Russia reaffirmed its commitment to continue supplying oil to India at a 5%–7% discount, declaring the arrangement “very profitable” and highlighting a “very, very special mechanism” designed to bypass U.S. pressure . The discounted oil—now accounting for around 35% of India’s imports—offers New Delhi economic relief and supports domestic fuel affordability . Meanwhile, despite U.S. tariffs targeting India’s exports over its reliance on Russian energy, Indian refiners including Indian Oil Corp and BPCL are resuming purchases amid widening discounts of about $3 per barrel. (PC: NDTV)

CCTV footage reveals that the man accused of attacking Delhi CM Rekha Gupta conducted reconnaissance of her Shalimar Bagh residence on August 19—one day before the assault during her Jan Sunwai public hearing—capturing video during the surveillance . Identified as 41-year-old Rajesh Khimjibhai Sakriya from Rajkot, Gujarat, the attacker reportedly approached the CM under the guise of submitting papers before forcibly grabbing her hand, pulling her hair, and slapping her, until security intervened . He has been detained, and an FIR for attempted murder has been filed as police launch a thorough investigation into the premeditated breach of protocol.

India and China are preparing to resume direct flights, suspended since early 2020 due to COVID-19 and border tensions. The decision followed Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to New Delhi. Both sides agreed to update the Air Services Agreement and ease visas for tourists, businesses and media. Airlines like IndiGo and Air India are ready to restart services, while Chinese carriers also plan to return. Lack of direct flights has caused high fares and long travel times. The move is expected to boost travel and trade between the two countries. (PC: X)

Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri claimed that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee fears his new film The Bengal Files. He said the Trinamool Congress cancelled the trailer launch in Kolkata by using police power. Agnihotri called it an attack on free expression. The film covers Bengal’s violent past, including Direct Action Day, the Noakhali riots and the partition. He alleged the state government does not want these events shown. The movie features Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty and Pallavi Joshi. The Bengal Files will release nationwide on September 5. (PC: India Today)

Drinkers at the Well and Boot pub in London’s Waterloo station are facing a new 4% “optional” service charge, even when ordering at the bar. The fee, around 30p on a £7.65 pint, is added automatically to bills for food and drinks. The pub, owned by Glendola Leisure, says all tips go to staff. Critics argue bar orders should not carry service fees. Consumer experts warn the trend is spreading in London pubs. Customers say the small-print signs make it awkward to refuse. Rising costs in the pub industry are driving higher prices and extra charges. (The Telegraph)

Russia on Wednesday strongly defended India after US President Donald Trump announced fresh tariffs and sanctions targeting New Delhi’s purchase of discounted Russian oil.  Russian Embassy official Roman Babushkin in New Delhi said such “unjustified and unilateral” steps would not deter Moscow-India ties. “India matters very much for Russia,” the official declared, stressing cooperation in defense, energy, and trade. Moscow also pointed to joint projects in nuclear energy and space as evidence of deepening trust. The remarks come as India faces Western criticism but continues balancing strategic relations with both Russia and the US. (PC: India Today)

India on Wednesday successfully test-fired its Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile ‘Agni 5’ from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. The Defence Ministry confirmed that the missile validated all operational and technical parameters during the launch. “The test was conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command,” the Ministry said in a statement. The successful test strengthens India’s deterrence capability and comes as North Korea also test-fired cruise missiles into the sea last week. (PC: HT)

Panic gripped Milan’s Malpensa Airport in Italy after a man with a hammer attacked the check-in area of Terminal 1. He smashed screens, set fire to a rubbish bin, and tried to hit security staff before being restrained by staff and passengers. Thick black smoke filled the terminal, forcing an evacuation. Emergency services quickly put out the fire and secured the area. The attacker, a Malian resident with no prior criminal record, was arrested. Authorities confirmed no major injuries were reported, but the incident caused heavy disruption for travellers and raised fresh concerns about airport security in Italy. (PC: News18)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three new Kolkata Metro corridors ahead of Durga Puja, promising faster and budget-friendly commutes. The East–West (Green) Line now links Howrah Maidan and Salt Lake Sector V—India’s first underwater metro stretch—cutting Howrah–Sealdah travel to 12 minutes at fares ranging from ₹5 (for the first 2 km) to ₹70 end-to-end . The Yellow Line connects the airport to Noapara (₹20), Esplanade (₹40), Kavi Subhash (₹45), and Howrah (₹50) . The Orange Line extension from Hemanta Mukhopadhyay (Ruby Crossing) to Beleghata features integrated fares—₹50 to Howrah Maidan and ₹65 from Airport to Ruby. (PC: The Indian EXPRESS)

Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic Juhu residence, Prateeksha, is flooded due to heavy rains in Mumbai. Now owned by his daughter Shweta Bachchan, videos on social media show water reaching ankle height around the property. Cars struggled through the waterlogged streets, and pedestrians used road dividers to move safely. Prateeksha, purchased by Amitabh in 1976 after the success of ‘Sholay,’ is estimated to be worth over Rs 50 crore. Both Shweta and Abhishek Bachchan were born there. Originally, Amitabh lived at Prateeksha with his parents, Harivansh Rai and Teji Bachchan, before moving to their current home, Jalsa, nearby.