikes. This exposes Pakistan’s hollow FATF compliance and highlights ISI’s backing of terror financing networks. (PC: HT)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has extended Ajit Agarkar’s contract as chief selector till June 2026, according to a report. Agarkar took charge in 2023 and helped India win the T20 World Cup in 2024 and the Champions Trophy in 2025. A BCCI official said, “Under his tenure, the Indian team had won titles and seen transition too.” The extension was confirmed before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Agarkar also stressed on the careful workload management of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah. India will begin the Asia Cup 2025 against UAE on September 10. (PC: NDTV)

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that negotiations will begin to free hostages held in Gaza and end the ongoing war. “These two things – defeating Hamas and releasing all our hostages – go hand in hand,” he said. Israeli forces have advanced to the outskirts of Gaza City, with more troops joining the operation. Mediators from Egypt and Qatar are working on proposals for indirect talks. Netanyahu stressed that all hostages must be freed for the conflict to end. No timeline was provided, and details of the negotiations remain limited. (PC: Reuters)

The Sports Ministry on Thursday said India will not take part in any bilateral sports events with Pakistan. “Indian teams will not travel to Pakistan, nor will we allow Pakistani teams in India,” a ministry source said. The new policy applies to all venues, even neutral ones. However, multilateral tournaments, like the Asia Cup starting September 9 in the UAE, will go ahead. “We will not stop the Indian cricket team from playing in the Asia Cup as it is a multilateral event,” the source added. The policy also aims to follow Olympic norms and support international sports inclusivity. (PC: AFP)