Royal Caribbean cancels Alaska cruise after 1,700 passengers spend two days aboard

PM Modi Gifts Putin Tamil Classic Thirukkural at BRICS Summit Bilateral Meet

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Russian President Vladimir Putin with a translated edition of the ancient Tamil text Thirukkural during their bilateral meeting. The translation was done by Naira Mkrtchyan. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit for bilateral talks. The Thirukkural is a classical Tamil literary work widely regarded as one of the greatest works on ethics and philosophy. The gift highlighted India's rich literary heritage during the high-profile diplomatic encounter.

Amid rain in Delhi, PM Modi-Putin begin pre-BRICS meet

Bombay HC Questions Pune-Only Liquor Ban During Ganeshotsav, Cites Lack of Rationale

The Bombay High Court has challenged a liquor ban imposed specifically in Pune during the Ganeshotsav festival, questioning why the restriction targets only that city. The bench found no clear link between the ban and law-and-order concerns, calling the order irrational. The court also raised health concerns, warning that abruptly cutting off alcohol access could send habitual drinkers to hospital. Judges questioned what message authorities intended to send by singling out Pune, suggesting the order may carry an unwarranted bias against the city.

China Says Ready to Manage Differences Ahead of Modi-Xi BRICS Meeting

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. Beijing has signaled its willingness to manage bilateral differences ahead of the high-stakes encounter. This marks Xi's first visit to India since 2019, making it a diplomatically significant occasion. The meeting represents the most substantial step so far in a gradual and cautious improvement in relations between the two neighboring countries.