The Bombay High Court on Monday directed activist Manoj Jarange Patil and his supporters to vacate Mumbai roads by Tuesday. The Maratha quota protest, now in its fourth day at Azad Maidan, has paralysed traffic across south Mumbai. Thousands of protesters blocked key routes near CSMT, Fort, Churchgate, and Mantralaya, causing massive jams and road closures. Jarange is demanding a 10 per cent quota for Marathas and has vowed not to leave the city until it is granted. The court said only 5,000 protesters can remain at the site and will review compliance with its order on Tuesday. (PC: India Today)

Russian President Vladimir Putin waited nearly 10 minutes for Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China. The two leaders then travelled together in Putin’s Aurus limousine for their bilateral meeting. During the 45-minute ride, they spoke privately on key issues, and even after reaching the venue, continued their talks inside the car. Kremlin officials later said their conversation lasted about an hour. Commentators in Moscow suggested it was their most important confidential dialogue. Later, in formal talks, PM Modi told Putin it was humanity’s call to end the Ukraine conflict at the earliest. (PC: @narendramodi/X)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday warned the BJP of a “vote chori hydrogen bomb” while accusing the party and Election Commission of voter fraud in Bihar. Speaking at a rally in Patna, he claimed lakhs of voters were being removed from the list to help the BJP. Gandhi said people had raised the slogan “vote chor, gaddi chhor” and promised more explosive revelations. The BJP dismissed his remarks, with Ravi Shankar Prasad calling him “confused” and “irresponsible”. The ruling party said Gandhi was insulting voters and mocked his rallies, claiming many attendees were brought from outside Bihar. (PC: NDTV)

A plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was reportedly targeted by suspected Russian GPS jamming, prompting an official investigation. The incident occurred during her recent diplomatic travel, raising serious concerns over aviation safety and geopolitical tensions. Authorities are probing whether the interference was deliberate and linked to broader electronic warfare tactics. The European Union has not yet issued a formal statement, but security experts warn that GPS jamming poses significant risks to civilian and state aircraft. This development adds to growing unease over Russia’s use of disruptive technologies amid strained relations with the West. (PC: India Today)

The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a plea challenging the Centre’s Ethanol Blending Programme that mandates E20 petrol. The petitioner argued older vehicles cannot run efficiently on E20 and sought an option for ethanol-free petrol. Senior advocate Shadan Farasat said E20 cuts fuel efficiency by six per cent. Attorney General R Venkataramani opposed the plea, saying, “Will people outside the country dictate what kind of fuel India should use?” He added the policy helps farmers and saves foreign exchange. Road minister Nitin Gadkari also denied claims of mileage loss, blaming misinformation spread by petroleum lobbies. (PC: Pixabay/Representative Image)

A flood alert has been issued in Delhi after 29,313 cusecs of water were released from the Hathnikund Barrage, raising fears that the Yamuna River may exceed its danger mark of 206.50 meters. Authorities have ordered strict patrolling and vigilance in low-lying areas near embankments, with residents being warned and relocated to safer zones. Relief camps have been set up in areas like Mayur Vihar to shelter displaced families. The IMD reported that August 2025 saw one of the highest rainfall levels in decades, with monsoon activity expected to continue into September. The surge in rainfall and water release has intensified concerns over urban flooding and emergency preparedness. (PC: The Economic Times & The Tribune)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged full humanitarian support to Afghanistan following a devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake near Jalalabad, which has claimed over 800 lives. In a heartfelt post, Modi expressed sorrow and solidarity, assuring “India stands ready to provide all possible humanitarian aid”1. Rescue operations continue amid difficult terrain, with many still trapped under debris. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar echoed India’s commitment, emphasizing assistance and prayers for the injured. The quake was followed by a 4.7 magnitude aftershock, deepening the crisis. Modi’s pledge came after his return from high-level engagements in China, including the SCO Summit, reinforcing India’s regional leadership in humanitarian outreach. (PC: X)

Oman captain Jatinder Singh, originally from Ludhiana, is set to lead his team against cricket giants India and Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup. Having moved to Oman in 2003, Jatinder has played 64 T20Is and 61 ODIs, scoring over 3,000 runs. He expressed excitement about facing stars like Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill, calling it a “dream come true.” Oman, placed in Group A, will play India on September 19. Jatinder praised the growth of cricket in Oman, driven by infrastructure, youth engagement, and strategic management. He believes the team’s hunger and fearlessness will surprise many, showcasing Oman’s readiness to compete at the highest level. (PC: Instagram)

India scored a diplomatic win at the 2025 SCO summit in Tianjin as member nations condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. This marks a reversal from the Qingdao summit two months prior, where India’s walkout over the omission of the attack in the joint statement made headlines. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s firm stance pushed SCO members including China and Pakistan to acknowledge the incident. The Tianjin declaration emphasized zero tolerance for terrorism, rejected double standards, and called for justice for victims. It also reinforced the role of sovereign states in countering extremist threats, aligning with India’s strategic autonomy and its uncompromising position on cross-border terrorism.

At the 25th SCO summit in China, a viral clip captured Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif rushing to greet Chinese President Xi Jinping, only to be seemingly ignored as Xi walked alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin. The moment sparked a wave of online trolling, with users mocking Sharif as “a kid in men’s world” and “ignored like a non-living object.” Critics called the gesture desperate and embarrassing, especially given Pakistan’s financial dependence on China. Meanwhile, PM Modi and Xi held bilateral talks to restore ties post-Ladakh standoff. The SCO declaration may also include condemnation of cross-border terrorism, potentially targeting Pakistan.