Trump Rules Out Ukraine’s NATO Bid Ahead of Zelensky Meeting
Donald Trump, gearing up to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, made waves by firmly opposing Ukraine’s NATO membership. On Truth Social, he claimed Zelensky could end the Russia-Ukraine war instantly but stressed no NATO entry and no reclaiming of Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014. Trump called Monday’s White House meeting, attended by European leaders, a “big day.” He also slammed “fake news” for misrepresenting his Alaska summit with Putin, where no ceasefire was secured. Trump insists he’s pushing for a lasting peace deal, not a fragile ceasefire. The talks, joined by leaders like Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron, aim to address Ukraine’s security needs, with Zelensky pushing for robust guarantees. This high-stakes meeting could shape Ukraine’s future amid ongoing Russian attacks.
Coolie Hits Big Screen, Eyes Amazon Prime Debut
Rajinikanth’s Coolie, marking his 50th year in cinema, stormed theatres on 14 August, raking in ₹194.25 crore over its opening weekend. Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, this Tamil blockbuster, also starring Nagarjuna and Shruti Haasan, follows a former coolie leader uncovering a crime syndicate. With dubbed versions in Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada, it’s clashing with War 2 at the box office. Fans are buzzing about its upcoming OTT release on Amazon Prime Video, secured for a whopping ₹120 crore, one of Tamil cinema’s biggest digital deals. Expect it to stream roughly eight weeks after its theatrical run, around early October. While Rajinikanth shines, critics note the film leans on his iconic charm rather than Kanagaraj’s boldest vision. Still, it’s a gritty, crowd-pleasing hit.
NDA Picks CP Radhakrishnan for Vice President, Seeks Congress Support
India’s political scene is heating up as the NDA named Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as its Vice Presidential candidate for the 9 September election. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reached out to Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge to drum up support, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju as the election agent. The announcement, made by BJP chief JP Nadda, follows Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation in July. The INDIA bloc, yet to name its candidate, will discuss its pick today, with nominations due by 21 August. The election, decided by MPs’ single transferable votes, could see Radhakrishnan run unopposed if the opposition doesn’t field a contender. This move signals the NDA’s confidence, but the INDIA bloc’s next steps could spark a heated contest. Stay tuned for updates on this political showdown.
Delhi Schools Evacuated After Bomb Threats
Three Delhi schools—DPS Dwarka, Modern Convent, and ShreeRam World—faced bomb threats via email on Monday, triggering swift evacuations and police searches. Bomb squads and fire services scoured the premises, but no explosives were found. This follows a wave of similar hoaxes, with over 50 Delhi schools targeted in July alone. A 12-year-old was behind one prank, later counselled and released. Parents and school authorities are rattled, with former CM Atishi slamming the BJP-led administration for failing to ensure safety. “The trauma for kids and parents is real,” she said. Police are tracing the latest threat’s source, and evacuations remain standard until threats are verified. These repeated scares highlight growing concerns over school security in the capital, pushing authorities to act fast to restore confidence.
US Monitors India-Pakistan Tensions Daily, Claims Rubio
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed the US keeps a close watch on India-Pakistan relations “every single day” to prevent nuclear escalation. Speaking to NBC, Rubio referenced a May ceasefire, which India credits to its military success in Operation Sindoor, not US mediation as Trump claims. Trump, who’s touted his role in the truce over 40 times, insists he secured peace and trade deals. India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, however, denied third-party involvement, stating the ceasefire was unrelated to trade. Pakistan, aligning with Trump, credits him for the deal. Rubio warned that ceasefires are fragile, drawing parallels with Ukraine, and stressed the need for lasting peace. This ongoing US focus underscores the delicate balance in South Asia, with both nations navigating their own narratives.
Apple’s Massive Bengaluru Office Lease Signals India Push
Apple India has inked a blockbuster 10-year lease for 2.7 lakh sq ft in Bengaluru’s Embassy Zenith, costing over ₹1,000 crore. Paying ₹235 per sq ft monthly, Apple will occupy nine floors, with 362 parking spaces and an option for more space. The deal, one of Bengaluru’s priciest, includes a 4.5% annual rent hike and a ₹31.57 crore security deposit. Located on Sankey Road, the site overlooks Cubbon Park, reinforcing Apple’s commitment to India’s tech hub. “This move cements India’s role in Apple’s global supply chain,” said Propstack’s Raja Seetharaman. Apple also leased retail space in Bengaluru’s Phoenix Mall of Asia earlier this year. This expansion signals Apple’s growing investment in India, from manufacturing to innovation, as it strengthens its footprint in the region.
