Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark ultimatum to Hamas on Sunday, threatening massive retaliation unless hostages are released and weapons surrendered. Warning of a "mighty hurricane" striking Gaza City, Katz directly addressed Hamas leaders both in Gaza and abroad, calling them "murderers and rapists" and demanding immediate action. He threatened complete destruction of Gaza and annihilation of Hamas if demands aren't met. The warning emphasized that Israeli Defense Forces are continuing planned operations and preparing to expand ground maneuvers to "decisively defeat Hamas in Gaza." This escalation comes amid ongoing airstrikes and mounting international concerns over the humanitarian crisis in the besieged Palestinian territory. (PC: Al Jazeera)

India has provided detailed assurances to Belgian authorities regarding humane detention conditions for businessman Mehul Choksi if extradited in the PNB scam case. The Ministry of Home Affairs specified Arthur Road Jail's Barrack No. 12 in Mumbai, guaranteeing three square meters personal space per detainee, 24/7 medical care, adequate food, daily exercise, and legal access. The facility houses non-violent economic offenders with CCTV monitoring and oversight by human rights commissions. Choksi faces charges including criminal conspiracy and corruption under various Indian laws. Belgian courts will evaluate these assurances against international human rights standards before deciding on extradition. Choksi was arrested in Belgium in April following India's formal extradition request. (PC: The New Indian Express)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that the department would need to refund approximately half of collected tariffs if the Supreme Court rules against Donald Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs. Speaking to NBC News, Bessent called such refunds "terrible for the Treasury" but acknowledged compliance would be mandatory. He noted that alternative measures would weaken Trump's negotiating position. A federal appeals court ruled August 29 that Trump's reciprocal tariffs exceeded presidential authority, finding the International Emergency Economic Powers Act doesn't authorize tariffs of such magnitude. This decision threatens the administration's trade strategy. Trump's team appealed to the Supreme Court Wednesday, arguing that eliminating these tariffs could economically weaken America during ongoing trade negotiations. (PC: The Times Of India)

A 26-year-old man from Haryana's Jind district, Kapil, was fatally shot in the US after confronting someone for public urination. Working as a security guard, Kapil objected to an individual urinating outside premises when the accused shot him dead on Saturday. The sole son of a farming family from Barah Kalan village had paid Rs 45 lakh to enter America through the illegal "donkey route" in 2022. Initially arrested upon entry, he was later released through legal proceedings. His family learned of the tragedy through a US-based relative. Kapil leaves behind two sisters, one married. The grieving family has requested government assistance to repatriate his body to India. (PC: The Financial World)

A Terrorist Was Killed In An Encounter With Security Forces In Kulgam District Of Jammu And Kashmir On Monday Morning. The Gunfight Began In Gudar Forest After Security Forces Launched A Search Operation Based On Intelligence Inputs. Officials Said The Terrorists Opened Fire First, Leading To A Fierce Exchange. A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) Of The Indian Army Was Injured In The Firing. The Indian Army, Jammu And Kashmir Police, And CRPF Are Carrying Out The Joint Operation. Chinar Corps Said, “One Terrorist Was Eliminated.” The Operation Is Still Going On As Forces Search The Dense Forest Area. (PC: HT)

A Nigerian man, Pascal Olaleye, has gone viral after sharing reasons why he will never return to the West. Olaleye, who moved to India in 2021, posted a video on Instagram titled Why I'm NEVER Moving Back to the West After Living in India. He listed 10 reasons, including peace, safety, cheaper rent, natural food, and freedom from discrimination. He said he feels respected in India and safer walking at night compared to the US. The video gained over 2 million views, with many users praising his words and welcoming him warmly to India.

US President Donald Trump said he is ready for a “second phase” of sanctions on Russia and countries that buy Russian oil. His remarks came after Moscow launched its largest aerial assault on Ukraine, striking Kyiv and killing four people. Trump, when asked at the White House, replied, “Yeah, I am,” without giving details. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later said the US and EU could impose “secondary tariffs” to pressure Russia’s economy. India may be hit, as it remains a key buyer of Russian crude. New Delhi says its energy needs justify imports despite US tariffs. (PC: India Today)

An Indian Army jawan was injured in an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday. Officials said the anti-terror operation began in the Gudar forest after inputs about the presence of terrorists. Personnel from the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF launched a joint search. The encounter started when terrorists opened fire at security forces. The injured Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) was airlifted to the Army hospital in Srinagar. Operations in the area are continuing, and further details are awaited. Security forces have tightened cordon and search efforts to neutralize the terrorists. (PC: News18)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that tariffs on countries trading with Russia are a “right idea.” He made the remark in an interview with ABC News when asked about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. Modi also met Chinese President Xi Jinping during the summit. Images of the three leaders together quickly went viral. US President Donald Trump reacted sharply, saying India and Russia had gone to the “darkest” China. India currently faces 50% tariffs from the US, including penalties linked to Russian oil imports.

The death toll from the devastating Punjab floods has risen to 48, officials said on Sunday. Crops on 1.76 lakh hectares have been damaged. Schools, colleges, and universities across the state will reopen from September 8, Education Minister Harjot Bains announced. Government schools will resume classes from September 9. Over 20 lakh people in 2,050 villages across all 23 districts have been affected. Nearly 3.9 lakh people have been displaced, with 22,938 evacuated. Relief operations by NDRF, Army, BSF, and police continue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Punjab on September 9 to review the flood situation. (PC: NDTV)