Pakistan Threatens India with Unconventional Strike
8.7.25
Pakistan's Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) warned that if India launches military aggression, Pakistan will respond with a robust and potentially unconventional strike from the east, targeting deep inside Indian territory. The already strained relations between Pakistan and India worsened after the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam incident, which India blamed on Pakistan without evidence. In response to India's actions, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and expelling patients in India, Pakistan declared the treaty's suspension an act of war and retaliated with missile attacks on multiple Pakistani cities, resulting in civilian deaths and injuries. The conflict escalated further when India launched strikes on airbases and Pakistan responded with Operation Banyan Marsus (Iron Wall), targeting Indian military infrastructure. A ceasefire was eventually brokered by the Trump administration, although its role has not been officially acknowledged by the Indian government.
Ukraine-Russia Conflict Escalates: A recent escalation in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia has led to a significant increase in tensions along the border. The situation was further complicated when Russian President Vladimir Putin announced plans to annex the Ukrainian region of Kherson, which was captured by Russian forces in 2014. In response, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed concern over the potential consequences of such an action. Meanwhile, in the United States, a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced legislation aimed at providing additional support to Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
In Business News, Amazon's acquisition of The Washington Post was finalized, with Jeff Bezos' company agreeing to pay $250 million for the iconic newspaper. In Entertainment, the 2025 Academy Awards nominations were announced, with "The Revenant" and "Dune" leading the pack. In Culture, the Louvre Museum in Paris unveiled a new exhibit featuring works by French artist Claude Monet.
In Travel News, the European Union introduced new regulations to reduce carbon emissions from air travel, which will come into effect next year. The new rules aim to make flying more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Chinese President has urged Pakistan and India to resolve their disputes in line with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) spirit for regional stability's sake. The QUAD summit, featuring US President Donald Trump, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Indian Prime Minister Modi, is now uncertain due to Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to New Delhi around the same time. Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Shankar will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow later this month to discuss regional developments.
Switzerland Seeks Better Deal with US Amid Trade Dispute
8.7.25
Switzerland is considering additional talks with the US over a potential deal to secure better terms after the EU agreed to buy $750 billion worth of US energy products at a 15% tariff rate. The EU's concessions, including increased defence spending and investment in the US, were crucial in clinching the deal. Switzerland has already purchased military hardware from the US, including Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jets worth $9.56 billion. Swiss politicians have called for the F-35 deal to be scrapped due to the trade dispute, but the government is focused on sweetening its offer to Washington.
Russia withdrew from the Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in response to the US withdrawal, following Donald Trump's decision to exit the treaty in 2019. The INF, signed between the US and Soviet Union in 1987, banned intermediate- and short-range nuclear missiles between 500 to 5,500 km range. This move is part of a pattern of arms control treaties that Trump has abandoned, including the Open Skies Treaty with Russia, which allowed for joint aerial surveillance over each other's territories.
Trump, Lee to Forge Strategic Alliance in Washington
8.7.25
US President Donald Trump's upcoming summit with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung in Washington is expected to focus on elevating their bilateral alliance into a 'comprehensive strategic alliance', excluding discussions on South Korea's role in a potential Taiwan conflict. The US has reportedly informed Seoul that it will not raise the issue, while South Korea's cautious stance on China aligns with President Lee's emphasis on fostering ties and engagement.
US President Donald Trump is considering a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in person next week as part of efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. The meeting could take place soon, according to a White House official. In recent days, US President Donald Trump made phone calls to both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin amid tensions over Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine. A meeting between US envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian leadership in Moscow was also held earlier that day, which the Kremlin described as
The US acknowledged a lack of convergence on plastic-related provisions after a Nairobi meeting, with each country advised to take measures according to its national context. Greenpeace USA's John Hocevar criticized the US delegation under Trump for using financial pressure to influence other governments' positions, likening it to "old school bullying".
US Imposes Tariffs on Brazil, South Africa, Others
8.7.25
The US has imposed tariffs on several countries, including Laos, Myanmar, Syria, Brazil, and South Africa. The tariffs range from 30% to 50%, with the highest rate applied to precious gems and metals exported by South Africa. This move is in response to concerns over the treatment of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro.