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)

US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he will visit Russia on August 15 for a high-stakes meeting with President Vladimir Putin to discuss a potential ceasefire in the Ukraine war, now in its fourth year. The leaders were earlier scheduled to meet in Alaska but relocated the talks to Russia. Washington is reportedly pushing for a breakthrough to end the prolonged conflict, which has strained global energy markets and heightened geopolitical tensions. The meeting comes amid growing calls for diplomatic resolution from European allies and increased pressure on Moscow to scale back its military operations in Ukraine. (PC: News18)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging India to back Ukraine’s peace initiative and sanctions against Russian energy exports. The call came as India faces a 50% US tariff for purchasing Russian oil, with President Donald Trump accusing New Delhi of “fuelling the war machine.” Modi reiterated India’s consistent stance on an early, peaceful resolution and commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Ukraine. Defending India’s energy policy, Modi said the country would not compromise on farmers’ interests despite economic costs. Zelensky stressed that any Ukraine-related decision must include Kyiv’s participation for meaningful results. (PC: HT)

Funerals were held in Gaza City for five Al Jazeera journalists killed in what the broadcaster called a “targeted assassination” by Israel. Among them was 28-year-old correspondent Anas al-Sharif, whom Israel accused of leading a Hamas cell, though little evidence was provided. Al Jazeera denied the claim, condemning the attack as a “blatant assault on press freedom.” Three camera operators, another correspondent, and a freelance reporter were also killed. The UN labelled the strike a “grave breach of international humanitarian law.” The Committee to Protect Journalists reports 186 media workers killed since Israel’s Gaza offensive began in October 2023.

New Delhi saw high drama on Monday as nearly 300 Opposition MPs, led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, marched to the Election Commission over alleged ‘vote chori’ and poll body-BJP collusion. The march, joined by leaders like Akhilesh Yadav, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Derek O’Brien, was blocked by Delhi Police at Transport Bhavan, sparking clashes. Several MPs climbed barricades, while Trinamool MPs Mahua Moitra and Mitali Baugh fainted during the chaos, with Baugh hospitalised. Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and others were detained. “This fight is to save the Constitution,” Rahul Gandhi said, as Opposition leaders vowed to continue their agitation. (PC: India Today)

A Pakistani man was arrested by the Border Security Force (BSF) on Monday after trying to enter India illegally in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district. BSF said the man crossed the International Border and moved aggressively toward the fence despite warnings. Troops fired at his legs, injuring him before taking him into custody. He was later taken to a hospital for treatment. Officials said his identity and motive are under investigation. A protest has been lodged with Pakistani Rangers over the incident. Earlier, a Chinese man was caught trying to enter India from Nepal without valid documents. (PC: PTI/Representational)

Karnataka minister KN Rajanna has resigned after his comments on voter list irregularities angered the Congress. Rajanna, a close aide of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, admitted that the issues occurred when Congress was in power. His statement contradicted Rahul Gandhi’s claim that the Election Commission, under BJP influence, added fake voters. “There is no democracy within the Congress. If you tell the truth you are asked to resign,” said BJP leader CT Ravi. Rajanna met the Chief Minister before sending his resignation. He said leaders must act on voter roll issues in time and not “keep quiet and complain later.” (PC: NDTV)

The Supreme Court has ordered Delhi-NCR authorities to sterilise and permanently house stray dogs to control their population. But Municipal Corporation of Delhi sources say the city lacks the capacity to meet the target. Delhi has around six lakh stray dogs but no dedicated shelters and only 20 sterilisation centres, which can handle about 2,500 dogs at a time. To control numbers, 4.5 lakh dogs need sterilisation yearly, but current capacity allows only 1.25 lakh. The court directed shelters be built within eight weeks and 5,000 dogs be picked from vulnerable areas in six weeks. (PC: Hardik Chhabra)