Twenty-one former international cricket captains, including India greats Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev, have renewed an appeal to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif seeking “humane treatment and proper medical care” for former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan. The August 23 letter follows concerns over Khan’s health and developments surrounding a court-directed medical examination. The 73-year-old has spent more than three years in custody. The latest appeal expands an earlier letter sent six months ago by 14 former international captains, with seven additional former captains joining the group. The signatories said their intervention was driven by their shared history with Khan on the cricket field and urged Pakistan’s government to ensure his welfare. (PC: Reuters)

Two young men detained over the killing of a Hindu family of four in Bangladesh’s Rangpur reportedly attacked the family after retired schoolteacher Ganapati Chakraborty confronted them for using yaba on his under-construction home’s rooftop. Police said the accused, cousins Siddhartha Das and Mugdha Das, allegedly strangled Ganapati, killed his wife Pritilata, daughter Agami and 12-year-old son Priyam, then scattered belongings to stage a robbery. They reportedly bathed, ate dates and cucumbers, consumed drugs and left before prayers. Police recovered drug-use items and other clues, including evidence of an attempt to test a gold bangle. The accused allegedly took the victims’ phones and submerged them in detergent water to destroy evidence. (PC: CNN)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has declared an “economic D-Day” against Iran, saying Washington is entering the “endgame” of its campaign and will use its economic powers to sever financial channels supporting Tehran. Bessent accused Iran of treating security guarantees as “extortion” and said President Donald Trump had created conditions for the US to deploy its full authority against Iran. He claimed Trump had dismantled Iran’s military capabilities, destroyed nearly 100% of its military factories and buried its nuclear programme. Iran responded by threatening to halt all oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz and elsewhere in the Persian Gulf if the US economic campaign continues. Tehran also warned sanctions supporters could face an “act of war.” (PC: Bloomberg)

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is scheduled to visit Beijing on Monday for the 25th round of India-China Special Representatives talks on the boundary issue, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s expected meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS summit in September. Doval will meet his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, with both serving as designated Special Representatives for the boundary talks mechanism. The mechanism, established in 2003, seeks to comprehensively address the India-China border dispute spanning 3,488 km. According to PTI, Doval and Wang are scheduled to hold the talks on Tuesday. The meeting comes days before the expected Modi-Xi engagements and focuses on the longstanding and complex India-China boundary dispute. (PC: Times Now)

Pakistan has extensively rebuilt the Bahawalpur headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), which was badly damaged during India’s Operation Sindoor last year, according to exclusive visuals and intelligence inputs accessed by NDTV. The Markaz Subhanallah complex has undergone major restoration, with missile-impact craters filled and damaged structures repaired using new construction, plaster, paint and polished marble. Intelligence inputs cited by NDTV claim Pakistan’s establishment provided PKR 25 crore to JeM through cash instalments, with approximately PKR 11 crore reportedly allocated to rebuilding the central hall. Reconstruction has also followed the demolition or clearance of structures including Madrasa Al-Sabir and residential facilities linked to JeM commanders. The revival raises questions over Pakistan’s alleged continued support for the UN- and US-designated terrorist organisation.

Iran has warned it could halt all oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz and elsewhere in the Persian Gulf if the US continues what Tehran calls an “economic war.” Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei issued the warning as Washington prepared fresh sanctions targeting Iran and its trade partners. Rezaei also said Iran would consider any country supporting the US economic campaign an “act of war.” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was expected to announce tougher measures, described as a major financial offensive against Iran. China urged diplomacy, while Iranian officials criticised Washington’s sanctions strategy. The warning comes amid disrupted trade, damaged infrastructure and near-standstill shipping through Hormuz, contributing to pressure on global fuel prices.

India had asked the US to avoid questions during the press interaction following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said. According to Gor, Trump initially agreed to the request but later appeared to forget it and invited reporters to ask questions. The interaction consequently turned into a 45-minute press conference, with Modi seated beside Trump. Gor made the remarks while speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum on Saturday. The meeting marked Modi and Trump’s first meeting in 16 months. The development highlights an unusual departure from the format India had sought for the leaders’ interaction.

The California State Assembly has adopted a resolution recognising November 8, 2026, as Diwali Day and encouraging people across the state to join the celebrations. The resolution was introduced by Assembly members Darshana Patel and Ash Kalra and expressed respect for Indian Americans and the wider Indian diaspora. It highlighted Diwali’s importance to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains worldwide. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali symbolises the triumph of good over evil and celebrates knowledge, kindness, peace and prosperity. The Assembly said the festival brings families and communities together in joy and unity. (PC: NDTV)

Several people were detained after around 300 protesters gathered at Delhi’s Connaught Place to demand reforms in the reservation system. Police said more than 20 people were removed as the protest had not received permission. The demonstration was organised under the banner of Reservation Hatao Andolan, with protesters calling for greater focus on economic criteria and a review of the existing quota system. They also demanded changes related to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. Police said prohibitory orders were in force in the area, restricting gatherings and demonstrations without permission. (PC: HT)

Pakistan has extensively rebuilt the Jaish-e-Mohammed’s Markaz Subhanallah complex in Bahawalpur, which was heavily damaged in India’s Operation Sindoor last year, according to intelligence inputs and visuals accessed by NDTV. The rebuilt site reportedly includes repaired structures, new construction and renovated facilities. Intelligence sources claimed that Pakistan provided PKR 25 crore to JeM, including funds for rebuilding the central hall. The complex has long been linked to the UN- and US-designated terror group. The development has renewed concerns in India over Pakistan’s alleged support for terror infrastructure and its commitment to counter-terrorism. (PC: NDTV)