The Supreme Court will hear on Thursday a challenge to its earlier order directing the relocation of all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR to shelters within eight weeks. Chief Justice BR Gavai referred the matter to a three-judge bench after concerns were raised about conflicting rulings and the feasibility of such mass relocation. The original order, aimed at curbing dog bite incidents, bypassed the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Rules, 2023, which mandate sterilised and vaccinated dogs be returned to their locality. Activists, including Maneka Gandhi, warned of logistical, financial, and ecological challenges, urging adherence to existing compassionate, law-based animal management protocols. (PC: NDTV)

Mumbai businessman Deepak Kothari has filed a case against actor Shilpa Shetty, her husband Raj Kundra, and another individual, alleging they defrauded him of over ₹60 crore through their now-defunct firm, Best Deal TV Pvt. Ltd. Kothari claims he was persuaded in 2015 to invest ₹60.48 crore as share capital, assured of monthly returns and principal repayment. However, funds were allegedly misused for personal benefit, and attempts to recover the amount failed. The case has been transferred to the Economic Offences Wing as it exceeds ₹10 crore. This adds to the couple’s legal troubles, including prior gold scheme fraud allegations. (PC: India Today)

The Indian Army has begun the first phase of its ‘Decade of Transformation’ (2023-2032), introducing new combat formations such as Rudra Brigades, Bhairav Battalions, Shaktibaan, and Divyastra batteries. Announced on Vijay Diwas by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, these reforms aim to blend traditional strengths with modern warfare capabilities. Bhairav Battalions will bridge the gap between special forces and regular infantry, while Rudra Brigades combine infantry, artillery, and armoured units. Divyastra batteries integrate artillery with drones and precision-strike systems for deep-strike capability. Drone platoons are being added to all infantry battalions, marking a major shift towards a more agile, technology-driven force. (PC: News18)

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi will visit New Delhi on August 18 for border talks with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, possibly meeting external affairs minister S Jaishankar. Days later, from August 21-23, Jaishankar will travel to Moscow for discussions with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov and to co-chair the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation. The visits come amid strained India-US ties over tariffs and Russian oil imports. Talks with China will focus on confidence-building along the border, while Moscow discussions will address trade imbalance, rupee-ruble settlement, and preparations for President Vladimir Putin’s planned India visit. (PC: HT)

The Supreme Court has transferred the Delhi-NCR stray dogs case to a new three-judge bench, set to hear it tomorrow. The court directed civic bodies to establish shelters for 5,000 dogs within eight weeks, ensuring humane care, sterilisation, and constant monitoring. Overcrowding must be avoided, and CCTV surveillance will track compliance. Adoption schemes may be considered but re-release of strays onto streets is banned. Violations will invite strict action against both officials and individuals. The case, now encompassing four related petitions, aims to address animal welfare while managing urban stray populations in a structured, humane manner.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that Gaza ceasefire negotiations are now focused on a comprehensive deal to release all remaining hostages simultaneously, abandoning earlier plans for a phased exchange. Hamas leaders are in Cairo for preliminary talks with Egyptian mediators, alongside Qatar and the US. The proposal could involve ending the war and withdrawing Israeli troops in return for the hostages, though Israel insists Hamas must disarm and relinquish control of Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes have intensified, with over 120 Palestinians killed in the past day. Netanyahu faces mounting domestic pressure amid growing humanitarian concerns in Gaza. (PC: BBC)

ICICI Bank has slashed its new minimum monthly average balance (MAB) requirements following widespread criticism of an earlier steep hike. The revised MAB is now ₹15,000 for metro and urban areas, ₹7,500 for semi-urban, and ₹2,500 for rural customers—significantly lower than the previously announced ₹50,000, ₹25,000, and ₹10,000, respectively. The initial increase, effective August 1, 2025, drew outrage for being unaffordable, particularly for middle-class, semi-urban, and rural account holders. ICICI, India’s second-largest private lender, said the rollback was in response to customer feedback. Analysts say the move reflects the bank’s need to balance operational costs with accessibility. (PC: India Today)

In a rare show of unity, Congress leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi joined BJP’s Maneka and Varun Gandhi in condemning the Supreme Court’s order to permanently shift stray dogs to shelters. Calling it “inhumane” and “impractical,” they warned it would lead to “institutionalisation of cruelty” and strain resources, with insufficient shelters available. Rahul urged humane solutions like sterilisation and vaccination, while Maneka criticised the judgment as financially unviable and ecologically harmful. Varun warned of a moral crisis, and opposition leaders from Trinamool and Shiv Sena also sought a review. The Delhi government has signalled compliance despite widespread criticism. (PC: The telegraph)

US President Donald Trump warned of “very severe consequences” if Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to end the Ukraine war following their upcoming Alaska summit. In a virtual meeting with European leaders, French President Emmanuel Macron said Trump prioritised a ceasefire, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Putin of “bluffing” and intensifying military pressure. European leaders stressed Ukraine’s participation in any peace talks, fearing concessions to Moscow. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called the talks “constructive” but insisted on protecting European security. Russian forces are pushing toward Pokrovsk in Donbas, raising concerns that Moscow could secure a major advantage before the summit. (PC: NDTV)

The Greenwood BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Indiana, US, was vandalised with anti-India and anti-Modi graffiti, allegedly by pro-Khalistan extremists, marking the fourth attack on a Hindu temple in the US this year. The Hindu American Foundation and Coalition of Hindus of North America condemned the act as a hate crime and urged accountability. The Indian Consulate in Chicago denounced the desecration, calling it “reprehensible,” and pressed for strict action by local authorities. Volunteers described the graffiti as “a message of hate against Hindus.” Similar attacks have targeted BAPS temples in California, New York, and Sacramento over the past year. (PC: India Today)