Digest for 25 August, 2025
US Cites Tariffs on India as Leverage to End Russia-Ukraine War
US Vice President JD Vance stated that the Trump administration's 50% tariffs on Indian imports are "aggressive economic leverage" intended to pressure Russia to end the war in Ukraine. The tariffs target India's purchase of discounted Russian crude oil. India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has rebuffed the criticism, asserting that India will continue to buy oil based on its national interest and market dynamics, noting that both the US and Europe also trade with Russia.
India Successfully Tests Indigenous Integrated Air Defence Weapon 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 a multi-layered defence shield comprising Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAM), Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), and a high-power laser-based Directed Energy Weapon (DEW). The test establishes a significant advancement in India's capability to defend strategic assets against aerial threats.
ISRO Successfully Tests Gaganyaan Mission's Parachute System
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for the Gaganyaan mission's parachute system near Sriharikota. The test validated the crucial parachute-based deceleration system designed to ensure the safe recovery and landing of the crew module upon its return to Earth. The successful demonstration, a joint effort with the IAF, DRDO, Navy, and Coast Guard, is a critical milestone for India's ambitious human spaceflight programme.
Israeli Airstrikes Target Houthi Positions in Yemen's Capital
Israeli airstrikes hit multiple targets in Sanaa, Yemen's capital, on Sunday, according to Houthi rebels. The strikes reportedly targeted a power plant and a gas station, just days after the Iran-backed group launched a new type of cluster missile toward Israel. The Houthis have been attacking Israel and commercial shipping in the Red Sea for months, claiming solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. This marks a continued escalation in the regional conflict, with Israel directly targeting Houthi infrastructure.
Eight Pilgrims Killed, 43 Injured in Uttar Pradesh Road Accident
Eight people, including two minors, died and 43 others were injured after a truck crashed into a tractor-trolley carrying pilgrims in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, early Monday morning. The victims, travelling from Kasganj to Rajasthan, were hit from behind, causing their vehicle to overturn. The state government has announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. The truck involved has been impounded by police.