The wife of Indian merchant navy captain Ajay Pant has called him a “scapegoat” after British authorities arrested him over alleged violations of sanctions involving Russian oil. Pant, 38, was captaining the tanker Smyrtos when British commandos intercepted it in the English Channel in June. Prosecutors allege he knew about the vessel’s approximately 98,000-tonne oil cargo, while his defence says he was following the owner’s instructions. Pant faces charges carrying a maximum 10-year prison sentence, with his trial scheduled for December 15. He is the only crew member charged; India is providing consular assistance. (PC: AFP)

One person has died after an 18-year-old man allegedly attacked people with a sword at Brinell High School in Fagersta, Sweden. The incident occurred on Friday while around 400–500 students were attending classes. Two boys, reportedly aged between 12 and 17, suffered serious injuries. Police responded shortly after 2pm, and the suspect was shot, arrested and taken into custody. Several schools and public buildings in Fagersta were temporarily placed under lockdown. Authorities later said there was no continuing threat to the public. The suspect was reportedly a former student, while police investigations into the attack and its motive are ongoing. 

Iran has granted permission for several Iraqi oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, responding to a key request from Baghdad, Reuters reported. The decision followed diplomatic discussions during Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf’s visit to Iraq. Iraqi President Nizar Amedi confirmed that tanker passage was being facilitated, while talks on maintaining oil exports through the strategic waterway continue. Shipping through Hormuz has fallen sharply amid the Iran conflict and security threats, disrupting regional energy trade. Iraq, which produces around four million barrels of oil daily, is also exploring alternative export routes through Turkey, Syria and Jordan to reduce dependence on the strait. (PC: Reuters)

Bar Council of India (BCI) Co-Chairman and senior advocate Y.R. Sadasiva Reddy has demanded Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra’s immediate resignation, alleging financial and administrative irregularities. In a letter, Reddy alleged that around ₹150 crore of BCI funds were transferred to a newly created trust despite objections from some members. He also accused the council of charging law colleges large sums for approval and renewal and alleged nepotism in staff appointments. The demand comes amid a Supreme Court petition challenging Mishra’s continued tenure as BCI chairman. Mishra has faced growing criticism following the controversy involving NALSAR law graduates and a withdrawn BCI directive. 

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will visit Russia on August 23–24, 2026, at the invitation of Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. During the two-day visit, Jaishankar will co-chair the 27th session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation. He is also scheduled to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to discuss bilateral relations and regional and global developments. The visit aims to strengthen cooperation across trade, investment, energy, science, technology and connectivity. It comes as India and Russia continue efforts to deepen their longstanding strategic partnership amid changing geopolitical conditions. (PC: AP)

Former India head coach Rahul Dravid has urged patience with 15-year-old batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, stressing the importance of developing his red-ball skills alongside his success in T20 cricket. Dravid believes Sooryavanshi should gain extensive domestic experience before being considered for Test cricket. The youngster is set to represent East Zone in the Duleep Trophy, providing an important opportunity to strengthen his first-class game. Dravid also highlighted the wider challenge facing Test cricket as T20 leagues expand globally, saying players capable of succeeding across formats are increasingly important. He believes Sooryavanshi could become an exciting future prospect for Test cricket if developed carefully. (PC: X)

The Rajasthan government informed the Legislative Assembly that 611 government schools are functioning without their own buildings, including 10 girls’ schools, according to UDISE 2025–26 data. The disclosure has highlighted serious gaps in school infrastructure following an audit conducted after the Jhalawar school accident. Jaipur has 38 such schools, while several blocks in Jhalawar also reported multiple cases. The government announced ₹550 crore for school repairs and renovation and ₹450 crore for constructing buildings. It also plans to make ₹2,500 crore available annually for construction and maintenance. The opposition, however, questioned the government’s preparedness, citing thousands of unsafe schools and classrooms. (PC: Instagram)

Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer following an incident with Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw on August 19. In stoppage time, Messi approached Sullivan during a heated exchange and appeared to slap the back of his neck. MLS ruled that Messi violated its policy prohibiting contact with an opponent’s face, head or neck. The referee did not issue a card during the incident, and Messi has not been suspended. Inter Miami defender Ian Fray was also fined for a separate incident involving Sullivan. Messi had scored and assisted in the match. (PC: X)

Canada has vowed to respond to US President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs “dollar for dollar” after Washington and Ottawa failed to reach a trade agreement by the midnight deadline. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney accused the US of making unfair last-minute changes during negotiations. The talks had been extended by three days in an effort to reach a deal and avoid the higher tariffs. With no agreement secured, Canada is preparing measures to match the US duties, escalating tensions between the two major trading partners. The dispute could affect cross-border trade and increase economic uncertainty for businesses in both countries. (PC: AFP)

More than 70 British MPs have reportedly raised concerns over the deteriorating situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), calling for urgent international attention. The lawmakers have highlighted allegations of violence, arrests, communications restrictions and suppression of civic protests in the region. They have urged the United Nations to take note of the situation and press for greater accountability and protection of rights. The development follows growing unrest linked to demands for better governance, basic services and economic relief. Earlier, British parliamentarians had also urged the UK government to intervene diplomatically over reported crackdowns and communication blackouts in PoK. (PC: X)