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. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was felicitated by NDA MPs in Parliament on Tuesday for the Indian Army's success in Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. Chants of “Har Har Mahadev” echoed during the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting as MPs praised both Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev. The NDA passed a resolution lauding the military’s actions. Modi is expected to outline plans for the upcoming Tiranga Yatra and the NDA’s strategy for the ongoing Monsoon Session. Meanwhile, Parliament continues to face opposition protests over the Election Commission's controversial Bihar voter roll revision process. 

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called for a “fair and representative” global order, amid Donald Trump’s tariff threats targeting India’s Russian oil trade. Speaking in Delhi, Jaishankar emphasized the need for multipolarity, not dominance by a few powers. Trump announced a 25% tariff and penalties on Indian imports, accusing India of profiting from Russian oil. India sharply responded, terming the US move “unjustified,” and highlighted ongoing US and EU trade with Russia. The Ministry of External Affairs said India's Russian crude purchases are a necessity, not political. “India will safeguard its economic security,” the ministry asserted in a strong rebuttal.

The US government has updated its immigration policy to restrict sports-related visas for transgender women, citing fairness and safety in women’s sports. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the change on Monday, aligning with former President Trump’s February order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” Visa categories like O-1A, EB-1, and EB-2 will now consider transgender identity as a negative factor. USCIS officials said the policy aims to close "loopholes" exploited by male-born athletes. Critics call the move discriminatory. The US Olympic Committee has already aligned its rules with this directive, sparking nationwide controversy. (PC: NDTV)

Seven Delhi Police personnel, including constables and head constables, were suspended after failing to detect a dummy bomb during a security drill at the Red Fort. The Special Cell team, disguised as civilians, entered the premises on Saturday carrying the dummy device, highlighting serious security lapses ahead of the 79th Independence Day. Authorities have intensified surveillance, deploying five types of high-tech cameras and conducting a local census in the area. Meanwhile, five Bangladeshi nationals were arrested for attempting to enter the Red Fort illegally. Delhi Police recovered Bangladeshi documents and launched an investigation into the suspected trespassing incident. (PC: HT)

Shibu Soren, veteran tribal leader and three-time chief minister of Jharkhand, died in Delhi at 81 after battling kidney issues and suffering a stroke. Known as "Dishom Guru," Soren co-founded the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and led the movement for a separate tribal state. His son, current CM Hemant Soren, confirmed the death. Prime Minister Modi called him a “grassroots leader,” while Congress’s Jairam Ramesh hailed his role in creating Jharkhand. Soren had served as coal minister but faced convictions in murder cases, later overturned. Political leaders across India mourned his passing, calling him a powerful voice for tribal rights. (PC: BBC)

India has defended its imports of Russian oil after Donald Trump warned of possible trade tariffs. Responding to criticism, foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “There cannot be double standards. Western countries are also buying gas, uranium and other goods from Russia.” He added, “India buys oil to meet the needs of its people.” After the Ukraine war began, India became a major buyer of discounted Russian crude, despite Western sanctions. The US and EU continue limited trade with Moscow. Trade negotiations between India and the US are expected to resume in Delhi on August 25. (PC: X)