Russia has imposed new restrictions on WhatsApp and Telegram calls, affecting 97 million and 90 million users respectively. The crackdown coincides with the rollout of Max, a state-approved "super-app" controlled by Kremlin allies that must be pre-installed on all devices sold from September 1st. Unlike encrypted messaging apps, Max's privacy policy allows data sharing with government bodies, raising surveillance concerns. Russia faces widespread mobile internet blackouts affecting up to 77 regions simultaneously, officially justified as drone defense but suspected as control measures. The government is developing a system allowing only "vital" services during shutdowns, including Max messenger, effectively creating a Chinese-style internet control model while eliminating digital freedoms Russians previously enjoyed. (PC: Getty Images)

Israeli forces bombed the 15-storey Soussi Tower in Gaza City on Saturday after issuing evacuation orders, continuing systematic destruction of remaining infrastructure. The tower was located opposite a UNRWA building in Tal al-Hawa neighborhood. Israel claims targeted buildings were used by Hamas for intelligence gathering, though Gaza's Government Media Office rejected these allegations as justification for targeting civilians. At least 68 Palestinians were killed and 362 wounded across Gaza in the past day, including 23 aid seekers and six starvation deaths. Israel designated a new "humanitarian zone" in al-Mawasi but Palestinians distrust such areas after repeated bombings. Residents returning to evacuated areas find complete destruction, with 90% of Gaza's infrastructure reportedly destroyed. (PC: Al Jazeera)

Ukrainian President Zelensky firmly rejected Putin's invitation to Moscow for peace talks, calling Russia's capital a "terrorist's capital." Speaking to ABC News at a missile-damaged American manufacturing plant, Zelensky countered that Putin should come to Kyiv instead. Putin had earlier said he was "never against" meeting Zelensky and invited him to Moscow. Zelensky dismissed this as a stalling tactic, saying Putin is "playing games with the United States" and trying to postpone meetings. The exchange comes as Trump seeks to mediate a settlement, proposing trilateral summits. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha noted several countries including Austria, Switzerland, and Turkey are ready to host peace talks, while German Chancellor Merz called a Putin-Zelensky meeting unlikely. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order offering limited tariff exemptions to countries that have existing trade agreements with the United States. The move comes amid ongoing global concerns over Washington’s aggressive tariff policies, which have disrupted supply chains and sparked diplomatic tensions. Trump clarified that the exemptions aim to protect allied economies while maintaining leverage against nations accused of unfair trade practices. Analysts believe this step could ease friction with key partners, including Mexico, Canada, and South Korea, though uncertainty remains over broader tariff disputes with China and the European Union. (PC: Reuters)

In a significant development, Canada has officially acknowledged that Khalistani extremist groups, including Babbar Khalsa International and the International Sikh Youth Federation, are operating within its borders and receiving financial support. This admission comes from a recent report by the Canadian Department of Finance, which assesses money laundering and terrorist financing risks. The report highlights that these groups are exploiting charitable organizations, crowdfunding platforms, and even cryptocurrencies to fund politically motivated violence. Additionally, it notes that such entities are involved in activities like drug trafficking and auto thefts. This revelation underscores ongoing concerns about Canada's role in facilitating transnational extremism and may strain diplomatic relations with countries affected by these activities.

In eastern Afghanistan, a deadly 6.0-magnitude earthquake has claimed over 2,200 lives. Disturbingly, strict Taliban-imposed gender norms—most notably the prohibition on "skin contact" between male rescuers and unrelated women—have severely impeded rescue operations in remote Kunar areas. Female victims, including injured women and girls, were often left trapped, bleeding, or buried, while men and children were prioritized. The scarcity of female medical personnel, a result of bans on women’s education and public roles, further worsened delays. Survivors recount feeling invisible—ignored by rescue teams—even as calls grow for international aid and inclusive relief responses. (PC: AP)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reshuffled his cabinet after Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner resigned for underpaying property tax. David Lammy, formerly Foreign Secretary, is now Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister. Yvette Cooper moves from Home Secretary to Foreign Secretary, while Shabana Mahmood becomes Home Secretary, handling issues like illegal migration. Rayner also stepped down as Housing Minister and Labour’s Deputy Leader, admitting she failed to seek proper tax advice. Starmer said he was “very sad” about her resignation but called her an important figure in the party. The reshuffle also included changes in environment, business, housing, and pensions departments. (PC: News18)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected plans by Western countries to send troops to Ukraine. He said any foreign soldiers in Ukraine would be “legitimate targets.” The announcement came after a Paris summit where leaders, including France’s Emmanuel Macron, discussed deploying a “reassurance force” once a ceasefire begins. Macron said troops would prevent new aggression, not fight Russia. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the plans but said deployment details are premature. Putin also expressed willingness to meet Zelensky but doubted progress. Western leaders insist Ukraine’s security decisions are sovereign. Russia continues its military campaign across multiple fronts in Ukraine. (PC: BBC)

Mumbai Police said the city is on high alert after a call claimed 34 “human bombs” with 400 kg of RDX were planted in cars. The caller, linked to an organisation called Lashkar-e-Jihadi, warned of explosions that would “shake the city.” The threat came on the eve of Anant Chaturdashi, when lakhs of devotees joined Ganesh visarjan. Police said security has been tightened across Maharashtra. Recently, hoax threats targeted a railway station, ISKCON temple, and Mumbai airport. Officials urged citizens to remain calm and report suspicious activity. “We are prepared,” a senior officer said. (PC: HT)

US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, “India will say sorry in two months” and return to trade talks with Washington. Speaking to Bloomberg, he warned that unless India stops buying Russian oil and aligns with the US, it will face 50% tariffs on exports. Lutnick also said India’s purchases of cheap Russian crude were about “making a ton of money.” Earlier, Donald Trump posted that the US had “lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China.” Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman replied India would “undoubtedly continue” buying Russian oil, while the foreign ministry rejected US claims as “inaccurate.” (PC: NDTV)