President Zelenskyy expressed optimism that stronger Western-Indian relations could sway New Delhi away from Russian oil. He urged the West to deepen strategic ties with India, believing diplomatic efforts could alter India's energy sourcing approach. While noting past energy import concerns, Zelenskyy voiced confidence in managing these issues and highlighted India's potential as a strategic partner.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted at a potential reconsideration of tariffs imposed on India for Russian oil purchases, following discussions with S Jaishankar. Rubio emphasized the need for stronger European sanctions against Russia.
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve's high-tech surveillance system, costing approximately Rs 65 crore, has largely failed, with only one of twelve cameras currently operational. Technical glitches and insufficient maintenance have rendered the system redundant, hindering its ability to track tigers and prevent poaching. The failure raises concerns, especially given the suspicious disappearance of five tigers in recent years.
India strongly criticised Pakistan at the UNHRC for misusing the platform with unfounded accusations. India's representative urged Pakistan to address its internal issues, including its struggling economy, military control, and human rights abuses. India also reiterated its stance on the Council's need for impartiality and universality, advocating for dialogue and cooperation over biased mandates.
In a UN General Assembly address, Donald Trump made several claims regarding India, including falsely stating he ended conflicts between India and Pakistan. He accused India and China of funding Russia's war in Ukraine through oil purchases. Despite India's denial, Trump insisted he played a role in an India-Pakistan ceasefire.
Shashi Tharoor expressed concerns about the Indian-American community's lack of advocacy on issues impacting India, such as H-1B visa restrictions and trade tariffs, during a meeting with a US Congressional delegation. He emphasized that while the delegation showed strong support for the India-US partnership, more engagement from the diaspora is needed to influence policy changes in Washington.
Kerala has reported 80 cases and 21 deaths due to Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare and fatal brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri. The state health minister Veena George mentioned that the cause of encephalitis cases is still unknown. However, Kerala has developed testing facilities in all microbiology labs and issued guidelines in 2024 for early detection and treatment.
A controversy erupted at Surat’s New Civil Hospital after staff members were filmed performing an aarti and paying respects to a photograph of Asaram Bapu, a convicted rapist. The incident, which took place at the stem cell building's entrance, led to the removal of a security guard and a Class 1 officer.
AAP leader Sanjay Singh has criticised PM Modi's «GST Bachat Utsav,» alleging it burdens the common people while benefiting the rich. Singh claimed the Centre has collected Rs 127 lakh crore through GST, with a disproportionate burden on the lower income population. He further alleged demonetisation led to the closure of numerous small-scale industries.
The Delhi High Court has modified an order regarding Patanjali Ayurved's advertisement for its chyawanprash. Patanjali can now use the phrase «why settle for ordinary Chyawanprash,» but must remove the phrase «made with 40 herbs» deemed disparaging to Dabur. The court noted that the remaining statement is permissible puffery and unlikely to deter consumers from buying Dabur Chyawanprash.
Asaduddin Owaisi, the AIMIM president, is set to launch his party's Bihar Assembly election campaign with a four-day «Seemanchal Nyay Yatra» from September 24-27, focusing on the Seemanchal region. The Yatra aims to unite people for the development of the backward region, with Owaisi criticizing the BJP's caste politics. In the 2020 elections, AIMIM won five seats from Seemanchal and plans to contest more in 2025.
A political uproar erupted in Dombivli after a Congress worker's morphed image of PM Modi triggered BJP protests. In Delhi, over 200 people fell ill from suspected food poisoning during Navratri fasting. Kolkata faced deadly floods, leading to political accusations. An Uttarakhand man studying in Russia was allegedly coerced into joining the Russian army in Ukraine.
Kolkata is grappling with severe flooding after record rainfall, leading to eight electrocution deaths and widespread disruption. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has blamed poor dredging and the CESC for the crisis, announcing advanced Puja holidays and virtual inaugurations.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath has intensified his support for the Centre's 'Swadeshi campaign', criticizing those allegedly dividing society and opposing the initiative. He highlighted PM Modi's call for 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', urging citizens to prioritize 'Made in India' products to boost the economy and support local businesses.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has advised caution regarding the recent Saudi-Pakistan defence pact, emphasizing the importance of trusting India's diplomatic efforts. He acknowledged the agreement as a continuation of a long-standing relationship, while also noting some concerning elements, particularly the mutual defence clause. The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that it will closely study the agreement’s implications.
Kolkata faced immense disruption as torrential overnight rainfall led to widespread flooding, paralyzing the city. Public transport, including trains and Metro services, was suspended, and streets became submerged, stranding vehicles. Tragically, at least three people died due to electrocution in the rain-affected areas. The IMD has warned of continued heavy rainfall in several South Bengal districts.
The Karnataka High Court has temporarily suspended the state government's order that capped cinema ticket prices at Rs 200. This decision follows petitions from multiplexes, theatre owners, and film producers who argued the cap was arbitrary and detrimental to their business. The court's intervention puts the price regulation on hold, pending further deliberation on its validity and impact.
