US President Donald Trump said there are currently no talks or negotiations with Iran, contradicting earlier reports of back-channel communications between Washington and Tehran. In a Truth Social post, Trump said the US naval blockade of Iran remained “in full force and effect” while asserting that the Strait of Hormuz was “open and operating.” He also claimed that all mines in the strategic waterway had either been removed or detonated. Trump’s statement appears to conflict with recent reports of indirect diplomatic contacts between the two countries. His remarks come amid continued tensions over Iran, the naval blockade and the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which remains central to the wider US-Iran standoff.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 55 kg of methamphetamine worth around ₹300 crore from a maize consignment at a Container Freight Station near Mumbai’s Nhava Sheva port. Officials said the shipment was allegedly linked to a Pakistan-based narco-trafficking syndicate led by Mohammad Hussain Dad, which reportedly smuggles narcotics through cargo containers. Syndicate handlers allegedly contacted Mumbai-based import-export firms before approaching a Uttar Pradesh trading firm for a 22-tonne maize export. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers searched the container and found suspected narcotics mixed with maize. An FSL team confirmed the substance as methamphetamine. Two people were detained, while further investigation into the seizure is underway. (PC: PIB)

A consortium led by Amit Bhatia and including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has acquired a 38% stake in Liverpool FC from Fenway Sports Group (FSG), according to fresh reports. The stake is significantly larger than the roughly one-third share initially reported. The consortium, 1892 Holdings, also includes Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and the Mittal Family Trusts. FSG will retain majority ownership and operational control of the Premier League club. Bezos is a lead investor through K5 Sports but is not expected to hold a board seat. Bhatia will become Liverpool’s vice-chairman. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approval, while the consortium reportedly has an option that could eventually lead to majority ownership. (PC: This Is Anfield)

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has alleged that its Kolkata meet-up scheduled for Tuesday was cancelled after the owners of the Bharat Sabha Hall in North Kolkata allegedly faced threats from BJP leaders and “massive pressure from the state.” CJP co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka claimed in a post on X that the hall owners withdrew permission following the alleged threats. He further said the party approached six other venues, but their owners also refused to host the event, citing pressure from the state. The cancellation comes as the CJP expands its “School Theek Karo” campaign in West Bengal and threatens fresh agitation over the death of a volunteer’s father. (PC: India Today)

The UAE issued an emergency missile warning for Dubai after its air defence systems detected a missile threat targeting the country, amid heightened tensions linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) advised residents to move to safe locations and take necessary precautions. Authorities also reported sirens and loud explosions in Dubai shortly after the alert. Initial reports suggested Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and/or Yemen’s Houthi group could be behind the reported missile launch, though the article does not establish responsibility. The warning came after a June 2026 interim US-Iran agreement expired on August 17 without a permanent settlement, while military and maritime tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: News18)

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is overhauling its examination and security systems following directions from Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi after recent exam-related errors. The agency has revamped its examination team, removing 600 experts, and introduced a four-tier mechanism to check question papers. The NTA’s Director General briefed the minister on measures taken following an earlier review meeting. The agency is also strengthening security infrastructure, including deployment of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at its offices. The overhaul is aimed at improving examination security, question-paper quality and the overall conduct of tests. The changes follow government instructions to establish necessary security and related infrastructure for smoother and more reliable examinations.

#   US President Donald Trump has called on Iran to surrender as a 60-day US-Iran memorandum of understanding expired without a permanent agreement. Trump has maintained pressure on Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments. He has also warned Oman against obstructing US efforts related to the waterway. Trump said the US has cleared mines from the strait and that it is open and operating, while Iran has disputed Washington’s position and demanded conditions for reopening the route. The collapse of the agreement has raised fears of renewed tensions and further disruption to shipping and global oil markets. (PC: The Indian Express)

An Indian-origin woman who has lived in the US for 27 years has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), despite an immigration judge dismissing her deportation case in May. Venkata Narsamamba Vasamsetty, a green card holder since 2013 and grandmother of 2, was detained on August 11 during a scheduled ICE check-in. Authorities had previously questioned whether she abandoned her permanent residency after spending about 7 months in India in 2022 while caring for her seriously ill parents and recovering from COVID-19. Her lawyer says DHS failed to meet a court deadline, leading to the case being dismissed. Her legal team has challenged her detention. (PC: NDTV)

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has warned Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff of a possible fine of up to ₹10 lakh over their Vimal Elaichi advertisements. The FDA issued show-cause notices to the actors, alleging the campaign could amount to surrogate promotion of prohibited tobacco or pan masala products. The actors have 15 days from receiving the notices to submit written explanations. Mundhe said further action could be taken under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act if their responses are unsatisfactory. None of the 3 actors has publicly responded to the notices so far. (PC: HT)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised Union Minister Kiren Rijiju over his remarks on the July student protests in Delhi. Gandhi alleged that police used nail-studded lathis and pellet guns against protesters, leaving some seriously injured. He said he had personally met injured students and accused the government of denying what happened. Rijiju, however, said no protester died or suffered a serious injury and praised the Delhi Police for handling the demonstration. He also alleged that people from several political groups joined the protest and provoked violence. Gandhi said thousands of videos showed what happened, adding that students “have eyes and memories too.” (PC: NDTV)