Actor-turned-BJP leader Mithun Chakraborty issued a fiery response to Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s war threats over the Indus Waters Treaty. Speaking in Kolkata, Mithun warned that if India’s patience snaps, “humari khopdi sanak gayi toh…” BrahMos missiles would be launched one after another. He sarcastically added that India could build a dam where 140 crore people would urinate, triggering a tsunami. His remarks came after Bilawal accused India of attacking Pakistan’s culture and civilization by diverting Indus waters, threatening war if the treaty is altered. India suspended the treaty in April following a terror attack. The Ministry of External Affairs condemned Pakistan’s nuclear rhetoric, reaffirming India’s resolve against nuclear blackmail and threats to national security. (PC: AFP, PTI & NDTV)

Pakistan’s Bilawal Bhutto warned India of possible war if it continues suspending the Indus Water Treaty, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Speaking in Sindh, the former foreign minister accused India of “aggressions” and urged Pakistanis to unite, vowing to reclaim “all six rivers.” His remarks came a day after army chief Asim Munir threatened nuclear war, warning Pakistan could “take half the world down” if threatened. Munir also vowed to destroy any dams built on Indus channels. India condemned the threats as “nuclear sabre-rattling,” affirming it will not yield to “nuclear blackmail.” (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on India’s imports of Russian oil, calling it a “big blow” to Moscow’s economy. He emphasized India’s role as one of Russia’s largest oil buyers and claimed the tariffs have severely disrupted Russia’s economic stability. India condemned the move as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.” Trump is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, expecting “constructive conversations.” He also plans to engage with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy afterward. Trump reiterated his claim of resolving five wars during his second term, including the India-Pakistan conflict though India denies his involvement in that resolution. (PC: ABC & DD News)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging India to back Ukraine’s peace initiative and sanctions against Russian energy exports. The call came as India faces a 50% US tariff for purchasing Russian oil, with President Donald Trump accusing New Delhi of “fuelling the war machine.” Modi reiterated India’s consistent stance on an early, peaceful resolution and commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Ukraine. Defending India’s energy policy, Modi said the country would not compromise on farmers’ interests despite economic costs. Zelensky stressed that any Ukraine-related decision must include Kyiv’s participation for meaningful results. (PC: HT)

New Delhi saw high drama on Monday as nearly 300 Opposition MPs, led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, marched to the Election Commission over alleged ‘vote chori’ and poll body-BJP collusion. The march, joined by leaders like Akhilesh Yadav, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Derek O’Brien, was blocked by Delhi Police at Transport Bhavan, sparking clashes. Several MPs climbed barricades, while Trinamool MPs Mahua Moitra and Mitali Baugh fainted during the chaos, with Baugh hospitalised. Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and others were detained. “This fight is to save the Constitution,” Rahul Gandhi said, as Opposition leaders vowed to continue their agitation. (PC: India Today)

A Pakistani man was arrested by the Border Security Force (BSF) on Monday after trying to enter India illegally in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district. BSF said the man crossed the International Border and moved aggressively toward the fence despite warnings. Troops fired at his legs, injuring him before taking him into custody. He was later taken to a hospital for treatment. Officials said his identity and motive are under investigation. A protest has been lodged with Pakistani Rangers over the incident. Earlier, a Chinese man was caught trying to enter India from Nepal without valid documents. (PC: PTI/Representational)

Mumbai Police have given security cover to comedian Kapil Sharma after two shootings at his Kap’s Café in Surrey, Canada, within a month. The latest firing happened on August 7 in the Newton area. A similar attack took place on July 10. No injuries were reported in either incident, but the repeated attacks have raised safety concerns. Canadian police are investigating possible gang links. Sharma, known for The Kapil Sharma Show, opened the café earlier this year. At least 10 bullet holes and shattered glass were found after the first attack. He is cooperating with Canadian authorities. (PC: HT)

China is set to begin construction of a strategic railway linking Hotan in Xinjiang to Lhasa in Tibet, with parts of the route running close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with India. The Xinjiang-Tibet Railway Company has been registered with an initial capital of 95 billion yuan ($13.2 billion) and is wholly owned by China State Railway Group. The 2,000 km high-altitude rail line will cross mountain ranges and permafrost zones, enhancing China’s military and logistical reach in the frontier region. The project is part of Beijing’s broader plan to establish a 5,000 km plateau rail network by 2035, raising concerns in India over its strategic implications near disputed territories. (PC: NDTV & ilearnCANA)

Air India has announced the suspension of its direct flights between Delhi and Washington, D.C., effective September 1, citing “operational factors.” The airline did not elaborate on the specific reasons, but the decision comes amid broader adjustments to international routes and fleet management. The Delhi–Washington service, which operated thrice weekly, was one of Air India’s key long-haul connections to the United States. Passengers booked on affected flights will be offered alternative arrangements or refunds. The move has sparked concern among frequent flyers and aviation analysts, who view it as a setback to India–U.S. connectivity. Air India has yet to confirm when or if the route will be reinstated. (PC: Visit London & Air India)

India has strongly condemned Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir’s anti-India remarks made during his U.S. visit, labeling them “nuclear sabre-rattling.” Speaking to the Pakistani-American community in Tampa, Munir described Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein” and threatened to destroy any Indian dam built on the Indus River. The Ministry of External Affairs said India will not give in to nuclear blackmail and will take all necessary steps to safeguard national security. Officials called Pakistan an “irresponsible nuclear-armed state” and warned of the risk of nuclear materials reaching non-state actors. India also criticized the remarks for being made on the soil of a friendly third country, raising diplomatic concerns. (PC: NDTV)