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Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi started a three-day visit to India on Monday, meeting External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, NSA Ajit Doval, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He and Doval will hold the 24th round of boundary talks, though no breakthrough is expected, Firstpost reported.

Recent steps like resuming the Kailash-Mansarovar yatra, visas, and flights have signaled easing, but experts caution these are tactical gestures, not a strategic thaw. Core issues—boundary disputes, trade gaps, and mistrust—persist, keeping ties far from normal despite speculation of closer alignment.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a red alert for Mumbai, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) ordered all schools closed, including afternoon shifts, as waterlogging disrupted traffic and daily activities across several areas, Firstpost reported.

The red alert—the highest in IMD’s warning system—covered Borivali, Thane, Kalyan, Mulund, Powai, Santa Cruz, Chembur, Worli, Navi Mumbai, and Colaba. Authorities urged residents to stay indoors unless necessary and follow official safety guidelines.

The IMD also warned of a flash flood risk in Mumbai and its suburbs until early August 19, while other parts of Maharashtra remain under yellow and orange alerts, according to Firstpost.

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro has called on India to stop purchasing Russian crude, warning that these imports are funding Moscow’s war in Ukraine and weakening global sanctions. In an opinion piece in the Financial Times, he accused India of acting as a “clearinghouse” for Russian oil, converting embargoed crude into high-value exports that provide dollars to the Kremlin.

India, the world’s second-largest buyer of Russian oil after China, gets over 30 percent of its fuel from Moscow. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods over the issue. In response, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed on Independence Day to protect Indian farmers and stand firm against US trade pressure, Al Jazeera reported.

Singapore is tightening enforcement against vaping on its public transport network, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said on Monday. Station staff have begun active patrols, with offenders to be removed and reported to authorities. Police may also be called if individuals are found intoxicated, according to Xinhua.

Transport operator SMRT separately urged commuters to report vaping incidents. Vaping is banned in Singapore, and violators face fines of up to 2,000 Singapore dollars (about 1,559 US dollars).

Myanmar will begin its first general election since the 2021 coup on December 28, Reuters reported.

Authorities said the vote will take place in multiple phases through December and January due to security concerns.

No additional details were provided on the initial phase.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Monday urged stronger pressure on Russia and increased support for Ukraine, saying it was key to securing a “just and lasting peace.”

Speaking in Tokyo, Wadephul stressed that Ukraine must receive firm security guarantees to defend itself even after any ceasefire. His remarks came as President Donald Trump prepares to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and other European leaders in Washington, following Trump’s recent talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, according to Reuters.

On Sunday, Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Zelenskiy to strengthen Kyiv’s position. They backed US discussions on security guarantees but insisted that Ukraine be included in territorial negotiations and that its remaining territory be protected.

Hong Kong pro-democracy businessman Jimmy Lai, 77, appeared in court for the start of his final submissions in a national security trial after experiencing heart palpitations. Lai, founder of the closed Apple Daily, faces charges of colluding with foreign forces and publishing seditious material, which he denies. Reuters reported.

He was provided medication and a heart monitor, with a medical expert confirming he is fit for court. Supporters expressed concern over his health after nearly 1,700 days in solitary confinement.

According to Reuters, western governments, including the US and Australia, have called for his release and criticized Hong Kong’s national security laws, while authorities insist Lai is receiving a fair trial.

The price of gold has increased by Rs 800 per tola in the domestic market on Sunday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 196, 300 per tola today.

Similarly, the price of silver has increased by Rs 5 and is being traded at Rs 2, 315 per tola today.