US tariffs rattle India’s textile sector as buyers pull back

The Straits Times,

Indian textile manufacturers warned of sales declines and job risks after recent US tariff measures led some clients to pause orders. Firms are seeking new markets as they brace for revenue hits and potential layoffs if costs and uncertainty persist. The sector, a major employer, is sensitive to shifts in trade policy, with exporters urging clarity and relief as they navigate higher duties and tighter margins.

European postal services halt US parcels as ‘de minimis’ exemption ends

Anadolu Agency,

Postal operators across Europe — including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Austria and the Netherlands — are suspending parcel shipments to the US after Washington moved to end the longstanding “de minimis” rule for low-value imports. The change, effective Aug. 29, will remove duty-free entry for packages under $800 and add paperwork and costs, prompting temporary pauses while carriers adjust. The shift raises friction in e-commerce flows and could drive up prices for small cross-border purchases.

South Korea prosecutors seek detention of ex-PM Han over ‘martial law’ crisis

Reuters,

South Korea’s special prosecutors asked a court to detain former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo in an investigation into December’s “martial law” crisis. Han is accused of aiding former President Yoon Suk Yeol in an attempt to impose martial law and of perjury tied to the events. Yoon was impeached in April and is on trial for insurrection. Han has been questioned in recent weeks; the probe underscores continuing political fallout for senior officials.

Moscow says Kyiv struck nuclear plant as Ukraine marks Independence Day

AP,

Russia accused Ukraine of launching drone attacks on targets inside Russia, including a nuclear power plant in the Kursk region, on Ukraine’s Independence Day. A resulting fire was extinguished and authorities reported no injuries or radiation leaks. The UN nuclear watchdog said it could not independently verify the reports, stressing the need to protect nuclear facilities.

Israeli army uproots 3,000 olive trees in West Bank village

Al Jazeera,

The Israeli military uprooted around 3,000 olive trees in al-Mughayyir, near Ramallah, citing security concerns. Footage showed Palestinians attempting to replant trees; residents and rights advocates condemned the action as harmful to livelihoods and land use in the occupied West Bank.

Over 500 Taiwanese troops join US drills, signaling closer defense ties

South China Morning Post,

More than 500 Taiwanese soldiers participated in this year’s Northern Strike exercises in Michigan alongside US National Guard units and partners. The two-week drill involved thousands of personnel from multiple US states and nine partner nations, underscoring Taipei’s effort to deepen interoperability with US forces amid rising cross-strait tensions.

Kim Jong Un oversees tests of new anti-air missiles amid allied drills

Channel NewsAsia,

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised test-firings of two new types of anti-air missiles, state media said. The demonstrations coincided with US-South Korea military exercises. Details on the systems’ ranges and performance were not independently verified.

Taiwan referendum to restart last nuclear plant fails

The Guardian,

Taiwanese voters rejected a referendum to reopen the Maanshan nuclear power plant, the island’s last remaining facility. Authorities cited earthquake risk and nuclear waste management concerns; Taipei will continue pursuing renewables and LNG to meet demand.