Digest for 16 August, 2025
Trump-Putin Summit in Alaska Ends Without Ukraine Peace Deal
A high-stakes summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, has concluded without an agreement to end the war in Ukraine. After about 2.5 hours of talks, both leaders described the meeting as "productive" but conceded they had not reached a deal on a ceasefire. Trump stated, "There's no deal until there's a deal," and indicated he would consult with Ukrainian and NATO leaders. The meeting, Putin's first in the US in a decade, ended without a joint press conference.
US May Not Impose Secondary Tariffs on India for Russian Oil Purchases
US President Donald Trump has indicated that his administration may not impose secondary tariffs on countries, including India, for purchasing Russian crude oil. The statement, made after his meeting with Vladimir Putin, signals potential relief for India, which faces existing US tariffs of 50% set to take effect on August 27. The development could significantly impact India's economic and energy security strategy, easing trade tensions between New Delhi and Washington over India's continued procurement of Russian energy resources.
Government Proposes Major GST Revamp with Two Tax Slabs
The central government has reportedly proposed a significant overhaul of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime, aiming to simplify it into two primary rates: 5% and 18%. According to sources, most items currently in the 12% slab would shift to 5%, while many goods and services now taxed at 28% would move to the 18% slab. A special rate of 40% would be reserved for just seven luxury and sin items. This structural change, expected by Diwali, aims to boost consumption.
Heavy Rains Batter Mumbai, Triggering Fatal Landslide and Severe Flooding
Intense overnight rainfall in Mumbai has caused widespread disruption, with the India Meteorological Department issuing a red alert for the city and five other districts. The downpour led to severe waterlogging, affecting suburban train services and road transport. In a tragic incident in the eastern suburb of Vikhroli, a landslide collapsed onto a hut, killing two people and injuring two others from the same family. Civic authorities have urged citizens to stay indoors and have deployed emergency response teams across the metropolis.
Enforcement Directorate Raids Tamil Nadu Minister I. Periyasamy in Money Laundering Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations linked to Tamil Nadu Rural Development Minister I. Periyasamy and his son, MLA I.P. Senthil Kumar. The raids are part of an ongoing investigation into a money laundering case under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Periyasamy is a senior leader of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party. The action marks another instance of a central agency probing a high-profile politician in the state.