U.S. President Donald Trump is reviewing options to impose tariffs on China for purchasing Russian oil, following his recent decision to double tariffs on India to 50%. Vice President JD Vance confirmed Trump hasn’t made a final decision but is “thinking about it,” citing the complexity of U.S.-China relations. India, already facing steep penalties for its Russian oil imports, has condemned the move as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” The new 25% duty on Indian goods takes effect August 27. Critics argue Trump’s selective targeting ignores China’s larger oil trade with Russia of $62.6 billion in 2024 versus India’s $52.7 billion raising concerns about geopolitical bias and economic coercion. (PC: New York Magazine)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released a 6-minute video showcasing aerial strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during Operation Sindoor. The footage highlights precision attacks launched in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. Clips show “decimated” terror camps, as well as historic footage from the 1971 war, Kargil conflict, and 2019 Pulwama response. Launched on May 7, Operation Sindoor destroyed multiple terror sites, killing over 100 militants. The IAF also shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and a large aircraft. The video underscores the IAF’s “precision, speed, and resolve” in safeguarding India. (PC: News18)

The Supreme Court has ordered that all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR be picked up within 8 weeks and housed in dedicated shelters, directing municipal bodies, the Delhi government, and the NDMC to coordinate efforts. No dog, once housed, is to be released back onto the streets. Authorities were warned against interference, citing the need to protect children and the elderly from dog bites and rabies. The court acted after reports of frequent attacks. The MCD plans to upgrade animal birth control centres, implant microchips for tracking, and conduct anti-rabies awareness drives, balancing animal welfare with public safety. (PC: HT)

The Indian Navy will commission two advanced frontline warships, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri on August 26 at Visakhapatnam, marking a historic milestone in indigenous naval shipbuilding. Both vessels are part of the Project 17A stealth frigate programme and represent a generational leap in design and capability. Udaygiri, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (Mumbai), and Himgiri, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders (Kolkata), feature reduced radar cross-sections, advanced weapon systems including BrahMos missiles, and CODOG propulsion. This is the first time two major warships from separate Indian shipyards will be commissioned simultaneously. Rigorous sea trials have confirmed their operational readiness, underscoring India’s growing self-reliance in maritime defense under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. (PC: PTI)

Five Al Jazeera journalists, including prominent reporter Anas al-Sharif, were killed in an Israeli airstrike near Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The group, along with other media workers, was in a designated press tent when the strike hit, killing seven people in total. The Israel Defense Forces alleged al-Sharif was a Hamas commander involved in rocket attacks, claims rejected by Al Jazeera and press freedom groups as unsubstantiated. The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the attack as part of a pattern of targeting media in Gaza. Since October 2023, 186 journalists have been killed during Israel’s military campaign. (PC: BBC)

High drama unfolded in Delhi as Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav jumped over a police barricade during the INDIA bloc’s protest march to the Election Commission. The demonstration, led by Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, targeted alleged voter fraud in Bihar’s Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Over 300 MPs joined the march from Parliament, but Delhi Police blocked the route citing lack of permission. Security forces deployed heavy barricading and quick reaction teams. The protest follows Rahul Gandhi’s recent claim of having “atom bomb” proof of large-scale “vote chori.”

U.S. attorney Mike Andrews, representing over 65 families affected by the tragic Air India AI171 crash in Ahmedabad, criticized the delay in compensation and aid, stating that such bureaucratic hurdles would not have existed if Ratan Tata were alive. Andrews praised Tata’s legacy of compassion and accountability, suggesting his leadership would have ensured swift support for victims. The June 12 crash killed 260 people, including 229 passengers, 12 crew, and 19 on the ground. Andrews cited heartbreaking cases, including a bedridden mother left without support after losing her only son. He also outlined potential legal action based on aircraft defects or operational lapses, pending analysis of flight data and cockpit recordings. (PC: Nikkei Asia & Getty Images)

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced Australia will recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, joining the UK, France, and Canada. Albanese said the decision follows commitments from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to demilitarise, hold elections, recognise Israel’s right to exist, and exclude Hamas from any future state. He called a two-state solution “humanity’s best hope” to end the Gaza conflict. Israel criticised the move as “rewarding terrorism,” while the US reaffirmed it will not follow suit. The state of Palestine is recognised by 147 UN members but lacks full voting rights. (PC: BBC)

Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated after Islamabad blocked water, gas, and newspaper supplies to Indian High Commission staff. Government sources told CNN-News18 the move, allegedly orchestrated by Pakistan’s ISI, is “deliberate” and breaches the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. The restrictions follow India’s successful Operation Sindoor and strict enforcement of the Indus Water Treaty. Gas pipelines have been installed but left inactive, vendors banned from supplying fuel, mineral water, or newspapers. Officials see the action as “petty retaliation” aimed at disrupting diplomats’ lives and isolating them from local developments, further straining already fragile India–Pakistan relations. (PC: News18)

Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir issued a provocative nuclear threat against India during a black-tie dinner in Tampa, Florida, declaring, “If we think we are going down, we’ll take half the world down with us.” The statement marks the first known instance of a nuclear threat made from U.S. territory against a third country. Munir also warned of missile strikes on any future Indian dam over the Indus River, asserting Pakistan’s missile readiness. His remarks come amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions and follow recent meetings with U.S. officials and President Donald Trump. Pakistan’s military has denied speculation about Munir’s political ambitions, while critics warn of escalating rhetoric and regional instability. (PC: Aaj Tak & Hindustan Times)