Delhi remains under a five-day orange alert after the India Meteorological Department warned of severe heatwave conditions across the national capital. Temperatures are expected to reach nearly 46 degrees Celsius, with no major relief likely over the next week. The IMD said hot and dry winds, along with the absence of western disturbances, are intensifying the heat. Authorities warned of rising risks of heat-related illnesses, especially among children, elderly people and those with health conditions. Delhi’s peak electricity demand also touched a season-high 7,776 MW amid soaring temperatures and increased power consumption across the city. (PC: HT)

Rahul Gandhi intensified his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Italy visit and viral interaction with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Speaking in Raebareli, Gandhi said, “An economic storm is looming overhead, and our Prime Minister is distributing toffees in Italy.” He warned of rising inflation and fuel prices, claiming farmers, workers and small traders were suffering while the PM was “smiling, making reels”. Gandhi also accused the BJP government of damaging institutions. The BJP hit back strongly, while NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar defended Modi’s foreign outreach. (PC: X)

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi revealed that his viral ‘A’ celebration during Rajasthan Royals’ IPL 2026 clash against Lucknow Super Giants was dedicated to his mother. The 15-year-old batter made the hand gesture after reaching a milestone during his explosive 93-run knock off 38 balls in Jaipur. Fans had widely speculated about the meaning behind the sign, with some linking it to India A selection hopes. However, in a video shared by Rajasthan Royals, Sooryavanshi clarified that the gesture represents the first letter of his mother’s name. His heartfelt tribute quickly won praise on social media.

Beef dishes are disappearing from restaurant menus across West Bengal after the BJP government enforced stricter cow slaughter rules following its election victory in the state. Several iconic eateries in Kolkata have stopped serving beef steaks, chops and biryani due to supply shortages and fears linked to the new restrictions ahead of Eid al-Adha. Restaurants such as Shaikh’s, Mocambo and Oly Pub confirmed disruptions in beef supply, while The Burger Shop announced the permanent removal of beef from its menu. The BJP government, led by chief minister Suvendu Adhikari, has intensified enforcement of decades-old cattle slaughter laws after defeating former chief minister Mamata Banerjee. (PC: The Independent)

Fear is growing across eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo as a deadly Ebola outbreak continues to spread, with officials reporting more than 130 suspected deaths and over 500 possible cases. Health authorities say the virus may have been circulating undetected for weeks before the outbreak was officially identified in April. The Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which is harder to detect than previous strains, has now spread to several towns and cities, including Goma and Butembo. Poor healthcare access, conflict, misinformation and delayed reporting are making efforts to contain the outbreak increasingly difficult for authorities and aid agencies. (PC: BBC)

The satirical Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and National Parasitic Front (NPF) have gone viral on social media after controversial remarks by Chief Justice Surya Kant comparing some unemployed youth to “cockroaches” and “parasites”. Founded by Abhijeet Dipke, the CJP quickly gained massive attention online with meme-driven campaigns, parody manifestos and mock political promises focused on unemployment, governance and electoral reforms. The NPF soon emerged as its satirical rival, presenting itself as an “opposition” movement. Though both groups describe themselves as satire, they have struck a chord with many young Indians frustrated over jobs, politics and rising economic pressures. (PC: HT)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a light-hearted moment with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his visit to Rome by gifting her a packet of Parle’s popular Melody toffee. Meloni posted a video of the exchange on social media, where she smiled while showing the candy and called it a “very, very good toffee”. Modi then jokingly replied, “Melody”, triggering laughter and instantly reviving the viral “Melodi” meme online. The hashtag has long been used by internet users to describe the warm and friendly chemistry between the two leaders, and the latest moment quickly drew reactions across social media.

India will host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, with Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed to attend and Chinese President Xi Jinping likely to participate. Xi’s visit, if confirmed, will be his first trip to India since 2019 following years of strained ties after the Galwan Valley clashes and border tensions. India, which assumed the BRICS presidency in January 2026, will host leaders from the expanded 11-member bloc under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. The summit is expected to focus on economic cooperation, global governance reforms and trade. (PC: India Today)

Banda in Uttar Pradesh recorded 48.2 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, becoming the hottest place in India and setting a new temperature record for the district. Extreme heat has disrupted daily life, with markets emptying by 10 am and labourers avoiding outdoor work during peak hours. Researchers and activists linked the worsening heat to deforestation, large-scale mining, river sand extraction and falling groundwater levels across Bundelkhand. Farmers have started working at night to escape the scorching temperatures. Experts warned that continued ecological damage could make parts of Banda unliveable in the coming years as the district increasingly turns into a severe heat island. (PC: HT)

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed deeper strategic cooperation during Putin’s state visit to Beijing, signalling stronger alignment amid rising global tensions. Putin said both nations would expand bilateral cooperation and coordinate more closely on international platforms like BRICS. Xi responded that China-Russia relations had entered a “new stage of faster development”, adding that mutual trust between the two countries continued to strengthen. Chinese state media described the talks as “substantial”, while Putin called the partnership “exemplary”. The visit mirrored the ceremonial welcome recently accorded to US President Donald Trump, underscoring Beijing’s effort to project itself as a central hub of global diplomacy and strategic influence. (PC: BBC)