1) India — Modi’s long Independence Day speech and big economic moves This week Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Aug 15 Red Fort address to roll out a major economic package: promises on GST reform (talk of fewer slabs and targeted cuts), fresh public spending on roads and energy projects, and measures pitched to lower everyday costs. The speech was unusually long and clearly aimed at sending a reassuring message to voters ahead of state elections. For ordinary people the immediate question is simple — will groceries, fuel or electricity become cheaper? For businesses, the big issues are timing and detail: small tax changes can change pricing strategies, and promised infrastructure spending only helps once funds are released and projects start. Economists are split — some say stimulus could boost short-term demand, others warn higher spending will raise fiscal pressures and could tighten borrowing conditions later. Watch the official policy notes over the next weeks for exact GST rates and implementation dates; that’s when markets and consumer prices will react.Why it matters: Direct effect on household budgets and firm pricing; political timing could shape state polls.Read more. Hindustan Times+1 2) Israel — plan to seize Gaza City raises humanitarian alarms Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan to expand military operations in Gaza City — an area with dense populations and already critical shortages of food, water and medicine. Aid groups and the United Nations warned the move risks mass displacement and makes it much harder to deliver life-saving aid. Israel says the operation aims to dismantle militant infrastructure and free hostages; critics say a push into Gaza City could create a humanitarian catastrophe and inflame regional tensions. For civilians the reality is immediate: families may be forced to move, hospitals struggle to operate, and safe evacuation corridors are fragile. Diplomatically, the plan has prompted widespread concern and calls for protections for civilians while fighting continues. When you write this for readers, keep the focus human — who is at risk, where aid groups are trying to work, and what international actors (UN, Red Cross) are demanding. Also note internal debate in Israel: some security officials worry about the humanitarian fallout while political leaders press ahead.Why it matters: A large offensive could multiply civilian suffering, disrupt aid, and widen regional instability.Read more. ReutersAl Jazeera 3) Russia–Ukraine diplomacy — leaked conditions from Alaska talks and the hard politics Reports from high-level meetings in Alaska this week described a Russian outline that would require Ukraine to give up control or accept special status for parts of Donetsk and Luhansk as part of a peace framework. Kyiv has openly rejected any settlement that amounts to ceding territory — for Ukrainian leaders that would be politically and morally unacceptable. The leak shows diplomats and leaders are exploring political routes even as fighting continues, but it also highlights a core problem: any peace that locks in Russian territorial gains is unlikely to be accepted in Kyiv or by many Western backers. Practically, that makes true diplomatic breakthroughs hard unless a formula is found that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty while addressing security concerns — a very difficult balance. For readers: explain simply that diplomacy is happening, but the proposals on the table risk being political non-starters unless Ukraine agrees. Keep an eye on how this shapes Western military aid and public opinion inside Ukraine.Why it matters: Peace proposals that demand land transfers are deeply controversial and could derail diplomatic progress.Read more. The Times of IndiaWall Street Journal 4) U.S. tariffs — looming big levies on chips, steel and the ripple effect Washington signalled new, steep tariffs this week — part of a drive to bring critical tech and metals production back to the U.S. The proposals focus on items like semiconductors and certain metals; some reports even mention sector-specific levies that could be very high for foreign-made chips. The immediate business response is sharp uncertainty: manufacturers that rely on cross-border supply chains need to rethink sourcing and contracts, and some companies may pass higher costs to consumers. For exporters — including suppliers in Asia and India — the risk is lost orders or squeezed margins. Markets have already priced in the risk: shares of firms tied to global supply chains moved as traders reacted. Politically, tariffs are popular with some domestic constituencies but typically invite retaliation or long trade negotiations. For your readers, highlight which goods could rise in price, how long supply chains might take to shift, and what businesses can do (inventory buffers, diversify suppliers).Why it matters: Could raise consumer prices, reshape manufacturing locations, and spark wider trade responses.Read more. ReutersSupply Chain Dive 5) Houthis and shipping — Red Sea warnings, insurance hikes and longer routes Yemen’s Houthi group sent formal warnings to dozens of shipowners this week and continued attacks aimed at vessels it sees as linked to Israel. The result: shipping insurers raised premiums, some carriers rerouted around Africa to avoid the Suez/Red Sea route, and naval authorities issued higher-risk advisories. That matters fast: rerouting adds days or weeks to voyages and pushes up freight costs; higher insurance and security fees get baked into shipping bills and eventually consumer prices. Importers and exporters that depend on timely deliveries — electronics, retail goods, even some food items — face delays and uncertainty. For journalists, the most useful angle for readers is practical: explain how routes, port calls and delivery windows change, name industries likely affected first, and give businesses steps (short-term rerouting plans, higher buffer stock) to reduce risk. International navies and insurers are coordinating responses, but a long-term fix needs a political solution in Yemen and the region.Why it matters: Disrupted sea lanes hit trade quickly — higher costs and slower deliveries for global commerce.Read more. Splash247S&P Global 6) China — July data show weaker factory output and retail sales, cooling demand China’s July numbers came in below expectations: factory output growth slowed and retail sales cooled — a sign household demand is not yet strong. That matters far beyond China’s borders

1) India pushes back after sudden U.S. tariffs — defence purchases paused, markets jitter This week New Delhi signalled a firm response to a surprise U.S. tariff move that targeted Indian imports. Reports say Washington imposed sharp, broad tariffs, prompting immediate market turbulence in India (rupee weakness, commodity swings) and diplomatic strain. In a fast follow-up, India reportedly paused planned weapons and aircraft purchases from the U.S. and delayed an expected defence visit — a clear signalling that trade policy can spill directly into strategic ties. For ordinary Indians, the tariff shock has immediate meaning: exporters and manufacturers face uncertainty, the rupee saw pressure, and policy-makers must balance economic pain with geopolitical priorities. Analysts say New Delhi will likely pursue a dual-track approach — protect export sectors while opening high-level talks to defuse the shock — though much depends on how Washington moves next. Businesses will be watching any tariff clarifications closely; for readers, expect a short-term hit to investor sentiment and potential reshoring conversations in supply chains. The Economic TimesAl Jazeera 2) Israel approves phased plan to seize Gaza City — international alarm grows Israel’s security cabinet approved a phased operation reportedly aimed at seizing control of Gaza City, a dramatic escalation after nearly two years of conflict. The plan — which officials say focuses on key urban objectives rather than full permanent governance — triggered immediate international concern over civilian safety, displacement and humanitarian access. Aid groups warned of catastrophic consequences as food, water and medical supplies remain scarce in many parts of the enclave; reports of hunger-related deaths and civilians refusing to leave their homes highlighted the human cost. Israel says the move targets Hamas’s command nodes and aims to secure hostage releases, but critics and several European governments urged restraint and de-escalation, with some suspending military equipment transfers. The delicate balance between military objectives and humanitarian protection is now under intense global scrutiny; diplomatic channels will be busy in the coming days as regional and global actors push for safeguards and ceasefire diplomacy. The Wall Street JournalAl JazeeraThe Guardian 3) Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens — starvation and displacement headline coverage Alongside military plans, reporting this week emphasised a worsening humanitarian picture in Gaza: growing numbers of hunger-related deaths, mass displacement and attacks on aid convoys. Journalists and health officials described crowded camps, limited medical supplies, and the challenge of reaching besieged urban neighborhoods. Humanitarian agencies warned that any major ground operation in Gaza City would likely displace hundreds of thousands more and could push conditions toward a full-scale relief emergency. International pressure mounted on all sides to enable sustained, safe corridors for food, water and medicine; meanwhile, calls for third-party mediation to secure hostage releases and humanitarian pauses intensified. For readers, this story is a reminder that headlines about strategy and territory have immediate human consequences — and that relief logistics, donor responses, and diplomatic channels will shape how the crisis unfolds over weeks, not days. Al Jazeera 4) Russia’s campaign in Ukraine: incremental gains, sustained missile and drone strikes Military analysts continued to track incremental Russian advances in parts of eastern Ukraine this week, with think-tanks documenting offensives and a high tempo of drone and missile attacks across multiple fronts. Assessments pointed to expanded Russian production of long-range strike assets — enabling sustained pressure on Ukrainian logistics and urban centers — while Ukrainian forces reported tactical adjustments to blunt advances. The fighting remains attritional: control of some towns shifted or became contested, but both sides appear dug in for a prolonged campaign. The international security community watched for impacts on energy and grain exports, given how continued hostilities can reverberate in commodity markets. For readers, the key takeaway is that the conflict remains active and fluid; expect continued coverage of frontline shifts, civilian impacts, and diplomatic efforts to sustain support packages and sanctions enforcement. Institute for the Study of War+1Al Jazeera 5) Global summer of extremes: heatwaves, Arctic records and wildfires Scientists and climate reporters flagged another week of extreme heat, with new temperature records, heat-related impacts on wildlife (reports of reindeer deaths in the Arctic), and wildfires across parts of Europe. Northern latitudes, usually cooler, experienced unusual surges that stress infrastructure and ecosystems; meanwhile, regions from Japan to southern Europe recorded dangerous highs. Carbon Brief and other outlets framed this as part of a broader pattern this summer — a “cavalcade of climate extremes” — with experts warning that such clustered events will become more common unless emissions are rapidly curtailed and adaptation planning is scaled up. For everyday readers, the implications are immediate: more health advisories, strain on power grids, harvest and supply disruptions, and renewed pressure on governments to translate climate commitments into tangible resilience measures. Deutsche WelleCarbon BriefPhys.org 6) China’s economic signals cause concern — overcapacity, falling price pressures Reports this week pointed to deeper structural issues in China’s economy: persistent deflationary signals, overcapacity in manufacturing and real estate pressure that together erode corporate profits and dent investor confidence. Analysts warned that falling factory-gate prices and a prolonged GDP-deflator decline may force Beijing into a delicate policy balancing act — stimulate growth without re-igniting debt bubbles in property or local government financing. Global supply chains and commodity markets are sensitive to China’s demand outlook, so weaker industrial activity there can ripple outward, hitting exporters and raw-material producers. For businesses and readers, the practical lens is clear: slower Chinese demand could change export prospects for many countries and force investors to reprice growth expectations for the rest of 2025. The Guardian 7) Markets jitter after political shocks — safe-havens rally while risk assets wobble This week’s policy shocks and geopolitical escalations pushed investors toward safe-haven assets: gold saw gains and certain commodity prices moved as traders weighed tariffs, sanctions risks and regional instability. Emerging market currencies — notably the Indian rupee — came under pressure after the tariff news and broader risk-off flows. Equity indices in some regions trimmed gains as uncertainty rose about near-term trade flows and supply-chain disruptions. Central banks and

1. Beijing Floods Kill Over 30 After Record Rain Northern China’s capital Beijing was hit by catastrophic flooding after unprecedented heavy rain this week. In a few days, the city saw about a year’s worth of rain fall, submerging highways and villages. At least 30 people died and more than 80,000 residents had to be evacuated as bridges collapsed and power was cut off in rural areas reuters.com. Disaster experts note that such “trapped” downpours are becoming more common with climate change, straining even well-prepared cities. Cleanup and relief efforts are underway as authorities assess infrastructure damage and residents cope with this historic weather event reuters.com. 2. Israel Pauses Gaza Fighting for Aid Delivery Amid growing international pressure, Israel announced it will halt military operations for 10 hours each day in parts of Gaza to allow humanitarian convoys into the enclave reuters.com. The temporary truce, beginning Sunday, is meant to aid starving civilians after months of siege and fighting. Jordan and the United Arab Emirates even began airdropping food supplies, while the U.S. president – on a trip to Scotland – warned that “a lot of people are starving” in Gaza reuters.com. Israel has also agreed to open more secure land routes for aid trucks, though officials stress the war will continue. Aid agencies say these steps are positive but insufficient, and they urge a broader ceasefire as Gazans face famine conditions reuters.comreuters.com. 3. South Korea and U.S. Seal $350 Billion Trade Deal South Korea and the United States finalized a massive trade and investment agreement this week, defusing a months-long tariff standoff. Under the deal, the U.S. will cap tariffs on most Korean goods at 15%, down from as high as 25%, in exchange for roughly $350 billion of new South Korean investment in U.S. industries reuters.com. Korean officials said the pact “cleared up uncertainties” and put exporters on equal footing with rivals, while American leaders hailed the large investment commitments reuters.comreuters.com. The agreement follows trade threats – and earlier threats of 25% auto tariffs – between the two allies, and it now allows both sides to resume normal commerce. Analysts view the deal as a “worst-case avoided” outcome that stabilizes the U.S.-Korea trade relationship reuters.comreuters.com. 4. IMF Raises Global Growth Forecast, Warns of Tariff Risks In new economic projections released at the IMF-World Bank meetings, the International Monetary Fund slightly upgraded its global growth outlook for 2025 to about 3.0% reuters.com. That’s marginally higher than earlier estimates but still below pre-pandemic norms. The IMF cautioned that U.S. President Trump’s tariffs and ongoing trade wars remain a major drag. Even a 10% tariff applied to almost all imports and threats of yet-higher duties have “hurt” growth, IMF economists warned reuters.com. In fact, the Fund noted that U.S. tariffs pushed up consumer prices and that stalled trade, not consumer spending, is currently limiting world growth. While the report leaves the door open for stronger growth, it underscored that “uncertainty remains high” as tit-for-tat tariffs between the U.S., China and others could tighten financial conditions reuters.comreuters.com. 5. China-EU Summit Focuses on Trade and Ukraine European Union leaders will meet Chinese counterparts in Beijing next week amid cautious optimism and clear disagreements. In a preparatory video call, China’s commerce minister and the EU’s trade chief held a “candid, in-depth discussion” on how to boost economic cooperation reuters.com. However, just days before the summit the two sides remain at odds on key issues. Brussels plans to press Beijing on its export of rare earth minerals and on China’s handling of Russia’s war in Ukraine reuters.com. Beijing for its part raised objections about EU sanctions on Chinese banks linked to Russia reuters.com. Officials say both sides want smoother trade links, but significant policy rifts – from industrial subsidies to human rights – are likely to dominate the summit dialogue.reuters.com 6. Brazil Loosens Environmental Rules Ahead of Climate Summit Less than four months before hosting COP30, Brazil’s Congress approved a bill this week that loosens key environmental licensing requirements. The new law lets many dams, roads and basic infrastructure projects proceed without the strict permits that were previously needed reuters.com. It won broad support from lawmakers allied with agribusiness, arguing that onerous permits were choking development. But environmentalists and even some members of President Lula’s government warned the change would do more harm than good reuters.com. Critics say Brazil is essentially undermining its own green credentials on the eve of the U.N. summit – “misaligning” itself with international standards even as it seeks to lead on climate issues reuters.comreuters.com. The vote adds to concerns about deforestation and drilling in the Amazon, despite Brazil’s pledge to make COP30 more inclusive for poorer nations. 7. UN Urgent Talks Over High Costs at COP30 Venue The U.N. climate community is scrambling after diplomats warned that the venue costs for the upcoming COP30 summit in Belém, Brazil, could freeze out poorer nations. In an emergency meeting of the U.N. climate bureau, countries from Africa and beyond expressed alarm that hotel and accommodation rates in the Amazon host city have soared so high that many delegations fear they won’t afford to attend reuters.com. Brazil’s organizers have promised to address the problem by August 11, proposing measures such as cruise-ship hotels and extra housing. reuters.comreuters.com The pressure reflects a major worry: nearly every country needs to send climate negotiators, and any barriers to participation could undermine the summit’s legitimacy. The story is now dominating discussions ahead of the UNFCCC summit in November, highlighting tensions between rich and developing nations on climate diplomacy reuters.comreuters.com. 8. El Salvador Abolishes Term Limits, Paving Way for Bukele’s Re-Election In a sweeping constitutional overhaul, El Salvador’s congress voted to scrap presidential term limits and extend terms from five to six years reuters.com. The reform, approved by the ruling New Ideas party on July 31, effectively opens the door for President Nayib Bukele to seek yet another term. Bukele – already a highly popular leader credited with drastically reducing crime – won a second term last year

1. NEET-UG Re-Test Ordered by Supreme Court Amid Paper Leak and Grace Marks Row In a major development, the Supreme Court has ordered that 1,563 NEET-UG students who received grace marks must retake the exam on August 3, 2025. This decision comes after massive outrage across the country over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2025 examination. Reports had surfaced about paper leaks, poor invigilation, and unjust awarding of grace marks, which led to protests by students and parents nationwide. The court criticized the National Testing Agency (NTA) for compromising exam integrity and ordered it to offer the affected students a choice: appear for a re-test or retain their original score minus the grace marks. The NTA has been told to ensure transparency and robust systems in future exams. This case has reignited concerns about fairness in national-level competitive exams and the mental toll such controversies take on aspirants. 2. India Passes the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill in Lok Sabha The Digital Personal Data Protection Bill 2025 was passed in the Lok Sabha this week, marking a major step in India’s data privacy regulation. The bill gives citizens more control over how their personal data is collected, stored, and processed by companies. It introduces strict consent requirements, allowing users to withdraw permission anytime. It also requires organizations to delete data if it’s no longer necessary. However, there is criticism that the bill allows the government to bypass these protections in the name of national interest, which may reduce accountability. Despite concerns, the bill is being hailed as a much-needed measure in today’s digital age where data breaches, spam calls, and identity theft are rising. The bill will now go to the Rajya Sabha for approval before it becomes law. Businesses across India are preparing to revamp their data handling policies to comply with the upcoming rules. 3. Assam and Bihar Devastated by Monsoon Floods, Thousands Displaced Heavy rains triggered devastating floods in Assam and Bihar, affecting over 15 lakh people across several districts. Rivers like the Brahmaputra, Kosi, and Gandak have crossed danger levels, submerging villages, roads, and farmlands. Rescue teams from the NDRF and local authorities are working day and night to evacuate people to relief camps. So far, over 30 deaths have been reported, with thousands displaced and homes destroyed. Waterborne diseases are rising, and food shortages have been reported in some areas. In Assam, Kaziranga National Park is also submerged, threatening wildlife. The Chief Ministers of both states have requested additional funds from the central government. Climate experts blame erratic monsoons and poor flood management systems. Citizens and volunteers are sharing SOS messages on social media to seek help for stranded people. Relief materials are being sent, but many villages remain unreachable due to damaged roads. 4. US Faces Record-Breaking Heatwave, Cities Cross 50°C The United States is facing an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures reaching above 50°C in some southwestern states like Arizona, Nevada, and parts of California. Cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas are under red alert as hospitals report a spike in heat-related illnesses, especially among the elderly and outdoor workers. Authorities have opened cooling centers and imposed work restrictions. Power grids are under pressure due to high demand for air conditioning, and several blackouts have been reported. Scientists have confirmed that this heatwave is intensified by climate change and the El Niño weather pattern. The U.S. National Weather Service warned that such extreme weather events may become more frequent and deadly. Environmental activists are urging stronger action on climate policy. Meanwhile, public services and delivery workers continue to work in dangerous heat conditions, raising concern about labor protections in such crises. 5. Countdown Begins for Paris 2024 Olympics: 1 Year to Go The world is gearing up for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, set to begin exactly one year from now in July 2025. France has unveiled a floating Olympic stadium on the Seine River, showcasing its ambition to make the event not only grand but eco-friendly. Over 15,000 athletes from around the world are expected to compete in 329 events across 32 sports. Special focus is being given to security, transportation, and sustainability. Paris plans to cut carbon emissions by 50% compared to previous Olympics. India is planning to send its biggest-ever Olympic squad, with high hopes in sports like boxing, wrestling, shooting, and badminton. The Olympic torch will begin its relay from Marseille in May 2025. Ticket sales have opened, and tourism promotions are in full swing. This Olympics promises to blend French culture with modern innovation, especially in its unique public-space-based venues. 6. Sweden Joins NATO Amid Russia Tensions In a historic move, Sweden officially joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) this week, becoming the alliance’s 32nd member. This ends Sweden’s longstanding policy of neutrality that it maintained for over 200 years. The final hurdle was Turkey, which had blocked Sweden’s entry, but lifted its objections after diplomatic talks. This expansion comes amid growing tensions between NATO and Russia, especially after the war in Ukraine. Russia has condemned Sweden’s move and threatened to increase military presence near its borders. For NATO, Sweden’s entry strengthens its northern defense and gives it greater access to the Arctic region. The U.S. and European allies welcomed the move, calling it a powerful message of unity. Sweden, in return, gains protection under NATO’s collective defense clause, which states that an attack on one member is an attack on all. 7. China’s Real Estate Crisis Deepens: Evergrande Ordered to Liquidate China’s property sector crisis worsened as a Hong Kong court ordered the liquidation of Evergrande, one of the country’s biggest real estate developers. Once valued at over $300 billion, Evergrande is now bankrupt and unable to repay its massive debts. The court’s decision affects thousands of unfinished housing projects and millions of investors, including global firms. Many Chinese families who invested their life savings in these homes are protesting. This marks a significant moment in China’s economic slowdown. The government is now under pressure to