A renewed debate surrounds the possibility of MS Dhoni stepping into India’s head coach role, fueled by Team India’s inconsistent performance under Gautam Gambhir. While Gambhir’s coaching has yielded uneven results—raising questions about his effectiveness—Aakash Chopra highlighted Dhoni’s calm demeanor and strategic acumen as strengths. However, Chopra noted Dhoni may decline such a demanding, full-time national assignment due to his preference for privacy and varied personal commitments post-retirement. The discussion underscores broader curiosity over leadership direction, balancing Gambhir’s shortcomings with the appeal of Dhoni’s experience—despite doubts about his willingness to take up the mantle. (PC: The Times of India)  

US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Alaska to discuss the Russia-Ukraine war, but failed to reach a definitive agreement. Both leaders spoke positively of the meeting, suggesting more talks could lead to a conclusion. However the market analysts believe the Indian stock market will not react sharply to the meeting's outcome, as no breakthrough was expected. Attention is now shifting to the upcoming Trump-Zelensky meeting. Global cues remain positive for the Indian market due to softer US inflation data, a fall in US 10-year bond yields, and expectations of a Fed rate cut. (PC: Firstpost & The Hindu)

The "Bhau gang" has claimed responsibility for the firing incident at the Gurugram residence of YouTuber and Bigg Boss 2023 winner Elvish Yadav. Three unidentified men on a motorcycle fired multiple rounds at the house early Sunday morning. In a social media post, the gang alleged the attack was a warning to Yadav for promoting illegal betting apps. While Yadav was not home, his family was present, but no one was injured. His father stated that CCTV footage shows three individuals firing up to 30 rounds. The gang, allegedly linked to Himanshu Bhau, has also taken credit for a prior murder. (PC: India Today)

In a modern echo of Mahatma Gandhi's Swadeshi movement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Vocal for Local" campaign is being presented as India's answer to global trade challenges. The initiative, along with "Make in India" and "Atmanirbhar Bharat," aims to strengthen the domestic economy by encouraging citizens to prioritize indigenous products. This strategy is designed to boost local consumption, support artisans and small businesses, and reduce import dependence. Speaking at an inauguration event in Delhi, PM Modi said, “Have faith in Indian goods. If you are Indian, buy only goods made in India. You should decide to choose only those items that are made in India, by Indians." Though Modi’s pitch for ‘Vocal for Local’ comes after US President Donald Trump has announced tariffs totalling to 50% on India. These include an additional 25% duty on Indian purchases of Russian oil, set to come into effect from 27 August. India has criticised the move, calling it “unjustified and unreasonable". (PC: India Today & The Economic Times)

Rahul Gandhi reconnected with a 91-year-old loyalist, Karuna Prasad Mishra during the Congress-Bihar Padayatra. Mishra, a farmer from Madhya Pradesh, has a long history of walking with Congress leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. He was invited by Rahul Gandhi to join the 1,300-km "Voter Adhikar Yatra" in Bihar, a campaign protesting against voter roll revisions. The article highlights Mishra's unwavering support and resilience, noting he walked for four months during the 2023 Bharat Jodo Yatra without his feet aching. His presence underscores a generational connection to the party's legacy and a shared commitment to its core values.

Following the recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, U.S. President Donald Trump has shifted his stance on the Russia-Ukraine war, now advocating for a full peace accord instead of a mere ceasefire. This move comes after Trump supported a proposal where Russia would control Donetsk and Lugansk in exchange for halting its offensive in southern Ukraine, though Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has refused to cede the Donbas region. Trump stated that peace agreements are the most effective way to end the "horrific war." While both leaders described the talks as "productive," European leaders have shown mixed reactions, with some acknowledging progress and others expressing skepticism about Russia's intentions. (PC: CNBC TV18 & CNN)

A cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district has led to flash floods and landslides, tragically claiming the lives of seven individuals, including five children. Dramatic videos show security forces and rescue teams performing heroic efforts, digging through slush to save residents trapped in their homes. One particular video highlights the brave rescue of a woman from her residence after it was hit by a landslide. The disaster has prompted swift and extensive rescue operations to find and assist those affected by the sudden and devastating weather event.

On Sunday morning, three unidentified bike-borne assailants opened fire at YouTuber and Bigg Boss OTT winner Elvish Yadav’s residence in Gurugram’s Sector 57, spraying over two dozen bullets between 5:30 and 6:00 AM. The attackers targeted the ground and first floors before fleeing. Yadav, who lives on the second and third floors, was not home during the incident. His caretaker and family members were present but unharmed. Police and forensic teams arrived promptly, collected evidence, and began scanning CCTV footage. No prior threats were reported, and legal action is underway pending a formal complaint. Yadav is currently outside Haryana. (PC: Instagram)

U.S. President Donald Trump conveyed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after their Alaska summit: halt fighting along current front lines in exchange for Kyiv ceding full control of Donetsk. Zelenskyy rejected the offer, according to Reuters. Trump publicly urged Ukraine to accept a peace deal, stating, “Russia is a very big power, and they’re not.” The three-hour Alaska summit marked the first direct U.S.-Russia engagement since the 2022 invasion. Trump and Putin agreed that peace should proceed without a ceasefire, a stance that diverges from Ukraine’s and Europe’s insistence on ceasefire as a prerequisite. Russia currently controls 20% of Ukraine, including most of Donetsk. (PC: The New York Times)

Arunachal Pradesh's Education Minister Pasang Dorjee Sona inaugurated a cutting-edge Pasang Wangchuk Sona ISRO Space Laboratory at Mechuka Government Higher Secondary School in remote Shi-Yomi district, a collaborative initiative by ISRO and Muskaan Foundation to boost space science education . Named in honor of the minister’s late father, the lab is designed to offer students hands-on experience in space science and technology, nurturing curiosity, innovation, and scientific thinking among rural youth . The inauguration, held on August 16, 2025, drew the presence of local officials, educators, students, and community leaders, marking a proud moment for education outreach in the region .