Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to visit India soon, with dates currently being finalized, according to Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk. The visit follows recent telephonic conversations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Zelenskyy, and an earlier meeting on the sidelines of the Summit of the Future in New York last September. Polishchuk confirmed that PM Modi extended a formal invitation to Zelenskyy, and both governments are actively coordinating to confirm the schedule. The envoy described the upcoming visit as a “great achievement” in strengthening bilateral ties between India and Ukraine. The diplomatic engagement signals a deepening of strategic dialogue amid evolving global dynamics and regional priorities. (PC: PTI)

A viral video featuring an Indian man showcasing desi food items at a Walmart in Dallas has stunned the internet with unexpectedly high prices. Items like Maggi noodles, Parle-G biscuits, and Haldiram snacks that staples in Indian households were displayed with U.S. price tags that far exceed their cost in India. The man’s humorous commentary and disbelief over the pricing struck a chord with viewers, sparking conversations about diaspora spending and the global reach of Indian brands. Social media users expressed both amusement and concern, highlighting how nostalgia comes at a premium abroad. The video underscores the cultural connection Indian expats maintain through food, even when it’s marked up. (PC: NDTV)

The UK government has taken control of Liberty Steel’s South Yorkshire plants, Rotherham and Stocksbridge linked to Indian-British tycoon Sanjeev Gupta, safeguarding 1,450 jobs after a London court ordered the winding up of Speciality Steel UK (SSUK). Gupta’s GFG Alliance, once hailed as the “saviour of steel,” has struggled since Greensill Capital’s 2021 collapse, which had extended $4.5 billion in financing. The court rejected Liberty’s plea for more time, citing doubts about Gupta’s credibility. Advisory firm Teneo will manage operations under the government’s official receiver. The plants are deemed strategic assets, and independent investors may revive production. Gupta’s empire faces scrutiny amid ongoing fraud investigations by the UK’s Serious Fraud Office. (PC: Reuters)

In Bhagalpur, Bihar, two elderly women who migrated from Pakistan in 1956 were found listed on the Indian voter roll during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The anomaly surfaced shortly after Prime Minister Modi raised concerns about infiltration at a rally in Gaya. The Home Ministry flagged the issue, prompting the District Magistrate to initiate removal proceedings via Form-7. Both women, reportedly unable to communicate effectively, had received voter ID cards and were verified during the SIR. Authorities, including the DM and SP, have been directed to investigate and submit a detailed report. The case underscores the importance of rigorous verification in electoral processes. (PC: CNN & Aaj Tak)

Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN and Republican presidential hopeful Nikki Haley has urged India to reconsider its oil imports from Russia, warning that such actions could strain U.S.-India relations. Haley emphasized that while India is a strategic partner, continued reliance on Russian energy undermines global efforts to isolate Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. She also criticized the Biden administration for being too lenient with India on this issue. Haley’s remarks reflect growing bipartisan pressure in Washington for India to align more closely with Western sanctions. The comments come amid broader discussions on India’s balancing act between strategic autonomy and global alliances. (PC: The New York Times)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to visit India soon, following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his August 2024 trip to Kyiv. Ukraine’s Ambassador to India, Oleksandr Polishchuk, confirmed both nations are coordinating to lock in the exact travel date, calling the visit a significant milestone for their bilateral relations as they evolve toward a strategic partnership . The ambassador also underscored India’s growing role in peace efforts, noting the country is not neutral but firmly supports diplomacy in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. (PC: Money Control)

Former U.S. UN Ambassador Nikki Haley emphasized that the United States needs India as a democratic ally to counterbalance China. Amid escalating trade tensions and new tariffs targeting India’s Russian oil imports, Haley urged New Delhi to consider President Trump's concerns seriously and to collaborate with the White House to find a resolution. She called for a high-level dialogue—specifically a direct meeting between Trump and Prime Minister Modi—“the sooner the better,” to reverse the downward spiral and reinforce strategic cooperation between the two democracies. (PC: The Times of India)

India and China are set to deepen military-level engagement through Lt General–Major General dialogues across three sectors Chushul, Nathu La, and Kibuthoo/Yangtze following the 24th round of Special Representative talks on August 19. This move aims to reduce friction along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and build real-time conflict resolution capacity. The initiative coincides with PM Modi and President Xi Jinping’s upcoming meeting at the SCO summit in Tianjin (Aug 31–Sep 1), where broader normalization steps like resuming air services are expected. Amid rising US tariffs on both nations, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and Chinese counterpart Wang Yi emphasized strategic cooperation to counter economic pressure from Washington. (PC: Hindustan Times)

An Indian man in Singapore has been sentenced to six weeks in jail for secretly marrying a second woman while still legally wed to his first wife. The 49-year-old, whose name remains undisclosed, committed bigamy, a criminal offense under Singapore law. He married his second wife in a Hindu ceremony without informing her of his existing marriage. The deception came to light when his first wife discovered the second marriage and reported it to authorities. The court emphasized the seriousness of breaching marital laws and the emotional harm caused. The man pleaded guilty, and the judge noted the importance of honesty in relationships and legal compliance in matrimonial matters.(PC: Live Law)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized the U.S. for warming ties with Pakistan, reminding Washington of Osama bin Laden’s 2011 hideout in Abbottabad. He questioned the trust placed in the same Pakistani military that sheltered the 9/11 mastermind. Jaishankar’s remarks followed Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir’s exclusive meeting with President Trump, who was later nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Pakistan for allegedly averting nuclear war during Operation Sindoor. Jaishankar also condemned U.S. double standards on energy imports from Russia, highlighting leniency toward China and the EU while imposing steep tariffs on India. He warned against “politics of convenience” and urged recognition of historical truths.(PC: The Caravan & CSR Journal)