White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro has defended the 50% tariff hike on Indian goods, calling India the “maharaja of tariffs.” He cited national security concerns, accusing India of using American dollars from exports to buy Russian oil, which allegedly funds Russia’s war against Ukraine. Navarro argued that this economic loop forces American taxpayers to indirectly finance Ukraine’s defense. He emphasized that the rationale differs from reciprocal tariffs and is rooted in India’s “abject refusal” to stop Russian oil imports. When asked why China wasn’t similarly targeted, Navarro noted existing high tariffs on Chinese goods and hinted at ongoing coordination. India’s Ministry of External Affairs called the move “unjustified and unreasonable,” vowing to protect national interests. (PC: News 18 & Reuters)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has offered to privately advise Prime Minister Narendra Modi on handling tensions with US President Donald Trump, amid a deepening trade dispute. Calling both leaders “terrific friends,” Netanyahu emphasized that the foundation of India-US relations remains “very solid” and urged both nations to resolve the tariff row amicably. Trump recently doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% over India’s continued import of Russian oil, prompting strong condemnation from New Delhi. Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to protecting farmers and fishermen, even at personal cost. Netanyahu also expressed interest in visiting India soon and highlighted robust India-Israel defense ties, including battlefield-tested equipment used during Operation Sindoor. (PC: JNS & BBC)

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned Israel’s decision to take control of Gaza City, calling it “wrong” and urging immediate reconsideration. The move, approved by Israel’s security cabinet under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal, aims to dismantle Hamas and establish a security perimeter before handing governance to unspecified Arab forces. Starmer warned the action would escalate violence, worsen the humanitarian crisis, and hinder hostage negotiations. He emphasized the need for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and a diplomatic solution based on a two-state framework. The UK has pledged to recognize a Palestinian state by September unless Israel takes substantive steps toward peace. (PC: Vox & India Today)

Kapil Sharma’s café in Surrey, Canada, was attacked for the second time in a month, with gangster Goldy Dhillon—linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, claiming responsibility via a viral Facebook post. Around 25 shots were fired at Kap’s Café early on August 7, damaging windows and walls but causing no injuries. The post warned that if Sharma doesn’t respond, the “next action” will be in Mumbai. The first attack occurred on July 10 and was claimed by Khalistani terrorist Harjit Singh Laddi. Authorities are investigating both incidents, and Mumbai Police are assessing threats to Sharma’s safety. The comedian may soon receive police protection amid rising concerns over gang-linked violence targeting public figures. (PC: Pinterest)

Moody’s has warned that US President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50% could derail India’s manufacturing ambitions and slow GDP growth by 0.3 percentage points from the projected 6.3% for FY2025–26. The tariff hike, imposed over India’s continued import of Russian oil, places Indian exports at a steep disadvantage compared to other Asia-Pacific nations. Moody’s cautioned that the widened tariff gap may reverse recent investment gains, especially in high-value sectors like electronics. While India’s strong domestic demand and forex reserves may cushion the blow, foreign investors have already pulled $900 million from Indian equities in August. The Reserve Bank of India has maintained a neutral stance amid rising trade uncertainty. (PC: NBC & Al Jazeera)

Major US retailers Amazon, Walmart, Target have halted orders from Indian suppliers following President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Indian goods to 50%. Exporters received formal notices urging them to pause apparel and textile shipments, as buyers refuse to absorb the increased costs. The tariff hike, linked to India’s continued import of Russian oil, is expected to raise export costs by 30–35%, potentially causing a 40–50% drop in US-bound orders and a $4–5 billion revenue loss. Key exporters like Welspun Living, Indo Count, Trident, and Gokaldas Exports, which rely heavily on US sales, are severely impacted. India remains firm, vowing not to compromise on national interests despite mounting trade pressure. (PC: The Times Of India & NDTV)

CCTV footage has captured the fatal stabbing of Asif Qureshi, cousin of Bollywood actor Huma Qureshi, in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area. The incident occurred on August 7 around 10:30 pm after Asif asked two neighbours to move their scooter blocking his house entrance. A verbal spat escalated into violence when Gautam (18) stabbed Asif with an ice-pick while his brother Ujjwal (19) held him down. Asif’s wife, Shaina, formerly Renu Jaun, was seen trying to intervene. Asif was rushed to the hospital but declared dead. Police arrested both accused and registered an FIR under sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Locals described Gautam as a drug addict with a history of erratic behavior.

NASA veteran astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore announced his retirement on August 6, 2025, closing a distinguished 25‑year career. He logged 464 days in space across missions aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis, Soyuz, Boeing Starliner, and SpaceX Dragon, and performed five spacewalks totaling 32 hours . His final mission became widely followed after technical failures aboard Boeing’s Starliner turned an eight‑day test flight in June 2024 into an unexpectedly long nine-month stay aboard the ISS, from which he returned in March 2025 via a SpaceX mission . Reflecting his dedication, NASA lauded his "lasting legacy of fortitude," which will continue to inspire future explorers. (PC: AP)

U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated economic pressure on India, doubling tariffs on Indian exports to 50% (up from 25%) in response to India's continued purchases of Russian oil—moves he views as enabling Putin’s war machine . The penalties, set to take effect August 27, have thrown India’s refiners into disarray and forced state oil firms to pause spot Urals cargo purchases amid uncertainty . New Delhi has denounced the tariffs as unfair and vowed to “pay a very heavy price” to protect its strategic autonomy. (PC: Bloomberg)

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong sharply criticized US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on Indian goods, calling it economic coercion. In a post on X, Xu wrote, “Give the bully an inch, he will take a mile,” without naming Trump directly. He argued that using tariffs as a weapon violates the UN Charter and undermines WTO rules. China condemned the move as hostile and unsustainable, citing a recent exchange between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Brazilian advisor Celso Amorim. The statement aligns China with India and Brazil, both targeted by Trump’s tariff hike over Russian oil imports. The diplomatic backlash signals rising global resistance to unilateral US trade actions. (PC: Facebook & India Today)