US Senator Mike Lee has suggested pausing H-1B visas, asking, “Is it time to pause H1-B visas?” His remarks came after unverified reports claimed Walmart took bribes to hire Indian tech workers while cutting American jobs. Walmart denied the claims, saying the case had “nothing to do with H1B visas.” The comments follow far-right congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s call to stop H-1B visas for Indians, saying they replace US workers. The debate comes as President Trump threatens tariffs on India. Indian nationals hold over 70% of H-1B visas, making them the most affected by such proposals. (PC: HT)

A new bill in the US, called the Protect Our Communities from DUIs Act, could make even one drunk-driving case grounds for deportation or entry denial for Green Card and visa holders. The bill, backed by the White House, has already passed the House and is under Senate review. Immigration experts warn it could apply to old cases, even from decades ago, and might bypass due process. Critics say it targets legal immigrants and skips rehabilitation. The law could affect lakhs of Indians studying and working in the US, leaving immigrant families anxious about their future. (PC: India Today)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel “deeply regrets” a “tragic mishap” that killed 20 people, including 5 journalists, in a strike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza. In a statement, Netanyahu added that Israel values the work of journalists, doctors, and civilians. Reuters, Associated Press, and Al Jazeera confirmed that some of their contributors were among the dead. The incident has sparked international outrage, with press freedom groups warning that the deaths of reporters make covering the war more dangerous. Human rights organizations and global leaders are urging a transparent investigation into the hospital attack and civilian casualties. (PC: NDTV)

India will buy oil from where it gets “the best deal” to protect its 1.4 billion people, envoy to Russia Vinay Kumar said. His remarks come before US President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs on Indian goods take effect, including penalties for buying Russian oil. Washington accuses India of funding the Ukraine war through Russian crude purchases, which Delhi denies. Russian oil now makes up nearly 40% of India’s imports. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar defended India’s stand, stressing “strategic autonomy” and calling US tariffs unfair. Both President Putin and President Zelensky are expected to visit India later this year. (PC: BBC)

A video of Greater Noida dowry victim Nikki Bhati, 28, happily driving a Mercedes has surfaced days after her death. Nikki was set on fire at her in-laws’ home on August 21 after a fight with her husband, Vipin Bhati, who opposed her wish to reopen her beauty parlour. Her family alleged years of dowry harassment despite giving cars, gold, and cash, while in-laws demanded ₹36 lakh more. Videos showed Nikki being doused with thinner and brutally assaulted. Vipin, his mother, and brother have been arrested. Nikki’s tragic case has sparked outrage against dowry violence in Uttar Pradesh. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India will stand strong as the US imposes a 50% tariff on Indian goods from August 27. Speaking in Ahmedabad, he told farmers, shopkeepers, and small entrepreneurs that their interests are “paramount” and promised no harm will come to them. Modi called the tariffs an act of “economic selfishness” but assured that India will find a way out despite pressure. The US move, linked to India’s purchase of Russian oil, delayed trade talks and raised doubts over a future Bilateral Trade Agreement. India is pursuing deals with the UK, EU, EFTA, and ASEAN. (PC: India Today)

At least 20 people, including 5 journalists, were killed when Israeli strikes hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza. Gaza’s civil defence said the attack included an explosive drone followed by an air strike as the wounded were being evacuated. Reuters, Associated Press, and Al Jazeera confirmed their journalists were among the dead. The Israeli army said it carried out a strike near the hospital but denied targeting journalists, adding an inquiry is underway. Nasser Hospital is one of Gaza’s last functioning medical facilities. Media groups say nearly 200 journalists have died in the Israel-Hamas war so far. (PC: BBC)

Vietnam is facing the impact of Typhoon Kajiki, which struck coastal provinces with winds of 118-133 km/h. Nearly 600,000 people were told to leave their homes, and schools, airports, and some train services were shut. In Nghe An province, residents said waves reached 2 meters, flooding streets. Many families are now staying in shelters. Authorities warned of flash floods and landslides in 400 communes across six provinces. The storm earlier damaged roads and water supply in southern China. Though it has weakened, the danger remains. Last year, Typhoon Yagi killed 300 people in Vietnam and caused massive destruction. (PC: BBC)

The Delhi High Court on Monday set aside the Central Information Commission’s (CIC) order that had directed Delhi University to disclose Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s degree and academic records. Justice Sachin Datta ruled there was no need to share the information. The legal battle began in 2016 with an RTI request seeking BA course records of 1978, the year Modi graduated as per election papers. Delhi University argued that releasing records would violate privacy and set a harmful precedent. Activists, however, said public figures’ qualifications must be transparent. The matter is likely to move to the Supreme Court next. (PC: HT)

Actress Parineeti Chopra and AAP leader Raghav Chadha have announced they are expecting their first child. The couple shared the news on social media with a collab post featuring a cake reading “1+1=3” and a video of them walking hand in hand. They captioned it, “Our little universe on its way. Blessed beyond measure.” Friends and fans, including Sonam Kapoor and Nimrat Kaur, sent warm wishes. The couple, who married in September 2023 in Udaipur, had hinted at pregnancy earlier on The Kapil Sharma Show. Their announcement has left Bollywood and political circles celebrating together. (PC: Instagram)