The National Conference and Congress announced an alliance for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, aiming to contest 83 out of 90 seats. National Conference will contest fifty-one seats, while Congress will field candidates in thirty-two constituencies, leaving one seat each for CPI(M) and Panthers Party. Former CM Farooq Abdullah said both parties will fight divisive forces in J&K. Congress leader KC Venugopal emphasized their goal to protect J&K’s soul. Elections will be held in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1, with results on October 4.

A UK-based drug gang, involving Indian-origin men, used frozen chicken consignments to smuggle over a tonne of cocaine and laundered around GBP ten million. West Midlands Police seized 400kg of high-purity cocaine and GBP 1.6 million in illegal cash. Gang leaders Maninder Dosanjh and Amandeep Rishi were sentenced to over sixteen and eleven years, respectively, by Birmingham Crown Court. The gang communicated via the encrypted Encrochat app and used vehicles with hidden compartments. The drugs and cash were seized from vehicles and warehouses across the West Midlands, leading to multiple arrests and significant prison sentences.

A 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year, collapsed at Rajkot Fort in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde blamed strong winds for the incident, as the area has faced heavy rain and gusty winds recently. Opposition parties, however, criticized the government, alleging poor construction quality. They demanded an investigation into the incident. Shinde assured that a new statue would be erected soon, and a thorough probe would be conducted to address the concerns raised by the opposition.

Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine, hitting power stations and rail networks on Monday. Over 100 missiles and drones were fired, killing at least five people, according to Ukrainian officials. The strikes targeted energy facilities in nine regions and disrupted rail transport used to supply Ukraine’s front lines. Russia’s defense ministry said the attacks were in response to Ukraine's recent advances into Russian territory. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy condemned the strikes and urged allies to provide long-range weapons to counter Russia. Poland also reported a possible drone entering its airspace during the attack, heightening security concerns.

Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, in custody for his alleged role in a murder case, is being moved to a different jail after a photo of him relaxing with other inmates went viral. The photo, showing Darshan with tea and a cigarette at Bengaluru’s Parappana Agrahara Jail, led to the suspension of nine officials. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara confirmed the suspensions and ordered an investigation. Darshan, accused in the murder of Renukaswamy, a fan, is now at the center of a probe into the alleged VIP treatment he received in jail.

Five-year-old Teghbir Singh from Punjab has become the youngest Asian to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. He began his journey on August 18 and reached the summit on August 23. Teghbir walked 8-10 km daily in freezing temperatures, overcoming altitude sickness. His father and a dedicated team supported him. Teghbir credits his success to his coach, Bikramjit Singh Ghuman, and his family. This achievement also ties the world record set by a Serbian boy in 2023. Teghbir completed the Mount Everest base camp trek earlier this year. He returns to India on August 30.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has branded the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ rally, scheduled for August 27, as “illegal” and a ploy to incite unrest. TMC released videos alleging a conspiracy by BJP and CPI(M), stating, “Bullets will fly… we are confident there’ll be casualties.” BJP’s Amit Malviya responded, accusing TMC of “using the police to spread panic” and suppressing protests. CPI(M) dismissed TMC’s claims as “fearful and desperate.” The rally, organized by Chhatra Samaj, seeks justice for a trainee doctor’s alleged rape-murder, heightening tensions ahead of the event.

Sven-Goran Eriksson, the first foreign manager of the England men's football team, has died at 76 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Eriksson managed England from 2001 to 2006, overseeing a team with stars like David Beckham and Wayne Rooney. Tributes have come from across football, including Prince William and FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham. Eriksson also managed Lazio and Manchester City. He passed away at home surrounded by family, leaving a significant legacy in football.

A British safety advisor, Ryan Evans, was killed in a missile strike on the Hotel Sapphire in Kramatorsk, Ukraine, where he was staying with five Reuters colleagues. Ukrainian authorities attribute the attack to a Russian missile, but Russia has not responded. The strike also injured two other Reuters staff members. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack as "daily Russian terror." The hotel, near the front line, was hit by an Iskander-M missile. Reuters expressed deep sorrow, vowing to support Evans’s family and colleagues as they investigate the incident.

Israel and Hezbollah have de-escalated from the brink of wider conflict following intense exchanges. Israel’s preemptive strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Sunday were aimed at thwarting planned attacks. In response, Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones, killing three Lebanese fighters. Despite claims of retaliation and preemption from both sides, the region appears to have avoided a full-scale war, with both Israel and Hezbollah declaring partial victories. Diplomatic efforts continue in Cairo, focusing on a ceasefire deal amidst ongoing tensions and the threat of further Iranian retaliation.