Four Indian-origin senior citizens Dr Kishore Divan (89), Asha Divan (85), Shailesh Divan (86), and Gita Divan (84) tragically died in a car crash en route to Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold in West Virginia. Their lime green Toyota Camry was found on August 2 at 9:30 PM, plunged down a steep embankment along Big Wheeling Creek Road in Marshall County. The family was last seen on July 29 at a Burger King in Erie, Pennsylvania, with CCTV and credit card records marking their final movements. Despite multi-agency search efforts and cellphone data, they were missing for days. Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the crash. Investigations remain ongoing. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Indian entrepreneur Ayush Panchmiya, co-founder of Blockwee, faced a harrowing ordeal in Spain after his passport, US visa, and cash were stolen from a Starbucks in Barcelona. The theft occurred on a Saturday, leaving him stranded as the Indian Embassy was closed over the weekend. Local police delayed access to CCTV footage, citing a 15–20 day review period. Panchmiya finally received an emergency certificate from the embassy on Monday, allowing him to fly back to India that evening. He shared his experience on X and LinkedIn, calling it the “worst 48 hours” of his travel life, and urged frequent travelers to be aware of emergency protocols abroad. (PC: Instagram)

Four Indian-origin senior citizens Asha Divan (85), Kishore Divan (89), Shailesh Divan (86), and Gita Divan (84) have gone missing during a road trip from Buffalo, New York, to Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold in West Virginia. Their last confirmed sighting was at a Burger King in Erie, Pennsylvania, on July 29, captured via CCTV and credit card records. They were traveling in a lime green 2009 Toyota Camry (NY plate EKW2611), later spotted on I-79. Authorities in Marshall and Ohio counties have launched a search operation, including helicopters and cell signal tracking. A missing persons report has been filed, and family members are urging the public to share any leads. (PC: NDTV & ABC)

A 25‑year‑old Bangladeshi man, Mohammad Ashraful of Narayanganj, was detained on August 1, 2025 at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport after attempting to break the glass partition enclosing the International Transit Terminal, to exit without an Indian visa . Ashraful, en route from Singapore to Dhaka, suddenly tried to breach the transit zone’s glass wall. CISF personnel intervened swiftly, restraining and handing him over to airport police. During interrogation, his responses were incoherent, raising concerns about his mental state . He was formally arrested by Bidhannagar Police later that evening. Further investigation into his motive is ongoing. (PC: India Today)

As of August 2, 2025, Indian officials confirmed that oil procurement from Russia remains unchanged, despite U.S. President Donald Trump warning of a 25% tariff and unspecified penalties if India continues buying Russian energy . Authorities emphasized that long-term contracts and market-based factors—such as price, grade, logistics, and inflation control—guide their choices, not political pressure . State refiners paused purchases recently due to narrowing discounts, but private players like Reliance and Nayara continue importing. Russian crude still makes up approximately 35% of India's oil imports, underscoring New Delhi’s stance on independent energy policy and economic pragmatism. (PC: The Guardian)

NDTV investigated former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that the “Indian economy is dead” by asking five major American AI platforms—ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini, Meta AI, and Copilot—“Is the Indian economy dead?” Each responded emphatically that India’s economy is robust and fast‑growing . Trump’s assertion came alongside his announcement of a sweeping 25% tariff on Indian imports and hinted penalties over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil . Union Minister Piyush Goyal reaffirmed that India remains the fastest-growing major economy, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sparked controversy by endorsing Trump’s claim, drawing swift criticism from other leaders. (PC: NDTV)

Abhay Devadas Nayak, a 41-year-old man of Bengaluru origin, was arrested in Glasgow for causing a mid-air scare aboard an easyJet flight from London to Glasgow. Nayak shouted slogans including “Death to America,” “Death to Trump,” and “Allahu Akbar,” prompting passengers to restrain him and the pilot to initiate emergency procedures. No explosives were found, and authorities ruled out terrorism charges, instead charging him under the UK’s Air Navigation Order for endangering aircraft safety. Nayak’s family in Bengaluru confirmed he suffers from schizophrenia. He was remanded in custody and is expected to appear in court again next week. The incident has sparked debate over mental health and aviation safety protocols.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning to Pakistan during his address in Varanasi, declaring that BrahMos missiles will now be manufactured in Lucknow as part of the UP Defence Corridor. He stated that any future terrorist act by Pakistan would be met with decisive retaliation using these indigenous missiles. Modi hailed the success of Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians, and praised India’s air defense systems, drones, and missiles. He emphasized that “even hearing the name BrahMos keeps Pakistan awake at night,” and asserted that India’s self-reliant defense capabilities will ensure no act of terror goes unanswered. (PC: Hindustan Times & Defence News)

India has declined to comment on the White House’s push for President Donald Trump to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that questions regarding Trump’s candidacy should be directed to the White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed Trump brokered multiple peace deals including between India and Pakistan, averaging one per month during his six-month tenure. India, however, reiterated that the cessation of hostilities with Pakistan was a bilateral decision, with Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar denying any foreign intervention during Operation Sindoor. Pakistan has formally nominated Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, but the Norwegian Nobel Committee has not commented publicly on the matter. (PC: Exploring Economics & Firstpost)

India reacted to the White House’s demand for a Nobel Peace Prize for US President Donald Trump by saying, “Please take your question to them.” This response came after the White House claimed Trump had stopped global conflicts, including between India and Pakistan. India denied the claim. PM Modi said, “If Pakistan attacks, we will respond by launching a big attack.” Foreign Minister Jaishankar added, “Nobody, anywhere in the world, asked India to stop its operations.” India said its ties with the US are strong, and its relations with Russia are “steady and time-tested.” (PC: India Today)