Russia has condemned former US President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariff threats, accusing Washington of neocolonial tactics aimed at maintaining dominance over Global South nations. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said such politically motivated economic pressure reflects the US's inability to accept a multipolar world. She added that sanctions can’t halt history and emphasized growing support from BRICS partners. Trump's move to hike tariffs on Indian imports of Russian oil also drew strong rebuke from India, which said such trade was encouraged by the US earlier. Russia reaffirmed its commitment to multilateral cooperation against unilateral sanctions and trade barriers. (PC: NDTV)

Thousands in Kolhapur marched 45 km on Sunday demanding the return of Mahadevi, a 36-year-old elephant moved from a Jain shrine to Vantara in Jamnagar after court orders citing health concerns raised by PETA. The Supreme Court upheld the transfer, but residents and leaders from all parties joined a massive protest, calling it a "conspiracy" backed by fake reports. A 200,400-signature petition has been sent to the President. Vantara denied initiating the transfer and defended its welfare record. CM Devendra Fadnavis promised a legal review. The controversy has ignited emotions over tradition, welfare, and custodianship of the beloved elephant. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump praised actress Sydney Sweeney for her American Eagle jeans ad, calling it “the hottest ad out there.” He also took a swipe at Taylor Swift, saying she is “no longer hot” and was “booed out of the Super Bowl.” The ad, which says Sweeney has “great jeans,” sparked backlash online for its play on the word “genes,” with critics calling it tone-deaf. Trump supported Sweeney for being a Republican and slammed “woke culture.” The comments quickly went viral, sparking a culture war. American Eagle’s stock rose 24% after the ad went viral, despite ongoing controversy and criticism. (PC: X/AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly decided on a full occupation of Gaza and will seek approval from his security cabinet. The move follows the failure of recent ceasefire talks. Former PM Ehud Barak criticised the decision, calling the war a way to protect Netanyahu from corruption charges. UN human rights chief Volker Turk said Israel is restricting aid and warned that denying food could be a war crime. Aid groups described Gaza’s crisis as “hunger games.” The situation remains tense, with Israel also intercepting a missile from Yemen. The security cabinet meeting is expected soon to discuss next steps. (PC: AP)

England has launched the world's first gonorrhoea vaccination programme amid soaring infection rates and rising antibiotic resistance. Starting today, eligible individuals can receive the vaccine free at sexual health clinics across the country. The NHS and Department of Health rolled out the initiative to combat a sharp rise in gonorrhoea cases, which reached 85,000 in 2023—three times the 2012 figure. Public Health Minister Ashley Dalton called it a "world-leading breakthrough" and urged eligible people to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their partners. The vaccine aims to curb the spread of the STI, especially strains resistant to current antibiotics. (PC: NDTV)

As tensions rise with the US, the Indian Army’s Eastern Command shared a 1971 news article showing America’s past arms support to Pakistan. The post said, “US arms worth $2 billion shipped to Pakistan since ’54.” This came after US President Trump threatened higher tariffs on Indian goods over Russian oil imports. India’s Ministry of External Affairs called the threats “unjustified and unreasonable.” India also rejected Trump’s claim of brokering peace with Pakistan. The Army’s post is seen as a reminder of past US bias. India says it will protect its own interests and won’t be pressured by foreign powers. (PC: PTI)

India has hit back at the US for threatening 25% tariffs if it doesn’t stop buying Russian oil. “Enough is enough,” said a strong statement from the Ministry of External Affairs. India firmly denied President Trump’s claim that he brokered peace between India and Pakistan, calling it “false and misleading.” The ministry added, “We will not be told what to do. Our decisions are based on national interest.” India also pointed out that the US and EU still trade with Russia. Cheap Russian oil, India said, helps control prices for its people. “Strategic autonomy will guide our energy policy,” it stated. (PC: AFP)

The Supreme Court will hear a plea on August 8 asking the Centre to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. The plea was filed by Zahoor Ahmed Bhat and Khurshaid Ahmad Malik. They said the Centre has not acted, even after the Supreme Court's 2023 verdict said statehood should return “at the earliest.” The case was mentioned by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan. Chief Justice BR Gavai said it will stay listed. Jammu and Kashmir lost its statehood on August 5, 2019. Recent high-level meetings have raised hopes of progress. Congress will also mark August 5 as a “black day.” (PC: AP)

India and the Philippines conducted their first joint naval exercise in the disputed South China Sea on Sunday, signaling growing defense ties. The two-day drill, held amid rising tensions with China, included two Philippine frigates and an Indian navy tanker. China's navy shadowed the exercise, deploying a guided-missile destroyer 25 nautical miles away. Philippine Army Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner stated the drill was successful and emphasized the importance of partnerships with “like-minded nations” like India. Beijing criticized the move, accusing Manila of inviting “foreign forces.” President Ferdinand Marcos is currently visiting India to strengthen strategic ties across multiple sectors. (PC: NDTV)

India sealed a thrilling 6-run victory over England at The Oval, drawing the Test series 2-2. Mohammed Siraj starred on Day 5 with key breakthroughs, including the final wicket of Gus Atkinson. Tensions ran high in the Indian dressing room, erupting into wild celebrations after the win. Head coach Gautam Gambhir screamed with joy and was hilariously lifted by bowling coach Morne Morkel "like a baby." The BCCI's video captured raw emotion—group hugs, jubilation, and pure relief after two months of intense cricket. Despite not winning the series, this narrowest-ever Test win felt like a massive triumph for Team India.