White House Personnel Director Sergio Gor has been nominated by Donald Trump as the next US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. Gor, 38, expressed deep gratitude, calling it the “honour of my life.” Born in Soviet-era Uzbekistan, Gor moved to Malta, studied in the US, and rose through Republican ranks, working with Senator Rand Paul and Trump’s campaigns. Trump praised Gor’s loyalty and record-setting staffing achievements. Endorsements came from VP JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The nomination coincides with Trump’s imposition of a 50% tariff on India, including a 25% penalty for purchasing Russian oil. (PC: CNBC)

The Supreme Court has asked Delhi to release sterilised and vaccinated stray dogs back to their areas. But experts say the city is not ready. Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres are overcrowded, underfunded, and short of staff. Nearly 43% of posts in the Municipal Corporation’s veterinary department are vacant, leaving few officers to run sterilisation and vaccination drives. Poor waste management also worsens the issue, as garbage dumps continue to feed stray dogs. Animal groups warn that without timely funds, adoption drives, and stronger civic systems, the new order may fail just like earlier efforts. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump has appointed Sergio Gor as the next ambassador to India and special envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. Gor, currently the White House personnel director, is a longtime Trump ally. He co-founded Winning Team Publishing with Donald Trump Jr. and has managed Trump’s campaign projects and Super PACs. Trump called Gor a “great friend” and said he trusted him to advance his agenda in the world’s most populous region. Gor thanked Trump for the honor, saying it would be the proudest moment of his career. He will succeed Eric Garcetti, pending Senate confirmation. (PC: India Today)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of trying to block peace talks and prolong the war. He said Ukraine is not afraid of meetings, unlike Russia. US President Donald Trump is pushing for a summit between Zelensky and Vladimir Putin, but Moscow insists the agenda is not ready. NATO chief Mark Rutte backed Ukraine’s call for strong security guarantees to prevent future Russian attacks. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that Putin’s demands for land concessions were a “trap.” Despite diplomatic efforts, Russia launched heavy missile and drone strikes, while Ukraine hit a Russian oil facility. (PC: BBC)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has unveiled the first model of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) during National Space Day in New Delhi. The BAS is India’s first planned space station and marks a big step in the country’s space ambitions. The first module, BAS-01, weighing 10 tonnes, is set to launch by 2028 and orbit 450 km above Earth. ISRO plans to expand the station to five modules by 2035. BAS will support microgravity research, life sciences, medicine, space tourism, and international cooperation. The project aims to make India a key global player in space exploration. (PC: X)

Supreme Court has stopped its earlier order to move all stray dogs in Delhi and nearby cities into shelters. The new ruling allows dogs to be released back after vaccination and sterilisation. Only rabid or aggressive dogs will be kept in shelters. The court also banned feeding strays in public spaces, asking for special areas instead. Animal lovers may adopt dogs, but they cannot return them to the streets. Activists welcomed the decision as more humane. The court said a national stray dog policy will be made after reviewing cases across states. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Japan from August 29 to 30 at the invitation of Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This will be Modi’s eighth visit to Japan and his first summit with Ishiba. Both leaders will review defence, trade, technology, and regional cooperation under the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. From August 31 to September 1, Modi will travel to Tianjin, China, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on President Xi Jinping’s invitation. The SCO Summit will see 20 world leaders, and Modi is expected to hold key bilateral meetings during the event. (PC: HT)

Pakistan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday said Islamabad is ready to hold talks with India on “all issues,” including Kashmir. Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Dar said discussions must cover trade, counter-terrorism, and cultural ties, not just Kashmir. He repeated a similar statement made in July, stressing the “ball is now in India’s court.” India has rejected Pakistan’s call, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stating that New Delhi will not talk with nations that glorify terrorism. Singh said dialogue is possible only with “civilised nations, not those driven by hatred and extremism.” (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday attacked West Bengal’s Trinamool Congress at a Kolkata rally, saying corrupt leaders should be in jail, not in power. He referred to state minister Chandranath Sinha, jailed in the teacher recruitment scam, while backing a new bill that seeks to remove leaders jailed for over 30 days under serious charges. Modi accused the TMC of blocking Bengal’s development, citing misuse of central funds and rising crimes against women. He urged voters to bring "poribortan" (change) in next year’s elections. TMC leaders hit back, accusing BJP of double standards by pointing to the Narada sting. (PC: X)

A UN-backed report has confirmed famine in Gaza City and nearby areas, saying it is “entirely man-made.” Over half a million people face “starvation, destitution and death.” Residents described severe hunger. Reem Khader, a mother of five, said her youngest child has never tasted fruit. Rajaa Talbeh, 47, lost 25kg while living in a tent. Another mother, Rida Hijeh, said her daughter’s weight dropped dangerously due to malnutrition. Aid groups say restrictions on supplies are worsening the crisis. Doctors report rising cases of children with swelling, hair loss, and weakness. Families say they are running out of food and hope. (PC: BBC)