Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the issue between Pakistan and the United States following US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s remarks on Jammu and Kashmir was a matter for the two countries. Gor, during his Srinagar visit on Wednesday, described Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India” after meeting Abdullah. Pakistan subsequently summoned a US diplomat to express its strong objections to the ambassador’s statement. Reacting to the development, Abdullah said, “This is between Pakistan and the US. Neither you nor I can do anything here,” according to news agency ANI. The remarks came hours after Pakistan’s diplomatic action over Gor’s comments.

India is diversifying crude imports as Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz uncertainty threaten Gulf supplies. Venezuelan crude surged in August to around 444,000 barrels per day, making Venezuela India’s fourth-largest supplier, while Russia remains the biggest at nearly 2 million bpd. Latin American crude accounted for 12.7% of imports between April and July, up from 3.5% a year earlier, while West Asia’s share fell from 43% to around 30%. India is also increasing domestic output, suppliers, shipping routes and inventories while expanding alternatives including gas, biofuels, electric vehicles and renewables. However, Gulf oil remains difficult to replace because of shorter, cheaper transport. India remains dependent on imports, making energy security critical. (PC: X)

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor arrived in Leh on August 20, 2026, a day after visiting Srinagar and meeting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. His arrival marks his maiden visit to Ladakh and a significant diplomatic engagement in the strategically important frontier region. During his Srinagar visit, Gor described Jammu and Kashmir as “an important part of India” and said the United States would reconsider its travel advisory for the region amid improved security. Gor was also expected to meet the Dalai Lama, although the meeting was reportedly removed from his schedule at the last minute. (PC: PTI)

Elon Musk’s Starlink has reportedly reapplied to India’s space regulator, IN-SPACe, for approval to deploy its next-generation Gen 2 satellite constellation. The proposed network could involve nearly 30,000 low-Earth-orbit satellites and includes direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, allowing compatible mobile phones to connect directly with satellites without specialised ground equipment. The fresh application marks Starlink’s renewed push into India’s satellite communications market after earlier regulatory hurdles. The move comes as India develops rules for satellite-based mobile connectivity and spectrum access. If approved, Starlink could expand connectivity in remote and underserved areas while competing with other satellite communication providers. (PC: Reuters)

Hyderabad-born researcher Rohan Naidu has drawn attention for his remarkable journey from engineering dropout to contributing to a significant discovery involving a black hole and a star. After leaving engineering, Naidu pursued his interest in astronomy and astrophysics, eventually entering the field through research. His work reportedly helped scientists identify an unusual celestial system involving a black hole and a companion star, offering valuable insights into how such extreme objects interact and evolve. The discovery highlights the importance of perseverance and curiosity in scientific research. Naidu’s journey has also inspired attention in India, demonstrating how unconventional academic paths can lead to important achievements in astronomy. (PC: X)

Vinay Maheshwari, an Indian man from Indore, was laid off from his job in the US while working on an H-1B visa. With only 60 days to find another employer, he applied for hundreds of jobs but failed to secure one. As his savings quickly ran out, Maheshwari took up a cleaning job at a hostel in North Carolina in exchange for room and board. He later returned to India and wrote a book, Rerouted, inspired by his experience. Maheshwari said his story highlights the uncertainty faced by workers dependent on H-1B visas. (PC: HT)

Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar criticised Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari over his remarks about the country’s Hindu minority. Zardari said Pakistan “tolerates” its 3-4% Hindu population and claimed Hindus were free in the country. Reacting on X, Akhtar objected to the use of the word “tolerate” and took a dig at Zardari’s old “Mr 10 per cent” nickname, which became associated with past corruption allegations that Zardari has denied. Akhtar said Zardari had been “insensitive” to everything “less than 10 per cent”, drawing attention to the president’s controversial past nickname. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has cited India’s election system and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar while backing the SAVE America Act. The proposed US bill seeks proof of citizenship for voter registration, mandatory photo identification and tighter rules for mail-in ballots. India’s nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR), led by the Election Commission, focuses on verifying and updating electoral rolls to identify eligible voters and remove ineligible entries. While both measures stress voter verification and election integrity, the SIR is a voter-roll revision exercise, whereas the SAVE America Act proposes changes to US federal election laws, including stricter voting and mail-ballot requirements. (PC: India Today)

The chances of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visiting India before the BRICS Summit are “very slim”, his foreign affairs adviser Humayun Kabir has said. Kabir said a visit would depend on a change in the Indian leadership's approach towards Bangladesh.   India has reportedly invited Rahman for a bilateral visit and the BRICS Summit outreach session in New Delhi on September 12-13. Kabir said media reports about a confirmed visit were based on assumptions.   He said Bangladesh would take a positive view of attending the summit if both countries create a suitable environment through consensus on key issues. (PC: HT)

A woman fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force was part of the strike mission that hit the Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters in Muridke during Operation Sindoor, according to defence and security sources. The officer reportedly flew a Su-30MKI during the 87-hour conflict with Pakistan last year. Sources said more than one woman fighter pilot took part in missions targeting military locations, flying Su-30MKIs and Rafale aircraft as pilots or Weapon System Operators. On the first day of Operation Sindoor, India struck nine targets, including terror facilities in Muridke and Bahawalpur.