Ten Central Trade Unions and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (CTUs-SKM) have called for a nationwide protest on August 13 against U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% tariff threats and the India-UK Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA). The protest will feature tractor rallies, public gatherings, and demonstrations across India. Organizers condemned the tariffs and accused both deals of economic coercion and corporate imperialism, likening them to colonial exploitation. They demand India assert its sovereign right to trade with all nations, including Russia, and halt all negotiations with the U.S. until full transparency and parliamentary scrutiny are ensured. The protest aims to defend India’s food security, economic independence, and strategic autonomy. (PC: Hindustan Times & The Economic Times)

Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that India has halted Russian oil imports, Indian officials confirmed no change in policy. Trump called the alleged move a “good step” amid threats of punitive tariffs targeting nations buying Russian oil. However, India continues sourcing crude from Russia, citing long-term contracts and economic necessity. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized decisions are based on global market conditions and national interest. India, now one of Russia’s top oil customers, imported 1.75 million barrels per day from January to June. While Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Indian exports, further penalties remain possible. Officials insist India’s energy strategy supports price stability and complies with international norms. (PC: Reuters & TRT Global)

In a heartfelt diplomatic gesture, the Iranian Embassy in India extended warm Friendship Day wishes to the Indian government, celebrating centuries of cultural and civilizational ties. The message highlighted the enduring bond between the two nations, transcending dynasties, faiths, and rulers, and emphasized shared values in literature, language, philosophy, and art. Hours later, the Indian Embassy in Tehran reciprocated with equal warmth, affirming the millennia-old friendship and mutual respect between the peoples of India and Iran. Both embassies exchanged messages on social media, reinforcing the spirit of cooperation and historical connection. The exchange was widely appreciated as a symbol of enduring diplomacy and cultural affinity. (PC: BBC & News 18)

Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb has reignited debate over extraterrestrial life by suggesting that the newly discovered interstellar object 3I/ATLAS may be an alien craft. Though officially classified as a comet, Loeb argues its unusual trajectory as it’s passing close to Venus, Mars, Jupiter and lack of typical cometary features point to intelligent design. He warns that the object, which will reach its closest point to the Sun on October 29, could be either benign or hostile, urging policymakers to prepare for both outcomes. Loeb proposes a “Richter scale” for alien risk and calls for global readiness. NASA maintains 3I/ATLAS poses no threat, but Loeb insists Earth must not dismiss the possibility of advanced alien technology. (PC: NDTV & The Guardian)

Arvinder “Arvi” Singh Bahal, an 80-year-old Agra-born adventurer and U.S. citizen, blasted off into space aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin NS-34 mission on August 3. Bahal, who has visited every country on Earth, both poles, and skydived over Everest and the Pyramids of Giza, joined five other global explorers on the 14th crewed flight of the New Shepard program. The suborbital journey crossed the Kármán line, marking the edge of space. Bahal, a licensed pilot and helicopter flyer, called the flight the pinnacle of his lifelong quest for exploration. Blue Origin has now flown 70 people to space, with Bahal’s journey hailed as a symbol of curiosity and ambition without borders. (PC: Instagram & Hindustan Times)

Ancient Hindu idols and Shivlings were unearthed during excavation at Karkoot Nag spring in Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir. The site, located in the Salia area of Aishmuqam, holds deep significance for Kashmiri Pandits and is linked to the Karkoota dynasty (625–855 CE). Labourers discovered the relics while restoring the sacred pond under a Public Works Department project. Officials from the Department of Archives, Archaeology, and Museums have taken custody of the artifacts, which will be transferred to the SPS Museum in Srinagar for material analysis and carbon dating. Locals believe a temple once existed there and are urging authorities to rebuild it and preserve the recovered idols for future generations. (PC: Republic World & Curly Tales)

Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed that the majority of new iPhones sold in the US during Q2 were manufactured in India, marking a major shift in Apple’s global supply chain. India has overtaken China as the primary production hub for US-bound iPhones, while Vietnam now leads manufacturing for MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches. Despite former President Donald Trump’s criticism and a newly imposed 25% tariff on Indian imports, Apple remains committed to its India strategy. Cook highlighted record revenue growth in India, driven by strong iPhone sales, and announced plans to expand Apple’s retail footprint in the country. Apple incurred $800 million in tariff-related costs last quarter, with projections rising to $1.1 billion. (PC: Reuters)

Stephen Miller, a top aide to Donald Trump, has accused India of financing Russia’s war in Ukraine by continuing to purchase oil from Moscow. Speaking on Fox News, Miller called India’s near-parity with China in Russian oil imports “astonishing” and “not acceptable.” The Trump administration recently imposed a 25% tariff on Indian goods and threatened further penalties unless India halts its energy and arms trade with Russia. Despite mounting pressure, Indian officials reaffirmed their commitment to sourcing oil based on national interest and energy security. Miller acknowledged Trump’s “tremendous” relationship with Prime Minister Modi but emphasized that all diplomatic and financial options remain on the table to end the war. (PC: Mint & CNN)

England has launched the world’s first gonorrhoea vaccination programme at sexual health clinics, targeting high-risk groups such as gay and bisexual men with recent STI history. The vaccine, 4CMenB, already used for meningococcal B could prevent up to 100,000 cases and save the NHS £7.9 million over the next decade. Gonorrhoea cases hit a record 85,000 in 2023, the highest since 1918, with rising antibiotic-resistant strains. The initiative also offers vaccines for mpox, HPV, and hepatitis A and B. Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton hailed the rollout as a major breakthrough in STI prevention and antibiotic resistance. Eligible individuals are urged to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their partners. (PC: CDC & BBC)

Just 90 days after India’s Operation Sindoor dismantled terror infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Pakistan has rebuilt over 15 terror camps and launchpads with direct support from its intelligence agency ISI. These camps, located in areas like Kel, Shardi, Athmuqam, and Chakothi, now use advanced tech including drones, radar camouflage, and satellite masking to evade Indian surveillance. Four launchpads along the International Border, including a drone center in Shakargarh, have also been reactivated. Camps now house fewer militants and include women and children as shields. Intelligence reports warn of renewed cross-border threats, with ISI allocating over PKR 100 crore to revive terror networks destroyed during India’s precision strikes. (PC: PBS & The Economic Times)