China has dismissed a U.S. report accusing it of using transshipment through third countries to evade trade tariffs and restrictions, calling it a disregard of facts. The U.S. alleged that Chinese goods are rerouted through nations like Vietnam and Mexico to bypass tariffs imposed during the ongoing trade war. China's Commerce Ministry criticized the report as biased and politically motivated, urging the U.S. to stop unfair trade practices. Beijing reaffirmed its commitment to fair trade and called for dialogue to resolve disputes constructively.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Russia on August 23-24 to strengthen India-Russia bilateral ties amid growing US pressure. The visit focused on trade, energy cooperation, and the Ukraine conflict. India has maintained a balanced stance, continuing Russian oil imports despite Western sanctions. Discussions included defense ties, BRICS coordination, and regional security. The US has urged India to reduce Russian engagement, but India prioritizes strategic autonomy. Jaishankar reaffirmed diplomatic dialogue for resolving global conflicts.

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra declared "Vande Mataram is a mantra" as the BJP passed a resolution emphasizing the significance of the national song. The resolution reaffirmed the party's commitment to nationalism and cultural heritage. Patra stressed that Vande Mataram symbolizes India's freedom struggle and patriotic spirit. The move sparked political debate, with opposition parties accusing BJP of using nationalism for political gains. BJP defended the resolution, urging all citizens to respect and honor the national song as a unifying symbol of India's identity and sovereignty.

**सर्दी-जुकाम की दवाइयों पर बैन**

भारत की दवा नियामक संस्था CDSCO ने दो सर्दी-जुकाम की दवाइयों के कॉम्बीनेशन को 4 साल से छोटे बच्चों के लिए बैन कर दिया है। इन दवाओं में फिनाइलेफ्रीन और क्लोरफेनिरामाइन का मिश्रण शामिल है, जो छोटे बच्चों में गंभीर साइड इफेक्ट्स जैसे सांस की तकलीफ, बेहोशी और हृदय संबंधी समस्याएं पैदा कर सकता है। अब कंपनियों को दवा के पैकेट पर स्पष्ट वार्निंग लिखनी होगी कि यह 4 साल से कम उम्र के बच्चों को न दें। डॉक्टर की सलाह के बिना बच्चों को कोई भी दवा देना खतरनाक हो सकता है।

DNLU (Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur) is set to host the Corporate Law Summit 2026, a prestigious academic event focusing on contemporary corporate legal issues. The summit invites abstracts from scholars, practitioners, and students on key topics including the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP), Personal Insolvency Resolution Process (PIRP), and related areas. This event aims to foster scholarly discourse on evolving insolvency frameworks and corporate governance in India.

The Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea challenging the Kerala government's distribution of Arsenicum Album 30, a homeopathic drug, as a preventive measure against COVID-19. The petitioner argued the drug was administered without proper scientific testing or clinical trials, violating safety protocols. The court declined to intervene, noting the matter fell under state health policy. Kerala had widely distributed the drug following AYUSH Ministry guidelines, claiming it boosted immunity, despite criticism from medical experts questioning its efficacy without evidence-based approval.

Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT), Noida, inaugurated an international symposium focused on VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) Design and Test. The event brought together researchers, academicians, and industry experts from across the globe to discuss advancements in VLSI technology, semiconductor design, testing methodologies, and emerging trends in chip architecture. The symposium aimed to foster collaboration, share cutting-edge research, and address challenges in modern integrated circuit design, reinforcing JIIT's commitment to promoting innovation in electronics and technology education.

DMK president M.K. Stalin has announced a major organizational overhaul following the party's underwhelming performance in the 2026 Tamil Nadu local body elections. In a bold move to rejuvenate the party, Stalin has capped the age limit for district secretaries at 45 years. This youth-centric reform aims to bring fresh energy and connect with younger voters. The decision signals a generational shift within DMK's leadership structure, sidelining senior leaders at the grassroots level to make way for younger cadres who can better mobilize support and address evolving voter aspirations ahead of future elections.

BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya countered Congress's criticism over rising sugar prices, attributing the hike to lower sugarcane production, adverse weather conditions, and global price trends rather than government policy failures. Malviya accused Congress of politicizing the issue and highlighted BJP's efforts to support farmers through fair MSP and ethanol blending programs. Congress had blamed the Modi government for failing to control essential commodity prices, calling it anti-consumer. The exchange intensified the political blame game ahead of elections, with both parties trading barbs over inflation and food price management affecting common citizens.

**खड़गे ने चीनी की बढ़ती कीमतों पर सरकार को घेरा**

कांग्रेस अध्यक्ष मल्लिकार्जुन खड़गे ने चीनी की बढ़ती कीमतों पर मोदी सरकार पर जमकर निशाना साधा। उन्होंने कहा कि पिछले 3 महीनों में चीनी ₹19 प्रति किलो महंगी हुई है और दाम में 40% की बढ़ोतरी हुई है। खड़गे ने सरकार से 3 सवाल पूछे- कीमतें क्यों बढ़ रहीं, चीनी का आयात क्यों हो रहा और आत्मनिर्भर भारत का क्या हुआ? उन्होंने कहा कि जब चीनी विदेश से आयात हो रही है तो यह कैसा आत्मनिर्भर भारत है। आम जनता महंगाई से परेशान है जबकि सरकार कोई ठोस कदम नहीं उठा रही।

**भारत-रूस रक्षा सौदा: सुखोई-57 और सुखोई-30MKI अपग्रेड**

भारत रूस से पांचवीं पीढ़ी के अत्याधुनिक लड़ाकू विमान सुखोई-57 (Su-57) खरीदने पर विचार कर रहा है। यह स्टेल्थ तकनीक वाला विमान है जो भारतीय वायुसेना की ताकत बहुत बढ़ाएगा। साथ ही भारत के 100 से अधिक सुखोई-30MKI विमानों को सुपर सुखोई वर्जन में अपग्रेड किया जाएगा, जिसमें नए रडार, हथियार और इलेक्ट्रॉनिक सिस्टम लगेंगे। राष्ट्रपति पुतिन की भारत यात्रा के दौरान यह बड़ी रक्षा डील हो सकती है। पहले भारत-रूस ने FGFA प्रोजेक्ट पर साथ काम किया था जो 2018 में रुक गया था। अब भारत सीधे Su-57 खरीदने पर बातचीत कर रहा है।

The Supreme Court set aside an NGT order that held Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Art of Living Foundation liable for environmental damage caused during its 2016 World Culture Festival on the Yamuna floodplain in Delhi. The NGT had imposed a ₹5 crore fine for ecological harm, including damage to biodiversity and floodplain degradation. The SC ruled the NGT exceeded its jurisdiction and ordered the fine refunded. The event had drawn massive criticism from environmentalists and activists for hosting thousands on the ecologically sensitive floodplain.

# Can Indian Company Law Accommodate AI Directors?

Indian company law currently cannot accommodate AI as board directors. The Companies Act, 2013, mandates that only "individuals" — natural persons — can serve as directors, requiring DIN, PAN, and personal accountability. AI lacks legal personhood, cannot sign declarations, or face criminal liability under Sections 166 and 447. However, growing AI integration in corporate governance has sparked debate. Experts suggest legislative amendments or creating a new "AI advisory" category. Countries like Saudi Arabia (granting Sophia citizenship) have experimented, but India's framework remains human-centric, raising questions about future reforms balancing innovation with accountability and fiduciary responsibility.

A 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck Venezuela, heightening fears just two days after devastating twin quakes killed over 900 people and injured thousands. The latest tremor triggered panic among survivors already sheltering outdoors. Rescue teams continue searching rubble for trapped victims as the death toll is expected to rise. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and infrastructure is severely damaged. Authorities urged caution due to aftershock risks. International aid has begun arriving as the nation faces one of its worst natural disasters in decades.

The "group of companies doctrine" in Indian arbitration allows non-signatories within a corporate group to be bound by an arbitration agreement if they were directly involved in the negotiation, performance, or termination of the contract. The Supreme Court in *Cox & Kings v. SAP India* (2023) upheld this doctrine, expanding its scope beyond strict party autonomy. The court held that the doctrine doesn't violate consent principles but rather identifies implied consent through conduct, mutual intent, and corporate interdependence, ensuring commercial reality prevails over rigid formalism in multi-party disputes.