Heavy rains continued to batter the Jammu division for the third straight day, suspending traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar highway due to landslides in Ramban. Rivers like Tawi, Ujh, Ravi, and Basanter are rising dangerously, submerging low-lying areas. Authorities warned of flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts in vulnerable districts.
A cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district has triggered flash floods, washing away several vehicles in Bhalesa. Continuous rainfall has caused landslides, blocking parts of NH-44 in Ramban. Authorities urge caution, advising limited travel. IMD has issued rain alerts for several districts, as rising river levels increase the threat of flooding across the region.
Trump threatened 200% tariffs on China if it does not export rare-earth magnets, crucial for industries from cars to fighter jets. Speaking after meeting South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Trump emphasized maintaining a strong US-China relationship while highlighting America’s leverage, warning that using it could severely impact China’s economy.
PM Modi inaugurated Maruti Suzuki’s first electric SUV, called the ‘e-VITARA’, today in Hansalpur, Gujarat. The EV is a Made-in-India automobile that will be exported to over 100 countries, including those in Europe and Japan. This move positions India as a major global hub for clean energy manufacturing and green mobility.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra joined Rahul Gandhi in Bihar’s Supaul for the “Voter Adhikar Yatra,” alongside INDIA bloc leaders, including Revanth Reddy and Tejashwi Yadav. Rahul Gandhi emphasized opposition unity, a forthcoming common manifesto, and criticized the NDA, alleging the Election Commission’s SIR aimed to aid BJP ahead of Bihar assembly polls.
A key review meeting will be held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) today following the Trump administration’s decision to impose new tariffs on Indian exports from August 27. The meeting will focus on assessing the impact on trade and formulating counter-strategies, including an action plan to minimize the negative effects.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided the residence of AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj in connection with the ₹5,590 crore hospital projects case. Officials also searched multiple other locations as part of the probe. The inquiry focuses on alleged irregularities in hospital construction projects, with ED intensifying its crackdown on suspected financial violations.
Monsoon mayhem hit Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab with heavy rains, prompting IMD red alerts for Himachal and J&K. Chamba, Kangra, and Mandi face flood risk from Beas River. Orange alerts cover Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra. IMD predicts heavy rains in Northwest India till August 26, easing gradually afterward.
Donald Trump removed Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, citing alleged false mortgage statements. Trump referenced a criminal referral from the Federal Housing Finance Agency to the attorney general, calling it “sufficient cause.” While presidents are limited in ousting Fed officials, Trump argued the allegations justified Cook’s immediate removal.
A 3.5-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar early today, according to the National Center for Seismology (NCS). The quake hit at 03:03 IST at a shallow depth of 25 km, with coordinates 22.62°N and 96.17°E. NCS warned the shallow depth makes the region susceptible to aftershocks, though no immediate damage or casualties were reported.
US President Donald Trump, after meeting South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung at the White House, said he hopes to meet North Korea’s Kim Jong Un this year. Despite earlier criticism of raids in South Korea, Trump called it a misunderstanding. He emphasized diplomacy, praised Kim, and noted reduced rocket tests since his return.
In response to the US decision to impose an additional 25% tariff on Indian products from August 27, the Indian Embassy in the U.S. has appointed a new lobbying firm for strategic consultations. The firm will advise on media relations, digital audits, and social media strategy to strengthen India’s position amid rising trade tensions.
The Trump administration has imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports from August 27, doubling duties to 50% over India’s Russian crude purchases. With ties strained, PM Modi, addressing a rally in Ahmedabad, vowed resilience, assuring protection for farmers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses against mounting global economic pressures.
Volodymyr Zelensky thanked PM Modi for his Independence Day greetings, appreciating India’s commitment to peace and dialogue. Zelensky said the world seeks lasting peace and counts on India’s contribution. He shared Modi’s letter extending greetings to Ukraine and recalling his Kyiv visit, expressing hope to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Donald Trump said he expects to visit China this year or soon after, citing improved economic ties despite lingering tariff threats. Speaking alongside South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Trump noted recent talks with Xi Jinping and warned of steep duties if China fails commitments, while voicing confidence in maintaining strong bilateral relations.