US President Donald Trump urged Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy to accept a peace deal with Russia, saying he could end the war “almost immediately.” Trump ruled out Ukraine joining NATO and dismissed any chance of reclaiming Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014. He said “some things never change,” pointing to the Obama-era loss of Crimea. Trump is set to host Zelenskyy and European leaders in Washington after talks with Vladimir Putin in Alaska. His envoy claimed Putin agreed to US-backed security guarantees for Ukraine, but Kyiv rejected Russia’s demand to cede Donetsk in exchange for freezing front lines. (PC: Reuters)

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Washington’s decision to spare China from sanctions over Russian oil, citing fears of global energy disruption, while doubling tariffs on India to 50% for continuing purchases from Moscow. Rubio said India’s imports help sustain Russia’s war effort and are a sore point in bilateral ties. European nations opposed a proposed 100% tariff on both India and China. Despite Trump’s threats, India has not paused its Russian oil trade and accused the U.S. of hypocrisy. Trump claimed his tariffs pressured Russia into talks, though India dismissed this. A U.S. trade delegation’s visit to India may be delayed, complicating negotiations ahead of the August 27 tariff hike. (PC: The New York Times)

A court ban on feeding pigeons in Mumbai has led to protests and clashes. Authorities say pigeon droppings spread serious lung diseases and worsen public hygiene. The Bombay High Court called public health “paramount” and ordered strict action against illegal feeding. But many animal lovers and the Jain community oppose the move, saying feeding pigeons is part of tradition and faith. Experts warn that overpopulation of pigeons is harming other urban birds and spreading infections. Activists suggest regulated feeding hours to balance health and heritage. An expert panel will now recommend alternatives for the city’s feeding centres. (PC: Getty Images)

A jawan of Chhattisgarh Police’s District Reserve Guard (DRG) was killed and 3 others injured in an IED blast triggered by Maoists in Bijapur district on Monday. The explosion took place in Indravati National Park when the team was on an anti-Maoist operation. DRG jawan Dinesh Nag died in the blast. The injured were given first aid and evacuated from the forest. Security forces have stepped up operations as part of the Centre’s mission to eliminate Maoism by March 2026. In recent months, many Maoists have been killed or surrendered during the ongoing crackdown in Chhattisgarh. (PC: NDTV)

The Yamuna river in Delhi has crossed the danger mark of 205.33 metres, raising flood concerns. Authorities said the rise is due to heavy rainfall and water release from the Hathnikund and Wazirabad barrages. On Sunday, all 18 gates of Hathnikund were opened for the first time this monsoon, releasing over 1.27 lakh cusecs of water. The Central Water Commission has warned that the water level may reach 206 metres by August 19. Evacuation from low-lying areas will begin if levels rise further. Officials have urged people to stay alert and move to safer places if needed. (PC: PTI)

Ukraine faces new pressure as reports say Donald Trump may urge President Volodymyr Zelensky to hand over Donbas to Russia in exchange for peace. Putin proposed Ukraine surrender Donetsk and Luhansk, much of which is already under Russian control. Ukrainians fear this would be a betrayal, leaving millions displaced and their homeland lost. Historian Yaroslav Hrytsak called it a “tragedy,” while many residents near the front lines feel abandoned. Polls show 75% of Ukrainians oppose giving land to Russia. Zelensky insists Ukraine will not concede territory, but the demand leaves the nation divided between land and lives. (PC: BBC)

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the Election Commission of colluding with the BJP and committing “vote chori” ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. AAP leader Anurag Dhanda said the poll body’s “theft” has been exposed and claimed it is blaming political parties to hide its failures. He added that teachers were being used in BJP rallies instead of serving education. AAP, which left the INDIA bloc last month, is still backing Congress on the issue of voter list manipulation. The Election Commission has rejected the allegations, calling them baseless and insisting the revision process is transparent. (PC: India Today)

Three people were killed and eight others injured in a shooting at a New York City nightclub early Sunday morning. The incident happened at the Taste of the City Lounge in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, around 3:30 a.m. Police said a dispute led to gunfire from multiple weapons. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed 36 shell casings were found and one gun was recovered nearby. The victims, aged 27 to 61, included eight men and three women. Their injuries are not life-threatening. Police are still investigating. Despite this attack, officials said New York is seeing record low levels of gun violence this year. (PC: NDTV)

Ajit Agarkar and the Indian selectors will meet on August 19 to pick the squad for the Asia Cup 2025. Reports suggest Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal may not be included, as the committee wants them fresh for upcoming Test matches against the West Indies. Instead, Shreyas Iyer and Jitesh Sharma are likely to be rewarded for their IPL 2025 performances. Iyer’s experience in UAE conditions is seen as a big advantage. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are also expected to keep their places. India will begin their Asia Cup campaign on September 10 against hosts UAE. (PC: HT)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to let Ukraine receive NATO-style security guarantees, US envoy Steve Witkoff said after the Alaska summit with Donald Trump. Witkoff called the move “game-changing,” noting it was the first time Putin accepted the idea. Article 5-like protection would allow allies to defend Ukraine if attacked. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the step but stressed guarantees must cover land, air, and sea with Europe’s role included. EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Emmanuel Macron, will join Zelenskyy for talks in Washington. Trump is expected to push Kyiv toward a peace deal with Moscow. (PC: AP/Reuters)