Pakistan’s troubled England tour has taken another turn after reports that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) seized mobile phones from some players amid an internal disciplinary inquiry. Pakistani outlet 365 News reported that the devices would remain with the board until the third Test at Edgbaston on September 9. However, the PCB has not confirmed that the inquiry is linked to the reported phone seizure or to match-fixing, and no player has been publicly accused of an integrity offence. The development follows major changes to Pakistan’s squad and coaching staff after England took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series at Lord’s. (PC: The Telegraph)

Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) victory in Saxony-Anhalt has triggered sharply divided reactions across Europe. French Finance Minister Roland Lescure called the result a “very, very worrying signal”, while European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad described it as a “very grave moment for Europe.” Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk also condemned those celebrating the result. Meanwhile, Spain’s Vox leader Santiago Abascal called the outcome “a great hope for Germany and for Europe”, while Portugal’s André Ventura described it as an “historic victory.” Elon Musk and Hungary’s Viktor Orbán also welcomed the AfD’s strong performance. (PC: X)

A 54-year-old retired guitarist from Manipur was allegedly beaten to death outside his home in Delhi’s Kilokari after he objected to loud music and noise, police said. Chongtham Vikram Singh, a Meitei from Imphal, had lived in the area with his wife and son for more than a decade. His 20-year-old son, Yaiphaba, told police that he saw four to five men punching and kicking his father late Sunday night. Vikram was taken to Holy Family Hospital but died during treatment. Police have apprehended eight people, including a 15-year-old minor, and registered a murder case. A postmortem report is awaited. (PC: The Print)

A new United Nations world map issued on July 1, 2026, has drawn attention for its depiction of Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin between separate Indian and Chinese claim lines. The map marks Arunachal Pradesh’s southern boundary adjoining Assam as a “Chinese Line”, while its northern boundary with Tibet is shown as an “Indian Line”; its border with Nagaland is not shown. Aksai Chin is similarly placed between competing boundary markings. India officially considers Arunachal Pradesh and the entire Aksai Chin region part of its territory. The map separately marks the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir with a dotted line and notes its unresolved status. India’s MEA has called inaccurate or misleading depictions unacceptable. (PC: The Hindu)

The death toll in the five-storey building collapse at Delhi’s Satya Niketan reached seven on September 7, with 12 people rescued from the debris, Delhi Police said. Search and rescue operations at the site have now concluded. The Delhi High Court expressed deep concern over the safety of students living in paying guest accommodations across the Capital and directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to inspect all PG hostels under its jurisdiction within a week. Police arrested 81-year-old Hariram Gupta, 75-year-old Urmila Gupta and their 52-year-old son Mahesh Gupta in connection with the case. Authorities are also searching for the PG operators and labour contractor, whose roles will be examined before further action. (PC: The Telegraph)

Singapore has vowed action against a wave of racist and xenophobic online abuse targeting Indians amid discussions over Nepal-Tibet floods and Singapore Airlines’ investment in Air India. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong warned that prejudice against any community must never become accepted or normalised, saying conversations on the issues had taken “an uglier side.” Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam also criticised the rhetoric, warning that unchecked online abuse could normalise racial prejudice and threaten Singapore’s multiracial harmony. The government’s response follows a surge of anti-Indian posts linked to the two issues. Authorities said allowing such content to go unchecked could deepen mistrust and undermine Singapore’s carefully maintained social cohesion across the city-state.

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has been fined 10 per cent of her match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the Asia Cup match against India in Dubai. She breached Article 2.5, concerning actions or gestures that could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter after dismissal. The incident occurred when Fatima, after dismissing Shafali Verma in the second over, gestured towards the pavilion. She admitted the offence and accepted the sanction, avoiding a formal hearing. One demerit point was added to her record, taking her total to two within 24 months. Her earlier demerit point came during a T20I against Ireland in Dublin in August 2025.

India has reportedly agreed in principle to participate in the 2027 South Asian Federation (SAF) Games in Pakistan, potentially marking the first visit by Indian athletes since the Pahalgam terror attack. According to Pakistani media reports, India accepted Pakistan’s invitation at a high-level South Asian Olympic Association meeting. The Games are scheduled from April 4 to 11, 2027, with India’s contingent details expected in January. Pakistan last hosted the SAF Games in Islamabad in 2004, and the 2027 edition will feature 28 sports across Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar. Indian cricketers last played in Pakistan in 2008, while India has not sent a cricket team to previous SAG editions. Preparations are underway. (PC: AP)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the Russia-Ukraine war must end in a way that ensures there is “no more Nazism in Europe,” repeating Moscow’s disputed claim that Nazi ideology has spread in Ukraine. Speaking at Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Lavrov echoed the Kremlin’s justification for the war, while Ukraine and its Western allies reject the characterization as propaganda. His remarks came amid tensions between Russia and Germany over Berlin’s accusation that Moscow was behind a suspected drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport. Germany called the August 4 incident a Russian “hybrid attack” and announced diplomatic measures, including closing Russia’s consulate general in Bonn. Lavrov rejected the allegations and accused Germany of seeking another war with Moscow.

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan on Monday dismissed concerns about possible privatisation, saying ISRO remains a government organisation while working with private companies and startups to expand India’s space ecosystem. His remarks came days after nine ISRO employee associations sought official clarification on a proposed transfer of manufacturing and operational functions to private entities. Narayanan said employees’ concerns were genuine and should be addressed by his colleagues. Speaking after the Bengaluru Space Expo’s inauguration, he noted India’s space programme is 64-65 years old and has 56 space assets serving citizens. However, he stressed that the country needs many more such assets, underscoring the need for collaboration across the rapidly expanding space ecosystem.