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)

Storm Floris lashed the UK with powerful winds, peaking at 124mph in Cairngorm, Scotland—surpassing the earlier 122mph record. The Met Office issued amber and yellow weather warnings across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of northern England. Coastal regions face danger to life and injury risks. Over 68 UK flights were cancelled, particularly from Aberdeen and Belfast City airports, as 2.2% of departures were disrupted. The storm also caused 100 Edinburgh Fringe shows to be cancelled and campervans overturned on major roads. While the storm is easing, wind warnings remain for northern Scotland, Shetland, and Orkney until Tuesday morning. (PC: X)

Rani Kapur, mother of late businessman Sunjay Kapur, has filed a criminal complaint in the UK, urging authorities to investigate her son’s death, which she claims involved “foul play”. Sunjay Kapur died under mysterious circumstances during a polo match in London on June 12. In her letter, Rani alleges forged documents, coercion, and financial conspiracy involving entities across the UK, India, and the US. She called for a forensic audit, CCTV retrieval, and coordination with global authorities. Amid a Rs 30,000-crore Sona Comstar family feud, Rani said, “I still don’t know what happened to my son. I need closure. (PC: X)

India strongly criticised the US and EU for "unjustified and unreasonable" targeting over its oil imports from Russia, following US President Donald Trump's threat to hike tariffs. The Ministry of External Affairs defended the imports as essential for securing affordable energy for Indian consumers, especially after Western countries diverted supplies toward Europe post-Ukraine conflict. India highlighted the West’s own continued trade with Russia, saying, “Unlike our case, such trade is not even a vital national compulsion.” New Delhi also recalled how the US had earlier encouraged India to buy Russian oil to stabilise global markets during the energy crisis.

Mohammed Siraj confessed he "felt guilty" after dropping Harry Brook on Day 4 of the Oval Test, fearing it could cost India the match. But the pacer bounced back with a match-winning five-wicket haul on Day 5, sealing a thrilling 6-run win over England and levelling the series 2–2. “Jab mere saath haadsa hua, laga match haath se chala gaya,” Siraj said. He motivated himself by downloading a ‘believe’ wallpaper. Staying consistent with line and length, Siraj tore through England's tail. He ended as the highest wicket-taker in the series with 23 wickets, earning praise as India's ultimate warrior. (PC: X/@BCCI)

Over 600 retired Israeli security officials, including former heads of Mossad and Shin Bet, have written an open letter to US President Donald Trump, urging him to pressure Israel to end the war in Gaza. “Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel,” the letter states. The officials, part of the Commanders for Israel's Security group, added: “Your credibility with most Israelis can help steer Netanyahu in the right direction.” The appeal follows the release of distressing videos of Israeli hostages and amid worsening famine in Gaza. “Stop the Gaza War,” they wrote. “Time to do it in Gaza.” (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump on Monday warned of a tariff hike on India, accusing it of profiting from Russian oil during the Ukraine war. “India is not only buying massive amounts of Russian Oil, they are then... selling it on the Open Market for big profits,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He added, “They don’t care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine.” Citing this, Trump said he would “substantially” raise the tariff India pays to the US. The remark has sparked concern over potential trade tensions between New Delhi and Washington. (PC: India Today)

Storm Floris has caused power cuts in Ireland, leaving around 10,000 homes, farms, and businesses without electricity. Most of the outages were reported in the northwest region. ESB Networks said the damage was caused by strong winds linked to the storm. The impact is said to be moderate and similar to previous storms. As of 10:30am, repair teams have been sent out and are working to restore power where it is safe. Storm Floris has also caused travel delays and high winds in parts of the UK, with gusts reaching 108mph in the Scottish Highlands. More disruptions are expected. (PC: PA)

Indian-American billionaire Vinod Khosla has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could take over 80% of jobs in the next 3 to 5 years. Speaking on a podcast with Nikhil Kamath, Khosla said AI will change many fields, from finance to medicine. He advised young people to learn quickly and stay flexible. He believes the future will need generalists, not specialists. Khosla said services like education and healthcare could become nearly free with AI. He also said that people who learn to use AI will replace those who don’t. For him, the real power lies in how humans choose to use AI. (PC: khoslaventures.com)