Divya Deshmukh, who triumphed over veteran Koneru Humpy to claim the FIDE Women’s World Cup title and the Grandmaster title—becoming India’s 88th GM—has set her sights even higher. Speaking to Dainik Jagran, the 19‑year‑old said, “If I get a chance to play, I have to play with world number one chess player Magnus Carlsen. He has been a world champion and I will learn a lot.” Reflecting on her victory, she noted that while everyone was tense, she focused on herself throughout the final. Her win also secures her a spot in the 2026 Candidates Tournament. (PC: Hindustan Times)

US President Donald Trump has ruled out trade negotiations with India until a tariff dispute is resolved. Following India’s continued import of Russian oil, the White House issued an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian goods, raising the total to 50%. The administration cited national security concerns, calling India’s oil purchases an “extraordinary threat.” The new levy will take effect in 21 days, excluding goods already in transit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded defiantly, asserting India will not compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen, and dairy producers. The standoff marks a sharp escalation in US-India trade tensions, with both sides holding firm on economic and geopolitical priorities. (PC: History.com)

Asif Qureshi, cousin of Bollywood actor Huma Qureshi, was fatally stabbed outside his Delhi home on Thursday night following a parking dispute. The incident occurred around 10 pm in Nizamuddin’s Bhogal Bazaar Lane when Asif asked two local youths to move their scooter blocking his entrance. After a heated exchange, the accused Ujjwal (19) and Gautam (18) returned with a sharp weapon and attacked him. Asif was rushed to the hospital but declared dead on arrival. His wife, Shaheen, alleged prior threats and a history of tension. Police arrested both suspects and seized the murder weapon. A case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections 103(1) and 3(5) has been registered. Investigation is ongoing. (PC: The Indian Express)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on August 7 presented alleged proof of electoral malpractice in Karnataka’s Mahadevapura, citing over 100,000 “fake voters” based on duplications, forged addresses, bulk registrations, invalid photos, and misuse of Form 6 . The Election Commission responded by demanding a signed declaration under oath, complete with details like voter names and serial numbers, warning of legal repercussions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita, 2023 . CEOs from Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Haryana have also challenged Gandhi to formally affirm his claims before they take further action.  

ISRO’s very high-resolution satellite imagery captured the dramatic aftermath of the devastating flash floods in Uttarkashi’s Dharali village. The images reveal vast changes in river pathways and show a 20-hectare area buried beneath sediment and debris, with many structures destroyed or submerged under mud and water . Initial assessments pointed to a cloudburst, but recent expert analyses now suggest a glacier collapse or glacial lake outburst as the more probable triggers. (PC: India Today)  

India has reportedly paused a $3.6 billion deal to acquire six Boeing P‑8I maritime patrol aircraft, initially approved in 2021 for $2.42 billion, due to a near 50% cost escalation driven by supply‑chain disruptions, inflation, and newly imposed U.S. tariffs . The 25% tariffs imposed earlier in August, followed by an additional 25% increase by President Trump—bringing tariffs to 50%—significantly raised procurement expenses . In response, India’s Ministry of Defence decided to pause the purchase and conduct a strategic reassessment, although no official government confirmation has been made.

India faces a 50% tariff hike on its exports to the US, with Donald Trump targeting Delhi for purchasing Russian oil. The new rate takes effect on August 27, making India the most heavily taxed US trading partner in Asia. Delhi called the move "unfair," warning of a trade embargo–like impact on key sectors like textiles and gems. While pharma and electronics are exempt, India's $86.5B exports to the US hang in balance. As trade talks resume, experts say top-level diplomacy is crucial. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi called the move “economic blackmail” while India vows to defend national interests. (PC: BBC)

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu in Moscow, reaffirming the “very special relationship” between India and Russia. Amid growing global uncertainty and US President Trump’s doubling of tariffs on India over Russian oil imports, both nations emphasized strengthening their strategic partnership. Shoigu highlighted "time-tested ties of friendship" and a shared commitment to a fairer world order. Doval conveyed PM Modi’s thanks for Russia’s support after the Pahalgam terror attack. Discussions also focused on Putin’s upcoming India visit and enhancing cooperation in defence, multilateral forums, and counterterrorism. (PC: X)

The planet experienced its third-warmest July on record in 2025, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. While cooler than July 2023 and 2024, the global average temperature was still 1.25°C above pre-industrial levels. Turkey hit a record 50.5°C, battling wildfires. Experts warn climate change hasn’t paused—greenhouse gas emissions must fall to avoid worsening extremes. The 12-month period ending July 2025 exceeded the 1.5°C warming threshold set in the Paris Agreement. Europe is warming at twice the global rate. Scientists say extreme weather will persist unless fossil fuel use, deforestation, and emissions are curbed immediately. (PC: NDTV)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it would be “in the interest of both India and the United States” to resolve the ongoing tariff dispute after President Trump imposed 50% duties on Indian goods over Russian oil imports. Netanyahu, speaking to Indian journalists, also expressed his wish to visit India soon. He met Indian Ambassador JP Singh in Jerusalem to discuss bolstering bilateral cooperation in security, intelligence sharing, and counterterrorism. India slammed the tariffs as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable,” defending its oil imports as essential for energy security. The additional US duties will take effect from August 27.