Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley has urged President Trump to rapidly repair the strained relations with India, cautioning that losing such a key democratic ally would mark a “strategic disaster.” Writing in Newsweek, she emphasized India’s critical importance as a counterbalance to China, particularly in supply chain diversification. Haley highlighted that while China—as a Communist state—faces fewer trade barriers, India, a democratic partner, is being penalized with tariffs. She underscored that undermining 25 years of U.S.–India strategic momentum would not just be unwise—it would severely damage American credibility in Asia. (PC: X)

India’s state-run refiners—Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL)—have restarted buying Russian crude for September and October cargoes, following a pause in July. The decision was prompted by steeper discounts on Russia’s Urals grade—roughly $3 per barrel—making imports economically compelling despite political scrutiny from Washington. Previously, both firms halted Russian oil purchases amid U.S. criticism and looming tariff threats. Besides Urals, IOC has secured other grades like Varandey and Siberian Light. The companies emphasized that procurement decisions remain grounded in economic rationale.

Australia has offered to assist India as it gears up to bid for the 2036 Olympic Games. In an exclusive with India Today, Australia’s High Commissioner Philip Green described a “genuine partnership” opportunity—leveraging Australia’s expertise in hosting major sporting events like the Olympics in 1956 and 2000, multiple Commonwealth Games, and proficiency in stadium planning, marketing, security, and ticketing—as India strengthens its global sports infrastructure . Green cited the world’s largest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad—designed by an Australian firm—as a sign of this evolving collaboration. (PC: India Today)

Three leading industry bodies—the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), and E-Gaming Federation (EGF)—have written to Home Minister Amit Shah seeking urgent intervention against the proposed Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. They warn that a blanket prohibition on real-money games could decimate a ₹2-trillion industry, jeopardizing over 200,000 jobs, shuttering 400 companies, and costing ₹20,000 crore in annual tax revenue . The sector also faces concerns that users may migrate to unregulated offshore platforms, increasing risks of fraud and data security breaches .  

During a light-hearted moment on The Hundred broadcast, former India wicketkeeper–batter Dinesh Karthik joked that UK viewers had sent letters and tweets to broadcasters complaining that India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, never smiled throughout the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy in England. Karthik quipped that three personalities—Gambhir, commentator Nasser Hussain, and Rockets coach Andy Flower—were blamed for their unforthcoming expressions on camera . Despite his intense, focused demeanor during the high-pressure Test series, Karthik reassured fans that those within the Indian team know Gambhir’s lighter side well. (PC: AP)

India has dismissed Nepal’s protest against the reopening of border trade through the Lipulekh Pass, which India and China agreed to revive as part of renewed proximity following COVID disruptions . The Ministry of External Affairs called Nepal’s territorial claims “unjustified,” “untenable,” and “not based on historical facts” . India reaffirmed that trade via the pass has existed since 1954 and maintained its position has been “consistent and clear” . Nonetheless, New Delhi expressed openness to “constructive interaction” with Nepal to address outstanding boundary issues through diplomacy. (PC: PTI)

Russia anticipates India will keep purchasing its oil despite escalating U.S. sanctions and tariffs, citing profitability driven by a special payment mechanism in rupees and a 5–7% discount . Russian officials highlight that Russian crude now constitutes approximately 35% of India’s oil imports—a sharp rise from 0.2% pre-Ukraine war . Simultaneously, Russia wants to revive trilateral talks with India and China in pursuit of a “greater Eurasian partnership” and confirms plans for President Putin to visit India by year-end. (PC: Reuters)

The Lok Sabha has swiftly passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, introducing sweeping prohibitions on real-money online gaming—covering both games of skill and chance—enforced with hefty fines (up to ₹1 crore) and prison terms (up to three years) for operators, and penalties for influencers. The law also bans advertisements and bars banks from facilitating such platforms. It permits warrantless digital and physical searches to curb threats like money laundering, addiction, and national security risks. While e-sports and social games remain permissible, real-money gaming faces a dramatic crackdown. (PC: File)    

Israel has approved a controversial plan to build 3,400 homes in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank. Critics say the project would split the territory in two and block hopes for a Palestinian state. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the idea of a Palestinian state is “being erased.” The Palestinian Authority condemned the move as illegal and dangerous. The UK, Jordan, and Germany also voiced opposition, warning it violates international law. Settlement building has expanded under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, with over 700,000 settlers now living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. (PC: Reuters)

Chinese toy maker Pop Mart, creator of the “ugly-cute” Labubu dolls, has reported a nearly 400% jump in profits in the first half of 2025. Net profit rose to 4.6bn yuan (£474m) as global demand surged, with sales reaching 13.9bn yuan. Labubu, part of The Monsters series, is loved by stars like David Beckham, Rihanna, and Paris Hilton. Shares in Pop Mart have climbed over 230% this year, making it more valuable than Mattel, Sanrio, and Hasbro combined. The company now plans rapid global expansion, including more US stores, while warning buyers against unsafe fake Labubu dolls. (PC: Reuters)