Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated Tamil superstar Rajinikanth for completing 50 years in cinema. Modi posted a photo with Rajinikanth on X, calling his journey “iconic” and praising his impact on generations. He wished him success and good health. Rajinikanth replied, thanking Modi for the warm wishes and calling it an honour. Rajinikanth made his debut in 1975 with Apoorva Raagangal and remains a top star at 74. His latest film Coolie, released on August 14, collected ₹150 crore worldwide on its opening day, the highest-ever opener for Tamil cinema, and crossed ₹100 crore in India in two days. (PC: HT)

6 people, including an 80-year-old man, died after the roof of a dargah collapsed in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area on Friday evening. The incident happened during Friday prayers at the Dargah Sharif Patte Shah, located near Humayun’s Tomb. At least five people were injured and taken to AIIMS Trauma Centre. Officials said the roof, part of a 25-30-year-old building, fell while 15-20 people, including the imam, were inside. Rescue teams from Delhi Fire Services, Delhi Police, NDRF, and DDMA reached the site. The building has been cordoned off as authorities investigate the cause of the collapse. (PC: NDTV)

Pakistan’s terror links were exposed again as top army and government officials honoured a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist killed in India’s Operation Sindoor. On August 14, Pakistan’s Independence Day, Lahore Division GOC Major General Rao Imran Sartaj, Federal Minister Malik Rashid Ahmed Khan, and senior police officials visited the grave of Mudasir Ahmed in Muridke. Mudasir was linked to the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2019 Pulwama attack. He was killed in May when India targeted Markaz Taiba. His funeral, led by US-designated terrorist Abdul Rauf, was attended by Pakistan Army officers, exposing the country’s continued support for globally listed terrorists. (PC: India Today)

As US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin prepare to meet in Alaska, Ukrainians expressed anger and fear over being excluded from the negotiations. Concerns are high that “land swaps” could be discussed, potentially ceding Ukrainian territory to Russia without Kyiv’s consent. While polls show 54% might accept compromises with strong security guarantees, distrust of Moscow remains overwhelming. Many fear a frozen frontline would allow Russia to regroup and attack again. Families of prisoners of war, soldiers, and displaced citizens see the talks as a “great injustice,” with calls for any deal to prioritize rescuing Ukrainians from occupied areas. (PC: BBC)

A shooting during Friday prayers at a mosque in Örebro, Sweden, left one man dead and another injured. Police confirmed the deceased as a 25-year-old male and classified the incident as “attempted murder” linked to gang activity, though not directly targeting the mosque. The attack occurred around 1:45 p.m. local time, prompting a large-scale manhunt, with forest areas near the mosque cordoned off. Authorities are investigating whether multiple suspects were involved and probing connections to criminal networks. The mosque has been closed for the evening, urging members to pray at home. This marks Örebro’s second major shooting incident this year. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump said his primary goal at the upcoming Alaska summit is to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table, not to strike a deal for Ukraine. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump stressed he wants to save lives and push towards ending the war, warning of “very severe” consequences if Moscow refuses to cooperate. He noted mutual respect with Putin and welcomed the presence of Russian business leaders, but ruled out deals until the conflict ends. The summit marks Putin’s first visit to Western soil since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which has claimed thousands of lives. (PC: News18)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address, unveiled the Sudarshan Chakra Mission, a decade-long plan to secure India’s skies by 2035. Inspired by Lord Krishna’s legendary weapon, the indigenous system will combine the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) with an Integrated Rocket Force for nationwide air defence and precision strikes, akin to Israel’s Iron Dome. Developed entirely in India, it will protect critical infrastructure, religious sites, and strategic assets from aerial threats. The mission follows recent Pakistani attempts to target civilian infrastructure and aims to ensure every citizen feels secure under a rapidly expanding protective shield. (PC: India Today)

Nagaland Governor La Ganesan, 80, passed away on Friday night while undergoing treatment at a Chennai hospital, officials confirmed. He had been in the ICU since August 8 after collapsing at home and sustaining a head injury. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, remembering him as “a devout nationalist” passionate about Tamil culture and committed to nation-building. Nagaland Deputy CM Yanthungo Patton hailed his dignity and dedication to public service. Appointed as Nagaland’s 21st governor on February 12, 2023, Ganesan assumed office on February 20. Tributes from political leaders and citizens poured in for the veteran leader’s decades-long contribution to public life. (PC: HT)

India’s Russian oil imports surged to a record 2 million barrels per day in August, accounting for 38% of total crude intake. This rise came despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s 50% tariff threat over India’s continued purchases from Moscow. Refiners prioritized economic logic, shifting away from Iraq and Saudi Arabia. Indian Oil Corporation and BPCL confirmed no government directive to reduce Russian volumes, calling it “business as usual.” Discounts on Russian crude narrowed to $1.5 per barrel but rose slightly in August. While refiners explore alternatives from the U.S., West Africa, and Latin America, experts say this reflects flexibility not a pivot. Russian oil remains central to India’s energy strategy unless sanctions are imposed. (PC: European Council & Shutterstock)

India is deepening trade ties with Singapore and ASEAN nations to counter the impact of newly announced U.S. reciprocal tariffs on Indian exports. The Commerce Ministry hosted the 4th India-Singapore Joint Working Group on Trade & Investment, marking 60 years of diplomatic relations and 20 years of CECA. Talks focused on investment promotion, supply-chain resilience, and regulatory streamlining. Simultaneously, India held the 10th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) joint committee meeting to modernize the 15-year-old pact. With exports to ASEAN falling 5.45% and imports rising 5.64% in FY25, India aims to diversify trade and strengthen regional connectivity. Singapore remains India’s top ASEAN trade partner and second-largest FDI source. (PC: NDTV & Lowy Institute)