Iran’s semi-official Mehr News agency has released an undated video showing Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei interacting with followers, apparently seeking to counter reports about his health. The footage came days after Israeli media claimed the 56-year-old cleric was in an “extremely critical condition” and had been taken to a hospital. Reports also cited concerns within Iran’s leadership. However, the video’s date and circumstances could not be independently verified. Khamenei has rarely appeared publicly since becoming Supreme Leader after his father’s death in February. His prolonged absence has fueled repeated speculation about his health and whereabouts.

One of the two pilots operating an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight reportedly failed a post-flight dope test following a severe turbulence incident and sudden 300-foot altitude loss. Sources said both pilots have been removed from flying duties pending an inquiry. The incident, which occurred on August 5, injured at least 17 people, including four cabin crew members. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the incident and will decide whether further investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is required. Air India said the drug-test results have not been shared with the airline and declined to comment on the reported findings. (PC: 

India’s Basant Kumar Meghwal won the silver medal in the men’s high jump at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon. The 19-year-old athlete from Anupgarh, Rajasthan, cleared a personal-best height of 2.21 metres, securing his first medal at an international competition. His performance also made him the first Indian high jumper to win a medal at the World U20 Championships. Algeria’s Younes Ayachi took gold, while Great Britain’s Otis Poole claimed bronze, with positions decided by countback. Meghwal’s achievement adds to India’s growing success in athletics at the global junior level. (PC: X)

The Jharkhand government will hold a sixth round of talks with protesting recruitment-exam aspirants after a 16-day agitation over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations. Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for nearly a week, experienced a serious health deterioration, with doctors recording his blood glucose at 53. The government’s previous discussions with multiple student groups failed to resolve the deadlock. Protesters are demanding reforms, cancellation of disputed examinations and investigations into alleged irregularities. They have warned of an Assembly march on August 10 if their demands remain unresolved. (PC: X)

A fast-moving wildfire in British Columbia, Canada, has forced more than 20,000 people to evacuate as authorities declared a provincial state of emergency. The Bald Range fire rapidly spread around communities along Okanagan Lake, destroying homes and trapping residents. More than 100 wildfires are burning across the province, with nearly half considered out of control amid hot, windy conditions and prolonged drought. Emergency crews, aircraft and search-and-rescue teams are assisting affected communities, while major roads have been closed. Officials warn conditions remain highly dangerous as firefighters struggle to contain the rapidly expanding blaze. (PC: Reuters)

Toronto police have arrested Abdul Ghafoori, 32, seven months after his Indian-origin partner, Himanshi Khurana, 30, was found dead in a Toronto residence. Khurana was reported missing on December 19, 2025, and officers found her deceased the following morning. Police classified her death as a homicide and had identified Ghafoori as a suspect wanted on a first-degree murder charge. Investigators described the case as an act of intimate partner violence. Ghafoori was located and arrested at Toronto airport on August 7, 2026, following coordination between Canadian and international law-enforcement agencies. He is scheduled to face court proceedings in Toronto. (PC: NDTV)

The Centre has clarified that UPI users will continue to make payments without transaction charges, despite recent legislative changes enabling the introduction of Merchant Discount Rates (MDR). The government said any future MDR would be nominal and restricted to a limited category of merchant transactions above a specified threshold. The vast majority of merchant transactions would also remain free, ensuring small businesses and everyday digital payments are not burdened. The clarification follows concerns after the Lok Sabha passed amendments allowing charges on UPI and other digital payments. The government aims to maintain UPI’s affordability while supporting the sustainability of its payment ecosystem. (PC: The Hindu)

US Vice President JD Vance spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday to discuss strengthening the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. The leaders reviewed progress in bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global developments. According to the Indian government, they reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in trade, defence, critical and emerging technologies, energy security and critical minerals. Modi also congratulated Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance on the birth of their son, Alec Neel Vance, born on July 19. The conversation reflected continued high-level engagement and efforts to strengthen strategic cooperation between India and the United States. (AP)

Former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said that some people attempted to “mislead” Gen Z during protests over the NEET paper leak controversy. Speaking at GM University in Bhubaneswar, Pradhan defended his resignation, saying he had personally offered to step down and that the ministerial position was never important to him. He resigned as Education Minister on July 25 amid student protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Pradhan also criticised Odisha’s BJD leadership over protests against him. BJD leader Rohit Pujari rejected his claims and blamed the government’s handling of the student agitation. (PC: India Today)

Canada deported 3,323 Indian nationals in the first 6 months of 2026, reflecting a major increase in immigration enforcement. The removals come as Ottawa tightens rules on asylum claims, temporary visas, international students and foreign workers. Indian migrants affected by the crackdown include people whose asylum applications were rejected, visas expired or cases involved alleged document fraud, criminality or violations of immigration conditions. The policy shift has caused concern among Indian families who spent large amounts of money to send students to Canada. Experts say removals could rise further as Canadian authorities work through a large backlog of removal orders.