The United States has officially issued a public notice imposing an additional 25% tariff on imports from India, set to take effect at 12:01 am (EST) on August 27, 2025. This brings the total tariff on certain Indian goods to 50% and is cited as a response to "threats to the United States by the Government of the Russian Federation," specifically penalizing India's continued purchase of Russian oil. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strongly reacted to the impending tariffs, stating that India "will not bow" to the pressure and will continue to increase its strength to withstand such economic challenges. He emphasized that the welfare of small entrepreneurs, shopkeepers, and farmers is his government's foremost priority. The tariffs have already impacted India's diamond capital, Surat, bringing the industry to a near-standstill with an estimated 50,000 workers laid off since April. Indian officials have deemed the secondary tariffs as "unfair, unjustified and unreasonable."
In other significant national news, the Supreme Court has made several notable rulings. It granted protection from arrest to psephologist Sanjay Kumar in connection with two FIRs lodged by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for alleged misinformation regarding Maharashtra's electoral rolls. The apex court also directed a trial judge not to take cognizance of a charge sheet against academician Ali Khan Mahmudabad for contentious social media posts. Additionally, the Supreme Court offered a death row convict the facility to virtually participate in the 13th-day rituals for his deceased mother. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been constituted by the Supreme Court to investigate Vantara and its acquisition of animals.
India's defense and space sectors have seen progress. ISRO successfully completed the first integrated air drop test for the Gaganyaan mission, a crucial step for India's human spaceflight program. Furthermore, India successfully conducted the maiden flight tests of an integrated air defense weapon system (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha.
Political and social developments include Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla taking oath as Nagaland Governor with additional charge. Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange has issued an ultimatum to the Maharashtra government, warning of protests if a 10% quota for the Maratha community is not granted by August 26. In a tragic incident, ten people were killed and 41 injured when a truck rammed into a tractor-trolley carrying pilgrims in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district. A 25-year-old Dalit man was killed in Madhya Pradesh by his upper-caste wife's family, months after their marriage, due to their opposition to the union.
Weather-related news indicates continuous heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh, disrupting normal life and leading to school closures in eight districts, with Red and Orange Alerts active. India has also alerted Pakistan about a flood in the Tawi river. In sports, the BCCI has begun its hunt for a new sponsor for Team India after Dream11's exit, and India thrashed Bhutan 8-0 in the SAFF U17 Women's Championships.