News18 Evening Digest: MEA Reiterates Strong Strategic Partnership With US, ECI Rejects Rahul Gandhi's 'Vote Fraud' Charge & Other Stories
We are also covering: Former JDS MP Prajwal Revanna Convicted In Farmhouse Rape Case and Yuzvendra Chahal On Divorce T-Shirt 'Be Your Own Sugar Daddy': 'I Wanted To Give A Message'
In today's evening digest, News18 brings you the latest updates on MEA reiterating strong strategic partnership with US, ECI rejects Rahul Gandhi's 'vote fraud' charge and other top stories.
When Habib Tahir, alias Chotoo, was killed by Indian forces in Harwan, Srinagar, during Operation Mahadev, the focus initially was on the tactical win — the neutralisation of a Lashkar-trained infiltrator. But what followed in Kuiyaan village in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where the 23-year-old hailed from, may have deeper implications than any cross-LoC airstrike. Read More
Yuzvendra Chahal has revealed that he saw Virat Kohli and almost every other India player cry in the bathrooms after losing the 2019 World Cup semi-final to New Zealand in Manchester. India lost that match on the reserved day by 18 runs, failing to chase 240 after an excellent bowling performance. Read More
Yuzvendra Chahal has finally addressed the viral moment when he wore a t-shirt that read 'Be Your Own Sugar Daddy" on the day of his final divorce hearing with Dhanashree Verma. The cricketer, who had remained largely silent about the separation until recently, opened up about the intent behind the now-infamous outfit in a chat with Raj Shamani. Read More
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Hindustan Times
6 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Shinde meets Modi, Shah, refutes suggestions of Mahayuti trouble
MUMBAI: Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde, who visited Delhi on Wednesday to meet prime minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah, rejected rumours that he was there to sort out his issues with his Mahayuti allies. Maharashtra's deputy chief minister said that he and his family members went to congratulate Modi on the success of Operation Sindoor and Operation Mahadev, and he later had a separate one-on-one meeting with him. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a meeting, in New Delhi, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025. (PTI Photo)(PTI08_06_2025_000437A) (PTI) Accompanied by the Shiv Sena's MPs, Shinde also met Amit Shah. This is his third visit to the capital in the last one month amid speculation in political circles that he and his men have been cornered in the Mahayuti government. When media persons asked him if he was an indirect target of his allies, Shinde replied that his party had performed well in two elections and would also win the forthcoming local body polls. Speaking at a press conference, the politician showered fulsome praise on Modi and Shah, saying that Shah had just become the longest-serving home minister in the history of India, completing an uninterrupted term of 2,258 days. 'We met him to convey our heartfelt congratulations,' he said. Shinde called Shah's leadership 'decisive' and stated that from abrogating Article 370—thereby fulfilling the dream of Bal Thackeray—to leading Operation Mahadev against terrorism and effectively curbing Naxalism, the home minister had shown 'unwavering commitment and visionary leadership'. 'From cooperative development to national security, his contribution has been exemplary,' he gushed. The deputy CM took a snipe at the Thackeray cousins Raj and Uddhav when asked about a possible alliance between the two. 'So what will happen if the two come together?' he asked. 'People don't vote for names but for accomplishments. They don't vote for people who sit at home. Parties have a right to get into alliances but the people decide whom to vote for.' There were some questions on Thackeray attending the opposition alliance INDIA meet on August 7 but Shinde refused to answer them. The Shiv Sena chief announced that his party had extended its unconditional support to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for the upcoming vice-presidential election. He affirmed that his party remained one of the oldest and most trusted allies of the NDA.
Indian Express
6 minutes ago
- Indian Express
UK steps up anti-visa fraud drive in Punjab, Haryana with chatbot
The British High Commission has expanded its 'Visa Fraud Ton Bacho' campaign across Punjab and Haryana, launching a Punjabi-language WhatsApp chatbot and partnering with local authorities to raise awareness about visa scams and promote legal routes to the UK. The campaign, which began earlier this year in key areas of Punjab, including Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Chandigarh, uses social media, posters, and direct community engagement to warn people about common scam tactics. Recognising its early success, the British High Commission plans to deepen collaboration with Indian authorities and grassroots stakeholders over the coming months. Unveiling a new QR code that connects users to its WhatsApp chatbot, the UK government aims to make official guidance on identifying and avoiding visa fraud more accessible. The chatbot provides information in both Punjabi and English and can be reached via +91 70652 51380. 'We are pleased to be continuing our 'Visa Fraud Ton Bacho' campaign in Punjab, making it more accessible with the launch of our WhatsApp chatbot QR code,' said Daniel Sherry, political counsellor at the British High Commission. 'Working with partners in Chandigarh and Punjab, and with the Government of India, we will continue to protect those vulnerable to visa fraud.' Amandeep Grewal, deputy head of mission in Chandigarh, added, 'Our mission is clear — to protect innocent people from visa fraud. As we expand this campaign across Punjab and Haryana, we will continue raising awareness and promoting safe, legal travel to the UK.' To engage the public directly, the British High Commission has organised photo exhibitions at Elante Mall (August 6, 2:30–5:00 pm) and Sector 17 Underpass (August 7, 4:30–7:00 pm). These events aim to highlight the emotional and financial costs of irregular migration and inform visitors about legal alternatives. As part of the ongoing campaign, UK teams have held village-level meetings, particularly in rural Punjab, involving elders and women to spread awareness. Discussions cover the UK visa application process, associated costs, and how to identify fraudulent practices. According to British High Commission data, Indian nationals now receive nearly a quarter of all UK visas globally, making India one of the largest visa applicant pools.
Time of India
6 minutes ago
- Time of India
Won't be Trumped
GOI has called out Trump's extra tariffs for what they are. He was wrong to think hegemony will work Three weeks from now, India will be the most heavily tariffed seller in the US market besides Brazil. Yesterday, through an executive order, Trump imposed an additional ad valorem duty of 25% on India for 'directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil', taking the total to 50%. GOI probably saw this coming from the time Trump's tone changed from friendly to brusque a week ago. Where he had talked up the chances of a trade deal with India on July 8 – 'We are close to making a deal with India' – on July 30 he slapped a 25% import duty along with the threat of an unspecified penalty. Now, the suspense is over. It's impossible to fathom Trump's logic. From the start, China was the presumed target of his tariff war. US runs its largest goods trade deficit with Beijing – worth $295bn in 2024. At one point, Trump raised tariffs on China to 145%, but China's retaliation with a rare earths supply freeze made him see reason. Now, China is tariffed at 30%. If Russian oil triggers Trump, China and Türkiye are also big buyers, yet they have not been 'penalised'. It may be that Trump's acting in frustration. He had boasted he would end the Ukraine war within 24 hours of taking office, but six months have passed and Putin remains defiant. Perhaps, Trump believes stopping oil revenues will bring Putin to the table. And since he seems unable to touch China for now, India possibly seems like a softer target to him. But this is a huge mistake. For almost 80 years, India has refused to be cowed by hegemons. Yesterday, it termed Trump's action 'unfair, unjustified and unreasonable' and made it clear it will 'take all actions necessary to protect its national interests'. As TOI has said before, the current discount on Russian oil is so little that India saves not more than $2bn a year. It could easily pivot to West Asian oil, but the resultant increase in crude prices would hurt all. Besides, if India chooses to pivot, it won't be on Trump's terms. While negotiations with US will continue, Indian exporters are under pressure, so deals with other countries must be prioritised. India should also look beyond goods exports – tourism, for instance – to increase forex earnings. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email This piece appeared as an editorial opinion in the print edition of The Times of India.
