The US Senate has passed a bill allowing tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian oil, gas and other exports. The bill was approved 86-11 on Friday. India, China, Slovakia, Hungary and Azerbaijan are named as possible targets. The actual tariff rate will be decided by the US Trade Representative. The bill also allows President Donald Trump to waive the tariffs under certain conditions. It now moves to the House of Representatives. The move comes as India and the US work on a trade deal. India has defended its Russian oil purchases, citing energy security needs.

The Centre on Friday held a third day of discussions with Meta, focusing on technical measures to address deepfakes, child sexual abuse material (CSAM), bot accounts and unlabelled AI-generated content. During the meeting, Meta explained how its systems work and outlined plans to tackle the government's concerns. Officials asked the company to implement specific measures and report back on the outcomes. The government also questioned why AI-generated videos without labels continue to circulate despite IT Rules requiring synthetic content to be identified. The talks followed two days of meetings led by IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw after Meta was summoned over the temporary restriction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Facebook post. (PC: La Matin Blue)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke confronted a Police Sub-Inspector deployed at his Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar residence, accusing the officer of behaving rudely, restricting visitors and seeking his removal from security duty. Dipke, who received police protection following threats and crowd management concerns, alleged the PSI prevented people from entering his home and compared his conduct to the Delhi Police. In videos that went viral, Dipke is seen reprimanding the officer and complaining to a senior police official over the phone. He also claimed plainclothes CID personnel were monitoring his residence and sharing updates in a WhatsApp group named "Hit Spray". Police have not commented.

Israeli media have reported that Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has been rushed to hospital in critical condition, though Iranian authorities have not confirmed the claim. Israel's Channel 14, citing sources inside Iran, said discussions within senior political circles suggest Khamenei is in an "extremely critical condition." The report follows an earlier Jerusalem Post article citing IranWire and sources allegedly close to President Masoud Pezeshkian's administration. One quoted source claimed they "would not be surprised" if news of Khamenei's martyrdom emerged soon. Previous reports had alleged Khamenei suffered serious injuries during strikes on his father's compound, forcing him to remain out of public view and communicate through intermediaries. (PC: Times Now)

The US Senate has passed a Russia sanctions bill authorising tariffs of up to 100% on imports from countries continuing significant purchases of Russian energy, placing India among those potentially affected. The legislation aims to increase pressure on Moscow over the Ukraine war by expanding sanctions and targeting buyers of Russian crude. India, the world's second-largest importer of Russian oil after China, increased purchases following disruptions in Gulf supplies. The bill provides the legal framework for tariffs but does not mandate immediate implementation. Some US senators opposed the proposal, warning it could harm US interests and strategic ties with India. The legislation must complete further legislative steps before becoming law.

A political debate has erupted in Bangladesh after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina vowed from Delhi to return to the country. Amid the fallout, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) MP Nasir Uddin Chowdhury called for his party to merge with Hasina’s now-banned Awami League, describing it as an “ally” of the ruling outfit led by Tarique Rahman, according to Prothom Alo. His remarks came despite differing views within the BNP and the Bangladesh government, both of which have publicly distanced themselves from his position. The comments have intensified political discussions in Bangladesh, highlighting divisions within the ruling party even as reactions continue to emerge following Hasina’s statement about returning to Dhaka. (PC: Facebook/File)

A newly constructed farm well in Gujarat’s Morbi district has drawn crowds after its water repeatedly surged and fluctuated, triggering speculation about earthquakes and supernatural activity. The unusual movement was reported at farmer Pranjivanbhai Sardiya’s well in Veerparda village after it recently filled to capacity. The turbulence continued on Sunday and Monday, settled on Tuesday, and resumed Wednesday evening. Morbi Collector Swapnil Khare urged people not to spread rumours, citing a preliminary geological assessment that linked the movement to trapped air beneath the water. Geologist Jagdish Vadher attributed it to groundwater recharge after heavy rainfall, roadside wind flow and local conditions. The Institute of Seismological Research found no seismic activity, while a groundwater team will conduct a final study.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday described the E20 issue as a “very big issue”, alleging it is affecting people’s cars, scooters and lives. Speaking on the matter, Gandhi said Congress would take up the issue “in a massive way”, while linking it to what he described as widespread corruption. Stressing the seriousness of the controversy, he remarked, “Yeh E20 ka jo maamla hai bohot bada issue hai... daal mein kuch kaala nahi, daal hi kaali hai.” Gandhi said the E20 issue would not be ignored despite several other concerns, arguing that the scale of alleged corruption had created a long list of issues requiring attention and careful sequencing before action.

India on Friday clarified that it does not endorse remarks made by former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her August 5 press conference that criticised Bangladesh's BNP-led government. Responding to questions, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the event was organised by a private media entity and that the Government of India had no role in hosting or conducting it. He stressed that New Delhi does not support or endorse any comments made at the forum, particularly those concerning Bangladesh's duly constituted government.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced free public entry for both Tests of the upcoming two-match series against India, aiming to boost stadium attendance and promote the longest format. The series begins on August 15 and marks India’s first Test assignment since their 2025 whitewash against South Africa. With both teams chasing crucial World Test Championship (2025-27) points, the fixtures carry added significance. Amid concerns over declining crowds and viewership for Test cricket, SLC said the initiative will allow fans, families and young cricket enthusiasts to watch world-class cricket without purchasing tickets. The board hopes the move will encourage greater public participation and strengthen support for red-ball cricket across Sri Lanka. (PC: X)