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)

India has been added to the United Kingdom’s expanded “Deport Now, Appeal Later” list, which targets foreign criminals for immediate deportation before their appeals are heard. The UK Home Office announced the expansion from 8 to 23 countries, citing the need to curb abuse of the immigration system. Indian nationals convicted of crimes will now be deported and allowed to appeal remotely via video from their home country. The move follows rising concerns over illegal immigration and asylum claims, with over 5,000 Indians applying for asylum in 2023. India joins countries like Canada, Australia, Malaysia, and Kenya on the list. Critics warn the policy may undermine human rights protections and due process. (PC: Reuters)

India has strongly condemned Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir’s anti-India remarks made during his U.S. visit, calling them “regrettable, especially coming from a friendly country.” Munir’s provocative statements including threats to destroy Indian dams and invoking the two-nation theory, have sparked diplomatic concern and public outrage. Government sources labeled Pakistan “an irresponsible state with nuclear weapons,” criticizing Munir’s rhetoric as inflammatory and destabilizing. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that such remarks undermine regional peace and violate diplomatic norms. The comments, made during a black-tie event in Tampa, Florida, have drawn sharp rebuke from Indian officials and analysts, who view them as a deliberate attempt to escalate tensions amid ongoing geopolitical strain. (PC: The Economist)

U.S. President Donald Trump is reviewing options to impose tariffs on China for purchasing Russian oil, following his recent decision to double tariffs on India to 50%. Vice President JD Vance confirmed Trump hasn’t made a final decision but is “thinking about it,” citing the complexity of U.S.-China relations. India, already facing steep penalties for its Russian oil imports, has condemned the move as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” The new 25% duty on Indian goods takes effect August 27. Critics argue Trump’s selective targeting ignores China’s larger oil trade with Russia of $62.6 billion in 2024 versus India’s $52.7 billion raising concerns about geopolitical bias and economic coercion. (PC: New York Magazine)