Digest for 24 August, 2025
India Suspends Most US-Bound Postal Services Amid Escalating Tariff Dispute
India's Department of Posts has temporarily suspended most postal services to the United States from August 25, a direct response to new US customs rules eliminating duty-free exemptions. The move comes amid a broader trade dispute, with the Trump administration imposing steep tariffs on Indian goods. While letters and small gifts are exempt, the suspension impacts e-commerce and other commercial shipments, signaling a significant downturn in economic relations between the two countries and affecting countless small businesses.
Trump Nominates Close Aide Sergio Gor as New US Ambassador to India
US President Donald Trump has nominated Sergio Gor, his 38-year-old Director of White House Personnel, as the next Ambassador to India. The appointment of a trusted aide comes during a period of strained trade relations. Controversially, Gor will also serve as Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, a dual role that has raised concerns in New Delhi about a potential U.S. attempt to re-link its India policy with that of Pakistan and the wider region.
India Successfully Tests Indigenous Multi-Layered Air Defence System
India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of its new Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha. The indigenously developed system is multi-layered, comprising Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) missiles, and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW). This test marks a significant milestone in enhancing India's air defence capabilities against a wide range of aerial threats.
CBI Raids Anil Ambani's Residence in Rs 2,929 Cr Bank Fraud Case
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raided the Mumbai residence of industrialist Anil Ambani and offices of Reliance Communications (RCom) in connection with an alleged Rs 2,929 crore bank fraud case filed by the State Bank of India. Following SBI's move, the Bank of India also classified RCom's accounts as fraudulent. The investigation centers on allegations of fund diversion and misrepresentation to secure loans, marking a major development in the ongoing probe into the bankrupt telecom firm.
Rajasthan High Court Bans Use of Over 86,000 Dilapidated School Classrooms
The Rajasthan High Court has ordered the immediate closure of 86,934 dilapidated classrooms in government schools across the state, directing that they be locked to prevent entry. The ruling follows a government survey, prompted by a recent fatal roof collapse in Jhalawar, which found thousands of school buildings and classrooms to be completely unsafe. The court has mandated the state to provide alternative arrangements to ensure students' education is not disrupted, highlighting a critical public safety and infrastructure crisis.