Sex crime convictions of Indian nationals in the United Kingdom rose by 257% between 2021 and 2024, according to data analysed by the Centre for Migration Control (CMC). Convictions increased from 28 in 2021 to 100 in 2024, the sharpest rise among foreign nationals. Overall, foreign nationals saw a 62% rise in sex crime convictions during this period. Nigerians, Iraqis, Sudanese, and Afghans also recorded major increases. The report also noted Indian nationals ranked third for serious crime convictions, which more than doubled. UK authorities have introduced new rules to speed up deportations of convicted foreign criminals. (PC: Times Now)

Sunny Varkey, Indian-born chairman of Dubai-based GEMS Education, reignited the work-life balance debate by claiming success demands the ability to work 24/7. In a podcast with Anas Bukhash, Varkey shared his journey from modest beginnings to leading one of the world’s largest private education groups. He emphasized that his achievements stem from relentless discipline and hard work, not luck. While acknowledging the value of balance, he insisted extraordinary commitment is essential. His remarks sparked online backlash, with critics arguing that glorifying nonstop work undermines mental health and ignores privilege. Supporters praised his honesty, but many questioned whether such a lifestyle should be idealized in today’s workforce. (PC: GEMS Legacy School)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to China for the first time in 7 years to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. Officials said Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping may hold bilateral talks during the visit. The meeting, if confirmed, will focus on trade, border issues, and regional security. India and China have faced strained ties in recent years, especially after border clashes in Ladakh. The SCO summit will also see leaders from Russia, Pakistan, and Central Asian nations. This visit is seen as an important diplomatic step. (PC: News18)

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has called the H-1B visa system a “total scam”, claiming it mostly benefits Indians. Speaking to Fox News, he argued that US companies misuse the program to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labor. DeSantis said many firms lay off Americans while renewing H-1B visas, calling it “indentured servitude” that Indians exploit. He urged immigration policies that prioritize US citizens, stressing, “Why import workers when we have our own?” His remarks follow US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s announcement of a new “gold card” system, offering residency to foreigners investing $5 million in America. (PC: HT)

A tragic shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis left two students dead. The shooter, Robin Westman, 23, used a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, later dying from a self-inflicted wound. Disturbing messages like “Kill Donald Trump” and “Nuke India” were scrawled on weapons, as revealed in now-deleted YouTube videos. Westman, who legally purchased the firearms and had no criminal history, identified as female since 2020. Videos showed weapon caches, journals in Cyrillic, and a letter to family. Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed the video’s authenticity, calling the violence “unthinkable.” President Trump ordered flags at half-staff. This marks the 146th school shooting in the U.S. this year.(PC: Hindustan Times & NDTV)

A report has said there is no cause for panic after the United States imposed 50% tariffs on many Indian products. The duties, which took effect Wednesday, doubled the earlier tax as President Donald Trump targeted India over Russian oil imports. Sources told PTI the impact is unlikely to be severe due to the diverse nature of Indian exports. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said ties with India remain strong, adding, “At the end of the day, we will come together.” Economists urged India to strengthen supply chains, boost 'Make in India 2.0,' and expand export markets. (PC: NDTV)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said India and the US will “come together” despite tariff tensions. “India’s the world’s largest democracy, the US is the world’s largest economy. At the end of the day we will come together,” he told Fox Business. He called India’s stance in trade talks “performative” but expressed hope for progress. Bessent added, “President Trump and Prime Minister Modi have a very good rapport.” He also said, “The surplus country should worry,” pointing to India’s advantage. Reports claimed Modi ignored four calls from Trump, showing both his anger and caution during the dispute. (PC: NDTV)

Russia is set to employ nearly one million Indians as it faces a severe industrial workforce shortage. According to Indian Ambassador Vinay Kumar, Russian firms in construction, machinery, electronics, and textiles are actively hiring Indians, with Sverdlovsk emerging as a major destination. The Indian Embassy in Moscow is expanding services, including opening a new consulate in Yekaterinburg. Russia anticipates a 3.1 million worker deficit by 2030 and may increase foreign worker quotas by 1.5 times in 2025. Multiple visa pathways exist, though the Embassy has cautioned applicants against fraudulent offers. (PC: Business Standard)

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani separatist and fugitive attorney, held a press briefing outside St. Lucie County Jail (Florida) to defend Harjinder Singh, a Punjab-origin truck driver accused of causing a fatal crash via an illegal U-turn on August 12. Singh, who’s been living and working illegally in the U.S., faces three counts of vehicular homicide. At the rally, Pannun expressed sympathy, calling Singh “grieving” and wishing the tragedy hadn’t occurred, while accusing critics of politicizing the incident. An online petition supporting Singh has garnered some 1.6 million signatures. India regards Pannun as a terrorist. (PC: Reuters)

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told Prime Minister Narendra Modi that “somebody is not very happy with you” over the U.S. imposing 50% tariffs on Indian goods. Rabuka added, “But then you are big enough to weather those discomforts” during a meeting in New Delhi. He noted that U.S. President Donald Trump recently doubled tariffs on Indian goods, including extra duties on Russian crude purchases. Rabuka highlighted India’s role in his 'Ocean of Peace' vision for a stable and secure Pacific region. India and Fiji agreed to boost defence, trade, health, and digital ties. (PC: The Hindu)