Jasveen Sangha, 42, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” will plead guilty to selling ketamine linked to Friends actor Matthew Perry’s death. She faces five charges, including distributing ketamine causing death or serious injury. Perry died in October 2023 at his Los Angeles home from acute ketamine effects. Sangha’s Los Angeles home was called a “drug-selling emporium” by federal prosecutors, with dozens of vials seized. She is one of five people accused of supplying ketamine to Perry. Sangha could face up to 65 years in prison. She will formally enter her guilty plea in the coming weeks. (PC: BBC)

At least 358 people, including 30 children, have died in flash floods across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Buner district was the worst hit, with over 200 fatalities. The floods were caused by cloudbursts, with over 150 mm of rain falling within an hour in some areas. Floodwaters swept away homes and buildings, leaving many missing. Authorities are using excavators and other machinery to recover bodies. Relief supplies including tents, blankets, medicines, and food have been sent. Officials warn of more heavy rain until September 10. Since late June, floods have claimed 695 lives across Pakistan this monsoon season. (PC: X)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marking a major shift after three and a half years of stalemate. Rubio said the meeting, suggested by former US President Donald Trump, could lead to direct discussions and eventually a three-way summit with Trump, Putin, and Zelenskyy. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised Trump’s approach but criticized NATO for eastward expansion. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Trump’s commitment to Ukraine’s security a “breakthrough” and said it strengthens the push for peace and regional stability in Europe. (PC: X)

Spain and Portugal are battling record wildfires as heatwaves and drought fuel flames across both countries. More than 343,000 hectares of land have burned in Spain this year, the highest on record, while Portugal has lost 216,000 hectares. At least six people, including two firefighters, have died. Thousands have been forced to leave their homes as over 20 major fires rage in western Spain’s Galicia, Castile and Leon, and Extremadura. Portugal deployed 2,000 firefighters in the north and center. Both countries are receiving international help, but strong winds and smoke hinder aircraft. Officials hope cooler weather brings relief soon. (PC: Al Jazeera)

Veteran actor Achyut Potdar, remembered for his role as a professor in 3 Idiots, passed away on August 18, 2025, at the age of 91. He died at Jupiter Hospital in Thane, though the exact cause remains unknown. His last rites will be held on August 19 in Thane. Potdar worked in both Hindi and Marathi films, with notable roles in Tezaab, Parinda, Rangeela, Vaastav, Parineeta, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, and Dabangg 2. He also appeared in popular TV shows like Wagle Ki Duniya and Bharat Ki Khoj. Fans and colleagues are mourning the loss of the beloved actor. (PC:Times Now)

Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir has come under fire for making false claims at a diaspora event in Belgium. Munir said India begged for a ceasefire and that US President Donald Trump intervened during the recent conflict. In reality, India struck Pakistan’s Nur Khan air base, after which Islamabad sought truce talks through its DGMO. The US only relayed Pakistan’s request. Munir also claimed Pakistan shot down Indian aircraft and warned of nuclear use in Tampa, Florida. India’s Ministry of External Affairs dismissed his remarks as “nuclear sabre-rattling” and evidence of Pakistan’s reckless military control over politics. (PC: HT)

Hamas has accepted a new ceasefire and hostage release proposal from Egypt and Qatar, a source told the BBC. The plan includes a 60-day truce and the release of about half of the 50 remaining Israeli hostages. Israel has not yet responded, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying all hostages must be freed at once. Protests in Tel Aviv saw thousands demand a deal to end the war. In Gaza, people urged peace as heavy Israeli strikes hit Gaza City. The war has killed over 62,000 Palestinians, displaced millions, and left children dying of hunger and disease. (PC: BBC)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House for high-stakes talks on ending the Russia-Ukraine war. The meeting followed Trump’s summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska, where Putin reportedly proposed Ukraine surrender remaining parts of Donetsk—terms Kyiv rejected. Trump’s stance has shifted closer to Moscow’s, favoring negotiations without ceasefire. European leaders including Macron, Starmer, Meloni, Merz, and von der Leyen joined Zelenskyy in Washington to support Ukraine and prevent diplomatic humiliation. Trump expressed surprise at the large European turnout, calling it a “great honor.” Zelenskyy warned of tougher sanctions if trilateral talks with Putin and Trump don’t materialize. (PC: NBC & Reuters)

US President Donald Trump announced he has begun arranging a face-to-face meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, calling it a “very good, early step” toward ending the nearly four-year war. The announcement followed high-level talks at the White House with Zelenskyy and European leaders, including Macron, Meloni, Starmer, Merz, von der Leyen, and NATO’s Mark Rutte. Trump said the meeting location is yet to be determined and plans to host a trilateral summit with both leaders afterward. Discussions focused on security guarantees for Ukraine, coordinated by European nations and the US. Trump emphasized optimism for peace, while Zelenskyy hailed their Oval Office meeting as the “best” yet. (PC: BBC)

U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House, days after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The high-stakes summit aimed to explore a resolution to the Ukraine war. Trump suggested Zelenskyy could end the war “almost immediately,” proposing Ukraine relinquish Crimea and abandon NATO ambitions but, Zelenskyy rejected. European leaders, including Macron, Starmer, and von der Leyen, joined the talks, emphasizing unity and peace. Zelenskyy handed Trump a letter from Ukraine’s First Lady for Melania Trump. The meeting marked a shift in U.S. diplomacy, with Trump pushing for trilateral talks involving Putin, Zelenskyy, and himself to forge a lasting peace. (PC: Al Jazeera & BBC)