Although US President Donald Trump has declared that he will impose 50% tariffs on India’s exports, official estimates indicate that this will only affect 4.8% of India’s overall exports of goods and services globally, which reached a record $820 billion in 2024–2025.

According to a senior official, the Trump administration’s 50% duty will only be applied to shipments to the US that total $40 billion.

Additionally, over $30 billion worth of exports, including pharmaceuticals and other technological goods like smartphones, semiconductors, and energy, are still immune from additional levies since they are still on an exemption list.

In FY25, India exported $10.5 billion worth of pharmaceuticals and medications, as well as $14.6 billion worth of electronics (mainly smartphones), which accounted for 29% of its total outbound shipments to the United States.

Energy’s inclusion on the exemption list also protects petroleum exports, which are valued at $4.09 billion in FY25, from Trump’s new tariffs. In FY25, Indian exports to the US totaled $86.51 billion.

These important industries are not yet included by Trump’s new tariffs, which are set to take effect in 21 days.

Due to this exception, which eliminates tariffs on some commodities, India’s exports to the US have grown since January of this year. The US’s share in India’s merchandise exports rose from 17–18% to above 20% between January and June 2025.

Industry experts say that this surge is a result of exporters frontloading before the tariff hike in August and the tariff exemptions on pharmaceuticals and smartphones that were free from the 10% baseline duty that was implemented in April.

According to data from the Commerce Ministry, exports to the US accounted for almost 23% of India’s total shipments in the June quarter of FY26 and the first quarter of FY25, despite the fact that the country’s total exports increased less than 2% in Q1 FY26 and decreased more than 4% in Q4 FY25.

Trump has promised to levy tariffs of up to 200 percent on medications manufactured abroad, so there are still concerns. Additionally, smartphone exemptions may be eliminated based on future US choices.

In Q1 FY26, India’s exports to the US reached $25.52 billion, up nearly 23% from the year before. According to data from the Commerce Ministry, total trade was $32.41 billion for the quarter and above $86 billion for FY25.

Following a historic victory over Thailand, the Indian women’s football team jumped seven spots to 63rd place in the most recent FIFA rankings.

In addition to improving their reputation internationally, the victory guaranteed them a coveted berth in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, making it a historic qualifying on merit.

The Blue Tigresses were last ranked 61st on August 21, 2023, making this India’s highest position in almost two years. With a resolute 2-1 victory over a higher-ranked Thai team in the pivotal final qualifier, the ascent shows a return to form and confidence.

India had a really outstanding qualification performance. The team began with their largest victory in recent memory, a record-breaking 13-0 thumping of Mongolia. After defeating Timor-Leste 4-0 and Iraq 5-0, that momentum persisted, resulting in a high-stakes matchup against Thailand, where both teams are tied on points.

India performed well under duress and in danger of being eliminated. With a brace, midfielder Sangita Basfore stepped up to lead her team to a 2-1 victory and, based on performance, guarantee their spot in the continental tournament for the first time.

The accomplishment is particularly noteworthy because India was forced to skip the last Asian Cup, which was held in their own country, because of a COVID-19 epidemic in the team.

The qualifying, which demonstrates depth, resiliency, and tactical maturity, is a significant milestone for Indian women’s football. Additionally, it coincides with the sport’s efforts to get more national recognition and support.

In their first Group D match of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Indonesia held the India U20 women’s team to a goalless draw at Thuwunna Stadium on Wednesday.

In the meantime, Uzbekistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Indian U17 girls’ team have been selected to play in Group G of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers. From October 13 to October 17, 2025, their games will be played in Bishkek. On October 13, the Young Tigresses will play the Kyrgyz Republic, and on October 17, they will play Uzbekistan in a match that could be crucial.

Eight groups of 27 teams compete in the women’s division. DPR Korea, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and hosts China PR will join the eight champions to form a 12-team final tournament in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in China.

Citing India’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil, US President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday that he had signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on imports from the country.

The decision, according to the White House, is intended to reinforce actions taken against Russia in response to its activities in Ukraine under previous sanctions. Last week, the US president declared a 25% tariff on India.

According to the order, India is receiving oil from Russia either directly or indirectly, which the US views as a danger to its foreign policy and national security.

“Accordingly, and as consistent with applicable law, articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25 per cent,” the order states.

All qualifying Indian goods entering the US would be subject to the additional duties 21 days after the order is signed, with the exception of shipments that are already in route and cleared before September 17.

“Subject to section 3 of this order, this rate of duty shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12.01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time 21 days after the date of this order, except for goods that (1) were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit prior to entry into the United States before 12.01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time 21 days after the date of this order; and (2) are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, before 12.01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on September 17,” the order that was added.

Unless the items are exempt, such as in certain categories specified in previous trade executive orders, these charges will be in addition to current tariffs.

Additionally, goods covered by this order must adhere to stringent customs regulations, such as being granted “privileged foreign status” for entry into US foreign trade zones.

Trump still retains the power to change the order in response to evolving events, retaliation from impacted nations, or notable changes in Russian or Indian policy.

The directive also instructs the US Treasury, State, Commerce, and other departments to keep an eye on the oil trade between Russia and other nations and, if need, suggest comparable measures.

Megastar Chiranjeevi thanked everyone who attended the massive blood drive organized by his Chiranjeevi Charitable Trust and the Phoenix Foundation, stating, “I bow my head and salute all the donors who are donating blood.”

“I bow my head and salute all the donors who are donating blood,” Chiranjeevi, who participated in the drive held as part of the 79th Independence Day celebrations, remarked. Giving blood makes you feel so good. It saves a life.

This wonderful emotion has been a part of my life for many years. I have discussed blood donation on multiple occasions. It is necessary to reiterate this often, though, because this is a new generation and fresh youth are arriving.

The celebrity claimed that after reading a journalist’s story, he had the idea to start a blood bank. “Even if I haven’t seen him yet, I never forget him. About 27 years ago, I became aware that a shortage of blood was killing a lot of people, and I was always troubled by the question of why blood was so scarce.

According to Chiranjeevi, he realized that encouraging his followers to donate blood would be akin to directing them toward a potent social cause.

“Lakhs of people have donated blood as a result of the call that day. This is something I’m really proud of. I view the fact that my name is brought up when blood donation is discussed as the result of my numerous births of merit,” he stated.

Remembering an instance where a politician had insulted him without cause, in past when he went somewhere else, a woman there confronted him and asked him why he had insulted me, Chiranjeevi added. I asked her who she was after realizing she didn’t appear to be a typical admirer.

I learned from a journalist acquaintance that she was the mother of a kid whose life had been saved by a timely blood donation made through the blood bank in Chiranjeevi. I was moved by those words. I’m frequently asked why I don’t reply to criticism.

I never answer. Because my fans’ love for me and the nice things I’ve done for them serve as my shields. The politician never again made any disparaging remarks about me after that woman’s speech.

The heroine Samyukta and super hero Teja Sajja were also present. During the blood donation event, more than 800 people gave blood. The Indian Army will get the donated blood.

To improve children’s health, development, and survival in the early years of life, the World Health Organization has called on nations to assist nursing mothers and invest in health systems.

For the health and wellbeing of the infants, breastfeeding is essential. It serves as their initial vaccination, guarding against illnesses including pneumonia and diarrhea.

Every year during the first week of August, we commemorate World Breastfeeding Week.

Breastfeeding is an investment in the future, yet only 48% of newborns under six months are exclusively breastfed, which is far less than the 60% objective set by the World Health Assembly by 2030. In a joint statement, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell said that this is because new mothers, healthcare professionals, and health systems face overlapping problems.

Millions of mothers worldwide do not receive prompt, professional assistance in a medical setting when they most need it, according to the experts.

Only a fifth of nations provide training on baby and young child feeding to the medical professionals who tend to new moms, according to WHO data.

According to the statement, this indicates that most mothers worldwide depart from hospitals without receiving the appropriate instruction on how to breastfeed their children and when to start supplemental feeding.

Furthermore, health services in many nations are far too frequently underfunded, disjointed, or ill-equipped to provide high-quality, reliable, evidence-based breastfeeding support.

“Even though every dollar invested yields $35 in economic returns, investment in breastfeeding support remains critically low,” the statement added.

WHO and UNICEF urged governments and health administrators to invest in high-quality breastfeeding support by making sure that sufficient funds are allocated for equitable, high-quality maternal and newborn care, including breastfeeding support services, under this year’s theme, “prioritize breastfeeding: create sustainable support systems.”

Additionally, they called for expanding national funding for breastfeeding initiatives, incorporating breastfeeding counseling and support into standard maternal and child health services, and guaranteeing that all healthcare professionals possess the abilities and know-how needed to promote breastfeeding, even in emergency and humanitarian situations.

The international health organization also emphasized the necessity of bolstering community health services to help offer all new mothers continuous, easily available breastfeeding support for up to two years and beyond.

“It is not only a health imperative, but also a moral and economic imperative to strengthen health systems to support breastfeeding,” the statement stated.

Are you trying to lose weight by eating a healthy diet? Make sure it is minimally processed, according to a study that found that doing so may help maintain a healthy weight.

For the first time, University College London (UCL) researchers compared the nutritional value of minimally processed (MPF) and ultra-processed (UPF) diets.

Participants who ate minimally processed foods lost twice as much weight as those who ate ultra-processed foods, according to the findings, which were published in the journal Nature Medicine.

“We observed a significant decrease in weight on both diets, but the effect was nearly double on the minimally processed diet,” stated Dr. Samuel Dicken, the study’s first author from the UCL Centre for Obesity Research. “The trial’s primary outcome was to assess percentage changes in weight.”

55 adults were divided into two groups for the trial. One group began with an MPF diet consisting of homemade spaghetti Bolognese or overnight oats for eight weeks.

Following a four-week “washout” period in which they resumed their regular diet, participants transitioned to a UPF diet that included breakfast oat bars or prepared lasagne. The diets were finished in the opposite order by the other group. Fifty people in all finished at least one diet.

Both groups had weight loss after eight weeks on either diet, most likely as a result of the enhanced nutritional profile of their meals in comparison to their typical diet. On the other hand, the MPF diet experienced a greater drop (2.06 percent) than the UPF diet (1.05 percent).

According to the researchers, the MPF diet resulted in a healthier overall body composition since it reduced fat mass and total body water while leaving muscle and fat-free mass unchanged.

Additionally, there were noticeably bigger gains in both the quantity of cravings and the capacity to regulate them.

Participants reported two times better overall craving control, four times better savoury food craving control, and nearly twice as much improvement in resisting their most coveted meal while following the MPF diet as when following the UPF diet.

According to Professor Chris van Tulleken of the UCL Division of Infection and Immunity, the study “underlines the need to shift the policy focus away from individual responsibility and on to the environmental drivers of obesity, such as the influence of multinational food companies in shaping unhealthy food environments.“

According to the most recent data from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the number of daily transactions based on the universal payments interface (UPI) has surpassed 700 million for the first time, reaching 707 million.

On August 2, the accomplishment was accomplished. Even while growth has slowed compared to prior years, the number of daily transactions has doubled over the last two years.

UPI recorded about 350 million transactions per day in August 2023; by August 2024, that number had risen to 500 million transactions per day.

If UPI continues to develop at its current rate, it is expected to surpass the government’s aim of 100 crore transactions per day next year.

According to fintech companies and payment groups, UPI’s business model should reinstate merchant discount rates (MDR) in order to reach one billion transactions by the following year. They requested that the government set up a marginal MDR for high-value transactions and significant businesses.

The government rejected the ecosystem’s MDR demand even though it cut UPI subsidies from about Rs 4,500 crore in FY 24 to Rs 1,500 crore in FY 25. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently expressed support for payment companies’ MDR demand.

Sanjay Malhotra, the governor of the RBI, recently stated that the UPI interface needs to be made commercially viable. Users can now use the UPI system for free because the government pays for it by subsidizing banks and other parties that support the payments infrastructure. “Expenses must be covered. The expense will have to be borne by someone,” he continued.

The government abolished the MDR, a tax that banks charge businesses for processing digital payments and usually ranges from 1% to 3% of the transaction value, for RuPay debit cards and BHIM-UPI transactions in December 2019. It’s unclear if users will also be responsible for paying for UPI infrastructure or if MDR will be reinstated.

The RBI Governor made these remarks when UPI’s daily transaction volumes overtook those of Visa, the world’s largest payments company. Around 19.5 billion transactions totaling more than Rs 25 lakh crore were registered by UPI in the past month.

This amounts to over 650 million transactions every day on average, with a daily value of approximately Rs 83,000 crore. Approximately 85% of all digital transactions in India and 50% of all real-time digital payments worldwide are currently powered by UPI.

The platform sees monthly growth of 5–7% and annual growth of roughly 40% as internet penetration rises and more businesses and consumers embrace digital payments.

Argentina won gold in both the men’s and women’s divisions of the 2025 Pan American Cup, which concluded in Montevideo, Uruguay. Canada’s men and Uruguay’s women won bronze in both competitions, while the United States’ men and women took home silver.

With their respective winning and second-place finishes at the tournament, the USA women and Argentina men also guaranteed a spot at the next FIH Hockey World Cup, which will be held in Belgium and the Netherlands in 2026. The FIH Hockey Pro League had already guaranteed Argentina’s women’s World Cup spot, so the United States, in second place, had to compete in the regional tournament for the lone women’s World Cup spot.

Argentina dominated Pool A in the men’s competition, winning all three games to take first place. They maintained three clean sheets and scored 28 goals during the league stage! With two victories and one defeat, the USA came in second. With three victories, Chile topped Pool B, and Canada came in second with two victories.

Despite Canada scored the game’s first goal, Argentina easily defeated them in the first semifinal, winning 9-1. Nicolas della Torre scored three goals and Tomas Domene scored four for the Leones. The USA and Chile played to a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time in the second semi-final, which was a hotly contested match. The ensuing shoot-out saw the USA prevail 3-1 to earn a chance at the gold medal against Argentina.

Argentina’s dominance on the continent was once again demonstrated in the final, as they defeated the USA defense 10-0 to win the Pan American Cup for the fourth time in a row and their fifth overall.

After winning player of the tournament, Tomas Domene expressed his happiness with the victory today. Our ultimate goal was to qualify for the World Cup, which is why I believe we are so thrilled. We’ll celebrate tonight and then get ready for the upcoming tournament because I’m pleased of this team.”

Argentina won all three of their matches and finished first in Pool A of the women’s competition, placing them ahead of the hosts Uruguay in second place. All four teams qualified for the semi-finals, with the United States taking first place in Pool B and Chile coming in second.

In a fiercely contested match that ended 2-0 in favor of the eventual champions, Argentina defeated Chile in the first semifinal. Agustina Gorzelany added a second goal in the third quarter to give the Leonas the victory after Victoria Granatto had put them ahead in the first. The victorious side was guaranteed a spot in the World Cup, making the second semi-final an anxious affair.

Uruguay rallied to equalize in the last quarter, forcing a shootout after the USA scored the game’s first goal in the second half. Thanks to her heroics in the shootout, USA goalie Kelsey Bing sent out the hosts and secured the team’s place in the final and the 2018 World Cup.

Agustina Gorzelany, the competition’s leading scorer with ten goals, gave Argentina the lead early in the final against the USA, which they won with relative ease. Argentina won the Pan American Cup for the fifth time in a row with a 3-0 victory thanks to two more goals from Eugenia Trinchinetti and Julieta Jankunas in the second half.

Juli Jankunas, a star for Leonas, stated following the game: “We are really thrilled right now. Argentina will host the Pan American Cup! We had to practice the finer points and effective defense, I believe. That was what mattered most. We are ecstatic and prepared to rejoice since objectives are always excellent.

Argentina became the fifth team to qualify for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands through the men’s competition. Due to their status as the event’s hosts, Belgium and the Netherlands achieved straight qualification. Australia was the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023–2024 champions and earned a spot in the World Cup.

In the 2024–2025 Pro League season, Spain finished second behind the Netherlands, who had previously qualified, making them the fourth club to guarantee their berth. Four further direct qualifiers will be chosen from continental championships in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania in the upcoming months.

The remaining seven teams will advance through the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup Qualifiers.

In order to meet India’s goal of producing $500 billion worth of electronics by 2030, the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) demanded on Monday that industrial electronics be given top priority.

Manufacturing products that will automate our cities, factories, and transportation systems is the key to the future of India’s electronics sector, according to a statement.

According to the statement, ICEA is collaborating with industry leaders and the government through its Steering Committee on Industrial Electronics and Infrastructure to create a strategy roadmap and a policy specifically for industrial electronics.

In order to establish India as a world leader in industrial electronics, the steering committee—which consists of executives from Delta Electronics, Infineon Technologies, Festo, Fanuc, and other companies—will create a market research that addresses ecosystem development, regulatory frameworks, and technology access.

“The industrial electronics sector needs to be acknowledged as a strategic national priority. It is the central nervous system and brain of any sophisticated production system. India cannot claim to be a true manufacturing leader until it leads in industrial automation, stated Pankaj Mohindroo, chairman of the ICEA.

Mohindroo went on to say that industrial electronics offers enormous potential for high-skilled jobs, especially in fields like robotics, automation software, embedded systems, and AI-integrated systems.

To expand this industry and become a global center for industrial electronics design and manufacture, India must make investments in talent pipelines, R&D, and incentives.

The technological foundation of contemporary manufacturing infrastructure is made up of industrial electronics, which power robotics, intelligent grids, automated systems, smart factories, and transportation and logistics networks that are prepared for the future, according to Manish Walia, vice president of Delta Electronics. All manufacturing verticals and sectors are driven by industrial electronics, which is a horizontal rather than a vertical in and of itself.

In order to enhance India’s access to cutting-edge industrial automation technologies and further the country’s objectives of independence, export competitiveness, and job creation, Amber Enterprises India has acquired a majority share in Israel-based Unitronics Ltd.

The agreement would accelerate the country’s shift to smart factories and digitally-driven production processes, according to Jasbir Singh, Executive Chairman and CEO of Amber Group, which will improve India’s industrial automation.

On a nerve-wracking final morning at The Oval, India produced a spectacular four-wicket burst to defeat England by six runs and tie the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2-2, led by Mohammed Siraj’s blazing five-wicket haul.

With four wickets remaining and just 35 runs needed at the start of Day 5, England was the clear favorite. However, Indian seamers, who were unrelenting and motivated, tore through the lower order of the hosts to write one of their best foreign heists.

Siraj had a spectacular first burst, scoring twice. Jamie Smith edged to Dhruv Jurel after flirting outside off, and UltraEdge confirmed a clean spike. England’s review was unsuccessful as ball-tracking confirmed umpire Kumar Dharmasena’s ruling after Jamie Overton was trapped in front by a shrewd nip-backer moments later.

Then, to huge cheers, Prasidh Krishna delivered the knockout blow, a vicious yorker at 141 kph that broke Josh Tongue’s middle stump. England dropped from what appeared to be a comfortable 347/6 to 354/9. Chris Woakes, with a dislocated shoulder but an unwavering spirit, trudged to the crease with one wicket remaining and 20 runs needed.

Not long after, the climax occurred. To give India a thrilling 6-run victory, Siraj hit the ideal length, and Gus Atkinson, who valiantly fought for 17, slipped behind.

For a young Indian team captained by Shubman Gill without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, it was a historic return. Even though their absence was a major concern early in the series, India’s youthful brigade took advantage of their opportunity thanks to bursts of brilliance and a strong pace assault.

Joe Root and Harry Brook’s centuries on Day 4 had earlier pulled England back into the game, but India’s poise and discipline won out, ensuring a fitting 2-2 conclusion to an exciting five-match series.

India’s Player of the Series is Shubman Gill. With 754 runs at 75.4 and a top score of 269, the incoming Test captain for India has an impressive record.

Harry Brook wins Player of the Series for England. He scored 481 runs at an average of 53.44 and a high of 158.

Mohammed Siraj wins the title of Player of the Match! A well-earned honor for the pacer who spearheaded India’s assault without Bumrah.

“Great win by team india. Resilience and determination from Siraj and Prasidh has given us this phenomenal victory. Special mention to Siraj who will put everything on the line for the team. Extremely happy for him @mdsirajofficial @prasidh43,” Virat Kohli wrote on X.

Brief scores: India 224 & 396 in 88 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 118, Akash Deep 66; Josh Tongue 5-125, Gus Atkinson 3-127) beat England 247 & 367/10 in 85.1 overs (Harry Brook 111, Joe Root 105; Mohammed Siraj 5-104, Prasidh Krishna 4-126) by six runs.