At their high-stakes Alaska summit on August 15–16, 2025, Vladimir Putin breached diplomatic protocol by taking the microphone before U.S. President Donald Trump during the joint press conference . Framing the narrative on his terms, Putin highlighted Alaska’s history as former Russian territory and portrayed the two nations as “neighbours,” setting a cooperative tone despite the absence of a peace deal . The three-hour summit ended without any formal agreement to halt the Ukraine war; Trump insisted “there’s no deal until there’s a deal,” while Putin claimed an “understanding” had been reached. (PC: Reuters)    

Intense monsoon rainfall triggered flash floods and landslides in Chasoti village, Kishtwar district, Jammu & Kashmir, on August 14–15, 2025, during the Machail Mata pilgrimage. At least 60 people died, more than 100 were injured, and over 200 remain missing, with many pilgrims swept away or buried under debris . Rescue teams—using shovels, earthmovers, ropes, and makeshift bridges—are tirelessly searching survivors . This is the second major Himalayan disaster in a week, following similar flooding in Uttarakhand. The crisis underscores concerns about rising extreme weather frequency in vulnerable mountainous regions. (PC: Reuters)  

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan unveiled bold timelines: a crewed Gaganyaan mission is slated for early 2027, preceded by uncrewed test flights in 2025, marking India’s definitive push into human spaceflight. Concurrently, India plans its own modular space station, with the first 52-tonne module due in orbit by 2028, and full deployment by 2035. The Gaganyaan programme has been reinforced with enhanced systems, including human-rating of the launcher and astronaut safety measures like escape mechanisms and robust re-entry shielding. These milestones underscore India’s ambition to become a key global player in space exploration and human spaceflight leadership. (PC: ANI)

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Anchorage, Alaska on August 15, 2025, in a highly orchestrated and symbolic summit at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Despite describing the talks as “very productive” and “mutually respectful,” no formal agreement or ceasefire resulted. Both leaders hinted at progress: Putin mentioned an “understanding” and stressed dialogue and addressing security concerns, while Trump said, “there’s no deal until there’s a deal” and emphasized it’s now up to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European allies to build on this momentum. Putin extended an invitation to host Trump “next time in Moscow.”   

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that Russia’s continued attacks during peace talks show it has no intention of ending the war. “On the day of negotiations, the Russians are killing as well. That speaks volumes,” he wrote on X. His comments came as US President Donald Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska to discuss ending the nearly three-year conflict. Zelenskyy said Ukraine is in close contact with the US and Europe, aiming for a “just end to the war.” He stressed that Russia factors American strength into its strategy, urging a firm US stance. (PC: X, India Today)

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Alaska on Friday for talks on the Ukraine war. The leaders greeted each other with a handshake on the tarmac at Elmendorf-Richardson base and shared a short limousine ride to the meeting venue. Trump said he “won’t be happy” if no ceasefire deal is reached. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, not invited to the summit, said his country is “counting on America” but sees “no sign” Russia will end the war. The talks come amid deep differences between Kyiv and Moscow over how to end the conflict. (PC: BBC)

At least 194 people have died in the last 24 hours in flash floods and landslides across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Most deaths, 180, occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where heavy rains destroyed homes and a rescue helicopter crashed, killing five crew. Nine people died in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and five in Gilgit-Baltistan. Officials warn heavy rain will continue until 21 August. Survivors described the disaster as “doomsday.” In neighbouring Indian-administered Kashmir, floods killed at least 60 people. This year’s monsoon has been deadly across South Asia, with over 300 lives lost, worsened by climate change-driven extreme weather. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Tamil superstar Rajinikanth for completing 50 years in cinema. Modi posted a photo with Rajinikanth on X, calling his journey “iconic” and praising his impact on generations. He wished him success and good health. Rajinikanth replied, thanking Modi for the warm wishes and calling it an honour. Rajinikanth made his debut in 1975 with Apoorva Raagangal and remains a top star at 74. His latest film Coolie, released on August 14, collected ₹150 crore worldwide on its opening day, the highest-ever opener for Tamil cinema, and crossed ₹100 crore in India in two days. (PC: HT)

6 people, including an 80-year-old man, died after the roof of a dargah collapsed in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area on Friday evening. The incident happened during Friday prayers at the Dargah Sharif Patte Shah, located near Humayun’s Tomb. At least five people were injured and taken to AIIMS Trauma Centre. Officials said the roof, part of a 25-30-year-old building, fell while 15-20 people, including the imam, were inside. Rescue teams from Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, NDRF, and DDMA reached the site. The building has been cordoned off as authorities investigate the cause of the collapse. (PC: NDTV)

Pakistan’s terror links were exposed again as top army and government officials honoured a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist killed in India’s Operation Sindoor. On August 14, Pakistan’s Independence Day, Lahore Division GOC Major General Rao Imran Sartaj, Federal Minister Malik Rashid Ahmed Khan, and senior police officials visited the grave of Mudasir Ahmed in Muridke. Mudasir was linked to the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2019 Pulwama attack. He was killed in May when India targeted Markaz Taiba. His funeral, led by US-designated terrorist Abdul Rauf, was attended by Pakistan Army officers, exposing the country’s continued support for globally listed terrorists. (PC: India Today)