World

India and Russia have reaffirmed their defence partnership as Deputy Defence Minister Aleksandr Fomin met Ambassador Vinay Kumar in Moscow. The talks come amid tensions with the US over India’s Russian oil imports and Trump’s proposed tariff hikes

Putin met Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff ahead of a looming US deadline demanding a peace deal with Ukraine. Failure could result in steep economic penalties. Trump has condemned Russia’s intensifying strikes on civilians despite previous appeals to de-escalate.

President Trump hinted at Vice President JD Vance as the likely heir to his MAGA movement, while also suggesting Secretary of State Marco Rubio could join him in some role. Trump said it was still “too early” to confirm a successor.

Heavy monsoon rains continue to wreak havoc across Pakistan, prompting flood alerts from the NDMA. Major rivers like Indus and Chenab are swelling, while flash floods threaten northern areas. Since June 26, rains have killed 299 and injured over 700 people

Taiwan's Defence Ministry said 16 Chinese aircraft and six warships were seen near its borders on Wednesday, with eight jets crossing into its air defence zone. Taiwan responded with jets, ships, and missile systems. Similar incursions happened earlier this week

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that mercenaries from China, Pakistan, Central Asia, and Africa are fighting for Russia in Vovchansk. He vowed retaliation and praised Ukrainian troops. Heavy fighting continues, with 143 combat engagements reported on August 5

Donald Trump claimed ignorance over continued US imports of Russian commodities after India hit back at criticism of its oil purchases from Moscow. The former US President reiterated plans to raise tariffs on India and others buying Russian energy.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is in Moscow to strengthen India-Russia defence cooperation amid growing US pressure over India’s Russian oil imports. The visit comes as President Trump threatens higher tariffs on Indian goods citing oil trade concerns.

Donald Trump announced tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals could rise to 250 per cent within 18 months to push manufacturing back to the US. He also warned of increased tariffs on India, accusing it of reselling Russian oil and undermining US sanctions

Over 84,000 gaming account credentials were leaked in India in 2024, according to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. The Asia-Pacific region leads globally in gaming-related data breaches, with over 11 million accounts exposed worldwide amid rising mobile and digital penetration

On the second anniversary of Imran Khan’s arrest, PTI held nationwide protests, alleging over 500 arrests in Punjab. Police enforced Section 144 and raided homes. Videos of the crackdown sparked outrage as party leaders vowed to continue peaceful protests

Russia has ended its moratorium on deploying intermediate-range nuclear-capable missiles, blaming US missile plans in Europe. The move risks triggering a new arms race and mirrors Cold War tensions. Putin may deploy new Oreshnik missiles in Belarus this year

On the first anniversary of her government's fall, Sheikh Hasina condemned the interim regime led by Muhammad Yunus and urged Bangladeshis to keep fighting for democracy. She praised public resilience and vowed that the country would rise again, stronger and freer

Russia’s Klyuchevskoy volcano has erupted, sending ash clouds 7 km high. Experts link the activity to a recent 8.8-magnitude earthquake, with six volcanoes now active in the Kamchatka region.

The US is launching a visa bond pilot program that could require some business or tourist visa applicants to pay up to $15,000 as a bond. This move aims to curb overstays and includes tighter screening of student visa applicants.

Former President Donald Trump dismissed revised US job data as rigged after weak hiring reports, but economists, investors, and government experts maintain trust in the numbers despite survey challenges and political drama.

Brazil’s Supreme Court has ordered house arrest for ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, accusing him of plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election and violating prior court-imposed restrictions during the trial.

Stella Rimington, Britain’s first female MI5 director and the real-life inspiration for James Bond’s M, has passed away at 90. She broke barriers and later became a successful author.

The US President had mounted a sharp attack on India and Russia for their close ties and said the two countries can take their “dead economies down together”

A Chinese woman and Australian resident has been charged with foreign interference after allegedly spying on a Canberra Buddhist group for China’s Public Security Bureau. It’s Australia’s third such case since 2018, and the first involving a community organisation

Over 3,000 Boeing union workers in Missouri and Illinois began striking after rejecting a revised four-year contract offer. The IAM union says workers deserve better job security and recognition. Boeing says it has activated contingency plans to minimize disruptions

Russian air defence intercepted a major drone attack in the Volgograd region. While there were no casualties, infrastructure was damaged, causing power outages and train delays. Russia claims Ukraine has recently targeted civilians with drones and shelling

Beijing and Guangdong face severe flooding as heavy rains continue. Beijing issued a red alert for rainstorms, with over 200 mm expected in some areas. Guangdong also saw road collapses and evacuations. Authorities have raised emergency response levels across regions

After 600 years, Russia's Krasheninnikov volcano erupted on Sunday in Kamchatka, sending ash six kilometres high. Authorities issued an orange aviation warning, with the plume drifting southeast toward the Pacific Ocean.