Japan Expresses Displeasure Over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Visit to Iturup
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Iturup for the first time on Thursday, August 13th. It is one of the Kuril Islands, located at the southern end of the Kuril chain, which is near Japan. Putin’s visit has caused displeasure in Japan, prompting a strong protest against Russia. It is reported that these islands once belonged to Japan. The Kremlin, the Russian presidential palace, released a video of President Putin’s visit to the Kuril Islands. Before visiting the Kuril Islands, Putin visited the nearby Russian island of Sakhalin, where the Russian Navy was conducting military exercises. In Sakhalin, Putin held a meeting on “ensuring the security of Russia’s eastern borders.” After observing the naval exercises, Putin visited the Yasny fish-processing plant. State news agency TASS described this as Putin’s first in-person visit to the Kuril Island chain. This visit comes amid a long-standing territorial dispute that has prevented Russia and Japan from signing a formal World War II peace treaty. Japan calls the disputed islands the Northern Territories. Japan has expressed strong displeasure over Putin’s visit. Relations between Russia and Japan have deteriorated further following Russia’s major invasion of Ukraine in 2012. Meanwhile, Russia’s relations with China and North Korea have strengthened. According to an AFP report, Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi strongly opposed the visit, stating that the Northern Territories are Japan’s “rightful territory” under its historical and international-law claims.
A two-day meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors begins in Jaipur today, to discuss global economic issues.
The two-day meeting of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, under India’s BRICS chairmanship, began today, Wednesday, August 12, in Jaipur, Rajasthan. This high-level meeting, scheduled for August 12 and 13, will discuss key issues such as challenges facing the global economy, reforms in the international financial system, financial stability, the needs of developing economies, and strengthening global financial cooperation.https://x.com/nsitharamanoffc/status/2087179754336399398?s=20 Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman arrived in Jaipur on Tuesday night, August 11, to participate in the meeting. She was welcomed at Jaipur airport by Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari and Chief Secretary V. Srinivas. Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra also arrived in Jaipur on Tuesday night. Furthermore, the influx of high-level delegations from BRICS member countries continues.https://x.com/ians_india/status/2087226397614133289?s=20 The primary objective of this meeting is to further strengthen cooperation among BRICS countries on global macroeconomic and financial issues. In addition, member countries will share their views on issues related to financial stability, development investment, and the role of international financial institutions in the changing global economic landscape. Increasing capital availability for developing and emerging economies, making private investment attractive, and strengthening development finance are among the key agenda items at the Jaipur meeting. The meeting will provide representatives from BRICS member countries with an opportunity to express their views. The delegations will address the following representatives: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the UAE. The FMCBG meeting in Jaipur is also considered important in preparation for the 18th BRICS Summit to be held in Delhi in September. The discussions and consensus reached at this meeting are expected to determine the direction of future financial strategies and cooperation. It is worth noting that a meeting of BRICS trade ministers was held in Jaipur on August 5th and 6th. In the coming days, a BRICS meeting related to the environment, sports, and tourism, among other sectors, is also scheduled.Send feedbackPress
NDA MPs Protest Opposition Deadlock; Priyanka Gandhi, BJP Face Off Over Jharkhand Student Lathicharge…
Today is the 17th day of the Monsoon Session, which began on July 20th, and not a single day has the House proceedings been smooth. Meanwhile, the opposition continues to create ruckus and raise slogans both inside and outside Parliament. On Tuesday, July 11th, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) MPs marched to Parliament to protest the opposition’s deadlock in both Houses of Parliament. This is due to the ongoing confrontation between the government and the opposition over the recent student protests and police action against the protesters. Parliament proceedings have been repeatedly disrupted due to this issue. The opposition is continuously demanding answers from the government. The government has now proposed a debate on this issue, and the Home Minister will respond. Meanwhile, on Monday, NDA MPs also demanded answers from Congress MPs regarding the lathicharge and use of water cannons by Jharkhand Police against protesting candidates taking the JPSC and JSSC exams. BJP MP and Congress MP faced off BJP MP Mukesh Dalal and Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra from Wayanad, Kerala, faced off. As Priyanka was heading to Parliament, Dalal shouted “Shame on Rahul Gandhi, shame on you!” He also held posters reading “Rahul Gandhi, answer for the brutality against students in Jharkhand.” The BJP MP asked Priyanka Gandhi when Rahul Gandhi would visit Jharkhand. Priyanka replied that she had met and interacted with the children of Jharkhand. With that, she moved on. Priyanka Gandhi also took a jab at the protests by NDA MPs, saying, “This is the first time I’ve seen MPs from the ruling party protesting. At least we forced them to do so.” Rajya Sabha member Tarun Chugh accused Gandhi of adopting double standards. He said, “This is a case of double standards. Rahul Gandhi is running away from the House and remaining silent on the lathicharge on students in Jharkhand. The country is watching.” BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj said that the entire opposition does not want any kind of discussion. As far as the issue related to students is concerned, they have one policy for Jantar Mantar and a completely different policy for Jharkhand. BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal said that we are ready for discussion, but Rahul Gandhi is not. He has stalled the proceedings of the Lok Sabha. The Home Minister is ready to answer. BJP MP Manoj Tiwari said that Amit Shah will answer, Rahul Gandhi should not run away, Rahul Gandhi should be ashamed, so much brutality has been done to the students in Jharkhand. NCPI MP Rachna Banerjee said that everyone is demanding answers from them (the opposition). They will have to answer.
Bihar Liquor Ban Under Review: Why Ending It Won’t Be Easy for BJP
While the BJP is aware that ending prohibition could significantly boost state revenues, it is unlikely to take that step, given the potential backlash from Nitish Kumar. Bihar Liquor Ban Under Review: Bihar’s decade-old liquor ban is back in the political spotlight after a recent study recommended ending complete prohibition in the state. A study by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) has suggested lifting the ban and bringing back regulated liquor sales with excise taxes. It said the move could increase Bihar’s state revenue by around 14-15%. The study also pointed to the growth of illegal liquor trade and the use of alternative intoxicants despite the ban. It said prohibition has created major enforcement challenges and has not fully achieved its key objective of reducing crimes against women. The report has triggered a political debate in Patna. The RJD has used the findings to target the government, while NDA allies have backed stricter enforcement rather than ending the ban. JD(U) MP Devesh Chandra Thakur, however, has called for a review of the policy, saying liquor prohibition has not succeeded anywhere. For the BJP, the issue is politically sensitive. While the party is aware of the potential revenue gains from lifting the ban, any change could upset former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who introduced prohibition in Bihar in 2016. For now, the government appears unlikely to make an immediate change to the liquor policy.
Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava Meets Nepal PM Balen Shah, Discusses Strengthening Bilateral Ties..
Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava met with Nepal’s Prime Minister Balen Shah today at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Council of Ministers’ Office at Singha Durbar in Nepal. During the meeting, the two sides discussed various aspects of Nepal-India relations, focusing on mutual friendship, shared interests, development partnership, and ongoing cooperation. According to reports, Ambassador Srivastava extended his best wishes to the Nepalese Prime Minister and reiterated India’s commitment to further strengthening the relationship between the two countries. In response, Prime Minister Shah emphasized the need to further deepen the historical ties between the two neighboring countries and underlined the importance of working together in areas of recent interest. Reporting about his meeting with the Nepalese Prime Minister, Naveen Srivastava said, “I am honored to have met the Honorable Prime Minister of Nepal, Balen Shah, this morning. I conveyed the warm greetings of Prime Minister Modi to him. We had a meaningful and productive discussion on further deepening the strong and multifaceted partnership between India and Nepal.” This is the first time Prime Minister Balen Shah has held face-to-face bilateral talks with a foreign diplomat since assuming office nearly four months ago. Earlier, Balen had taken a firm stance of not meeting with ambassadors one-on-one, preferring group talks instead.
India Officially Maps 27 Strategic Sites in Arunachal Pradesh to Counter China’s Claims..
India has formally recognized 27 locations and geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh on the Survey of India’s official map, strengthening its territorial claims amid ongoing infrastructure development along the India-China border. The Indian government’s decision is seen as a response to China’s claim that Arunachal Pradesh is part of China. The Home Ministry shared this information on Friday. The list includes strategic locations such as Longju, Maja, and Bissa; mountain passes such as Thag La, Zo La, Riza La, and Pukur La; the high-altitude lake Sambho Sarovar; and the Sher-e-Thapa Memorial. Home Ministry officials stated that the move is aimed at ensuring a proper and definitive recognition of Arunachal Pradesh and responding to China’s repeated attempts to rename places in the region. Analysis of satellite imagery by independent monitors shows that China is building roads, camps, and other infrastructure near Jari in the disputed area. The area where India is changing the names of 27 places falls under the Indian-administered territory under the McMohan Line, but it was under Chinese control since 1959. Both these developments highlight the ongoing dispute related to infrastructure and maps on the Line of Actual Control (LAC), on which India says that such attempts at changing names and construction work cannot change the reality on the ground.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey Sign Landmark Makkah Mutual Defense Pact..
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey signed a joint defense agreement in August 2026 to strengthen military operations between the three countries. This agreement was the subject of long-standing negotiations between the three countries. The agreement aims to strengthen collective security against any kind of attack. Under the agreement, an attack on one country will be considered an attack on all three. This trilateral agreement was reached in August 2026 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, during a meeting between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Pakistan has a long-standing rivalry with India According to a ministry statement, the agreement states that any attack on any one of the three countries will be considered an attack on all of them. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia already have a similar agreement, and this agreement is being considered a major blow to India and Israel. Pakistan has a long-standing rivalry with India and is also a recent enemy of Israel. According to Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry and media reports, the agreement, called the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement, comes amid rising regional tensions, including the ongoing war in West Asia and a new conflict in Yemen. However, officials have not yet disclosed the full details of the agreement. Pakistan’s Foreign Office stated that Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed the agreement. Pakistan has linked this trilateral defense agreement to collective security and peace and stability in the region. The joint statement said that the agreement is guided by “the long-standing historical ties between the three countries, the unbreakable bonds of brotherhood and Islamic solidarity that unite them, and their shared strategic interests and long-term defense cooperation.”
Rouse Avenue Court Clears Ex-BJP MP Brijbhushan of Sexual Harassment Charges; Trial Involved 32 Witnesses..
The Rouse Avenue Court in Delhi has acquitted former BJP MP and former President of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, in a sexual harassment case filed by six female wrestlers. The court delivered this verdict on Monday, August 3rd. The court also acquitted another accused, Vinod Tomar. The trial in this case, involving allegations of sexual harassment of female athletes, had been ongoing since 2023. The trial has lasted approximately 1,133 days, with the court hearing 127 times. This sexual harassment case began on January 18, 2023, when approximately 30 wrestlers, including Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi against Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, the then President of the Wrestling Federation of India. These wrestlers leveled serious allegations of sexual harassment, stalking, and criminal intimidation against Singh. Later, on April 21, 2023, seven female wrestlers, including a minor, filed a complaint of sexual harassment against Brijbhushan Singh with the Delhi Police. Following this, the wrestlers approached the Supreme Court. The case was heard in the Supreme Court on May 4, 2023. Rouse Avenue Court framed several charges against Brijbhushan On June 7, a meeting was held between the wrestlers and the Union Sports Minister. On June 15, the Delhi Police filed a charge sheet against Brijbhushan Singh and Vinod Tomar, the then Assistant Secretary of the Wrestling Federation of India. In May 2024, the Rouse Avenue Court framed several charges against Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, including sexual harassment, outraging the modesty of a woman, and criminal intimidation, but Brijbhushan Sharan Singh refused to accept the charges. In May 2025, Additional Sessions Judge Gomti Manocha of the Patiala House Court accepted the Delhi Police’s closure report in the POCSO case. On May 25, 2026, the testimony of the final prosecution witness was completed. A total of 32 witnesses were examined, while the prosecution removed nine witnesses. The statements of both accused were recorded on June 8, 2026. Final arguments began on June 9, and concluded on July 2. Subsequently, on August 3, 2026, the court delivered its verdict, acquitting Brijbhushan Singh. Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, in his first reaction to the court’s decision, said that the court initially stated in its decision that Brijbhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar were acquitted. My reaction is that on the first day when my statement came, I had said that if a verdict was passed, I would voluntarily hang myself. Today, the court acquitted me, which is a matter of joy for me and my supporters. When Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was asked about wrestler Vinesh Phogat, he said, “There’s no need to name anyone. Priyanka came to Jantar Mantar along with the wrestlers. The Aam Aadmi Party was arranging all the food and drinks. Was anyone left on the Left or Right? There were demands for my hanging. Now they should look within themselves.” After the court’s decision, wrestler Bajrang Punia said, “Today’s decision makes it clear that they have all the power, they have everything. They broke the witnesses. We are now trying to find the detailed court order. We don’t understand on what basis she was acquitted.”
India Bolsters Iran Ties with Vishwesh Negi’s Appointment as Ambassador
Amid the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, significant news has emerged regarding India’s ties with Iran. The Ministry of External Affairs has appointed Vishwesh Negi as India’s new ambassador to Iran. A 2002-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Negi currently serves as a Joint Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi. According to the Ministry, the new ambassador is expected to assume his diplomatic responsibilities in Tehran soon. Negi will take up this role at a time when strategic and trade relations between India and Iran are at a critical juncture. This development comes amidst heightened tensions. India has reiterated its concerns regarding the safety of commercial shipping routes and seafarers—particularly in the Strait of Hormuz—while advocating for dialogue and diplomatic efforts to resolve the current crisis. Prior to Negi’s appointment, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke by phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi last Friday. During the conversation, he emphasized that there must be no attacks on commercial shipping or seafarers under any circumstances. The two leaders also discussed the evolving security situation in the region. Subsequently, Jaishankar posted on X, stating that he had conveyed India’s deep concern over the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and reiterated New Delhi’s support for dialogue and diplomacy. He stated, “Spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi this evening; expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflicts in the region. Emphasized that attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers must not occur under any circumstances. India condemns any such attacks by any party. Was apprised of Iran’s perspective on current developments and ongoing discussions. India always supports dialogue and diplomacy.” Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump tweeted on X that talks with Iran—expected to take place through intermediaries—are set to begin on Monday. Similarly, Iranian state media has reported that talks between Iran and Oman regarding a joint operational mechanism to control the maritime corridor are in the final stages.
PM Modi Forgives Student for Abusive Slogans Against Him and Late Mother; Girl Apologizes to Nation..
During the paper leak protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, abusive language was used against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi released a video on social media on Saturday, August 1st. He expressed his forgiveness for the student who used abusive language during the protest. PM Modi stated that he and his late mother were abused during the protest. A video of the accused student has also surfaced in this matter. According to reports, the viral video shows the student claiming to be 15 years old, now pleading for forgiveness with folded hands. She claims she came to Connaught Place with friends to visit and joined the protest. She uttered abusive language under the influence of the crowd and in her excitement. The student also stated in the video that what she said was unpardonable and unforgivable. She stated that this was her first and last mistake, and that she apologizes to the nation and is deeply ashamed of her actions. She has realized the impact of her words and wants to apologize not only to the Prime Minister but to everyone across the country who was offended by them. The FIR reportedly lists her as 25 years old, but in the apology clip, she claims she’s only 15. She apologizes, saying she never intended to create such a controversy. Complaint was filed against the girl at a Noida police station The controversy began when a complaint was filed against the girl at a Noida police station on Wednesday for her comments about the Prime Minister. The Noida police registered a zero FIR and then transferred the complaint to the Parliament Street police station in New Delhi. The complainant stated that her comments had hurt the Prime Minister’s dignity and could vitiate the atmosphere and disrupt public peace. The student’s apology video surfaced just hours after Prime Minister Modi’s latest Instagram video, in which he appealed for restraint and forgiveness after abusive slogans were chanted against him during a student protest. In the message, he mentioned the recent events at Jantar Mantar, where some mischievous young men used language inappropriate for any civilized society and hurled filthy abuses. Responding to this, Prime Minister Modi stated that not only was he targeted, but his deceased mother was also treated very badly. Reflecting on the strong public reaction, Prime Minister Modi attributed this to childhood mistakes, noting that childhood offers the opportunity to correct those mistakes. Seeing the anger and resentment in society, he understood how deeply shocked people were by this student’s use of abusive language. He stated that the need of the hour is to embrace them and show them the right path. It is our duty to guide them; punishing them, dragging them to court, or harassing them in society will not change the situation. The Prime Minister clarified that he wishes to forgive them and hopes that society will accept their sentiments, stating that he has only one feeling in his heart.