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US-India tariff LIVE: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a cabinet meeting on Friday (August 8) to assess the impact of the 50 per cent tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump recently. Earlier, the American president announced a 25 per cent tariff on India, citing the purchase of Russian oil by the country. But this week, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, and imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on India.Trump's punitive tariff on India appeared to aim at bringing economic pressure on Moscow to agree to a ceasefire, as India is the second-biggest customer for its oil.

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Oil prices showed little movement in early Asian trading on August 8 but remained on track for their steepest weekly losses since late June, driven by concerns over escalating US tariffs and weakening global demand. Brent crude futures were down by three cents to $66.40 a barrel, on course for a decline of more than 4 per cent this week. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures also dropped by six cents, or 0.1 per cent, to $63.82 a barrel, poised to fall by over 5 per cent on a weekly basis.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a cabinet meeting on Friday (August 8) to assess the impact of the 50 per cent tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump recently. 

US-India tariff LIVE: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a cabinet meeting on Friday (August 8) to assess the impact of the 50 per cent tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump recently. Earlier, the American president announced a 25 per cent tariff on India, citing the purchase of Russian oil by the country. But this week, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, and imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on India. Trump's punitive tariff on India appeared to aim at bringing economic pressure on Moscow to agree to a ceasefire, as India is the second-biggest customer for its oil.

US-India Tariff LIVE Updates: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a cabinet meeting on Friday (August 8) to assess the impact of the 50 per cent tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump recently.&nbsp;

US-India tariff HIGHLIGHTS: ‘Stock market setting new records’: Trump defends tariffs

A couple was reportedly not allowed to enter a restaurant in Delhi's Pitampura area because they were wearing traditional Indian attire. In a video, circulated on social media, the couple claimed that the restaurant rejected their entry, citing the woman's “suit-salwar.” The couple claimed that others in Western attire were allowed in. They also claimed that the restaurant manager misbehaved with them. The person recording the video said that the restaurant had no right to run if they were refusing entry to people based on their Indian attire, and also demanded that the restaurant be shut down.&nbsp;&nbsp;As the video went viral, Delhi cabinet minister Kapil Mishra responded, saying that the Chief Minister of the Indian capital, Rekha Gupta, had been informed about the issue. The minister called the incident unacceptable and said officials had been told to look into the matter and take immediate action.&nbsp;"This is unacceptable in Delhi. A video has surfaced showing a ban on Indian attire at a restaurant in Pitampura. This is unacceptable. CM @gupta_rekhaji has taken serious cognisance of the incident. Officials have been instructed to investigate this incident and take immediate action." Mr Mishra wrote on his X post.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This is unacceptable in Delhi पीतमपुरा के एक रेस्टोरेंट में भारतीय परिधानों पर रोक का वीडियो सामने आया है ये अस्वीकार्य है CM <a href="https://twitter.com/gupta_rekha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gupta_rekha</a> जी ने घटना का गंभीरता से संज्ञान लिया है अधिकारियों को इस घटना की जांच व तुरंत कार्यवाही के निर्देश दिए गए हैं <a href="https://t.co/ZUkTkAZmAT">https://t.co/ZUkTkAZmAT</a>&mdash; Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishra_IND) <a href="https://twitter.com/KapilMishra_IND/status/1953691306435526796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In another post, Kapil Mishra said that the “operators of this restaurant have agreed not to restrict customers based on what they wear.” He added that the restaurant would now allow people in Indian clothes and will also offer discounts on Rakshabandhan to women wearing traditional attire.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Update : पीतमपुरा के इस रेस्टोरेंट के संचालकों ने स्वीकार कर लिया है कि परिधान आधारित कोई प्रतिबंध अब नहीं लगाएंगे व भारतीय परिधानों में आने वाले नागरिकों का स्वागत करेंगे रक्षाबंधन पर भारतीय परिधानों में आने वाली बहनों को कुछ डिस्काउंट भी देंगे 🙂<a href="https://twitter.com/gupta_rekha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gupta_rekha</a> <a href="https://t.co/YFkmOaj8i7">https://t.co/YFkmOaj8i7</a> <a href="https://t.co/k0qRzyPCot">pic.twitter.com/k0qRzyPCot</a>&mdash; Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishra_IND) <a href="https://twitter.com/KapilMishra_IND/status/1953742170063798281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>How did the internet react?</h2>After the video sparked debate online, some people slammed the eatery for the alleged discrimination, while some also saw defending it, saying it must be their policy.&nbsp;“Is the restaurant owner psycho or what?” &nbsp;an X user said.&nbsp;“If denying entry based on a hijab is illegal, how is this any different? Discrimination is discrimination," another wrote.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Why are we making an issue out of everything? It’s private property, not public,” a third one defended it.<h2>What did restaurant say?</h2>

After receiving major backlash, the restaurant owner, Neeraj Aggarwal, denied the claims. He said that the couple didn’t have a reservation, and that is why they weren’t allowed inside the restaurant. He also said that the restaurant does not have any dress code and welcomes everyone.

The restaurant owner, Neeraj Aggarwal, denied the claims and said that the couple didn’t have a reservation and that is why they weren’t allowed inside the restaurant. He also said that the restaurant does not have any dress code and welcomes everyone.

A couple was reportedly not allowed to enter a restaurant in Delhi's Pitampura area because they were wearing traditional Indian attire. In a video, circulated on social media, the couple claimed that the restaurant rejected their entry, citing the woman's “suit-salwar.” The couple claimed that others in Western attire were allowed in. They also claimed that the restaurant manager misbehaved with them. The person recording the video said that the restaurant had no right to run if they were refusing entry to people based on their Indian attire, and also demanded that the restaurant be shut down. As the video went viral, Delhi cabinet minister Kapil Mishra responded, saying that the Chief Minister of the Indian capital, Rekha Gupta, had been informed about the issue. The minister called the incident unacceptable and said officials had been told to look into the matter and take immediate action. "This is unacceptable in Delhi. A video has surfaced showing a ban on Indian attire at a restaurant in Pitampura. This is unacceptable. CM @gupta_rekhaji has taken serious cognisance of the incident. Officials have been instructed to investigate this incident and take immediate action." Mr Mishra wrote on his X post.

The restaurant owner, Neeraj Aggarwal, denied the claims and said that the couple didn’t have a reservation and that is why they weren’t allowed inside the restaurant. He also said that the restaurant does not have any dress code and welcomes everyone.

WATCH | Delhi couple claims entry denied in restaurant over Indian attire, CMO orders probe

Let’s say that a popular automobile company introduces a new type of small, cost-efficient car. This car is meant to be built and operated in large numbers, and over the years it is projected to ferry a significant number of passengers and bring in big bucks. However, after doing three mandatory development rides in three years, this car has never been started again; it isn’t even being talked about much in the relevant global market, while its competition does very well. The aforementioned car analogy refers to the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), an ISRO-built rocket funded by the Indian taxpayer.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>What is the SSLV rocket?&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Launched for the first time on August 7th, 2022, SSLV was meant to be a new addition to India’s fleet of PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3 mainstay rockets. In the Indian context, think of the PSLV as a hatchback, GSLV as a crossover, and LVM3 as an SUV. The SSLV can be thought of as a two-seater car. Many rockets in the global market can be compared to large vans and buses; Indian rockets do not come close in size or capability.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to ISRO, SSLV is capable of launching a 500 kg satellite in a 500 km planar orbit from the Indian spaceport in Sriharikota. The features of SSLV are easy-to-manufacture, low-cost, can accommodate multiple satellites, launch-on-demand feasibility, minimal launch infrastructure requirements, etc. It has been said SSLV could be assembled and readied for launch in less than a week and could be launched multiple times in a month.&nbsp;Typical ISRO rockets like PSLV and GSLV require more than a month to assemble and be readied for launch. SSLV was touted as a rocket that could be readied for launch on short notice, based on customer orders. SSLV was also seen as a strategic spacefaring capability that would help India launch small satellites during emergency scenarios or crises.&nbsp;Based on such features, the SSLV was projected as a rocket that could earn revenue for the Indian government. Together, India’s PSLV and LVM3 rockets have launched more than 400 foreign-origin satellites and brought in millions of dollars to the Indian exchequer. SSLV was expected to do the same and increase India’s share in a billion-dollar market where there are only a handful of government agencies and private firms competing consistently. Estimates say that India’s share in the $20 billion global space launch market is barely 2-3%.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>In 3 flights, SSLV failed once, succeeded twice&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The first three flights of a rocket are known as developmental flights, these are opportunities to launch the rocket and test, validate all its systems. Which is why there is a high chance of failure or unexpected errors. Shortly after reaching space, SSLV failed on its first launch that took place on 7th August 2022. Both satellites were lost due to the rocket failure in the final moments.&nbsp;ISRO rectified the errors identified in the maiden mission, and SSLV’s second launch was successfully carried out on February 10th, 2023. SSLV’s third launch was successfully carried out on August 16th, 2024. Overall, based on its three launches till date, the SSLV has a success rate of 66%.&nbsp;<h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>Why has the SSLV not been flying? Here’s what insiders say</h2>&nbsp;Insiders say that the Indian government had only approved and funded three launches of the SSLV rocket. Generally, a rocket has to be launched multiple times by its maker to prove its reliability and performance. As a rocket accomplishes more successful missions, its track record becomes globally recognised and satellite companies would be willing to charter the rocket to ferry their expensive satellites to space. In SSLV’s case, the rocket has a success rate of 66%(2 successes in 3 launches). In contrast, the Indian LVM3 rocket has a success rate of 100%(all seven launches successful). ISRO’s famed workhorse PSLV rocket has a success rate of over 93% (59 successes in 63 missions).&nbsp;<h2>&nbsp;</h2><h2>In the era of SpaceX, Indian rockets are not the first choice of customers</h2>&nbsp;It is claimed that Indian rockets and space missions are cheaper than Hollywood films. However, these direct numerical comparisons are neither scientific nor rooted in reality. In the world of commercial rocketry, the real metric is cost-per-kilogramme to orbit. In simple terms, per-kg cost on larger rockets is cheaper than per-kg cost on smaller rockets. This is broadly similar to why a train ticket costs far lesser than undertaking the same journey via car. The larger the vehicle, the more it can carry, therefore the per-kg cost reduces.&nbsp;&nbsp;While ISRO’s commercial arm NSIL does not officially reveal its per-kg cost, it is well established in the market that ISRO’s rockets are not cost competitive in a world dominated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. For various reasons, many Indian startups have chosen to launch their satellites on SpaceX rockets instead of choosing the homegrown ISRO rockets.&nbsp;As the world’s leading rocket firm, SpaceX does well over 120 launches a year, compared to less than seven launches that ISRO does annually. Industry estimates have clearly established that the per-kg cost on SpaceX’s massive Falcon-series of re-usable rockets is less than half of the per-kg cost charged by India. Naturally, satellite firms would choose the cheaper option offered by SpaceX.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>SSLV’s global peers are flying high</h2>&nbsp;In India, SSLV enjoys a monopoly as it is the only operational small rocket and it is developed by the reputed ISRO. Indian startups are in the process of building similar small rockets, but they have not launched to space. Therefore, if a foreign firm or Indian startup wishes to launch a small satellite, SSLV is among the few options available globally.&nbsp;&nbsp;For sake of comparison, a relatively small American firm Rocket Lab operates the Electron rocket, which is similar to the Indian SSLV. Rocket Lab accomplished 16 rocket launch missions for its customers in 2024, and is on track to execute 16 or more launches in 2025. Though a small firm when compared to industry giants like SpaceX, Rocket Lab has been consistently increasing its number of launches with every passing year. Critics also say that India government agency NSIL has not been working hard enough to attract customers for the SSLV.&nbsp;<h2>SSLV may fly again in 2025-end or 2026?</h2>&nbsp;In July 2025, ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan mentioned that “a couple of SSLV missions” are among the nine launches that are scheduled to happen by March 2026.&nbsp;In 2024, it was announced that a 450 kg Australian satellite ‘Optimus’ would be launched by SSLV in the year 2026.NSIL had also said that it is building 15 SSLV rockets, but even these missions are expected to take to the skies in 2026 or later.In early 2024, Indian government agency projected that two SSLVs would be launched before March 2025, and none of those launches happened.&nbsp;<h2>SSLV is now HAL’s rocket. Can they deliver?</h2>&nbsp;In June 2025, the Indian Government announced that the SSLV rocket would be owned, marketed, and flown by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Government firm HAL had bid for the SSLV rocket and its technology transfer, and would pay Rs 511 crore in a phased manner for it.&nbsp;In about two years from now, HAL would be entirely building the SSLVs. This would mean that the SSLV rocket is going to be HAL’s property, they can launch it to ferry customers’ satellites and demand a price for providing the launch services.&nbsp;However, HAL also faces harsh public criticism from India’s defence establishment for its slow rollout of Tejas fighter jets, and unresolved technical issues that led to the ongoing grounding of variants of ALH (Dhruv) helicopters. Officials from HAL’s Aerospace division had outlined that their capability for space manufacturing is different from that of fighter planes. They added that a different manufacturing capacity exists for the space programme and for the fighter jet programme.

In about two years from now, HAL would be entirely building the SSLVs. This would mean that the SSLV rocket is going to be HAL’s property, they can launch it to ferry customers’ satellites and demand a price for providing the launch services.

Let’s say that a popular automobile company introduces a new type of small, cost-efficient car. This car is meant to be built and operated in large numbers, and over the years it is projected to ferry a significant number of passengers and bring in big bucks. However, after doing three mandatory development rides in three years, this car has never been started again; it isn’t even being talked about much in the relevant global market, while its competition does very well. The aforementioned car analogy refers to the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), an ISRO-built rocket funded by the Indian taxpayer. What is the SSLV rocket? Launched for the first time on August 7th, 2022, SSLV was meant to be a new addition to India’s fleet of PSLV, GSLV, and LVM3 mainstay rockets. In the Indian context, think of the PSLV as a hatchback, GSLV as a crossover, and LVM3 as an SUV. The SSLV can be thought of as a two-seater car. Many rockets in the global market can be compared to large vans and buses; Indian rockets do not come close in size or capability. According to ISRO, SSLV is capable of launching a 500 kg satellite in a 500 km planar orbit from the Indian spaceport in Sriharikota. The features of SSLV are easy-to-manufacture, low-cost, can accommodate multiple satellites, launch-on-demand feasibility, minimal launch infrastructure requirements, etc. It has been said SSLV could be assembled and readied for launch in less than a week and could be launched multiple times in a month. Typical ISRO rockets like PSLV and GSLV require more than a month to assemble and be readied for launch. SSLV was touted as a rocket that could be readied for launch on short notice, based on customer orders. SSLV was also seen as a strategic spacefaring capability that would help India launch small satellites during emergency scenarios or crises. Based on such features, the SSLV was projected as a rocket that could earn revenue for the Indian government. Together, India’s PSLV and LVM3 rockets have launched more than 400 foreign-origin satellites and brought in millions of dollars to the Indian exchequer. SSLV was expected to do the same and increase India’s share in a billion-dollar market where there are only a handful of government agencies and private firms competing consistently. Estimates say that India’s share in the $20 billion global space launch market is barely 2-3%. In 3 flights, SSLV failed once, succeeded twice The first three flights of a rocket are known as developmental flights, these are opportunities to launch the rocket and test, validate all its systems. Which is why there is a high chance of failure or unexpected errors. Shortly after reaching space, SSLV failed on its first launch that took place on 7th August 2022. Both satellites were lost due to the rocket failure in the final moments. ISRO rectified the errors identified in the maiden mission, and SSLV’s second launch was successfully carried out on February 10th, 2023. SSLV’s third launch was successfully carried out on August 16th, 2024. Overall, based on its three launches till date, the SSLV has a success rate of 66%. Why has the SSLV not been flying? Here’s what insiders say Insiders say that the Indian government had only approved and funded three launches of the SSLV rocket. Generally, a rocket has to be launched multiple times by its maker to prove its reliability and performance. As a rocket accomplishes more successful missions, its track record becomes globally recognised and satellite companies would be willing to charter the rocket to ferry their expensive satellites to space. In SSLV’s case, the rocket has a success rate of 66%(2 successes in 3 launches). In contrast, the Indian LVM3 rocket has a success rate of 100%(all seven launches successful). ISRO’s famed workhorse PSLV rocket has a success rate of over 93% (59 successes in 63 missions). In the era of SpaceX, Indian rockets are not the first choice of customers It is claimed that Indian rockets and space missions are cheaper than Hollywood films. However, these direct numerical comparisons are neither scientific nor rooted in reality. In the world of commercial rocketry, the real metric is cost-per-kilogramme to orbit. In simple terms, per-kg cost on larger rockets is cheaper than per-kg cost on smaller rockets. This is broadly similar to why a train ticket costs far lesser than undertaking the same journey via car. The larger the vehicle, the more it can carry, therefore the per-kg cost reduces. While ISRO’s commercial arm NSIL does not officially reveal its per-kg cost, it is well established in the market that ISRO’s rockets are not cost competitive in a world dominated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. For various reasons, many Indian startups have chosen to launch their satellites on SpaceX rockets instead of choosing the homegrown ISRO rockets. As the world’s leading rocket firm, SpaceX does well over 120 launches a year, compared to less than seven launches that ISRO does annually. Industry estimates have clearly established that the per-kg cost on SpaceX’s massive Falcon-series of re-usable rockets is less than half of the per-kg cost charged by India. Naturally, satellite firms would choose the cheaper option offered by SpaceX. SSLV’s global peers are flying high In India, SSLV enjoys a monopoly as it is the only operational small rocket and it is developed by the reputed ISRO. Indian startups are in the process of building similar small rockets, but they have not launched to space. Therefore, if a foreign firm or Indian startup wishes to launch a small satellite, SSLV is among the few options available globally. For sake of comparison, a relatively small American firm Rocket Lab operates the Electron rocket, which is similar to the Indian SSLV. Rocket Lab accomplished 16 rocket launch missions for its customers in 2024, and is on track to execute 16 or more launches in 2025. Though a small firm when compared to industry giants like SpaceX, Rocket Lab has been consistently increasing its number of launches with every passing year. Critics also say that India government agency NSIL has not been working hard enough to attract customers for the SSLV. SSLV may fly again in 2025-end or 2026? In July 2025, ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan mentioned that “a couple of SSLV missions” are among the nine launches that are scheduled to happen by March 2026. In 2024, it was announced that a 450 kg Australian satellite ‘Optimus’ would be launched by SSLV in the year 2026. NSIL had also said that it is building 15 SSLV rockets, but even these missions are expected to take to the skies in 2026 or later. In early 2024, Indian government agency projected that two SSLVs would be launched before March 2025, and none of those launches happened. SSLV is now HAL’s rocket. Can they deliver? In June 2025, the Indian Government announced that the SSLV rocket would be owned, marketed, and flown by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Government firm HAL had bid for the SSLV rocket and its technology transfer, and would pay Rs 511 crore in a phased manner for it. In about two years from now, HAL would be entirely building the SSLVs. This would mean that the SSLV rocket is going to be HAL’s property, they can launch it to ferry customers’ satellites and demand a price for providing the launch services. However, HAL also faces harsh public criticism from India’s defence establishment for its slow rollout of Tejas fighter jets, and unresolved technical issues that led to the ongoing grounding of variants of ALH (Dhruv) helicopters. Officials from HAL’s Aerospace division had outlined that their capability for space manufacturing is different from that of fighter planes. They added that a different manufacturing capacity exists for the space programme and for the fighter jet programme.

In about two years from now, HAL would be entirely building the SSLVs. This would mean that the SSLV rocket is going to be HAL’s property, they can launch it to ferry customers’ satellites and demand a price for providing the launch services.

3 years after its debut, India’s SSLV rocket doesn’t have a market?

US President Donald Trump's traiff on India has been opposed within America itself as the Democrats called it a step that will ruin the years of diplomatic relations between the US and India. Representative Gregory Meeks, a Democrat and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Dems posted on the social media platform X on Friday (August 8) and said, “The US has deep strategic, economic, and people-to-people ties with India. Trump’s latest tariff tantrum risks years of careful work to build a stronger US-India partnership." Meeks added that any concerns should be addressed in a mutually respectful manner.&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a cabinet meeting on Friday (August 8) to assess the impact of the 50 per cent tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump recently. Earlier, the American president announced a 25 per cent tariff on India, citing the purchase of Russian oil by the country. But this week, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, and imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on India.&nbsp;Trump's punitive tariff on India appeared to aim at bringing economic pressure on Moscow to agree to a ceasefire, as India is the second-biggest customer for its oil.<h2>Putin-Modi talks&nbsp;</h2>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on a phone call on Friday, and both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen India-Russia ties, days after US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods over Russian oil purchases by New Delhi.&nbsp;PM Modi said in a post on X, “Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin. I thanked him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine. We also reviewed the progress in our bilateral agenda and reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. I look forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Amid the chaos around Donald Trump 50 per cent tariff imposed on India, the US opposition seemed to be taking India side as a Democrat said Trump tariff tantrum might ruin years of US-India ties. 

US President Donald Trump's traiff on India has been opposed within America itself as the Democrats called it a step that will ruin the years of diplomatic relations between the US and India. Representative Gregory Meeks, a Democrat and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Dems posted on the social media platform X on Friday (August 8) and said, “The US has deep strategic, economic, and people-to-people ties with India. Trump’s latest tariff tantrum risks years of careful work to build a stronger US-India partnership." Meeks added that any concerns should be addressed in a mutually respectful manner. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to hold a cabinet meeting on Friday (August 8) to assess the impact of the 50 per cent tariff imposed by US President Donald Trump recently. Earlier, the American president announced a 25 per cent tariff on India, citing the purchase of Russian oil by the country. But this week, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, and imposed an additional 25 per cent tariff on India. Trump's punitive tariff on India appeared to aim at bringing economic pressure on Moscow to agree to a ceasefire, as India is the second-biggest customer for its oil. Putin-Modi talks Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on a phone call on Friday, and both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen India-Russia ties, days after US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods over Russian oil purchases by New Delhi. PM Modi said in a post on X, “Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin. I thanked him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine. We also reviewed the progress in our bilateral agenda and reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. I look forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year.”

Amid the chaos around Donald Trump's 50 per cent tariff imposed on India, the US opposition seemed to be taking India's side as a Democrat said Trump's tariff tantrum might ruin years of US-India ties.&nbsp;

Democrat sides with India, says Trump's 'tariff tantrum' risks years of US-India ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on a phone call on Friday, and both the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen India-Russia ties, days after US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods over Russian oil purchases by New Delhi.President Putin briefed the Prime Minister on the latest developments concerning Ukraine. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Putin for his detailed assessment and once again reiterated India’s consistent position for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;PM Modi said in a post on X, “Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin. I thanked him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine. We also reviewed the progress in our bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. I look forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year.”&nbsp;The two leaders also reviewed progress in the bilateral agenda and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin. I thanked him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine. We also reviewed the progress in our bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged…&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1953804374158840158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

On Thursday, President Putin had received India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval at the Kremlin, marking a significant moment in the evolving strategic partnership between New Delhi and Moscow, and held a meeting in the presence of senior Russian officials, including Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov.Ambassador Vinay Kumar also joined the high-level discussions, which focused on regional security, defence cooperation, and preparations for the forthcoming leadership-level engagement.&nbsp;The meeting was deemed highly significant, as it was held a day after US President Donald Trump imposed additional tariffs on India, citing continued purchase of Russian oil by Indian entities.&nbsp;The Kremlin released footage showing Doval shaking hands with Putin. Doval is visiting Moscow at a time when India is facing pressure from the West, particularly US, over its energy ties with Russia.

At a bilateral conference earlier this year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that India and Russia share “close or even coinciding views” on the emerging multipolar world order. He also emphasised that the relationship has “stood the test of time” and continues to evolve on the basis of mutual respect, strategic alignment, and shared global interests.&nbsp;Earlier on Thursday, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called PM Modi and the two leaders agreed on a framework to strengthen cooperation in trade, technology, energy, defence, agriculture, health and people-to-people ties.They also reiterated their commitment to take India-Brazil Strategic Partnership to new heights. The two leaders exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had also called PM Narendra Modi on Thursday, and the two leaders agreed on a framework to strengthen cooperation in trade, technology, energy, defence, agriculture, health, and people-to-people ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on a phone call on Friday, and both the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepen India-Russia ties, days after US President Donald Trump imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods over Russian oil purchases by New Delhi. President Putin briefed the Prime Minister on the latest developments concerning Ukraine. Prime Minister Modi thanked President Putin for his detailed assessment and once again reiterated India’s consistent position for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict. PM Modi said in a post on X, “Had a very good and detailed conversation with my friend President Putin. I thanked him for sharing the latest developments on Ukraine. We also reviewed the progress in our bilateral agenda, and reaffirmed our commitment to further deepen the India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership. I look forward to hosting President Putin in India later this year.” The two leaders also reviewed progress in the bilateral agenda and reaffirmed their commitment to further deepen the Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership between India and Russia.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had also called PM Narendra Modi on Thursday, and the two leaders agreed on a framework to strengthen cooperation in trade, technology, energy, defence, agriculture, health, and people-to-people ties.

PM Modi speaks with Putin, reiterates resolve to deepen India-Russia ties amid Trump tariff row

Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari said on Friday that there was no merit in the claims that mixing ethanol in petrol reduces the mileage of vehicles. “This is not even a discussion. I don’t know if I should say this politically—it appears the petroleum lobby is manipulating it,” he said in reply to a pointed question about social media chatter on the effect of E20—petrol blended with 20% ethanol—on mileage. “You show me one vehicle anywhere in the world which had problems because of E20 petrol!” he said, dismissing concerns over ethanol-blended petrol during an interview, and added, “I give an open challenge. There is absolutely no problem with E20.”&nbsp;Gadkari made the remark after the petroleum ministry also said that no major engine damage or performance loss is detected due to the fuel.&nbsp;The ministry, however, acknowledged in a social media post on Monday that mileage might dip by up to 2% in newer cars and 6% in older ones that may need upgraded parts but stated that it could be managed with routine maintenance.&nbsp;Gadkari also said at the Business Today summit that the use of locally produced ethanol helps to reduce India’s import bill and cuts pollution too.&nbsp;“Maize rates have gone up to ₹2,600 a quintal from ₹1,200, all because ethanol is being produced from it. This has led to a threefold rise in the area under maize in Bihar and UP. This is increasing the income of farmers,” he said.&nbsp;He then also pitched “100 per cent ethanol” as the fuel of the future.&nbsp;The petroleum ministry had said in its clarification on Monday that, upon use of E20 petrol, minor replacements such as rubber parts or gaskets may be needed after 20,000 to 30,000 km in some older vehicles, “but these are inexpensive and usually done during regular servicing”.&nbsp;

Nitin Gadkari accused detractors of spreading misinformation about the government’s ethanol programme, and stressed that both the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) had endorsed the rollout after thorough testing.

Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari said on Friday that there was no merit in the claims that mixing ethanol in petrol reduces the mileage of vehicles. “This is not even a discussion. I don’t know if I should say this politically—it appears the petroleum lobby is manipulating it,” he said in reply to a pointed question about social media chatter on the effect of E20—petrol blended with 20% ethanol—on mileage. “You show me one vehicle anywhere in the world which had problems because of E20 petrol!” he said, dismissing concerns over ethanol-blended petrol during an interview, and added, “I give an open challenge. There is absolutely no problem with E20.” Gadkari made the remark after the petroleum ministry also said that no major engine damage or performance loss is detected due to the fuel. The ministry, however, acknowledged in a social media post on Monday that mileage might dip by up to 2% in newer cars and 6% in older ones that may need upgraded parts but stated that it could be managed with routine maintenance. Gadkari also said at the Business Today summit that the use of locally produced ethanol helps to reduce India’s import bill and cuts pollution too. “Maize rates have gone up to ₹2,600 a quintal from ₹1,200, all because ethanol is being produced from it. This has led to a threefold rise in the area under maize in Bihar and UP. This is increasing the income of farmers,” he said. He then also pitched “100 per cent ethanol” as the fuel of the future. The petroleum ministry had said in its clarification on Monday that, upon use of E20 petrol, minor replacements such as rubber parts or gaskets may be needed after 20,000 to 30,000 km in some older vehicles, “but these are inexpensive and usually done during regular servicing”.

Nitin Gadkari accused detractors of spreading misinformation about the government’s ethanol programme, and stressed that both the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) had endorsed the rollout after thorough testing.

‘No vehicle anywhere in the world…’: Gadkari nixes ethanol-blended fuel low mileage claim, blames ‘lobby’

The Ministry of Defence has refuted a media report claiming New Delhi had cancelled Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to the United States in retaliation against Donald Trump's tariffs on India. It also rejected the claim made in the report that India had put into abeyance plans to purchase arms and aircraft from the US.&nbsp;“The news reports on India pausing the talks related to defence purchases with the US are false and fabricated. It is clarified that the various cases of procurement are being progressed as per the extant procedures,” an MoD source said.&nbsp;Reuters reported that New Delhi had reportedly put into abeyance its plans to procure new weapons and aircraft from the United States.&nbsp;Citing unnamed sources, Reuters reported that India was planning to send Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to the United States in the coming weeks to announce&nbsp;purchases of some defence equipment, but the trip had been cancelled.&nbsp;The agency&nbsp;reported that Rajnath Singh was planning to announce the purchase of six Boeing P-8I reconnaissance aircraft and support systems for the Indian Navy.&nbsp;Over the past few weeks, the Donald Trump administration has imposed two tranches of tariffs on Indian exports to the United States because of New Delhi's continual oil and weapons trade with Russia.&nbsp;Several US politicians have accused India of funding Moscow's war in Ukraine indirectly by buying Russian oil.&nbsp;New Delhi says it has been doing what's required for its energy security and that it has been unfairly targeted. It also pointed out that the US didn't take action against others buying Russian oil.&nbsp;Reuters reported that Delhi and Washington were in talks for India's purchases of Stryker combat vehicles made by General Dynamics Land Systems and Javelin anti-tank missiles developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. These talks had been paused, according to the agency.&nbsp;Russia is Delhi's top weapons supplier. However, over the past few years, India has diversified its purchase options, importing aircraft and equipment from France, Israel and the United States.&nbsp;New Delhi has also been buying oil from Russia since 2022, when Moscow attacked Ukraine, and many American allies halted imports due to US pressure.

Days after Donald Trump imposed tariffs against India for buying oil and weapons from Russia, New Delhi has reportedly put into abeyance its plans to procure new weapons and aircraft from the United States.

The Ministry of Defence has refuted a media report claiming New Delhi had cancelled Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to the United States in retaliation against Donald Trump's tariffs on India. It also rejected the claim made in the report that India had put into abeyance plans to purchase arms and aircraft from the US. “The news reports on India pausing the talks related to defence purchases with the US are false and fabricated. It is clarified that the various cases of procurement are being progressed as per the extant procedures,” an MoD source said. Reuters reported that New Delhi had reportedly put into abeyance its plans to procure new weapons and aircraft from the United States. Citing unnamed sources, Reuters reported that India was planning to send Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to the United States in the coming weeks to announce purchases of some defence equipment, but the trip had been cancelled. The agency reported that Rajnath Singh was planning to announce the purchase of six Boeing P-8I reconnaissance aircraft and support systems for the Indian Navy. Over the past few weeks, the Donald Trump administration has imposed two tranches of tariffs on Indian exports to the United States because of New Delhi's continual oil and weapons trade with Russia. Several US politicians have accused India of funding Moscow's war in Ukraine indirectly by buying Russian oil. New Delhi says it has been doing what's required for its energy security and that it has been unfairly targeted. It also pointed out that the US didn't take action against others buying Russian oil. Reuters reported that Delhi and Washington were in talks for India's purchases of Stryker combat vehicles made by General Dynamics Land Systems and Javelin anti-tank missiles developed by Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. These talks had been paused, according to the agency. Russia is Delhi's top weapons supplier. However, over the past few years, India has diversified its purchase options, importing aircraft and equipment from France, Israel and the United States. New Delhi has also been buying oil from Russia since 2022, when Moscow attacked Ukraine, and many American allies halted imports due to US pressure.

The report action came days after Donald Trump imposed an additional 25 per cent tariffs against India.

India paused plan to buy US arms? Here's what MoD said

The Supreme Court on Friday said it will pass an order to suspend the operation of the Committee under the Uttar Pradesh Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025, which has been vested with the management of the Bankey Bihari temple in Vrindavan, Mathura.&nbsp;A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi also said that it will refer the matter to the Allahabad High Court to challenge the constitutional validity of the Ordinance.&nbsp;Till the High Court decides the matter, the Committee will be kept in abeyance, it said.&nbsp;It further said that in the meantime, to ensure the smooth administration of the temple, the apex court will constitute another Committee, which will be headed by a former Judge of the High Court.&nbsp;The Committee will also have certain government officers and the representatives of the Goswamis, who are the traditional caretakers of the temple, said the bench.&nbsp;The bench also orally proposed to recall the directions in the May 15 judgment, which allowed the government to use the temple funds for the corridor.&nbsp;Stating that the apex court will try to upload the order by tomorrow, it said, "We will grant you liberty to challenge the Ordinance before the High Court. The constitution of the Committee as per the Ordinance will be kept in abeyance so that the Ordinance is not given effect till the matter is decided by the High Court... In the interregnum, we will constitute a Committee headed by a former judge of the High Court... The Committee will see to developmental activities in the area."&nbsp;The apex court was also hearing a petition filed by Devendra Nath Goswami seeking the modification of its order permitting the Uttar Pradesh government to utilise funds from the Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan to purchase five acres of land around the temple for corridor development.&nbsp;Earlier, the top court had questioned Uttar Pradesh over its "tearing hurry" in promulgating the Shri Bankey Bihari Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025, for taking over the management of the temple.&nbsp;The 2025 UP Ordinance is stated to vest the temple administration with a statutory trust.&nbsp;According to it, the management of the temple and the responsibility of facilities for the devotees shall be handled by the 'Shri Banke Bihari Ji Mandir Nyas'.&nbsp;As per Ordinance, 11 trustees shall be nominated, a maximum of 7 members can be ex-officio, and government and non-government members shall be followers of Sanatan Dharma.&nbsp;It had slammed the Uttar Pradesh government for "hijacking" the litigation between two private parties over management of the Shri Banke Bihari temple.&nbsp;Goswami has said that he was a "lineal descendant" of the temple's founder Swami Hari Das Goswami and his family had been managing the affairs of the sacred temple for the last 500 years.&nbsp;The plea said he was actively involved in managing the temple's daily religious and administrative affairs.&nbsp;Filing the plea, he said the implementation of the proposed redevelopment project was practically unfeasible, and any attempt to redevelop the temple premises without the involvement and inputs of those who were historically and operationally associated with the temple's functioning was likely to result in administrative chaos.&nbsp;On May 15, the top court had permitted the state to use the Trust's fund and also allowed the use of Sri Banke Bihari Temple Trust's fixed deposits after taking into note the state government's Rs. 500 crore development plan for the corridor.&nbsp;The apex court had modified the order of the Allahabad High Court, which had prohibited the purchase of land around the temple using its funds.&nbsp;The top court had taken into note the records placed by the government regarding the proposed scheme for the development of the temple.&nbsp;The apex court's approval of the state government's development plan for the Shri Banke Bihari Temple Corridor had come particularly in light of incidents such as the 2022 stampede at the Banke Bihari Temple.&nbsp;The top court had also taken note of maladministration in temples in the Braj region and emphasised that effective temple governance is not only a legal requirement but also a matter of public and spiritual welfare.&nbsp;&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

To ensure the smooth administration of Bankey Bihari Temple, the SC will form another Committee, which will be headed by a former Judge.

The Supreme Court on Friday said it will pass an order to suspend the operation of the Committee under the Uttar Pradesh Shri Bankey Bihari Ji Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025, which has been vested with the management of the Bankey Bihari temple in Vrindavan, Mathura. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi also said that it will refer the matter to the Allahabad High Court to challenge the constitutional validity of the Ordinance. Till the High Court decides the matter, the Committee will be kept in abeyance, it said. It further said that in the meantime, to ensure the smooth administration of the temple, the apex court will constitute another Committee, which will be headed by a former Judge of the High Court. The Committee will also have certain government officers and the representatives of the Goswamis, who are the traditional caretakers of the temple, said the bench. The bench also orally proposed to recall the directions in the May 15 judgment, which allowed the government to use the temple funds for the corridor. Stating that the apex court will try to upload the order by tomorrow, it said, "We will grant you liberty to challenge the Ordinance before the High Court. The constitution of the Committee as per the Ordinance will be kept in abeyance so that the Ordinance is not given effect till the matter is decided by the High Court... In the interregnum, we will constitute a Committee headed by a former judge of the High Court... The Committee will see to developmental activities in the area." The apex court was also hearing a petition filed by Devendra Nath Goswami seeking the modification of its order permitting the Uttar Pradesh government to utilise funds from the Shri Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan to purchase five acres of land around the temple for corridor development. Earlier, the top court had questioned Uttar Pradesh over its "tearing hurry" in promulgating the Shri Bankey Bihari Temple Trust Ordinance, 2025, for taking over the management of the temple. The 2025 UP Ordinance is stated to vest the temple administration with a statutory trust. According to it, the management of the temple and the responsibility of facilities for the devotees shall be handled by the 'Shri Banke Bihari Ji Mandir Nyas'. As per Ordinance, 11 trustees shall be nominated, a maximum of 7 members can be ex-officio, and government and non-government members shall be followers of Sanatan Dharma. It had slammed the Uttar Pradesh government for "hijacking" the litigation between two private parties over management of the Shri Banke Bihari temple. Goswami has said that he was a "lineal descendant" of the temple's founder Swami Hari Das Goswami and his family had been managing the affairs of the sacred temple for the last 500 years. The plea said he was actively involved in managing the temple's daily religious and administrative affairs. Filing the plea, he said the implementation of the proposed redevelopment project was practically unfeasible, and any attempt to redevelop the temple premises without the involvement and inputs of those who were historically and operationally associated with the temple's functioning was likely to result in administrative chaos. On May 15, the top court had permitted the state to use the Trust's fund and also allowed the use of Sri Banke Bihari Temple Trust's fixed deposits after taking into note the state government's Rs. 500 crore development plan for the corridor. The apex court had modified the order of the Allahabad High Court, which had prohibited the purchase of land around the temple using its funds. The top court had taken into note the records placed by the government regarding the proposed scheme for the development of the temple. The apex court's approval of the state government's development plan for the Shri Banke Bihari Temple Corridor had come particularly in light of incidents such as the 2022 stampede at the Banke Bihari Temple. The top court had also taken note of maladministration in temples in the Braj region and emphasised that effective temple governance is not only a legal requirement but also a matter of public and spiritual welfare. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

To ensure the smooth administration of Bankey Bihari Temple, the SC will form another Committee, which will be headed by a former Judge.

Bankey Bihari Temple dispute: SC freezes UP panel, appoints interim body led by ex-judge

A dispute over a debt turned appalling when a man allegedly bit off a part of the debtor’s ear during a heated argument between the two. The shocking incident took place in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas in a crowded market, the police said on Friday (Aug 8). The ordeal happened on Thursday (Aug 7) evening when Govinda Mandal, a poultry shop owner, confronted Himadri Barman regarding the money he owed.&nbsp;According to an India Today report, Barman borrowed the money from Mandal some time ago. During the recent dispute, which happened in Swarupkathi Bazar of Hingalganj town at around 5 pm, things escalated to a physical altercation.&nbsp;Eyewitnesses said that Mandal suddenly grabbed Barman and bit off a part of his outer ear, then threw it away. Barman collapsed and was bleeding profusely. The locals intervened and helped calm the situation. They caught Mandal until the police arrived on the scene.&nbsp;“We informed the authorities and ensured Mandal was handed over to the police. The law must take its course, and the guilty must be punished,” local resident Subhash Chandra Gayen told India Today.Barman was rushed to a local doctor, who recommended immediate transfer to Sandel Bill Rural Hospital for further treatment. According to the doctors, his condition is critical but stable. The bit off portion of the ear could not be attached as it was thrown away by the accused.&nbsp;Barman has demanded strict punishment for Mandal for his shocking actions. The level of brutality of the incident has stunned the locals, who said that while they have seen fights in the bustling market before, but “nothing like this.”&nbsp;The report added that Mandal has been arrested by the police and is expected to be produced in court. An investigation is underway as the police are recording statements from the witnesses. “A case has been registered, and we are conducting an investigation. The accused is in custody,” a police official confirmed to the outlet.

In a bizarre incident, a man bit off another's ear over a heated dispute in a crowded market in West Bengal.

A dispute over a debt turned appalling when a man allegedly bit off a part of the debtor’s ear during a heated argument between the two. The shocking incident took place in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas in a crowded market, the police said on Friday (Aug 8). The ordeal happened on Thursday (Aug 7) evening when Govinda Mandal, a poultry shop owner, confronted Himadri Barman regarding the money he owed. According to an India Today report, Barman borrowed the money from Mandal some time ago. During the recent dispute, which happened in Swarupkathi Bazar of Hingalganj town at around 5 pm, things escalated to a physical altercation. Eyewitnesses said that Mandal suddenly grabbed Barman and bit off a part of his outer ear, then threw it away. Barman collapsed and was bleeding profusely. The locals intervened and helped calm the situation. They caught Mandal until the police arrived on the scene. “We informed the authorities and ensured Mandal was handed over to the police. The law must take its course, and the guilty must be punished,” local resident Subhash Chandra Gayen told India Today. Barman was rushed to a local doctor, who recommended immediate transfer to Sandel Bill Rural Hospital for further treatment. According to the doctors, his condition is critical but stable. The bit off portion of the ear could not be attached as it was thrown away by the accused. Barman has demanded strict punishment for Mandal for his shocking actions. The level of brutality of the incident has stunned the locals, who said that while they have seen fights in the bustling market before, but “nothing like this.” The report added that Mandal has been arrested by the police and is expected to be produced in court. An investigation is underway as the police are recording statements from the witnesses. “A case has been registered, and we are conducting an investigation. The accused is in custody,” a police official confirmed to the outlet.

In a bizarre incident, a man bit off another's ear over a heated dispute in a crowded market in West Bengal.

SHOCKING! Man bites off ear of another in West Bengal’s crowded market

United States President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have agreed to meet on Ukraine war next week. Putin's special envoy Kirill A Dmitriev confirmed the news about the meeting between both the leaders. So, has the Trump tariff on India got to do something with the meeting? Trump's social media post hints towards that.&nbsp;Taking to Truth Social Trump wrote, "We put a 50 per cent tariff on India".&nbsp;He then goes on to say, "I don't know if that had anything to do with it, but we've had very productive talks today (with Russia),"&nbsp;The news of Trump-Putin meet on Ukraine war came hours after additional 25% tariff was imposed on India by the US President as punishment for its purchases of Russian energy.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vs-modi-tariff-war-those-touting-india-russia-china-alliance-hold-your-horses-and-read-this-it-s-not-a-good-idea-ric-alliance-tariff-war-1754631308849">Those touting India, Russia, China alliance, HOLD YOUR HORSES and read this. It's not...</a>&nbsp;In an earlier post on Truth Social Trump accused India of selling products made form Russian oil to other countries at a higher price.&nbsp;"India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine," Trump wrote.&nbsp;Replying to a question whether the tariff imposed on India would end if Russia and Ukraine agreed to halt the war, Trump said, "We'll determine that later, but right now, they're paying a 50 per cent tariff."&nbsp;Trump-Putin Meet on Ukraine War&nbsp;Putin's three-hour-long meeting with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow also helped both the countries agree on having talks. However, there is still no clarity on Volodymyr Zelenskyy being part of the meet as the Russian president refused to meet Ukraine’s leader, a potential condition for the US-Russia talks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-s-proposal-to-take-over-gaza-city-gets-final-cabinet-approval-what-s-next-for-israel-hamas-war-1754622829132">Netanyahu’s proposal to take over Gaza City gets final cabinet approval: What’s next in Israel-Hamas war?</a>&nbsp;On Thursday, conflicting statements from Washington and Moscow suggested deep confusion over the planned summit. While the Kremlin claimed talks were progressing for a bilateral Trump-Putin meeting next week, Putin dismissed the idea of a meeting with Zelensky. “I have nothing against it in general,” Putin said, “but certain conditions must be created for this… we are still far from creating such conditions.”&nbsp;UAE Likely Venue For Meet?&nbsp;However, it has been confirmed that the two leaders (Trump and Putin) are meeting and the venue is being finalised. According to reports, Putin hinted that the United Arab Emirates, where he met Mohamed bin Zayed this week, could host the summit. “We have many friends… one of them is the president of the UAE,” he said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The news of Trump-Putin meet on Ukraine war came hours after addition 25% tariff was slapped on India by the US President as punitive measure for purchasing Russian oil.

United States President Donald Trump and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have agreed to meet on Ukraine war next week. Putin's special envoy Kirill A Dmitriev confirmed the news about the meeting between both the leaders. So, has the Trump tariff on India got to do something with the meeting? Trump's social media post hints towards that. Taking to Truth Social Trump wrote, "We put a 50 per cent tariff on India". He then goes on to say, "I don't know if that had anything to do with it, but we've had very productive talks today (with Russia)," The news of Trump-Putin meet on Ukraine war came hours after additional 25% tariff was imposed on India by the US President as punishment for its purchases of Russian energy. Also Read: Those touting India, Russia, China alliance, HOLD YOUR HORSES and read this. It's not... In an earlier post on Truth Social Trump accused India of selling products made form Russian oil to other countries at a higher price. "India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then, for much of the Oil purchased, selling it on the Open Market for big profits. They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine," Trump wrote. Replying to a question whether the tariff imposed on India would end if Russia and Ukraine agreed to halt the war, Trump said, "We'll determine that later, but right now, they're paying a 50 per cent tariff." Trump-Putin Meet on Ukraine War Putin's three-hour-long meeting with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow also helped both the countries agree on having talks. However, there is still no clarity on Volodymyr Zelenskyy being part of the meet as the Russian president refused to meet Ukraine’s leader, a potential condition for the US-Russia talks. Also Read: Netanyahu’s proposal to take over Gaza City gets final cabinet approval: What’s next in Israel-Hamas war? On Thursday, conflicting statements from Washington and Moscow suggested deep confusion over the planned summit. While the Kremlin claimed talks were progressing for a bilateral Trump-Putin meeting next week, Putin dismissed the idea of a meeting with Zelensky. “I have nothing against it in general,” Putin said, “but certain conditions must be created for this… we are still far from creating such conditions.” UAE Likely Venue For Meet? However, it has been confirmed that the two leaders (Trump and Putin) are meeting and the venue is being finalised. According to reports, Putin hinted that the United Arab Emirates, where he met Mohamed bin Zayed this week, could host the summit. “We have many friends… one of them is the president of the UAE,” he said.

The news of Trump-Putin meet on Ukraine war came hours after addition 25% tariff was slapped on India by the US President as punitive measure for purchasing Russian oil.

Did Trump tariff heat on India lead Putin to direct talks for ending Ukraine war?

Every year on August 15, India celebrates its Independence Day, with flag hoisting and tribute to the freedom fighters who gave up their life for the dream of an independent India. The holiday epitomises the Indian anti-colonial struggle and serves as a symbol of mass resistance. It had been 78 years since India achieved its dream of a sovereign country. However, there is confusion regarding the count of Independence Day, whether it is the 78th or 79th Indian Independence Day.<h2>Why is there confusion?</h2>India gained its Independence on August 15, 2025, so since August 15, India has passed 78 years till now. At first glance, the math is simple- subtract 1947 from 2025 &nbsp;and you get 78. So it is easy to think that this might be the 78th Independence Day of India. However, the common miscalculation is that when you subtract 1947 from 2025, you leave out August 15, 1947, which is the independence Day number one, not year zero. Each subsequent year adds one more celebration, not just time elapsed. So, while India has completed 78 full years of independence by 2025, it is actually celebrating its 79th Independence Day. So, till 2025, we have had 79 flag hoisting ceremonies, 79 national addresses, and 79 celebrations.<h2>What to expect this year?</h2>The 79th Independence Day is expected to be grand, with Prime Minister Modi addressing the nation from the historic Red Fort. India, as the melting pot of culture, religion and language, will host a vibrant, colourful mega festival, with cultural programs, parades, and flag-hoisting ceremonies taking place across every corner of the country.

With August 15 approaching, India is getting ready for its Independence Day Celebration, but there is confusion regarding the count of the Independence Day.  Is it India's 78th or 79th Independence Day? 

Every year on August 15, India celebrates its Independence Day, with flag hoisting and tribute to the freedom fighters who gave up their life for the dream of an independent India. The holiday epitomises the Indian anti-colonial struggle and serves as a symbol of mass resistance. It had been 78 years since India achieved its dream of a sovereign country. However, there is confusion regarding the count of Independence Day, whether it is the 78th or 79th Indian Independence Day. Why is there confusion? India gained its Independence on August 15, 2025, so since August 15, India has passed 78 years till now. At first glance, the math is simple- subtract 1947 from 2025 and you get 78. So it is easy to think that this might be the 78th Independence Day of India. However, the common miscalculation is that when you subtract 1947 from 2025, you leave out August 15, 1947, which is the independence Day number one, not year zero. Each subsequent year adds one more celebration, not just time elapsed. So, while India has completed 78 full years of independence by 2025, it is actually celebrating its 79th Independence Day. So, till 2025, we have had 79 flag hoisting ceremonies, 79 national addresses, and 79 celebrations. What to expect this year? The 79th Independence Day is expected to be grand, with Prime Minister Modi addressing the nation from the historic Red Fort. India, as the melting pot of culture, religion and language, will host a vibrant, colourful mega festival, with cultural programs, parades, and flag-hoisting ceremonies taking place across every corner of the country.

With August 15 approaching, India is getting ready for its Independence Day Celebration, but there is confusion regarding the count of the Independence Day. &nbsp;Is it India's 78th or 79th Independence Day?&nbsp;

Independence Day 2025: Is it India's 78th or 79th Independence Day?

The United States again claimed to have brokered to end the war between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terrorist attack claimed 16 lives at the popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (Aug 7) said that the Trump administration was “involved directly” in brokering peace between both the countries following Operation Sindoor launched by India against Pakistan to avenge the killings.&nbsp;“On the broader issue of peace, the President is committed to peace and committed to being the President of peace. And so, we saw when India and Pakistan went to war, we got involved directly, and the President was able to deliver on that peace,” said Rubio while speaking at the EWTN’s The World Over show.&nbsp;Indian has, however, rejected claims by the US of brokering a peace between both the countries. It has maintained that the agreement to stop hostilities with Pakistan came through direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two militaries and not with intervention of US President Donald Trump.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-trump-tariff-heat-on-india-lead-putin-to-direct-talks-for-ending-ukraine-war-1754631927304">Did Trump tariff heat on India lead Putin to direct talks for ending Ukraine war?</a>&nbsp;Rubio also mentioned other conflicts that the trump administration has been 'successful' in resolving.&nbsp;“Cambodia and Thailand more recently; Azerbaijan and Armenia, hopefully – we’re taping this here today, but on Friday of this week, we’ll be here to sign an agreement and the beginning of a peace deal there. DRC-Rwanda – a 30-year war, 7 million people killed – we were able to bring them here to sign it. Obviously, work needs to – peace is not permanent. It always has to be worked and maintained,” he said.&nbsp;“We dedicate a significant amount of time to stopping and ending wars,” Rubio added.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio again reiterated US roles in helping end the India-Pakistan war after the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam.

The United States again claimed to have brokered to end the war between India and Pakistan after the Pahalgam terrorist attack claimed 16 lives at the popular tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (Aug 7) said that the Trump administration was “involved directly” in brokering peace between both the countries following Operation Sindoor launched by India against Pakistan to avenge the killings. “On the broader issue of peace, the President is committed to peace and committed to being the President of peace. And so, we saw when India and Pakistan went to war, we got involved directly, and the President was able to deliver on that peace,” said Rubio while speaking at the EWTN’s The World Over show. Indian has, however, rejected claims by the US of brokering a peace between both the countries. It has maintained that the agreement to stop hostilities with Pakistan came through direct talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of the two militaries and not with intervention of US President Donald Trump. Also Read: Did Trump tariff heat on India lead Putin to direct talks for ending Ukraine war? Rubio also mentioned other conflicts that the trump administration has been 'successful' in resolving. “Cambodia and Thailand more recently; Azerbaijan and Armenia, hopefully – we’re taping this here today, but on Friday of this week, we’ll be here to sign an agreement and the beginning of a peace deal there. DRC-Rwanda – a 30-year war, 7 million people killed – we were able to bring them here to sign it. Obviously, work needs to – peace is not permanent. It always has to be worked and maintained,” he said. “We dedicate a significant amount of time to stopping and ending wars,” Rubio added.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio again reiterated US roles in helping end the India-Pakistan war after the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam.

Pahalgam terror attack: 'Involved directly' in ending war between India, Pakistan, reiterates Rubio

On Friday (August 8), a Delhi court rejected the plea filed by Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal. It was on the grounds that he had undergone the maximum period of sentence of seven years for the corruption case. In an order dated August 7, Special Judge Sanjay Jindal said and as quoted by news agency PTI, "Considering the allegations under Section 467 of the IPC which entails life imprisonment, it cannot be said that the accused has already undergone the period of maximum punishment prescribed for the alleged offences."&nbsp;As per the court, apart from offences of cheating, criminal conspiracy and bribery, the CBI has also accused James of violating Section 467 i.e. forgery. The court mentioned that the punishment for the same is life imprisonment.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the hearing the court said, “Considering the allegations u/sec. 467 IPC which entails life imprisonment, it cannot be said that the accused has already undergone the period of maximum punishment prescribed for the alleged offences.”&nbsp;On Wednesday, James had informed the court that it isn't safe for him to leave the national capital. "If I put one step out in Delhi, new charges will be placed on me. It is not safe. I do not want to come back to this court with new charges," said James.

On Friday (August 8), a Delhi court rejected the plea filed by Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal.

On Friday (August 8), a Delhi court rejected the plea filed by Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal. It was on the grounds that he had undergone the maximum period of sentence of seven years for the corruption case. In an order dated August 7, Special Judge Sanjay Jindal said and as quoted by news agency PTI, "Considering the allegations under Section 467 of the IPC which entails life imprisonment, it cannot be said that the accused has already undergone the period of maximum punishment prescribed for the alleged offences." As per the court, apart from offences of cheating, criminal conspiracy and bribery, the CBI has also accused James of violating Section 467 i.e. forgery. The court mentioned that the punishment for the same is life imprisonment. In the hearing the court said, “Considering the allegations u/sec. 467 IPC which entails life imprisonment, it cannot be said that the accused has already undergone the period of maximum punishment prescribed for the alleged offences.” On Wednesday, James had informed the court that it isn't safe for him to leave the national capital. "If I put one step out in Delhi, new charges will be placed on me. It is not safe. I do not want to come back to this court with new charges," said James.

On Friday (August 8), a Delhi court rejected the plea filed by Christian Michel James, the alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper deal.

AgustaWestland case: Court rejects alleged middleman Christian Michel's plea for release

Donald Trump's tariff threat is not the first time India was punished by the US. The last time it happened, India came out bruised, but not defeated. Here is the story of India's Pokhran II nuclear tests, US punishment for it, and how New Delhi dealt with it

When India was punished, isolated by US and still survived the impact - The Pokhran nuclear test story - Foreign affairs tales

Here are the 10 interesting flags that led to the Indian National Flag. Shades of these flags can still be traced to the Indian Tricolour.

National Flag of India: 10 fascinating desgins that paved way to Indian tricolour

Malaysia has become a key international gateway or transit point for criminals involved in illegal wildlife trade. In one such incident, an Indian national was arrested at Kuala Lumpur International Airport for trying to smuggle live turtles. The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) arrested the man with 2,500 live turtles valued at a whopping $82,000.&nbsp;The suspect was scheduled to board a flight to India's Bengaluru when the security nabbed the man at the departure gate at 10.05pm during a routine security operation.&nbsp;Based on intelligence information, enforcement officers from AKPS and Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel conducted a scan of the suspect's luggage and came across thousands of Red-eared Slider turtles hidden inside the baggage. All the wildlife was seized by the authorities for further investigation.&nbsp;According to a local news media malaymail, the case is being investigated under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008.Native to North America, the red-eared slider is classified as an invasive species in many countries, including India, where it poses a major threat to native aquatic biodiversity.&nbsp;Earlier in March, an Indian national travelling from Malaysia to India was arrested at the Bengaluru International Airport for smuggling four baby siamang gibbons and two baby northern pig-tailed macaques in his cabin luggage.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Security personnel conducted a scan of the suspects luggage at the  Kuala Lumpur airport International airport and came across thousands of turtles hidden inside the baggage.

Malaysia has become a key international gateway or transit point for criminals involved in illegal wildlife trade. In one such incident, an Indian national was arrested at Kuala Lumpur International Airport for trying to smuggle live turtles. The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) arrested the man with 2,500 live turtles valued at a whopping $82,000. The suspect was scheduled to board a flight to India's Bengaluru when the security nabbed the man at the departure gate at 10.05pm during a routine security operation. Based on intelligence information, enforcement officers from AKPS and Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel conducted a scan of the suspect's luggage and came across thousands of Red-eared Slider turtles hidden inside the baggage. All the wildlife was seized by the authorities for further investigation. According to a local news media malaymail, the case is being investigated under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 and the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008. Native to North America, the red-eared slider is classified as an invasive species in many countries, including India, where it poses a major threat to native aquatic biodiversity. Earlier in March, an Indian national travelling from Malaysia to India was arrested at the Bengaluru International Airport for smuggling four baby siamang gibbons and two baby northern pig-tailed macaques in his cabin luggage.

Security personnel conducted a scan of the suspect's luggage at the &nbsp;Kuala Lumpur airport International airport and came across thousands of turtles hidden inside the baggage.

Thousands of live turtles in suitcase: Indian national arrested at Kuala Lumpur airport

Amid the buzz around United States President Donald Trump's tariffs and trade war, there's another story about him that is unfolding in a part of poll-bound Indian state of Bihar. While everyone is focussed on Trump's next big announcement from the White House, someone in Bihar's Samastipur district has decided to make the US president a resident of the state! Despite the state administration facing a massive backlash due to the issuance of fake residential certificates to everyone, from Dogesh Babu to Sonalika tractor, the latest incident is proof that the people are not paying any attention to mend their ways and are hell-bent to continue with their mischief. The incident also comes at a time when the state is already making its buzz in the corridors of the Parliament with several lawmakers demanding a discussion on the ongoing electoral roll revision drive. Moreover, the timing of the application coincides with Trump's ongoing tariff war with India.&nbsp;<h2>Donald Trump in Bihar?</h2>Indian news agency PTI reported that an application submitted on July 29 in Mohiuddin Nagar block of Hasanpur village of Samastipur district claimed that the applicant's name was Donald Trump, his father's name was Frederick Christ Trump, and his mother's name was Mary Anne MacLeod. The applicant also used a passport-sized image of the US president in his application. Unlike the previous instances where several other district administrations had issued residential certificates in name of ‘Dogesh Babu’ and ‘Dog Babu’, here the Samastipur district administration rejected the application and registered a case at the Cyber Police Station for investigation. "It appears there is a diabolical attempt to negatively impact the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which is underway as per the instructions of the Election Commission,” the administration said in a statement, reported PTI. “Given the seriousness of the offence, a case has been lodged at the Cyber police station, Samastipur, for appropriate investigation and action,” the statement added.<h2>Endless list of bizarre names and certificates issued to them</h2>The endless series of bizarre incidents across Bihar has made headlines recently, with several fake online applications for official documents being uncovered, highlighting serious loopholes in the e-governance system. In Khagaria district, officials found applications for residence certificates submitted under the names of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, and even a crow. The application for ‘Shri Ram’ included a photo of the deity, listed his father’s name as Dashrath, his mother’s name as Kaushalya, and gave his village as Ayodhya, all references from the Ramayana. However, instead of Uttar Pradesh, the district was listed as Khagaria in Bihar. The mobile number used in the form was a fake one: 9999999999.&nbsp;A similar application in the name of ‘Srimati Mata Sita’ also used a photo of Goddess Sita and listed her parents as Raja Janak and Rani Sunaina, giving Ayodhya in Khagaria as her address and using the same dummy mobile number. In another case at the Khagaria Sadar office, an online application was filed under the name ‘Kauwwa’ (crow), with a photo of a real crow. The applicant's father and mother were listed as Kawwa Singh and Maina Singh, respectively. This application, submitted in December last year, led to a formal complaint now.&nbsp;In yet another startling case from Khagaria, a residence certificate was issued in the name of ‘Dog Babu’, with a smiling photo of a Golden Retriever attached. Although the certificate was cancelled within minutes, a deeper probe revealed that the application was linked to legitimate documents, including Aadhaar, belonging to a woman from Delhi—indicating a possible data breach or deliberate identity theft.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A dog named “Dog Babu”, son of “Kutta Babu” and “Kutiya Devi”, is officially listed as a valid resident in the Bihar SIR database. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has removed 77 lakh genuine voters even though they have Aadhaar, Voters ID and Ration Card. The dog will appear… <a href="https://t.co/DFOmPBZLny">pic.twitter.com/DFOmPBZLny</a>&mdash; Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) <a href="https://twitter.com/INCKerala/status/1949723208313372885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, in East Champaran, officials received an application featuring a photo of Bhojpuri film actress Monalisa, where the applicant’s name was listed as ‘Sonalika Tractor’, with parents named ‘Swaraj Tractor’ and ‘Car Devi’. Yet another case from Jehanabad district involved an application for an income certificate under the name ‘Samsung’, with the father listed as ‘Iphoan’ and the mother as ‘Smartphoan’.&nbsp;Opposition has come down heavily on the ruling NDA government of Bihar amid these incidents. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra mocked the &nbsp;Election Commission over the election roll revision drive, and called it ‘nothing but an exercise in mass disenfranchisement’. She also claimed 65 lakh voters had been deleted without proper discussion. Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala shared a news clip on social media that falsely claimed a certificate had been issued to the Trump application and said that electoral roll revision in Bihar is a ‘fraud, aimed at stealing votes.’&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Bihar’s SIR has President Trump from Samastipur &amp; Ram S/O Dashrath &amp; Kaushalya from Khagaria. Only Lord Ram can save us from <a href="https://twitter.com/ECISVEEP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ECISVEEP</a> madness! <a href="https://t.co/pP7uOOViHq">pic.twitter.com/pP7uOOViHq</a>&mdash; Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) <a href="https://twitter.com/MahuaMoitra/status/1953028597188526465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Despite the discrepancies, as per reports, not a single political party has gone to EC’s Bihar unit to file a claim or an objection against any of the entries made in the draft voter list. As per data released by EC till 11 am on August 7, 5,015 objections were made by voters, but none by the 1,60,000 booth-level agents of political parties.

From Dogesh Babu to Hindu deities to birds, a series of fake names in Bihar for various government certificates has exposed the loopholes in the state's administration ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The story has now taken an international turn with Trump's entry.

Amid the buzz around United States President Donald Trump's tariffs and trade war, there's another story about him that is unfolding in a part of poll-bound Indian state of Bihar. While everyone is focussed on Trump's next big announcement from the White House, someone in Bihar's Samastipur district has decided to make the US president a resident of the state! Despite the state administration facing a massive backlash due to the issuance of fake residential certificates to everyone, from Dogesh Babu to Sonalika tractor, the latest incident is proof that the people are not paying any attention to mend their ways and are hell-bent to continue with their mischief. The incident also comes at a time when the state is already making its buzz in the corridors of the Parliament with several lawmakers demanding a discussion on the ongoing electoral roll revision drive. Moreover, the timing of the application coincides with Trump's ongoing tariff war with India. Donald Trump in Bihar? Indian news agency PTI reported that an application submitted on July 29 in Mohiuddin Nagar block of Hasanpur village of Samastipur district claimed that the applicant's name was Donald Trump, his father's name was Frederick Christ Trump, and his mother's name was Mary Anne MacLeod. The applicant also used a passport-sized image of the US president in his application. Unlike the previous instances where several other district administrations had issued residential certificates in name of ‘Dogesh Babu’ and ‘Dog Babu’, here the Samastipur district administration rejected the application and registered a case at the Cyber Police Station for investigation. "It appears there is a diabolical attempt to negatively impact the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which is underway as per the instructions of the Election Commission,” the administration said in a statement, reported PTI. “Given the seriousness of the offence, a case has been lodged at the Cyber police station, Samastipur, for appropriate investigation and action,” the statement added. Endless list of bizarre names and certificates issued to them The endless series of bizarre incidents across Bihar has made headlines recently, with several fake online applications for official documents being uncovered, highlighting serious loopholes in the e-governance system. In Khagaria district, officials found applications for residence certificates submitted under the names of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, and even a crow. The application for ‘Shri Ram’ included a photo of the deity, listed his father’s name as Dashrath, his mother’s name as Kaushalya, and gave his village as Ayodhya, all references from the Ramayana. However, instead of Uttar Pradesh, the district was listed as Khagaria in Bihar. The mobile number used in the form was a fake one: 9999999999. A similar application in the name of ‘Srimati Mata Sita’ also used a photo of Goddess Sita and listed her parents as Raja Janak and Rani Sunaina, giving Ayodhya in Khagaria as her address and using the same dummy mobile number. In another case at the Khagaria Sadar office, an online application was filed under the name ‘Kauwwa’ (crow), with a photo of a real crow. The applicant's father and mother were listed as Kawwa Singh and Maina Singh, respectively. This application, submitted in December last year, led to a formal complaint now. In yet another startling case from Khagaria, a residence certificate was issued in the name of ‘Dog Babu’, with a smiling photo of a Golden Retriever attached. Although the certificate was cancelled within minutes, a deeper probe revealed that the application was linked to legitimate documents, including Aadhaar, belonging to a woman from Delhi—indicating a possible data breach or deliberate identity theft.

From Dogesh Babu to Hindu deities to birds, a series of fake names in Bihar for various government certificates has exposed the loopholes in the state's administration ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The story has now taken an international turn with Trump's entry.

'Donald Trump' from Samastipur wants residential proof: Saga of fake names amid electoral roll revision in poll-bound Bihar

India has put a hold on a $3.6 billion deal to procure Boeing jets from the United States after the imposition of 50 per cent tariffs, according to reports. The original deal included the purchase of six additional Boeing P-8I aircraft, used for maritime patrol, and was approved by the US State Department earlier in 2021 for $2.42 billion. But the price soared in the ensuing years due to disruptions in the supply chain, inflation, and the US tariffs.&nbsp;Financial Express reported, citing a report, that the decision to pause the Boeing deal was taken after the White House announced imposing additional tariffs on India, raising the earlier 25 per cent to 50 per cent.&nbsp;Reports citing defence sources highlighted that there has been a sharp spike in price due to the imposition of 25 per cent tariffs by Trump at the beginning of August. This resulted in parts and components related to the aircraft procurement being significantly more expensive for the US aircraft maker, which has been passed down to the buyers, including India.&nbsp;The reports suggested that the Ministry of Defence has decided to pause the acquisition and conduct a strategic reassessment of the deal with Boeing. This will include analysing factors like rising costs, geopolitical developments, and strategic autonomy before making a final decision.&nbsp;However, it is to be noted that there has been no official confirmation regarding the deal or its suspension from the Indian government.&nbsp;The developments come as Air India started sending its legacy Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners for retrofitting in the US. Sources familiar with the matter told news agency PTI that the first revamped jet was expected to join the fleet by the end of this year. Notably, there are a total of 33 Dreamliners with Air India, including 26 legacy Boeing 787-8s and seven Boeing 787-9s.&nbsp;Watch | Trump Rules Out Trade Talks With India Amid Tariff Dispute&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-rules-out-trade-talks-with-india-amid-tariff-dispute-pm-modi-calls-high-level-meet-1754623772233/embed&nbsp;

Reports suggest that after US President Donald Trump doubled the tariffs to 50 per cent on India, New Delhi has paused a $3.6 billion deal to procure Boeing jets from the US.

India has put a hold on a $3.6 billion deal to procure Boeing jets from the United States after the imposition of 50 per cent tariffs, according to reports. The original deal included the purchase of six additional Boeing P-8I aircraft, used for maritime patrol, and was approved by the US State Department earlier in 2021 for $2.42 billion. But the price soared in the ensuing years due to disruptions in the supply chain, inflation, and the US tariffs. Financial Express reported, citing a report, that the decision to pause the Boeing deal was taken after the White House announced imposing additional tariffs on India, raising the earlier 25 per cent to 50 per cent. Reports citing defence sources highlighted that there has been a sharp spike in price due to the imposition of 25 per cent tariffs by Trump at the beginning of August. This resulted in parts and components related to the aircraft procurement being significantly more expensive for the US aircraft maker, which has been passed down to the buyers, including India. The reports suggested that the Ministry of Defence has decided to pause the acquisition and conduct a strategic reassessment of the deal with Boeing. This will include analysing factors like rising costs, geopolitical developments, and strategic autonomy before making a final decision. However, it is to be noted that there has been no official confirmation regarding the deal or its suspension from the Indian government. The developments come as Air India started sending its legacy Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners for retrofitting in the US. Sources familiar with the matter told news agency PTI that the first revamped jet was expected to join the fleet by the end of this year. Notably, there are a total of 33 Dreamliners with Air India, including 26 legacy Boeing 787-8s and seven Boeing 787-9s. Watch | Trump Rules Out Trade Talks With India Amid Tariff Dispute https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-rules-out-trade-talks-with-india-amid-tariff-dispute-pm-modi-calls-high-level-meet-1754623772233/embed

Reports suggest that after US President Donald Trump doubled the tariffs to 50 per cent on India, New Delhi has paused a $3.6 billion deal to procure Boeing jets from the US.

Did India pause $3.6 billion Boeing jets deal amid Trump’s 50% tariff? Here’s what reports claim

Xu Feihong, the Chinese Ambassador to India, on Thursday, slammed the United States for imposing tariffs against several countries, including India. Without naming Donald Trump, Xu Feihong took a veiled&nbsp;jibe at the US President. "Give the bully an inch, he will take a mile," the Chinese envoy to India wrote on X.&nbsp;Xu Feihong also quoted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi as saying: “Using tariffs as a weapon to suppress other countries violates the UN Charter, undermines WTO rules and is both unpopular and unsustainable.”&nbsp;Donald Trump this month announced two tranches of 25 per cent tariffs on Indian exports to the US over New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil and weapons.&nbsp;India called the tariffs unfortunate and questioned the US for sparing other countries with similar Russian energy imports.&nbsp;The Chinese envoy's remarks came hours after Donald Trump threatened China with tariffs for buying Russian energy exports.&nbsp;China is the biggest importer of Russian oil.&nbsp;"It may happen, I don't know, I can't tell you yet, we did it with India, and we are doing it probably with a couple of others, one of them could be China," Donald Trump said in the White House.&nbsp;In June this year,&nbsp;China was the largest buyer of Russian oil. At 38 percent, India was in second place, followed by Türkiye.&nbsp;Despite the purchase, only India was penalised by the Donald Trump administration, not Turkiye or China.

Xu Feihong, the Chinese Ambassador to India, on Thursday, took a jibe at the United States for imposing tariffs against India, saying that using tariffs as a weapon to suppress other countries violates the UN Charter.

Xu Feihong, the Chinese Ambassador to India, on Thursday, slammed the United States for imposing tariffs against several countries, including India. Without naming Donald Trump, Xu Feihong took a veiled jibe at the US President. "Give the bully an inch, he will take a mile," the Chinese envoy to India wrote on X. Xu Feihong also quoted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi as saying: “Using tariffs as a weapon to suppress other countries violates the UN Charter, undermines WTO rules and is both unpopular and unsustainable.” Donald Trump this month announced two tranches of 25 per cent tariffs on Indian exports to the US over New Delhi's purchase of Russian oil and weapons. India called the tariffs unfortunate and questioned the US for sparing other countries with similar Russian energy imports. The Chinese envoy's remarks came hours after Donald Trump threatened China with tariffs for buying Russian energy exports. China is the biggest importer of Russian oil. "It may happen, I don't know, I can't tell you yet, we did it with India, and we are doing it probably with a couple of others, one of them could be China," Donald Trump said in the White House. In June this year, China was the largest buyer of Russian oil. At 38 percent, India was in second place, followed by Türkiye. Despite the purchase, only India was penalised by the Donald Trump administration, not Turkiye or China.

Xu Feihong's remark came hours after the US threatened China with tariffs for buying Russian oil.

Chinese Ambassador's veiled 'bully' attack at Donald Trump

The Quit India Movement, also known as the August Kranti, was a major protest launched on 8 August, 1942 by Mahatma Gandhi. It was a strong call for the British and their army to leave India. Mahatma Gandhi gave his well-known "Do or Die" speech during a meeting of the All India Congress Committee in Bombay and called for immediate end of British rule. At the same meeting, the Congress party approved the Quit India Resolution, which clearly demanded that the British must quit India. This event became a key moment in the country’s fight for freedom.<h2>Background of the Quit India Movement (1942)</h2><ul><li>Cripps Mission (setting up of an Indian dominion) failed to offer India full independence.</li><li>World War II caused serious economic problems in India.</li></ul>The people of India were already in anger because of the early struggles like the Civil Disobedience Movement and the demand for Purna Swaraj (complete independence).&nbsp;With Britain busy in the World War II and weaker than before, Mahatma Gandhi saw that time as the right time to launch a final push for the freedom.<h2>Causes of the Quit India Movement</h2>The main reasons behind the Quit India movement were:<ul><li>Failure of the Cripps Mission</li><li>Worsening economy due to World War II</li><li>Fear of Japanese invasion as they approached India’s borders</li><li>Growing anger among Indians due to years of British rule and suffering</li></ul><h2>Significance and impacts of the Quit India Movement</h2>Even though the movement was crushed by the British by 1944, it had a big impact on India’s freedom struggle. Some of its impacts are -&nbsp;<h3>A powerful and widespread protest</h3>The movement saw more energy and action in people than the earlier protests like the Non-Cooperation Movement or Civil Disobedience Movement. It became more radical and intense, especially in villages and among poor workers, as these workers and people gets affected by rising prices during the war.<h3>Mass participation&nbsp;</h3>Though many top leaders were jailed early, &nbsp;but ordinary people like youth, farmers, tribal groups and women took the lead inthe protest and the protest became a true people’s movement led from the grassroots level.<h3>Rise of new leaders</h3>Young leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia and Aruna Asaf Ali emerged as strong voices during this time.Aruna Asaf Ali alone became a symbol of bravery and resistance.<h3>Impact on British Rule</h3>Though the British did not leave immediately but their control over Indians became weaker. The movement inspired future protests, like those during the INA trials and helped to build the momentum toward India’s independence in 1947. &nbsp;

Although the movement didn’t bring immediate independence, but it played a major role in India’s fight for freedom. The British tried to stop it by using force and arresting thousands of people.

The Quit India Movement, also known as the August Kranti, was a major protest launched on 8 August, 1942 by Mahatma Gandhi. It was a strong call for the British and their army to leave India. Mahatma Gandhi gave his well-known "Do or Die" speech during a meeting of the All India Congress Committee in Bombay and called for immediate end of British rule. At the same meeting, the Congress party approved the Quit India Resolution, which clearly demanded that the British must quit India. This event became a key moment in the country’s fight for freedom. Background of the Quit India Movement (1942) Cripps Mission (setting up of an Indian dominion) failed to offer India full independence. World War II caused serious economic problems in India. The people of India were already in anger because of the early struggles like the Civil Disobedience Movement and the demand for Purna Swaraj (complete independence). With Britain busy in the World War II and weaker than before, Mahatma Gandhi saw that time as the right time to launch a final push for the freedom. Causes of the Quit India Movement The main reasons behind the Quit India movement were: Failure of the Cripps Mission Worsening economy due to World War II Fear of Japanese invasion as they approached India’s borders Growing anger among Indians due to years of British rule and suffering Significance and impacts of the Quit India Movement Even though the movement was crushed by the British by 1944, it had a big impact on India’s freedom struggle. Some of its impacts are - A powerful and widespread protest The movement saw more energy and action in people than the earlier protests like the Non-Cooperation Movement or Civil Disobedience Movement. It became more radical and intense, especially in villages and among poor workers, as these workers and people gets affected by rising prices during the war. Mass participation Though many top leaders were jailed early, but ordinary people like youth, farmers, tribal groups and women took the lead inthe protest and the protest became a true people’s movement led from the grassroots level. Rise of new leaders Young leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, Ram Manohar Lohia and Aruna Asaf Ali emerged as strong voices during this time. Aruna Asaf Ali alone became a symbol of bravery and resistance. Impact on British Rule Though the British did not leave immediately but their control over Indians became weaker. The movement inspired future protests, like those during the INA trials and helped to build the momentum toward India’s independence in 1947.

Although the movement didn’t bring immediate independence, but it played a major role in India’s fight for freedom. The British tried to stop it by using force and arresting thousands of people.

What really happened on 8 August, 1942? Check why this date was key moment in India's freedom struggle

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday (Aug 7) strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not speaking out after US President Donald Trump announced a 50% tax on Indian imports. Yadav called the Indian Prime Minister "weak" and accused him of “dancing to America's tune.” Speaking to the media, Yadav said, “You all are witnessing how the government is functioning in this country. Trump imposed a 50% tariff. Trump has said 28 times that he brokered the ceasefire. The Prime Minister has not broken his silence yet. The PM still hasn't said that Donald Trump is lying,” according to HT.&nbsp;Tejashwi Yadav also accused PM Modi of siding with the United States (US) and not standing up for India. He said, "The Prime Minister is acting weak and doing whatever America says. A 50% tariff will badly hurt our country, but no one is talking about it. Everyone is quiet. These people will harm the country and then go to Bihar saying, 'Look, we are now a global leader (Vishwaguru).'"&nbsp;This reaction came after President Trump signed an order on August 6 adding another 25% tax on Indian goods, bringing the total to 50%. The White House said this was due to national security and claimed that India buying oil from Russia was a serious threat to the US.&nbsp;Yadav also posted on X (formerly Twitter) after the announcement. He wrote, “The US imposing 50% tariffs on India is classic trade bullying - weaponising commerce to strong arm sovereign nations. Disappointing that Honourable PM Modi Ji, FM Jaishankar Ji &amp; Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal Ji haven't pushed back strongly".&nbsp;"India's silence on Trump's "trade-for-ceasefire" claims was a mistake. Time to assert our trade policy sovereignty and stand firm against economic coercion. India cannot change its policy priorities under pressure," the post added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The US imposing 50% tariffs on India is classic trade bullying - weaponising commerce to strong arm sovereign nations. Disappointing that Honourable PM Modi Ji, FM Jaishankar Ji &amp; Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal Ji haven&#39;t pushed back strongly. India&#39;s silence on Trump&#39;s…&mdash; Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) <a href="https://twitter.com/yadavtejashwi/status/1953131237377491204?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The new tariffs will begin in two stages. The first part starts on August 7 and the extra 25% will apply after 21 days. Goods that are already on the way or have special permission won’t be affected.&nbsp;

The new tariffs will begin in two stages. The first part starts on August 7 and the extra 25% will apply after 21 days. Goods that are already on the way or have special permission won’t be affected.

Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday (Aug 7) strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not speaking out after US President Donald Trump announced a 50% tax on Indian imports. Yadav called the Indian Prime Minister "weak" and accused him of “dancing to America's tune.” Speaking to the media, Yadav said, “You all are witnessing how the government is functioning in this country. Trump imposed a 50% tariff. Trump has said 28 times that he brokered the ceasefire. The Prime Minister has not broken his silence yet. The PM still hasn't said that Donald Trump is lying,” according to HT. Tejashwi Yadav also accused PM Modi of siding with the United States (US) and not standing up for India. He said, "The Prime Minister is acting weak and doing whatever America says. A 50% tariff will badly hurt our country, but no one is talking about it. Everyone is quiet. These people will harm the country and then go to Bihar saying, 'Look, we are now a global leader (Vishwaguru).'" This reaction came after President Trump signed an order on August 6 adding another 25% tax on Indian goods, bringing the total to 50%. The White House said this was due to national security and claimed that India buying oil from Russia was a serious threat to the US. Yadav also posted on X (formerly Twitter) after the announcement. He wrote, “The US imposing 50% tariffs on India is classic trade bullying - weaponising commerce to strong arm sovereign nations. Disappointing that Honourable PM Modi Ji, FM Jaishankar Ji & Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal Ji haven't pushed back strongly". "India's silence on Trump's "trade-for-ceasefire" claims was a mistake. Time to assert our trade policy sovereignty and stand firm against economic coercion. India cannot change its policy priorities under pressure," the post added.

The new tariffs will begin in two stages. The first part starts on August 7 and the extra 25% will apply after 21 days. Goods that are already on the way or have special permission won’t be affected.

'India is classic trade bullying ...': RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav reacts to PM Modi's silence on US tariff hike

Days after Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva turned down Donald Trump's offer to talk on tariffs and said that he would speak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi instead, the Brazilian President dialed his Indian counterpart and discussed bilateral and global issues.&nbsp;"Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received a telephone call today from the President of Brazil, His Excellency, Mr. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva," PIB said in a statement.&nbsp;During the call, PM Modi recalled his visit to Brazil last month, during which the two leaders had agreed on a framework to strengthen cooperation in trade, technology, energy, defense, agriculture, health, and people-to-people ties.&nbsp;The two leaders reiterated their commitment to take the strategic partnership between the two nations to new heights.&nbsp;"The two leaders exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch," the statement added.&nbsp;"Had a good conversation with President Lula. Thanked him for making my visit to Brazil memorable and meaningful. We are committed to deepening our Strategic Partnership, including in trade, energy, tech, defence, health, and more. A strong, people-centric partnership between Global South nations benefits everyone," PM Modi later wrote in a post on X.&nbsp;On Tuesday, Silva turned down Donald Trump's offer to call him anytime to discuss tariffs, saying he would call Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders instead.Trade tensions between Brazil and the US escalated after Donald Trump imposed a 50 percent tariff on the South American nation, one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.&nbsp;Donald Trump had imposed the tariff, accusing Lula's government of conducting a "witch hunt" against Bolsonaro.&nbsp;Addressing an event, Lula said Brazil would resort to all possible measures, including moving the WTO, to defend the nation's interests.&nbsp;He said instead of talking to Trump, he can call China's Xi Jinping and India's Narendra Modi. "I won't call Putin, because he can't travel now. But I will call many Presidents," he added.&nbsp;India, Russia, China, and Brazil are part of the economic coalition BRICS. The Donald Trump administration claims BRICS had been trying to weaken the supremacy of the US dollar in global trade.

Days after Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva turned down Donald Trump's offer to talk on tariffs and said that he would speak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Brazilian President dialed his Indian counterpart and discussed bilateral and global issues.

Days after Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva turned down Donald Trump's offer to talk on tariffs and said that he would speak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi instead, the Brazilian President dialed his Indian counterpart and discussed bilateral and global issues. "Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received a telephone call today from the President of Brazil, His Excellency, Mr. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva," PIB said in a statement. During the call, PM Modi recalled his visit to Brazil last month, during which the two leaders had agreed on a framework to strengthen cooperation in trade, technology, energy, defense, agriculture, health, and people-to-people ties. The two leaders reiterated their commitment to take the strategic partnership between the two nations to new heights. "The two leaders exchanged views on various regional and global issues of mutual interest. The two leaders agreed to remain in touch," the statement added. "Had a good conversation with President Lula. Thanked him for making my visit to Brazil memorable and meaningful. We are committed to deepening our Strategic Partnership, including in trade, energy, tech, defence, health, and more. A strong, people-centric partnership between Global South nations benefits everyone," PM Modi later wrote in a post on X. On Tuesday, Silva turned down Donald Trump's offer to call him anytime to discuss tariffs, saying he would call Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders instead. Trade tensions between Brazil and the US escalated after Donald Trump imposed a 50 percent tariff on the South American nation, one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Donald Trump had imposed the tariff, accusing Lula's government of conducting a "witch hunt" against Bolsonaro. Addressing an event, Lula said Brazil would resort to all possible measures, including moving the WTO, to defend the nation's interests. He said instead of talking to Trump, he can call China's Xi Jinping and India's Narendra Modi. "I won't call Putin, because he can't travel now. But I will call many Presidents," he added. India, Russia, China, and Brazil are part of the economic coalition BRICS. The Donald Trump administration claims BRICS had been trying to weaken the supremacy of the US dollar in global trade.

Earlier this week, Lula turned down Donald Trump's offer to call him over tariffs, saying he would talk to other world leaders instead.

Days after rebuke to Donald Trump, Brazil's Lula dials PM Modi

Amid the rapidly escalating situation of the US imposing repeated tariffs on Indian goods(initial 25% and an additional 25%), Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa expressed hope that the Prime Minister Modi-led Indian Government would discuss the matter with manufacturing and export powerhouse states such as Tamil Nadu and others. "It is fair that we expect them(Union Government) to talk to us. We would want to give our inputs to the Union, but haven't received the call yet," Rajaa said in Chennai.&nbsp;Rajaa's remarks come at a time when the Indian Government's revised 2024-25 GDP estimate for Tamil Nadu has shown that the state recorded 11.19%, the highest growth rate in the country. Notably, this double-digit growth has returned to the southern Indian state after a period of 14years.&nbsp;While Rajaa emphasised that the Stalin-led Tamil Nadu Government completely backs the Modi-led Union Government and their decisions in response to Trump's tariffs, he added that the views of state governments ought to be taken, given that the manufacturing activity and core economic activity take place in the states. He cited data from 2024-25 to mention that Tamil Nadu accounted for 41.23% of India’s total electronics exports, and its value was $14.65billion. In addition to this, he mentioned the state's manufacturing and export prowess in the textiles, automobile and automobile components sectors.&nbsp;"Tamil Nadu is home to barely 5.9% of the 1.4billion Indian population, and our state contributes 10% of the country's growth," Rajaa said. On the Trump tariffs, he said that he was upset to see the kind of language that the US President was using against India, and how things should not go that way. "The American people elected President Trump, and we respect that. He is doing things for his own country, but the problem is the way he addresses India," Rajaa added.&nbsp;Rajaa was addressing the Global Capability Centres (GCC) Next Summit in Chennai, supported by Guidance, the state's investment facilitation agency. "Tamil Nadu must become a product-first state. We must build from the front, not follow. And to every company evaluating India, my invitation is open- come test Tamil Nadu, spend time at the Guidance Office, work from here for free, and see the difference."&nbsp;Referring to Tamil Nadu's success story of achieving double-digit growth in 2024-25, Minister Rajaa owed it to "distributive growth, inclusive politics, and inclusive policy". He said that Tamil Nadu had the unique distinction of a capital city, Chennai, and a host of tier-2 cities contributing to economic growth across multiple domains.

Amid the rapidly escalating situation of the US imposing repeated tariffs on Indian goods(initial 25% and an additional 25%), Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa expressed hope that the Indian government would discuss the matter with manufacturing and export powerhouse states.

Amid the rapidly escalating situation of the US imposing repeated tariffs on Indian goods(initial 25% and an additional 25%), Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa expressed hope that the Prime Minister Modi-led Indian Government would discuss the matter with manufacturing and export powerhouse states such as Tamil Nadu and others. "It is fair that we expect them(Union Government) to talk to us. We would want to give our inputs to the Union, but haven't received the call yet," Rajaa said in Chennai. Rajaa's remarks come at a time when the Indian Government's revised 2024-25 GDP estimate for Tamil Nadu has shown that the state recorded 11.19%, the highest growth rate in the country. Notably, this double-digit growth has returned to the southern Indian state after a period of 14years. While Rajaa emphasised that the Stalin-led Tamil Nadu Government completely backs the Modi-led Union Government and their decisions in response to Trump's tariffs, he added that the views of state governments ought to be taken, given that the manufacturing activity and core economic activity take place in the states. He cited data from 2024-25 to mention that Tamil Nadu accounted for 41.23% of India’s total electronics exports, and its value was $14.65billion. In addition to this, he mentioned the state's manufacturing and export prowess in the textiles, automobile and automobile components sectors. "Tamil Nadu is home to barely 5.9% of the 1.4billion Indian population, and our state contributes 10% of the country's growth," Rajaa said. On the Trump tariffs, he said that he was upset to see the kind of language that the US President was using against India, and how things should not go that way. "The American people elected President Trump, and we respect that. He is doing things for his own country, but the problem is the way he addresses India," Rajaa added. Rajaa was addressing the Global Capability Centres (GCC) Next Summit in Chennai, supported by Guidance, the state's investment facilitation agency. "Tamil Nadu must become a product-first state. We must build from the front, not follow. And to every company evaluating India, my invitation is open- come test Tamil Nadu, spend time at the Guidance Office, work from here for free, and see the difference." Referring to Tamil Nadu's success story of achieving double-digit growth in 2024-25, Minister Rajaa owed it to "distributive growth, inclusive politics, and inclusive policy". He said that Tamil Nadu had the unique distinction of a capital city, Chennai, and a host of tier-2 cities contributing to economic growth across multiple domains.

Amid the rapidly escalating situation of the US imposing repeated tariffs on Indian goods(initial 25% and an additional 25%), Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa expressed hope that the Indian government would discuss the matter with manufacturing and export powerhouse states.

Hope Modi govt consults states on US tariffs: Tamil Nadu Industries Minister

US President Donald Trump on Thursday demanded the resignation of Lip-Bu Tan, the CEO of chip giant Intel, over an alleged national security risk. The executive is being accused of having links with China, the United States' strategic and economic rival. Donald Trump, who has upended global trade and economics with his crippling tariffs, described the executive as "highly conflicted".&nbsp;"The CEO of INTEL is highly CONFLICTED and must resign, immediately. There is no other solution to this problem. Thank you for your attention to this problem!" Donald Trump posted on Truth Social.<h2>Who is Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan?</h2>Lip-Bu Tan became the CEO of the chip giant in March 2025. He is a Malaysian-American. He is also the founder and chairman of Walden International, a venture capital company with stakes in semiconductor firms.&nbsp;He completed his Bachelor's degree in Physics from Singapore's Nanyang Technological University. He pursued his master's in nuclear engineering from the US's&nbsp;prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He completed his MBA from the University of San Francisco.<h2>What are&nbsp;Lip-Bu Tan's China links?</h2>US Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican, wrote a letter to Intel's board, questioning Tan's ties with Chinese firms and a recent case involving his former company, Cadence Design. Tan was the CEO of Candence&nbsp;from 2008 to 2021.&nbsp;Cotton flagged&nbsp;the security and integrity of Intel's operations and its potential impact on US national security, citing subpoenas sent to Cadence during Tan's tenure as CEO.&nbsp;He also claimed that Tan had investments in chip firms in China that are linked to the Chinese military or Communist Party, and asked if the board had asked him to divest from these firms.&nbsp;He also asked if Tan had disclosed other ties to Chinese&nbsp;firms because of the chip giant's involvement in the Secure Enclave program, a US government initiative to secure a supply of chips and other such equipment for defense purposes.&nbsp;Since Intel had been getting federal funding due to the program, Cotton asked the firm's CEO in the letter about Tan's disclosures.&nbsp;Intel later said in a statement that both the firm and Tan were committed to the national security of the United States.&nbsp;Reuters reported in April that Tan had invested in hundreds of Chinese companies, some of which are linked to the Chinese military. According to the agency, he had invested at least $200 million in Chinese manufacturing and chip firms between 2012 and 2024. It reported, citing a source, that Tan had divested from his positions in Chinese companies before he became Intel's CEO.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday demanded the resignation of Lip-Bu Tan, the CEO of chip giant Intel, over an alleged national security risk. 

US President Donald Trump on Thursday demanded the resignation of Lip-Bu Tan, the CEO of chip giant Intel, over an alleged national security risk. The executive is being accused of having links with China, the United States' strategic and economic rival. Donald Trump, who has upended global trade and economics with his crippling tariffs, described the executive as "highly conflicted". "The CEO of INTEL is highly CONFLICTED and must resign, immediately. There is no other solution to this problem. Thank you for your attention to this problem!" Donald Trump posted on Truth Social. Who is Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan? Lip-Bu Tan became the CEO of the chip giant in March 2025. He is a Malaysian-American. He is also the founder and chairman of Walden International, a venture capital company with stakes in semiconductor firms. He completed his Bachelor's degree in Physics from Singapore's Nanyang Technological University. He pursued his master's in nuclear engineering from the US's prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He completed his MBA from the University of San Francisco. What are Lip-Bu Tan's China links? US Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican, wrote a letter to Intel's board, questioning Tan's ties with Chinese firms and a recent case involving his former company, Cadence Design. Tan was the CEO of Candence from 2008 to 2021. Cotton flagged the security and integrity of Intel's operations and its potential impact on US national security, citing subpoenas sent to Cadence during Tan's tenure as CEO. He also claimed that Tan had investments in chip firms in China that are linked to the Chinese military or Communist Party, and asked if the board had asked him to divest from these firms. He also asked if Tan had disclosed other ties to Chinese firms because of the chip giant's involvement in the Secure Enclave program, a US government initiative to secure a supply of chips and other such equipment for defense purposes. Since Intel had been getting federal funding due to the program, Cotton asked the firm's CEO in the letter about Tan's disclosures. Intel later said in a statement that both the firm and Tan were committed to the national security of the United States. Reuters reported in April that Tan had invested in hundreds of Chinese companies, some of which are linked to the Chinese military. According to the agency, he had invested at least $200 million in Chinese manufacturing and chip firms between 2012 and 2024. It reported, citing a source, that Tan had divested from his positions in Chinese companies before he became Intel's CEO.

US Senator Tom Cotton wrote to Intel claiming Lip-Bu Tan had interests in Chinese firms.

Who is Lip-Bu Tan? Why did Donald Trump demand his resignation? China links explained

Indian politician and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament (MP) Ashok Kumar Mittal on Thursday (August 7) wrote an open letter to US President Donald Trump, urging him to "choose dialogue over discord" as Trump imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India over the import of Russian oil. Calling Trump's move "deeply disappointing", Mittal asked Trump to choose coordination over coercion while dealing with India.&nbsp;"For two nations that have a long strategic, values-based partnership, this move is deeply disappointing," he said.&nbsp;The AAP MP took to X and shared the letter, written to Donald Trump, with a caption, "𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 146 crore Indians boycott American companies operating in India? My open letter to Donald Trump on the US’s 50% tariffs for India, in which I 𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞 him to “choose dialogue over discord, coordination over coercion.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 146 crore Indians boycott American companies operating in India? My open letter to <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> on US’s 50% tariffs for India, in which I 𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞 him to “choose dialogue over discord, coordination over coercion.” Jai Hind! <a href="https://t.co/rQJXv8yhiY">pic.twitter.com/rQJXv8yhiY</a>&mdash; Ashok Kumar Mittal (@DrAshokKMittal) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrAshokKMittal/status/1953435423071486346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

While responding to Trump's "dead economy" jibe, he stressed that this "dead economy" is the 4th largest in the world, soon to be third, and remains the fastest growing among major nations. "American companies generate $80+ billion annually from the Indian market across education, tech, finance, and IP. India's position as the third-largest air transport market holds deep strategic value for the US, with deals worth $2.45 billion signed in 2022 alone. The US digital economy runs on code, much of it written in India," he added. Further, Mittal called out that the US's close ally, the European Union, has also recorded over €67.5 billion in trade with Russia last year, while it calls on others to scale back. "What is more surprising is that the United States continues to quietly import uranium, palladium, as well as chemicals from Russia. Should a nation pressurize India against trade with Russia when it itself relies on the Kremlin for its domestic interests?" he added in his letter. He continued, warning Trump that if 146 crore Indians come together and initiate a strategic restriction of US businesses, the impact would be far more severe. "It is important to note that on this day, August 7, the Swadeshi Movement was launched in 1905, a powerful assertion of economic self-reliance against foreign control. If 146 crore Indians were to channel that spirit today and initiate a strategic restriction of U.S. businesses, the impact would be far more severe for the United States than for India," he said. He concluded by asking Trump to choose dialogue over discord and shape the future "through respect, resolve, and renewed commitment to a rules-based global order."

While responding to Trump's "dead economy" jibe, the Indian politician stressed that this "dead economy" is the 4th largest in the world, soon to be third, and remains the fastest growing among major nations.

Indian politician and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament (MP) Ashok Kumar Mittal on Thursday (August 7) wrote an open letter to US President Donald Trump, urging him to "choose dialogue over discord" as Trump imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India over the import of Russian oil. Calling Trump's move "deeply disappointing", Mittal asked Trump to choose coordination over coercion while dealing with India. "For two nations that have a long strategic, values-based partnership, this move is deeply disappointing," he said. The AAP MP took to X and shared the letter, written to Donald Trump, with a caption, "𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐟 146 crore Indians boycott American companies operating in India? My open letter to Donald Trump on the US’s 50% tariffs for India, in which I 𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞 him to “choose dialogue over discord, coordination over coercion.”

While responding to Trump's "dead economy" jibe, the Indian politician stressed that this "dead economy" is the 4th largest in the world, soon to be third, and remains the fastest growing among major nations.

'What If all Indians boycott US businesses...': Indian politician warns Trump over tariff row - Read his OPEN LETTER here

A local Saree shop in Bengaluru is going viral for launching an ad styled similar to Chat GPT interface along with the prompt- ‘Why is Varamahalakshmi festival celebrated?’ The ad seems like a creative mixture of modern AI aesthetics and traditional cultural messaging. The internet is calling it ‘Peak Bengaluru’.Bengaluru is often referred to as the 'Silicon Valley' of India and is known for its quirky and offbeat lifestyle. The ad marries tradition with technology, reflecting the identity of Bengaluru. A Twitter user pointed out the shift, “Earlier it would be the Google search bar design.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Local saree shop in Bangalore using ChatGPT mobile interface for an ad is a first. Earlier it would be the Google search bar design. Just Bangalore things I guess. <a href="https://t.co/TA5664tJAs">pic.twitter.com/TA5664tJAs</a>&mdash; Osborne Saldanha (@os7borne) <a href="https://twitter.com/os7borne/status/1952667019125387730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The ad is launched just before the Varamahalakshmi Vratham, which will be celebrated on August 8 this year. This ad tries to tap into a technique from the handbook of marketing, which is known as moment marketing, blending cultural and traditional moments to promote a brand. One user also pointed out the shop's clever inclusion of fintech style- like pay for 11 months, get one month for free. It can capture the attention of both an auto driver and a tech geek at the same time.&nbsp;This is not just an advertisement but a cultural statement. Blending digital trends with local identity.&nbsp;

This local saree shop advertisement blends digital trends with traditional festivities, and has attracted the attention of internet users, many referring to it as ‘Peak Bengaluru moment.’

A local Saree shop in Bengaluru is going viral for launching an ad styled similar to Chat GPT interface along with the prompt- ‘Why is Varamahalakshmi festival celebrated?’ The ad seems like a creative mixture of modern AI aesthetics and traditional cultural messaging. The internet is calling it ‘Peak Bengaluru’. Bengaluru is often referred to as the 'Silicon Valley' of India and is known for its quirky and offbeat lifestyle. The ad marries tradition with technology, reflecting the identity of Bengaluru. A Twitter user pointed out the shift, “Earlier it would be the Google search bar design.”

This local saree shop advertisement blends digital trends with traditional festivities, and has attracted the attention of internet users, many referring to it as ‘Peak Bengaluru moment.’

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Saree and AI: This Bengaluru shop's ad is going viral with a ChatGPT twist