A man from Bihar's Kishanganj district has claimed he was wrongly named in an FIR linked to the NEET paper leak protests despite living in Russia for the past 4 months. Mohammad Sadaqat made the claim in a video shared on social media, saying he was not present during the July 25 protest in Bahadurganj and sought a fair investigation. PTI could not independently verify the video's authenticity. The development comes as the Bihar government announced the withdrawal of all cases related to the NEET protests and ordered the release of those detained during the demonstrations. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has suggested changes to a Russia sanctions bill that could allow tariffs of up to 100% on India and other countries buying Russian energy. He said the bill should also give him powers to impose tariffs on Iran if needed. The bill has cleared a key vote in the US Senate and will move through more stages before becoming law. If passed, it could affect India, China and other major buyers of Russian oil. The proposed law may also impact India-US trade talks, as both countries are working on a bilateral trade agreement. (PC: Reuters)

Thai police have arrested five Indian nationals for allegedly kidnapping three Indian tourists in Pattaya and demanding ransom from their families. Police said the victims were lured to Thailand with the promise of a cheap holiday. They were then held captive and allegedly tortured. The kidnappers reportedly demanded ₹40 lakh from each family. The victims were rescued after the Indian Embassy alerted Thai authorities. Police said the suspects claimed a Pakistani national instructed them to carry out the kidnapping. Investigators are examining the alleged Pakistan link. Police also recovered items believed to have been used during the crime.

India has criticised The New York Times for using the term "Pakistani Kashmir" in a report on violence during local elections in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The Indian Embassy in the US called the wording "misleading and incorrect." It said there is only Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and repeated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are integral parts of India. The newspaper's report covered clashes between protesters and security forces in PoK. According to reports, more than 30 people were killed during the crackdown. India has also criticised Pakistan over the violence and its administration of the region.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are expected to attend the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. If Xi visits, it will be his first trip to India since 2019. The summit comes as tensions continue in West Asia. Leaders are expected to discuss the conflict and other global issues. Prime Minister Narendra Modi may hold separate meetings with the visiting leaders. India is hosting the BRICS Summit after five years. Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has also been invited as the current chair of BIMSTEC, according to the report. (PC: AFP)

Three Indian men were rescued by Thai police after they were allegedly held captive and "tortured for Rs 68.4 lakh ransom" by a gang of 4 Pakistani nationals and 1 Indian in Pattaya. Police said the victims, aged between 23 and 26, were lured to Thailand with a cheap tour package before being kidnapped at a rented house. The men alleged they were beaten, tied up, starved and forced to call their families to demand ransom. Thai police traced the location after receiving information from the victims' relatives. The accused fled before officers reached the house. (PC: NDTV)

The Indian Embassy in Ukraine on Wednesday said it is giving the "highest priority" to the safety and security of 13 Indian seafarers stranded aboard cargo vessel MV AMIR1 at Chornomorsk port. In a statement on X, the embassy said it is in constant touch with all concerned authorities. The Forward Seamen's Union of India warned that the crew is trapped in a "life-threatening situation" amid repeated drone and missile attacks near the Black Sea port. The development comes days after attacks on merchant vessels in the region killed several Indian seafarers and left others missing.

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif sparked controversy after defending the use of force against protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), reportedly describing them as "enemies like India." His remarks came amid escalating unrest and allegations that Pakistani security forces fired on demonstrators during protests demanding political and civil rights. Reports claimed multiple civilians were killed and many others injured, though casualty figures have not been independently verified. India condemned the reported violence, accusing Pakistan of oppressing civilians in PoJK. The developments have intensified international attention on the region, with protesters and activists demanding accountability, protection of fundamental rights and greater global scrutiny of the situation. (PC: Arab News)

The US Senate has voted to advance a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill that could allow tariffs of up to 100% on countries continuing significant purchases of Russian energy, placing India among those potentially affected. The legislation is intended to increase economic pressure on Russia over the Ukraine conflict while granting the US President authority to impose tariffs under specified conditions. The bill must still clear additional legislative stages before becoming law. If enacted, it could have implications for India's trade and energy ties with Russia, alongside broader economic and diplomatic consequences. The proposed measure underscores Washington's tougher approach toward nations maintaining substantial energy commerce with Moscow. (PC: PTI)

India strongly condemned recent attacks on commercial ships near the Strait of Hormuz during a United Nations Security Council meeting, stressing that targeting civilian vessels is unacceptable and must stop immediately. Calling the incidents deeply concerning, India urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and pursue dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. New Delhi reaffirmed the importance of ensuring the safety of international maritime trade, freedom of navigation and regional stability, while emphasizing respect for international law. India also reiterated support for peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomatic engagement, warning that prolonged conflict could seriously affect global security, energy supplies, commerce and economic stability. (PC: Instagram)