India

Putin Invites Modi to Russia as Leaders Converge at BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is participating in the BRICS summit, where he met Russian President Vladimir Putin, who extended an invitation for a bilateral visit to Russia for the 24th annual India-Russia summit. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also arrived at the summit for talks with Modi. Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to hold bilateral discussions with Modi alongside the broader summit proceedings. The expanded BRICS grouping, which includes emerging economies, is centered on themes of development and cooperation. India is hosting the summit under a theme focused on resilience and innovation.

How to Use ChatGPT Prompts to Create Personalised Ganesh Chaturthi Wishes

Ganesh Chaturthi falls on September 14 this year, offering an occasion for people to send personalised festive greetings. AI chatbots like ChatGPT allow users to generate custom images from text descriptions or personal photos. These tools can be used to create a variety of festive materials, including portrait invitations, illustrated entrance cards, and keepsake postcards. The technology enables individuals to incorporate their own family traditions into digitally crafted wishes. Such AI-generated content aims to add a more personalised touch to the celebrations shared with family and friends.

Trump Declines Saudi Crown Prince's Request for US Military Strike on Houthis

US President Donald Trump has turned down a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to launch direct military strikes against Yemen's Houthi rebels. US officials confirmed that the current administration has no plans to take direct military action against the group at this time. The decision signals a cautious US stance on military involvement in the ongoing Houthi conflict. The Houthis have been a persistent security concern in the region, particularly for Saudi Arabia, which has long sought stronger US backing against them.

Jeff Bezos’ ex-wife MacKenzie Scott gives $60 million to global methane fight

On five orangutans, Indonesia’s outreach, Odisha’s reply

Maaya Rajeshwaran, Sushkova reach US Open junior doubles semis after seeded upsets

Indian-Ukrainian pair Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi and Antonina Sushkova advanced to the semi-finals of the US Open junior doubles draw in New York. The duo defeated the fourth-seeded Russian team in straight sets, showcasing strong serving and clutch break-point saves. This latest win follows their earlier upset over the fifth seeds in the second round. Maaya and Sushkova will next face American twins Kristina and Annika Penickova for a place in the final.

Vermont Family Places 18,000+ Acres of Worcester Range Under Permanent Protection

The Meyer family has permanently protected more than 18,000 acres of land in Vermont's Worcester Range from future development. The conservation effort focuses on sustainable timber management practices while safeguarding critical wildlife corridors and northern hardwood ecosystems. Funding for the initiative was partly provided through the U.S. Forest Service's Forest Legacy Program. The move is intended to preserve the region's natural landscape for the benefit of future generations.

Canada Repurposes Old Christmas Trees to Restore Niagara River Wetlands

Conservation teams in Canada have been using recycled Christmas trees to rehabilitate coastal wetlands along the Niagara River. The initiative, which began in 2016, covers a stretch of over 1.64 kilometres of riverbank. The trees help reduce wave action and slow down erosion along the shoreline. By rebuilding aquatic habitats, the project has contributed to noticeable growth in fish and shorebird populations. Improved water quality has also been reported as a result of the ongoing restoration effort.

Former AT&T worker accused of SIM-swap scheme targeting $600,000 from victims

Court Allows Manoj Jarange's Mumbai March, Cites Right to Protest

A court has declined to halt activist Manoj Jarange's planned march to Mumbai, upholding his legal right to protest. The judges stated that a person cannot be stopped from demonstrating merely on the basis of apprehension. The court expressed confidence that the state administration is capable of managing the situation. The ruling reinforces the fundamental right to peaceful protest, refusing to preemptively restrict it without concrete grounds.

NYC Mayor Releases 170,000 Pages of 9/11 Health Records on 25th Anniversary

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani launched a free public online portal releasing 170,000 pages of 9/11-related health documents on the 25th anniversary of the attacks. The records allegedly show that city officials were aware of dangerous conditions at Ground Zero but misled the public about the risks. Thousands of people continue to suffer from 9/11-related illnesses, with disease-related deaths now surpassing the number killed on the day of the attacks. Mamdani framed the release as an act of accountability, stating that honoring victims requires transparency and honesty about what authorities knew.

Himanta Sarma Calls India Hosting BRICS Summit a Historic Achievement

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma commented on India's role in hosting the BRICS Summit, describing it as a unique and significant achievement. He emphasized that BRICS carries a historic responsibility in the current global climate. Sarma stated that the bloc must work toward promoting peace and prosperity worldwide. His remarks came against the backdrop of ongoing international crises that have heightened the importance of multilateral dialogue.

Italian Reformist Emma Bonino, Who Championed Divorce and Abortion Rights, Dies

Emma Bonino, a prominent Italian political figure known for her role in advancing divorce and abortion reforms in Italy, has passed away. She first entered politics driven by a personal desire to change the law. At the age of 26, Bonino underwent an illegal abortion, an experience that shaped her lifelong advocacy for reproductive rights. Her activism and political career left a lasting impact on Italian social legislation.

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.

Odisha’s investment pitch: Beyond mining, towards a higher-value industrial economy

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

Court Rules Talaq-e-Hasan Remains Legal in India After Husband's Petition

A court in India has ruled that Talaq-e-Hasan, a form of Islamic divorce, is not prohibited under Indian law. The case was brought by a husband who had pronounced 'talaq' once a month over three consecutive months, completing the process as per religious procedure. The petitioner argued that unlike instant triple talaq, Talaq-e-Hasan follows a structured process and faces no legal ban. The court agreed, distinguishing it from the practice of instant triple talaq, which was criminalised in India in 2019. The ruling clarifies the legal standing of this specific form of divorce within the country's existing framework.

Sitharaman Warns of AI Risks at Global Fintech Fest, Calls for Balanced Innovation

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke at the Global Fintech Fest 2026, cautioning about the risks posed by artificial intelligence. She noted that technology has the growing capacity to shape public opinion and influence electoral processes. Sitharaman stressed the importance of pursuing innovation while putting adequate risk mitigation measures in place. On a positive note, the Reserve Bank of India formally recognised the Unified Fintech Forum as a self-regulatory organisation. The minister also highlighted India's young demographic as a key driver of innovation and broader economic growth.

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.