Al Jazeera journalist Anas Al Sharif was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City alongside four colleagues, reigniting debate over press freedom and wartime targeting. Israel’s Defence Forces (IDF) claimed Al Sharif was a Hamas operative involved in rocket attacks, citing intelligence documents released in October 2024. Al Jazeera and global media watchdogs rejected the allegations, calling them fabricated and an attempt to silence critical reporting. Al Sharif, born in Jabalia refugee camp, was known for frontline coverage in northern Gaza and had received direct threats from Israeli authorities. His final post described intense bombardment. The incident raises serious concerns about journalist safety and the weaponization of press identities in conflict zones. (PC: Al Jazeera)

India has been added to the United Kingdom’s expanded “Deport Now, Appeal Later” list, which targets foreign criminals for immediate deportation before their appeals are heard. The UK Home Office announced the expansion from 8 to 23 countries, citing the need to curb abuse of the immigration system. Indian nationals convicted of crimes will now be deported and allowed to appeal remotely via video from their home country. The move follows rising concerns over illegal immigration and asylum claims, with over 5,000 Indians applying for asylum in 2023. India joins countries like Canada, Australia, Malaysia, and Kenya on the list. Critics warn the policy may undermine human rights protections and due process. (PC: Reuters)

India has strongly condemned Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir’s anti-India remarks made during his U.S. visit, calling them “regrettable, especially coming from a friendly country.” Munir’s provocative statements including threats to destroy Indian dams and invoking the two-nation theory, have sparked diplomatic concern and public outrage. Government sources labeled Pakistan “an irresponsible state with nuclear weapons,” criticizing Munir’s rhetoric as inflammatory and destabilizing. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that such remarks undermine regional peace and violate diplomatic norms. The comments, made during a black-tie event in Tampa, Florida, have drawn sharp rebuke from Indian officials and analysts, who view them as a deliberate attempt to escalate tensions amid ongoing geopolitical strain. (PC: The Economist)

A fierce wildfire, dubbed the Canyon Fire, forced thousands to evacuate in California’s Ventura and Los Angeles counties after erupting Thursday and rapidly expanding from 30 to 5,400 acres. Fueled by extreme heat and dry conditions, the blaze injured Kern County firefighter James Agee in a rollover truck accident. Officials reported 62% containment by Sunday, aided by favourable weather and over 1,100 personnel. Residents in Santa Clarita, Hasley Canyon, and Val Verde were urged to stay vigilant as temperatures may hit 100°F. The Gifford Fire, California’s largest active blaze, has scorched nearly 100,000 acres in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. (PC: BBC)

On August 11, the Parliament Monsoon Session saw renewed opposition protests over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. INDIA bloc MPs, led by Rahul Gandhi, marched from Parliament to the Election Commission office, alleging voter fraud and manipulation during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Gandhi demanded access to electronic voter data, citing duplicate entries and irregularities. Congress leader Digvijaya Singh claimed BLOs were filling fake forms en masse. Delhi Police stated no formal permission was sought for the march. Meanwhile, Parliament continued with scheduled legislative business, including key reports and bills. The protest has intensified calls for electoral transparency and accountability ahead of Bihar’s upcoming assembly elections. (PC: Hindustan Times)

Despite over a decade of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, India remains heavily reliant on Chinese imports, especially for upstream components like electronics, solar cells, and electric batteries. A report by the Hinrich Foundation reveals that while India has made progress in assembling products, its dependence on Chinese raw materials and technology persists. In FY 2024–25, India’s trade deficit with China hit a record $99.2 billion, with imports rising to $113.5 billion and exports falling to just $14.3 billion. Prime Minister Modi’s push for manufacturing self-reliance faces structural challenges, as the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme struggles to offset China’s dominance. The gap between policy ambition and economic reality continues to widen. (PC: Foreign Policy & NDTV)

U.S. President Donald Trump is reviewing options to impose tariffs on China for purchasing Russian oil, following his recent decision to double tariffs on India to 50%. Vice President JD Vance confirmed Trump hasn’t made a final decision but is “thinking about it,” citing the complexity of U.S.-China relations. India, already facing steep penalties for its Russian oil imports, has condemned the move as “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.” The new 25% duty on Indian goods takes effect August 27. Critics argue Trump’s selective targeting ignores China’s larger oil trade with Russia of $62.6 billion in 2024 versus India’s $52.7 billion raising concerns about geopolitical bias and economic coercion. (PC: New York Magazine)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released a 6-minute video showcasing aerial strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) during Operation Sindoor. The footage highlights precision attacks launched in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. Clips show “decimated” terror camps, as well as historic footage from the 1971 war, Kargil conflict, and 2019 Pulwama response. Launched on May 7, Operation Sindoor destroyed multiple terror sites, killing over 100 militants. The IAF also shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and a large aircraft. The video underscores the IAF’s “precision, speed, and resolve” in safeguarding India. (PC: News18)

The Supreme Court has ordered that all stray dogs in Delhi-NCR be picked up within 8 weeks and housed in dedicated shelters, directing municipal bodies, the Delhi government, and the NDMC to coordinate efforts. No dog, once housed, is to be released back onto the streets. Authorities were warned against interference, citing the need to protect children and the elderly from dog bites and rabies. The court acted after reports of frequent attacks. The MCD plans to upgrade animal birth control centres, implant microchips for tracking, and conduct anti-rabies awareness drives, balancing animal welfare with public safety. (PC: HT)

The Indian Navy will commission two advanced frontline warships, INS Udaygiri and INS Himgiri on August 26 at Visakhapatnam, marking a historic milestone in indigenous naval shipbuilding. Both vessels are part of the Project 17A stealth frigate programme and represent a generational leap in design and capability. Udaygiri, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (Mumbai), and Himgiri, constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders (Kolkata), feature reduced radar cross-sections, advanced weapon systems including BrahMos missiles, and CODOG propulsion. This is the first time two major warships from separate Indian shipyards will be commissioned simultaneously. Rigorous sea trials have confirmed their operational readiness, underscoring India’s growing self-reliance in maritime defense under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. (PC: PTI)