Rahul Gandhi expressed his sympathy for the families of those who died in Kolkata due to the heavy rains and floods, urging both state and central governments to act quickly to restore normalcy. Kolkata experienced its heaviest rainfall in nearly four decades, resulting in at least 10 deaths and widespread disruption.
After six decades of service, the Indian Air Force is set to retire its iconic MiG-21 fighter jets on September 26. The decommissioning ceremony and flypast will occur at Chandigarh Air Force Station, where the aircraft was first inducted in 1963.
Violations of India's Infant Milk Substitutes Act are increasing due to companies' predatory marketing tactics, including sponsoring doctors' seminars and using social media influencers to promote baby food. The Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India has reported these violations to government ministries, highlighting breaches by companies like Nestle, Danone, and Amul.
From Chandigarh’s leadership in transport electrification to Haryana’s dominance in charging infrastructure, states across India are shaping the future of electric mobility in diverse ways. Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu also stand out by driving research, innovation, and large-scale EV adoption.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged citizens to participate in the 7th edition of the PM's Mementoes E-Auction, featuring gifts received during official events. The auction, running from September 17 to October 2, 2025, offers over 1,300 items, including art, sculptures, and sports memorabilia. Proceeds will support the Namami Gange Project, dedicated to cleaning and conserving the Ganga River.
Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM has offered an alliance to Tejashwi Yadav's RJD ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, formally requesting inclusion in the Mahagathbandhan. Owaisi, during his 'Seemanchal Nyay Yatra,' emphasized AIMIM's demand for six seats, warning of potential consequences if their proposal is rejected.
Finland's President Alexander Stubb has distinguished India from Russia and China, recognizing India as an emerging superpower and advocating for stronger Western engagement. He emphasized India's geopolitical stake in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its potential role in peace negotiations. Stubb also supports strengthening India-Finland ties through cooperation in technology and trade.
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.
