India hails Trump-Putin summit
India welcomed the Alaska summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling it a commendable step toward peace amid the ongoing Ukraine war. While supporting diplomacy, India also subtly criticised recent US. trade actions, including a 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports of Russian oil. In response, India imposed reciprocal tariffs on US goods. Despite no major breakthrough, Trump described the summit as productive.
BJP to finalise VP candidate
The BJP leadership is set to meet on Sunday to finalise its nominee for the September 9 vice-presidential election, following incumbent Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation due to medical reasons. With NDA holding 422 out of 781 votes, it is poised for a comfortable win. Prime Minister Modi, entrusted with the final decision, will chair the meeting at BJP headquarters, joined by senior leaders. The candidate is expected to have RSS ties, though caste won’t play a major role.
Air Canada grounds flights
Air Canada has suspended all operations after over 10,000 flight attendants went on strike early Saturday, following a failed deadline to reach a contract deal. The union rejected Government-directed arbitration that would have prevented the strike. The shutdown, during peak summer travel, could affect 130,000 passengers daily and leave 25,000 Canadians stranded abroad. The airline and union remain at odds, despite federal intervention urging resolution.
India may escape oil sanctions
US President Donald Trump has suggested that secondary tariffs on countries buying Russian oil, including India, may not be enforced-though he left the option open. Speaking to Fox News en route to Alaska for a summit with Russian President Putin, Trump noted India’s reduced oil imports from Russia but warned of potential tariffs if required. The summit ended without resolution on the Russia-Ukraine war. Meanwhile, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted that sanctions on India could rise if diplomacy fails. India, facing a 50 per cent tariff from August 27.
Protests warned over pay dispute
The teachers body in Nagaland has issued an ultimatum to the State Government demanding implementation of the Supreme Court’s order granting scale pay, pending salaries, and recognition of service benefits. Despite recruitment through proper procedures and cabinet approval, the 610 teachers have been on fixed pay since 2016. They cited the May 2025 Supreme Court ruling affirming their entitlement and condemned the Government’s inaction as contempt of court. Salaries have been unpaid since April 2025.