US and China Extend Tariff Truce for 90 Days
The United States and China have extended their trade truce for another 90 days, delaying a significant tariff escalation. The previous deadline was set to expire Tuesday, which could have triggered duties of up to 145% on Chinese goods and 125% on US goods. The extension, announced by US President Donald Trump, maintains the current 30% US tariff and 10% Chinese tariff. The move provides more time for negotiations on longstanding trade disputes and offers stability for businesses and global markets.
Centre Approves Four New Semiconductor Units Worth ₹4,600 Crore
The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of four new semiconductor manufacturing units in Odisha, Punjab, and Andhra Pradesh, with a total investment of ₹4,594 crore. The move is part of the India Semiconductor Mission to bolster the country's electronics manufacturing ecosystem. The projects include a silicon carbide plant in Bhubaneswar, a 3D glass unit in Odisha, a chip packaging plant in Andhra Pradesh, and a facility in Punjab, significantly boosting India's capacity in this strategic sector.
Supreme Court Orders All Stray Dogs Removed from Delhi-NCR Streets
Citing an "extremely grim" situation from stray dog bites and rabies cases, the Supreme Court has ordered authorities in Delhi, Noida, and Gurugram to remove all stray dogs from public areas. The bench directed that the dogs be permanently relocated to shelters, which must be equipped with CCTV cameras and sufficient staff for care, sterilisation, and immunisation. The court warned of strict action, including contempt proceedings, against any individuals or organisations obstructing the removal process, emphasizing public safety over sentiment.
China to Build Strategic Xinjiang-Tibet Railway Near Indian Border
China is set to begin construction on an ambitious railway connecting Xinjiang with Tibet, with parts of the route running near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India. A state-owned company has been established with 95 billion yuan ($13.2 billion) in capital to build the link between Hotan and Lhasa. The project is part of a plan to create a 5,000-km plateau rail network by 2035, significantly enhancing China's infrastructure and logistical capabilities in the strategically sensitive border region.
India and China Poised to Resume Direct Flights After Five-Year Hiatus
India and China are in advanced negotiations to resume direct flight services, which have been suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent border tensions in 2020. The move signals a potential thaw in diplomatic and economic relations ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's likely visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The resumption of air connectivity is expected to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people contact between the two Asian powers, marking a significant step in normalizing ties.
Supreme Court Stays Coercive Action Against Owners of Older Vehicles in Delhi-NCR
In a major relief to millions of vehicle owners, the Supreme Court has ordered authorities not to take coercive action against those plying diesel vehicles over 10 years old or petrol vehicles over 15 years old in the Delhi-NCR region. The court issued the interim directive while hearing a plea from the Delhi government seeking to recall a 2018 order that enforced a blanket ban based on vehicle age. The plea argues for a more scientific, emission-based criteria for vehicle fitness.
Australia Announces It Will Recognize Palestinian Statehood
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that his country will formally recognize a Palestinian state, a decision to be formalized at the UN General Assembly in September. The move, which follows similar signals from France, Britain, and Canada, is predicated on commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including no role for Hamas and demilitarization. Albanese described the decision as a practical contribution to a two-state solution and an end to the "humanitarian catastrophe" and cycle of violence in Gaza.
India Reaffirms Call for Peace in Modi-Zelenskyy Phone Conversation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reaffirming India's consistent position for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict with Russia. During the call, which comes just days before a US-Russia summit on the issue, Modi conveyed India's support for all efforts aimed at restoring peace. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for India's support and stated that the two leaders agreed to a personal meeting in September during the UN General Assembly session.
Government Tightens Rules, Links OCI Card Status to Criminal Convictions
The Ministry of Home Affairs has notified new rules that make Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders liable for cancellation of their status if they are sentenced to jail for two years or more. The registration can also be cancelled if a person is charge-sheeted for an offense punishable with imprisonment of seven years or more. This policy change significantly tightens the criteria for holding the multi-entry, lifelong visa, linking it directly to criminal proceedings and convictions faced by Indian-origin foreign nationals.
US Designates Balochistan Liberation Army a Foreign Terrorist Organisation
The United States has officially designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, The Majeed Brigade, as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). The BLA was previously listed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) in 2019. The State Department said the new designation reflects the group's continued responsibility for terrorist activities, including recent attacks in Karachi and Gwadar, and the hijacking of a passenger train. The designation freezes the group's assets and bans material support to it.
Air India to Suspend Delhi-Washington Flights from September
Air India will suspend its direct flights between Delhi and Washington D.C. starting September 1, citing operational factors. The airline stated the decision is driven by a planned fleet shortfall as it undertakes a major retrofitting program for its Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which will ground multiple planes until at least late 2026. Continued closure of Pakistani airspace also adds to operational complexity. Passengers will be offered alternative travel arrangements, including re-routing through other US gateways or full refunds.
Karnataka Minister Sacked After 'Vote-Theft' Remarks
Karnataka Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna has been removed from the state cabinet by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The sacking follows Rajanna's recent remarks apparently blaming his own Congress-led state government for "vote-theft" irregularities during the Lok Sabha elections. This contradicted the party's national stance, which blames the BJP. The public statement caused significant embarrassment for the party high command, prompting the Chief Minister to recommend Rajanna's removal to the Governor, who accepted it with immediate effect.
World Champion Gukesh Recovers to Secure Joint Third at St. Louis Chess Tournament
Reigning world chess champion D. Gukesh made a strong comeback after an opening-round loss to finish the first day of the St. Louis Rapid and Blitz tournament in joint third place. The Indian grandmaster was outplayed by American Levon Aronian but rebounded with impressive victories against Grigoriy Oparin and Liem Le Quang. Aronian leads the prestigious Grand Chess Tour event with a perfect score, while Gukesh's recovery, including a picturesque checkmate, keeps him in strong contention.
US Considers Tariffs on China for Russian Oil Buys After Hitting India
The US is contemplating imposing tariffs on China for purchasing Russian oil, a move that follows the recent imposition of a total 50% duty on India for similar reasons. Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed President Trump is weighing options, noting the complexity of the US-China relationship. India has condemned the tariffs against it as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable" and plans to take necessary actions to protect its interests, highlighting significant friction in global trade and energy politics.
Australia to Formally Recognise Palestinian State
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that his country will formally recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September, joining a growing number of Western nations. The decision is contingent on commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including no role for Hamas and the demilitarisation of Gaza. Albanese described the move as a practical contribution to a two-state solution amid the "humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza. The announcement drew criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.