Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, strongly defended India’s continued oil imports from Russia, stating that New Delhi cannot be expected to “switch off its economy” over geopolitical concerns. In an interview with Times Radio, Doraiswami highlighted India’s displacement from traditional energy markets and rising costs, noting that the country imports over 80% of its energy. He also pointed out Western double standards, where European nations continue buying rare earths and energy from suppliers they criticize India for engaging with. Doraiswami emphasized India’s long-standing security ties with Russia and reiterated PM Modi’s stance, “This is not an era of war.” (PC: The Print)

The Lok Sabha will hold a 16-hour debate today on Operation Sindoor, India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to initiate the discussion, with key speeches from Amit Shah, S. Jaishankar, and BJP MPs. The Opposition will be represented by Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Supriya Sule, Abhishek Banerjee, and others. The Rajya Sabha will debate the issue tomorrow. The Opposition is likely to raise questions about Donald Trump's claim of mediating an India-Pakistan ceasefire. Prime Minister Modi's possible participation is unconfirmed. Opposition INDIA bloc leaders met at 10 am to finalise strategy. (PC: HT)

A tragic stampede at the Awsaneshwar Mahadev Temple in Haidergarh, Uttar Pradesh, left 2 devotees dead and over 40 injured early Monday. The chaos began around 3 am during jalabhishek rituals on the third Monday of Sawan, when a monkey damaged an overhead electric wire, causing it to fall on a tin shed. The live current shocked around 19 people, triggering panic. The deceased includes 22-year-old Prashant from Mubarakpura village. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered immediate relief. This follows a similar tragedy in Haridwar on Sunday that claimed 8 lives. Authorities have launched an investigation into both incidents. (PC: India Today)

England captain Ben Stokes clarified his controversial draw offer during the final minutes of the 4th Test at Old Trafford. With India at 386/4 and the match heading toward an inevitable draw, Stokes approached Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar both nearing centuries to end play early. India declined, choosing to bat on and complete their milestones. Stokes later explained he didn’t want to risk injury to his frontline bowlers with one Test remaining. He replaced them with part-timers Harry Brook and Joe Root. Jadeja and Sundar went on to score unbeaten centuries, sealing a dramatic draw and earning praise for their resilience and composure under pressure.

In a dramatic final hour at Old Trafford, England captain Ben Stokes offered a handshake to end the 4th Test as a draw with 15 overs remaining and India at 386/4. Indian batters Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar declined, opting to play on and complete their centuries. The umpires relayed Stokes’ offer, but India stood firm. Jadeja reached his hundred with a six off Harry Brook, followed by Sundar’s maiden Test century. The match ended in a draw, but not before tensions flared and England’s frustration showed. India’s refusal turned a routine stalemate into a statement of pride, resilience, and individual milestones.

India pulled off a historic draw in the 4th Test at Old Trafford, finishing at 425/4 after trailing by 311 runs. Centuries from Ravindra Jadeja (107)* and Washington Sundar (101)*, along with Shubman Gill’s 103, anchored India’s resistance. England had declared at 669, with Ben Stokes scoring 141 and taking five wickets, becoming only the third player with 7000+ runs and 200+ wickets. England offered a draw late on Day 5, but India refused, allowing Jadeja and Sundar to reach their milestones. The match ended with both teams shaking hands, setting up a thrilling series decider at The Oval.

On Day 5 of the 4th Test at Old Trafford, India has refused England’s informal request to call the match a draw, choosing instead to fight on. As of the latest update, India stands at 425/4, leading by 105 runs. Ravindra Jadeja & Washington Sundar reached towards century anchoring India’s survival hope. Earlier, Shubman Gill scored a record-breaking 103, his fourth century of the series joining legends like Bradman and Gavaskar. KL Rahul added 90 before falling to Ben Stokes. England, having posted 669 in the first innings, now needs six wickets to win. With two sessions remaining and no rain in sight, India’s bold decision has set up a dramatic finish.(PC: NDTV Sports & Sports Tak)

Prabhu Visha, an Indian resident in the Netherlands, shared a viral video expressing admiration for Dutch civic responsiveness. After noticing minor bumps near his home, he received a detailed government letter explaining the repair timeline and rationale. Though the road seemed perfect to him, Visha was moved by the authorities’ attention to vulnerable groups like pregnant women, cyclists with children, and the elderly. He praised the inclusive and transparent approach, contrasting it with his experience in India. The video, showing him skating on the smooth road, struck a chord online, sparking praise for Dutch governance and calls for similar public service standards globally.

India has signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the UK, eliminating tariffs on 99% of Indian exports and safeguarding sensitive sectors like agriculture and ethanol. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal called it a “game-changing” pact that boosts MSMEs, farmers, and youth. The deal strengthens India’s negotiating position for upcoming trade talks with the US, EU, New Zealand, and Oman. Goyal emphasized India’s confident and strategic approach to future FTAs. The pact, signed in the presence of PM Modi and UK PM Keir Starmer, is expected to double bilateral trade to $120 billion by 2030 and reshape India’s global trade footprint. (PC: X/@NarendraModi)

China is facing growing public concern over its suppression of information surrounding recent deadly mass attacks. A November car-ramming incident in Zhuhai killed 35 people, yet details were delayed and later censored. Subsequent attacks near schools in Hunan, Jinhua, and Beijing were met with vague or withheld reports. Social media posts, videos, and tributes were swiftly removed, prompting citizens to demand transparency. Experts suggest the clampdown aims to prevent unrest and copycat crimes, but critics argue it undermines public trust. Former state media editor Hu Xijin warned that continued censorship could erode information disclosure norms. Citizens and scholars alike are calling for accountability and open reporting. (PC: Bloomberg & ABC)