During Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir’s second US visit in two months, President Donald Trump designated the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and its alias, the Majeed Brigade, as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The timing of the announcement is seen as a diplomatic win for Munir, who has faced criticism for nuclear threats made on US soil. The BLA has claimed responsibility for multiple deadly attacks, including the March 2025 hijacking of the Jaffar Express. The move follows the US designation of The Resistance Front (TRF), a Lashkar-e-Taiba proxy, as a terror group. India expressed concern over Trump’s growing bonhomie with Munir, warning against nuclear blackmail and the erosion of regional stability. (PC: India Today & OpIndia)

President Donald Trump announced his administration is actively considering reclassifying marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug. Speaking at a White House press briefing, Trump said a decision could come within weeks, calling the issue “very complicated” due to mixed public opinion. Reclassification would not legalize marijuana federally but would ease criminal penalties, open doors for medical research, and allow cannabis businesses to claim tax deductions. The move continues efforts initiated under the Biden administration. Trump acknowledged both positive medical uses and concerns about youth exposure. Industry groups have reportedly donated millions to Trump’s political organizations, hoping to influence the decision amid projected $34 billion cannabis revenue this year.

Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin has sharply criticized Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, calling him “Osama bin Laden in a suit” after Munir allegedly threatened that if Pakistan “goes down, it will take half the world down.” The remarks were reportedly made during a meeting with US officials in Tampa, Florida. Rubin condemned Pakistan’s nuclear rhetoric as “completely unacceptable,” likening it to ISIS-style threats and urging the US to reconsider Pakistan’s status as a major non-NATO ally. He proposed declaring Munir persona non grata, stripping US visas, and even deploying SEAL teams to secure Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal. Rubin warned Pakistan is behaving like a rogue state, risking global security. (PC: Wikipedia)

U.S. President Donald Trump ended a week of market chaos by declaring gold imports “will not be Tariffed,” easing fears of a potential 39% levy. Confusion began after a July 31 U.S. Customs ruling suggested widely traded bullion bars could face duties under Trump’s “reciprocal” tariff framework, driving futures to record highs. The uncertainty rattled global supply chains, particularly Switzerland’s gold exports to the U.S. Following Trump’s post on Truth Social, U.S. gold futures fell 2.4% to $3,407 per ounce, while spot prices dropped 1.2% to $3,357. Analysts said the announcement brought “enormous relief” to the jittery bullion markets. (PC: X)

In Uttar Pradesh’s Fatehpur, Members Of A Hindu Organisation Vandalised A Tomb Outside A Mausoleum, Alleging It Was Built Atop A Thousand-Year-Old Temple Dedicated To Thakurji And Lord Shiva. The Site, Recorded In Official Documents As Maqbara Mangi (National Property), Became A Flashpoint After BJP District President Mukhlal Pal And Leaders From Bajrang Dal And VHP Vowed To Perform Pooja There. They Cited Religious Symbols As Proof. Muslim Leaders Condemned The Incident As An Attack On History And Communal Harmony. The District Administration Deployed Heavy Police, PAC Forces, And Barricades To Prevent Further Unrest, Maintaining The Land Is Officially A Tomb. (PC: India Today)

China has suspended 24% in additional tariffs on US goods for 90 days starting August 12, following a 90-day extension of the US-China tariff truce announced by President Donald Trump. The move, confirmed by China’s Customs Tariff Commission, retains a 10% ad valorem rate on affected US imports. Trump signed an executive order delaying higher tariffs until November 10, citing ongoing discussions to address trade reciprocity and national security concerns. China also postponed adding US firms to its trade restriction list. The extension provides relief for US retailers ahead of the holiday season, allowing imports of electronics, apparel, and toys at lower tariff rates. (PC: YouTube & The Street)

US President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on India’s imports of Russian oil, calling it a “big blow” to Moscow’s economy. He emphasized India’s role as one of Russia’s largest oil buyers and claimed the tariffs have severely disrupted Russia’s economic stability. India condemned the move as “unfair, unjustified and unreasonable.” Trump is set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15, expecting “constructive conversations.” He also plans to engage with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy afterward. Trump reiterated his claim of resolving five wars during his second term, including the India-Pakistan conflict though India denies his involvement in that resolution. (PC: ABC & DD News)

US President Donald Trump appeared to confuse Alaska with Russia during a press conference on Monday. Speaking about crime in Washington, DC, Trump said, “I’m going to Russia on Friday” when referring to his upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The summit will actually take place in Alaska on August 15 to discuss ending the Ukraine war. Critics noted Alaska’s historical ties to Russia before its 1867 purchase by the US. Senator Lisa Murkowski voiced cautious optimism about the talks. The meeting will be Putin’s first visit to the US in a decade, despite an ICC arrest warrant. (PC: AFP)

The Supreme Court has upheld activist Medha Patkar’s conviction in a defamation case filed by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena in 2000. The case began after Patkar issued a press note criticising Saxena, then head of a group supporting the Sardar Sarovar Dam. A trial court had sentenced her to five months in jail and fined her ₹1 lakh. The apex court removed the fine but kept the conviction. Saxena claimed the note harmed his reputation among dam supporters. Patkar had argued that key witnesses were ignored and an email used as evidence was not legally certified. 

The Supreme Court on Monday ordered the removal of all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR within 8 weeks, directing they be housed in shelters to be set up by authorities. Hearing a suo motu case on rising dog bite incidents, the bench of Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan warned of action against anyone obstructing the drive. The court stressed that no stray canines should be released back, citing protection of children and the elderly from rabies. It instructed the Delhi government, MCD, and NDMC to create shelters for 5,000 dogs, ensuring sterilisation and immunisation before permanent housing. (PC: HT)