Former women Maoists from Chhattisgarh’s Bastar region made an unusual transition from conflict-affected forests to the fashion runway at a National Handloom Day event in Raipur. Wearing traditional Chhattisgarhi handloom outfits and Kosa silk, they walked alongside professional models at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium. The women, who had surrendered and entered rehabilitation programmes, underwent a week-long grooming and confidence-building programme before the event. Their participation highlighted rehabilitation, skill development and reintegration into society. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai met the participants and encouraged them. The event also drew significant online attention, with many viewing the runway appearance as a symbol of empowerment, resilience and fresh opportunities.

A tunnel under construction for the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti Hydroelectric Project collapsed in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district on Thursday, with several workers feared trapped inside. The incident occurred in the Pipalkoti area, where approximately 18 workers were reportedly inside the tunnel when it collapsed, according to Chamoli District Magistrate Gaurav Kumar. Initial reports indicated that a landslide inside the under-construction tunnel caused the collapse. Rescue teams were immediately deployed and began clearing debris and searching for trapped workers. Eight workers have so far been rescued, while operations continue to locate and evacuate those potentially still inside. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as emergency personnel work to reach the remaining workers.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of remaining on the sidelines while Pakistan emerged as a mediator in efforts to resolve the Iran war. Speaking at the Rachnatmak Congress National Convention in Delhi, Gandhi said India had missed a “huge opportunity” to leverage its relationships with both Iran and the United States. He criticised the government’s foreign policy, arguing that India’s ties with the two countries could have enabled New Delhi to play a meaningful role in efforts to end the months-long conflict. Gandhi contrasted India’s position with Pakistan’s emerging mediation role and questioned why the government failed to use its diplomatic relationships to make India more relevant in resolving the crisis.

India’s merchandise exports rose nearly 20% year-on-year to $44.24 billion in July 2026, supported by stronger shipments of electronics and engineering goods, according to Commerce Ministry data. However, imports grew faster, increasing 17.51% to $76.22 billion, as elevated input and commodity costs linked partly to the West Asia crisis pushed up import values. Consequently, the merchandise trade deficit widened to $32 billion, its highest level in six months, from $27.9 billion in July 2025. Economists noted that both exports and imports have recorded double-digit growth for four consecutive months, partly reflecting higher commodity-price inflation. Imports of coal, fertilisers, electronics and chemical products expanded by more than 20% in July. (PC: @geovishalsharma)

Gen Z and “Yuva Shakti” will take centre stage at India’s 80th Independence Day celebrations at Delhi’s Red Fort on August 15. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the celebrations, which will commemorate 150 years of the National Song, “Vande Mataram.” For the first time, the song will be rendered at the historic venue during the Independence Day event. The celebrations will focus on the energy, aspirations and contributions of young Indians to the country’s development journey towards Viksit Bharat@2047. A full-dress rehearsal was held at the Red Fort on August 13 ahead of the celebrations. The event is expected to combine the Independence Day ceremony with a prominent focus on youth participation and national identity. (PC: ANI)

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has called Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the disputed Kuril Islands “absolutely unacceptable,” saying it worsened Japanese sentiment toward Russia. Putin visited Iturup, known as Etorofu in Japan, one of four southern Kuril islands claimed by both countries. Takaichi said the islands are historically and legally Japanese territory and that Putin’s visit “wounds the feelings” of the Japanese people. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also strongly protested the trip. The territorial dispute has prevented Japan and Russia from signing a post-World War II peace treaty. Russia administers the islands, annexed by the Soviet Union after the war, and has strengthened its military presence there amid continued tensions.

Russia is increasingly using improvised anti-drone defences to protect ships and maritime infrastructure from Ukraine’s expanding Black Sea drone campaign. The sanctioned tanker Caruzo recently passed through the Bosphorus covered with anti-drone nets, metal cages and water tanks, while another tanker, Rizvel, was also seen using netting. Such barriers are intended to obstruct incoming drones and reduce blast impact. Ukraine has reportedly struck more than 218 Russian-linked vessels in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov since early July, targeting shadow-fleet ships and energy infrastructure. The attacks have raised shipping costs and insurance risks. Russia has also reinforced Novorossiysk naval facilities with nets, booms and barges. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine recently struck ships and infrastructure there. (X/@TankerTrackers)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has sharply rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that Washington has “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi accused the US of repeated intelligence failures and said such failures had contributed to serious miscalculations in the ongoing Iran conflict. Warning against another misjudgment over the strategically vital waterway, he urged Washington to exercise caution. Araghchi argued that relying on inaccurate intelligence could prove more dangerous than misinformation, saying “fake intelligence” may be worse than fake news. His remarks underline escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington over control and security in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy transit route. (PC: PTI)

Bangladesh has imposed an 8 pm closing deadline for shops, markets and shopping malls as a severe natural-gas shortage worsens the country’s power crisis. Under the directive effective Thursday, commercial establishments can operate only from 11 am to 8 pm, while hospitals, pharmacies and food-related businesses are exempt. The electricity shortage has caused widespread load-shedding, with the national grid facing a shortfall of several hundred megawatts during peak hours. Bangladesh has sought additional diesel supplies from India through an existing cross-border pipeline to support gas-fired power generation. Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi discussed energy cooperation with Bangladesh’s Power and Energy Minister Iqbal Hassan Mahmood, who said diesel shortages had directly affected electricity production. (PC: REUTERS/Mohammad Ponir Hossain)

The UAE has reportedly released billions of dollars in Iranian assets frozen in its banks, including two tonnes of gold valued at about $283 million, amid the ongoing US-Iran war. Multiple sources in Tehran said the move was intended to persuade Iran to spare the UAE from potential future attacks as hostilities continue. The released assets were reportedly transported from Abu Dhabi to Iran aboard a UAE Royal Jet Boeing 737-7KK. The aircraft flew to Tehran’s Mehrabad and Karaj’s Payam airports on August 11 and 12, remaining for roughly an hour before returning. The same aircraft reportedly transferred $3 billion from Abu Dhabi to Tehran on June 8, according to Iranian officials cited by Reuters. (PC: X/@conflict_live)