Ravindra Jadeja reached a major milestone on Day 3 of the 1st Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, completing 350 Test wickets. He became only the 5th Indian to reach the landmark after Anil Kumble, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kapil Dev and Harbhajan Singh. Jadeja also joined Kapil Dev in the elite club of Indian players with more than 4,000 Test runs and 350 wickets. His 350th wicket came when Sri Lanka’s Keshara Nuwantha was caught by Shubman Gill for 2 runs. Jadeja now has 4,095 Test runs and 350 wickets, further strengthening his place among India’s greatest all-rounders. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court on Monday questioned the CBI and Enforcement Directorate over allegations of disproportionate assets against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Justice Joymalya Bagchi asked the agencies, “If it is so serious, why has your agency kept quiet?” The court directed the Allahabad High Court to defer its August 20 hearing until the Supreme Court considers Gandhi’s challenge. It also ordered the CBI and ED not to submit any probe report to any authority in the meantime. Gandhi is challenging an Allahabad High Court order directing the agencies to verify the allegations. His lawyer Kapil Sibal called the proceedings a “witch-hunt” and questioned the petitioner’s legal standing. (PC: NDTV)

At least 6 people were killed and 4 injured in overnight Ukrainian missile strikes on Russia’s Belgorod region, acting governor Alexander Shuvaev said on Monday. A 14-year-old child was among the injured. A separate Ukrainian drone strike in Russia’s Astrakhan region killed a woman, according to local officials. Ukraine also reported 2 deaths in Russian drone strikes on the Sumy region. The latest attacks followed what Russian officials described as Ukraine’s largest-scale attack this year, involving hundreds of drones. Russia has also intensified strikes across Ukraine, with recent attacks killing civilians and damaging homes, ports and energy facilities as the war continues. (PC: BBC)

Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth was conferred the honorary rank of General of the Nepal Army by Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel at a ceremony in Kathmandu on Monday. The honour continues a tradition that began in 1950, with India and Nepal conferring honorary general ranks on each other’s army chiefs. During his 4-day visit, General Seth met Nepal Army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel to discuss ways to strengthen military ties. He also received a guard of honour, handed over military and medical equipment to the Nepal Army and visited its headquarters. Officials said the visit would further strengthen trust and cooperation between the 2 armies. (PC: NDTV)

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said security forces dismantled the alleged Pakistan-based, ISI-backed Shahzad Bhatti Network ahead of Independence Day, foiling plans for subversive attacks. The Home Ministry said a coordinated operation on August 12 led to 253 detentions across 14 states and more than 80 FIRs. Officials linked the network to grenade, IED and petrol-bomb attacks, targeted killings and espionage. Security agencies recovered IEDs, grenades bearing Pakistan Ordnance Factory markings, pistols, ammunition and CCTV cameras. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of detentions at 62, followed by Haryana with 52 and Delhi with 51. The Centre said the crackdown reflected its zero-tolerance policy on cross-border terrorism. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump has said the US will “substantially reduce” joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump also criticised Seoul for declining to join the US in efforts over Iran’s nuclear programme. South Korea said it was reviewing his comments, while its military had earlier confirmed the annual drills would proceed as scheduled. About 18,000 South Korean troops are expected to participate in the 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, with around 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea. Experts warned that reducing the drills could weaken alliance coordination and deterrence against North Korea. (PC: BBC)

Former Union minister Smriti Irani and RSS leader Ram Madhav have returned to key organisational roles as BJP president Nitin Nabin announced his new national team on Monday. Irani has been appointed national general secretary, while Madhav is a national vice president. Union minister Piyush Goyal has been named national treasurer. The reshuffle also gives women a prominent role, with 6 appointed national vice presidents. Several leaders, including Vasundhara Raje and Baijayant Jay Panda, retained their positions. Amit Malviya has exited as the BJP’s social media head and was replaced by Deepak Mhaskey. The new team comes ahead of major Assembly elections in 2027. (PC: India Today)

Public opinion of India is largely positive across Europe, with the United Kingdom ranking first at 71% favourable, according to a new Pew Research Center survey. Germany follows at 63%, while Italy and Sweden record 56% and 55%. France stands at 50%, the Netherlands at 49%, Spain at 37%, Poland at 37%, Greece at 39% and Hungary at 40%. The findings come from Pew’s Spring 2026 Global Attitudes Survey, which interviewed 42,092 adults across 36 countries between February 9 and May 13, 2026, with surveys designed to represent the adult population in each country. Pew said European views of India generally lean more positive than negative. Compared with 2025, favourable views rose 11 points in the UK and 6 points in Germany, while Sweden and the Netherlands also recorded increases. Since 2023, Germany’s favourable rating has climbed from 47% to 63%, while France’s rose from 39% to 50%. 

Vogue has revealed the first photographs from Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez’s private wedding. The couple married on August 11 at their home in Cascais, Portugal, exactly 10 years after they first met. Their 5 children were present, while only 4 witnesses attended the ceremony. Ronaldo wore a light-coloured suit, while Rodriguez chose a white outfit. She said they wanted a quiet celebration with their family instead of the grand wedding she once imagined. Ronaldo, 41, also told Vogue that the 2026-27 season could be his final football season, though he has not officially announced his retirement. (PC: X)

Restaurants and bars in Kolkata may be allowed to operate for longer hours during festivals if the state government accepts a proposal from the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI). The association has sought automatic permission for licensed establishments to serve customers until 2am, instead of the current midnight limit for alcohol service. It has also proposed allowing service until 4am on occasions such as New Year’s Eve, Christmas Eve and other notified celebrations. NRAI said longer hours could boost tourism, spending and government revenue. The state will examine the proposal, particularly its impact on revenue and law and order. (PC: X)