Twenty-five Countries Suspend Postal Services to US over Tariffs
At least 25 countries have decided to suspend package deliveries to the United States, as concern grows over the impact of President Donald Trump's looming tariffs, a UN body said.
The Trump administration last month (July) that it will abolish a tax exemption on small packages entering the United States from August 29.
The move has sparked a flurry of announcements from postal services, including in France, Britain, Germany, Italy, India, Australia and Japan, that most US-bound packages would no longer be accepted.
As per reports, the suspensions will remain in place until there is more clarity on how US authorities plan to implement the announced measures.
Inga Ruginiene Lithuania's New Prime Minister
Inga Ruginiene, a Social Democrat and former labour leader, was officially approved by the Lithuanian parliament as the country's new Prime Minister. Her appointment marks a significant shift in Lithuania's political leadership, as she transitions from her role as Minister of Social Security and Labour to the highest executive office in the nation.
Before entering politics, Ruginiene served as the Chair of the Lithuanian Trade Union Confederation, advocating for workers' rights and social justice. She entered parliament for the first time in 2024, making her swift elevation to Prime Minister within just a year particularly notable in Lithuanian political history.
NTCA Limits Tiger Corridors to 32 Least Cost Pathways
In a major policy shift, the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) restricted the identification of tiger corridors to only the 32 "least cost pathways" listed in its 2014 report.
This decision came less than a month after the NTCA affirmed before the Bombay High Court that tiger corridors should reflect multiple scientific studies and ecological benchmarks.
While the move simplifies clearances for development projects, it has sparked debate among conservationists, as corridors are essential for tiger movement, genetic diversity, and long-term survival.
Veteran banker Rajiv Anand took charge as IndusInd Bank's Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.
Anand, whose appointment was announced earlier this month (August), was previously the Deputy Managing Director at private lender Axis Bank and has held key management positions at leading global financial institutions.
Mastercard Announces Leadership Transition in Asia Pacific
Mastercard announced a leadership transition in its Asia Pacific region, with Ari Sarker set to step down from his role as President, Asia Pacific at the end of 2025. After more than a decade in the role, Ari will move into an advisory position, where he will focus on strategic initiatives and mentoring regional leadership to support a smooth transition.
Ari has been instrumental in Mastercard's growth across Asia Pacific, driving expansion, strengthening partnerships, and fostering a collaborative culture. His leadership has made a lasting impact on both the business and its people.
Effective January 1, 2026, Richard Wormald (Rich), currently Division President, Australasia, will succeed Ari as President, Asia Pacific. Rich brings deep regional experience and a strong track record of leadership, having led Mastercard's business in Australasia with a focus on performance, innovation, and stakeholder engagement.
Standard Chartered Opens its Largest Branch in Eastern India
Standard Chartered announced the launch of its largest branch in East India, in Kolkata. The relocated branch is an affirmation of Standard Chartered's long relationship and continued commitment towards the city, which hosted the Bank's first branch in India in 1858. Since then, the bank has forged a deep relationship with India spanning more than 165 years.
This newly relocated branch was inaugurated by PD Singh, CEO, India and South Asia, Standard Chartered, Aditya Mandloi, Head, Wealth & Retail Banking, India and South Asia, Standard Chartered and Nitin Chengappa, Head Affluent Distribution & Branch Banking, India, Standard Chartered, in presence of other senior colleagues from the Bank.
China Launches Juno, the World's Most Powerful Detector for 'Ghost Particles'
China officially launched the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (Juno), now the world's most powerful and advanced facility for detecting neutrinos, tiny, elusive particles often called 'ghost particles'. Located in Guangdong province, the observatory has begun collecting data to better understand these mysterious particles, which have no electric charge, almost no mass, and travel at nearly the speed of light.
The observatory is led by the Institute of High Energy Physics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
NorthEast United Retain Durand Cup 2025 with 6-1 Win
NorthEast United FC stamped their authority on Indian football by retaining the Durand Cup title with a dominant 6-1 victory over debutants Diamond Harbour FC in the 134th edition of the tournament. The final, played at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata, saw the Highlanders lift the trophy for the second year in a row, becoming the first team in 25 years to successfully defend the title.
The Durand Cup, started in 1888, is Asia's oldest football tournament.
It serves as a pre-season competition for Indian clubs while retaining immense historical prestige.
India's Sift Kaur Samra won the gold medal in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions event, at the Asian Shooting Championship 2025 in Shymkent, Kazakhstan.
Before extending her dominance in the tournament, she bagged a team gold with Ashi Chouksey and Anjum Moudgil.
She tallied 459.2 points to top the standings ahead of the People's Republic of China's Yujie Yang, who finished with 458.8 points.
Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships: Bindyarani Bags Silver; Koyel Sets New Youth Record
India's Bindyarani Devi, Muthupandi Raja and Sneha Soren dazzled at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships 2025 in Ahmedabad by clinching silver medals. However, the headlines belonged to 17-year-old Koyel Bar, who stole the spotlight by breaking the youth world records.
Koyel Bar left the world stunned with her record-shattering performance in the women's 53kg youth category. She lifted a total of 192kg (85kg + 107kg), setting new youth world records in total and clean and jerk.
NHAI Launches 'Project Aarohan' for Toll Workers' Children
In a step toward promoting inclusive education and social equity, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched 'Project Aarohan' to support the educational aspirations of children of toll plaza employees. The initiative, unveiled in collaboration with Vertis Infrastructure Trust, aims to break financial and social barriers for students from economically weaker and marginalised communities across India.
Launched at the NHAI Headquarters in New Delhi by Chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav, 'Project Aarohan' reflects a commitment to those who operate India's national highways and their families. The project is designed to enable equal access to quality education, particularly for,
Girls from low-income households
First-generation learners
Students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and minority communities
India Launches First Guidelines for Animal Blood Banks
The Government of India released the first national guidelines for veterinary blood transfusion services. The initiative addresses a long-standing gap in standardised animal care, especially during emergencies. Issued by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the guidelines introduce a structured framework for animal blood donation, storage, and transfusion, aimed at improving animal welfare, biosafety, and one health integration.
Until now, most animal blood transfusions in India were performed during emergencies without standardized protocols. Issues included,
No consistent donor screening or health verification
Lack of blood typing or cross-matching
Absence of biosafety measures
Rajasthan Becomes First State to Implement Supreme Court Order on Stray Dogs
Following the Supreme Court's directive on stray dogs, the Rajasthan government took the lead in managing the animals more systematically.
The Department of Autonomous Governance has issued strict instructions to all municipal corporations, councils, and municipalities, making compliance with the Stray Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules 2023 mandatory.
Under the new guidelines, feeding points for dogs will be marked in every ward and locality, with urban bodies directed to coordinate with resident welfare associations and animal welfare organisations. Even in cases of rabies, arrangements for food and water will be ensured at these feeding spots.
Ravi Jain, Secretary, Local Self Government Department, said that Rajasthan is the first state in the country to issue such comprehensive orders balancing public safety and animal welfare after the Supreme Court's decision.
RRU and SSB Alwar Sign MoU on National Security Training
In a move toward strengthening India's internal security framework, Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), Alwar, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership aims to bolster professional training, academic collaboration, and research innovation in the domain of national security, law enforcement, and border management.
The collaboration between RRU, a premier institution dedicated to security and policing education, and SSB Alwar, a critical border security training center, seeks to integrate practical expertise with academic depth. Over 900 trainees at SSB Alwar, including new recruits and those undergoing promotional training, will now benefit from structured, accredited educational inputs and cutting-edge learning modules.
Indian Army t Hosts Tri-service Seminar RAN SAMWAD-2025
The Indian Army hosted a two-day military seminar, RAN SAMWAD-2025, a first-of-its-kind Tri-service seminar on war, warfare & war fighting, on the theme 'Impact of Technology on Warfare' at the Army War College in Dr. Ambedkar Nagar, Madhya Pradesh.
The event brought together senior leadership from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to discuss operational lessons and future challenges in warfare.
Ayurveda Day to Be Celebrated Annually on September 23
The Government of India announced that Ayurveda Day will now be celebrated every year on September 23, starting from 2025. This replaces the earlier practice of observing the day on Dhanvantari Jayanti. The theme for Ayurveda Day 2025 is 'Ayurveda for People & Planet', underlining Ayurveda's relevance not just to personal health, but also to environmental harmony.
Since its inception in 2016, Ayurveda Day had been celebrated on Dhanteras, coinciding with Dhanvantari Jayanti, a date that varied each year based on the lunar calendar. By declaring September 23 as the fixed annual date through a Gazette Notification, the government aims to give Ayurveda a permanent global identity, enabling consistent international observance and wider participation.
World Lake Day
Lakes are vital ecosystems that provide freshwater, support biodiversity, regulate climate, and aid economic and recreational activities. Yet, they face growing threats from pollution, climate change, and unsustainable practices. To address this, the United Nations, through Resolution A/RES/79/142 in 2024, designated August 27 as World Lake Day. Led by UNEP, this observance aims to raise awareness, inspire action, and promote sustainable conservation of lakes worldwide.
Department of School Education and Literacy Selects 45 teachers from across India for National Teachers' Award 2025
The Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, selected 45 teachers for this year's (2025) National Teachers' Awards, to be conferred on September 5, 2025. The awardee teachers were selected through a rigorous, transparent and online process in three stages, i.e., District, State and National level selection process, by the Department of School Education and Literacy.
The 45 selected teachers are from 27 States, 7 UTs and 6 Organisations. Out of 45 selected teachers, 24 are males, 21 are female.
IIM Raipur Hosts Leadership Summit 2025 on Building Future-ready Organisations
IIM Raipur successfully organised its ninth edition of the Leadership Summit 2025. The two-day conclave gathered CXOs, policymakers, entrepreneurs and thought leaders under the theme 'The CXO Compass: Navigating Beyond Boundaries to Build Future Ready Organisations.'
The summit featured six panel discussions covering leadership virtues, people-first strategies, disruption, global geopolitics, globalisation, and the integration of technology with human capability. The event reaffirmed IIM Raipur's position as a bridge between academia and industry.
The inaugural session was led by Chief Guest Sandeep Singh, Managing Director, Tata Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. Pvt. Ltd. and Executive Officer, Hitachi Construction Machinery Japan.
Ujjain Hosts Global Spiritual Tourism Conclave 2025
Ujjain, the holy city of Mahakal in Madhya Pradesh, hosted a global spiritual tourism conclave that provided a platform for dialogue on strengthening infrastructure and the impact of AI and virtual reality in the sector.
The event was organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, and the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav inaugurated the second Global Spiritual Tourism Conclave 'Ruhmantic' in the presence of Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Central Govt. Appoints Justices Alok Aradhe, Vipul Pancholi as Supreme Court Judges
The Central government cleared the elevation of Bombay High Court Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Patna High Court Chief Justice Vipul Pancholi to the Supreme Court of India.
The Supreme Court, which has a sanctioned strength of 34, is currently functioning with 32 judges, a vacancy position of 2. With these appointments, the top court will function at its full strength.
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