India will maintain its fuel imports from Russia, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed in an interview. She emphasized that decisions on fuel procurement depend on price, logistics, and national requirements, especially concerning foreign exchange. Fuel accounts for the largest share of India’s import expenditure. Russia’s share in India’s fuel imports has risen from under 1% pre-Ukraine conflict to nearly 40% now. Indian refineries process discounted Russian fuel, while Europe bans Russian crude but imports refined products from India. Sitharaman also noted government support for industries affected by high duties.

The government will train over 150,000 police officers to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful 13th parliamentary election. Deputy Inspector General Kazi Zia Uddin said nine training modules have been prepared in consultation with experts, along with documentaries, audio-visuals, and booklets. Training has already begun with 150 master trainers, and more than 1,200 will be prepared to train others nationwide. Scenario-based exercises will also be conducted at 134 training centers to strengthen election security and maintain law and order.

Israel has temporarily halted its plans to annex parts of the West Bank after a warning from the United Arab Emirates, which cautioned that such a move could violate the Abraham Accords and endanger regional agreements. The Israeli cabinet shifted its focus to the ongoing security situation in Palestinian territories, especially amid possible discussions at the UN on Palestinian state recognition. Analysts suggest that regional and diplomatic pressure has forced Netanyahu to step back, despite his previous opposition to Saudi Arabia’s stance.

Senior Hamas leader Osama Hamdan said U.S. President Trump’s recent suggestion to end the Gaza conflict through Israeli prisoner release is “just an idea, not a real proposal.” Hamas seeks a clear political plan with practical steps, including full Israeli troop withdrawal, Palestinian prisoner release, lifting of the blockade, border openings, and reconstruction. Hamdan urged Trump to pressure Israel and Netanyahu, noting international opinion is increasingly siding with Palestinians. He emphasized Palestinians will never surrender.

Pakistan Peoples Party leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has accused India of violating the Indus Water Treaty and failing to share flood-related data. Speaking from flood-hit Kasur, he demanded India either follow the treaty or return Pakistan’s rivers. Pakistan expressed concern over incomplete data and called on India to comply fully with international law. Tensions escalated earlier this year after fatalities in Jammu and Kashmir, but a U.S.-brokered ceasefire temporarily stabilized the situation between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

Trade Adviser Sheikh Bashiruddin announced that the advisory council has repeatedly discussed potato prices, and export incentives are being offered to stabilize the market. Efforts include purchasing potatoes from the market through the TSC for distribution and encouraging exports. Bashiruddin noted that last year’s prices ranged from 80–90 BDT per kg, prompting higher cultivation this year and resulting in oversupply. He emphasized that exports are crucial to ensuring farmers receive fair prices and warned against syndicate practices, promising strict action against offenders.

More than 4,000 scientists, including 14 Nobel laureates and 5 Fields Medalists, have called for urgent measures to stop the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They condemned the denial of medical care, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the artificial food shortage pushing residents toward famine. The statement also urged Hamas to release hostages while highlighting the mass civilian deaths. Addressed to world leaders and the UN, the scientists called on governments and international organizations to take immediate action to prevent further catastrophe.

Malaysia’s Immigration Department has announced new regulations targeting travelers who overstay in the country. Foreigners exceeding a 90-day stay will face immediate fines ranging from RM30 per day to RM2,000, depending on the duration. Those overstaying beyond 90 days will be investigated. The move aims to speed up legal processes, reduce court cases, and ease congestion at immigration depots. Between January and August, 35,225 illegal immigrants were detained, with 36,557 repatriated, mostly from Indonesia, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.

The Government of Bangladesh has announced financial rewards for the recovery of various police weapons and ammunition that were looted. According to an official statement from the Bangladesh Police, genuine informants who provide accurate leads will be rewarded. In a notice published on the police’s official Facebook page, the government outlined a detailed reward structure: Pistol or shotgun: Tk 50,000 each Chinese rifle: Tk 100,000 each Submachine gun (SMG): Tk 150,000 each Light machine gun (LMG): Tk 500,000 each Ammunition: Tk 500 per round Authorities have also assured that the identities of those providing information will be kept strictly confidential. Earlier, on August 25, the Home Affairs Adviser had made a similar announcement regarding the recovery of looted police weapons.

Bangladesh has become Asia’s leading country in non-performing loans (NPLs), with 20.2% of its total loans turning non-performing in 2024, according to the Asian Development Bank. NPLs reached $20.27 billion, a 28% increase from last year, highlighting weaknesses in the banking system. Experts cite lax policies, political influence, and inadequate recovery measures as major causes. ADB warns that global economic and geopolitical risks could worsen the situation, urging stricter laws, market reforms, transparency, and active investor participation.

UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has resigned following a tax investigation into her recent £800,000 apartment purchase in Hove, which revealed an unpaid stamp duty of around £40,000. Though she acted in good faith, the independent inquiry confirmed she breached ministerial ethical standards. Rayner cited personal challenges, including divorce and childcare, in her resignation. Her departure creates a leadership gap in both government and the Labour Party, drawing criticism from opponents and posing challenges for party leader Keir Starmer.

Farida Akhtar, Advisor on Fisheries and Livestock, praised the country’s scientists for their role in sustainable fisheries management. Speaking at the 3rd International Conference for Sustainable Fisheries at Sylhet Agricultural University, she stressed increasing research funding and protecting fish resources from overfishing, illegal nets, and pesticide contamination. She highlighted freshwater aquaculture, hilsa production, and wetland conservation as key priorities. The three-day conference features 250 papers from local and international researchers, aiming to promote innovation, coordination, and long-term sustainability in Bangladesh’s fisheries sector.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will participate virtually in the upcoming BRICS summit, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed. The videoconference is expected to take place in the coming days. Reports indicate that Brazil is organizing a special online BRICS meeting on September 8. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva plans to discuss with other member nations coordinated responses to challenges facing the multipolar world order, including U.S. tariffs and sanctions, highlighting the bloc’s collective diplomatic and economic strategy.

Government adviser Muhammad Faozul Kabir Khan revealed he recently returned two high-value gifts—a luxury wristwatch and an iPad—offered to him during official meetings. The watch was gifted at a ministerial meeting in Sri Lanka, while the iPad was presented by the head of an Indian power company. Khan admitted he was tempted to keep them but ultimately sent the watch to the state treasury and returned the iPad. He clarified that he does accept low-value tokens such as books or chocolates from foreign dignitaries, often reciprocating with his own writings. He concluded by expressing hope that voters will choose leaders of integrity in the upcoming elections.

India has witnessed a significant demographic shift over the past five decades, with both birth and death rates halving. The birth rate fell from 36.9 per 1,000 in 1971 to 18.4 in 2023, while the death rate dropped from 14.9 to 6.4. Urbanization, family planning, and female education drove this change, alongside improved healthcare and life expectancy. Infant mortality also declined. Regional disparities remain, but experts say the trend could ease population pressure and boost India’s economic growth through a demographic dividend.