Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office sparked controversy during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, after sharing a cropped version of the leaders’ official group photograph that excluded Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other leaders. The edited image positioned Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prominently in the centre. In contrast, PM Modi and the Indian PMO shared the complete photograph, showing all participating leaders, including Sharif. The move drew criticism and was widely viewed as a symbolic diplomatic gesture amid continuing India-Pakistan tensions. Sharif later shared the full photograph following the backlash. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there can be no double standards on terrorism, calling it a grave challenge to humanity, at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, on Monday. Speaking in the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Modi said terrorism was a common threat and called for dismantling its entire ecosystem, including financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens. He urged SCO member states to act against countries that use terrorism as a policy instrument or provide shelter to terrorists. Modi also called for greater cooperation on security, connectivity and regional development.   

4 Indian-origin people from Texas remain missing after devastating floods near the Nepal-Tibet border, a non-profit organisation said, as it launched a USD 100,000 relief drive. Deepak and Madhu Ahuja lost contact while returning from a Mount Kailash pilgrimage near Gyirong Port, while Archana Suresh and Raghu Rajan remain unaccounted for in the Rasuwagadhi-Timure area. Texas-based Sewa International USA said it raised over USD 55,000 within 24 hours and opened a missing persons portal. The organisation has sent tarpaulins, food, medical supplies and oral rehydration packets to flood-hit communities. (PC: HT)

Actor Sonu Sood has reached flood-hit Nepal to support victims of the devastating disaster, urging people worldwide to come forward and help those who have lost homes and loved ones. Speaking from the affected areas, Sood said the scale of destruction was clear on the ground and stressed the need for immediate assistance. His team is working with several organisations to understand the challenges faced by survivors and ensure help reaches them. Sharing pictures after meeting locals, he said, “Nepal, you are not alone.” Nepal’s floods have killed 1,093 people, with nearly 4,000 still missing and over 11,900 rescued.

Indian equity markets came under heavy pressure on Wednesday as renewed US-Iran military strikes intensified geopolitical uncertainty and pushed crude oil prices higher. The Sensex fell 0.79% to 76,333.20, while the Nifty 50 declined 0.89% to 23,841.40. All 16 major sectors recorded losses, with mid-cap and small-cap stocks also falling. Brent crude climbed to around $95.40 a barrel, raising concerns over inflation and India’s import bill. Oil-sensitive sectors, including airlines, tyre and paint companies, were particularly affected. Investors remained cautious amid fears that prolonged conflict could disrupt oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: Reuters)

Bihar authorities have warned residents against catching, buying, selling or consuming fish carried into the state by floodwaters following flash floods in Nepal. Water from Nepal’s Trishuli River has entered Bihar through the Gandak and Kosi rivers, bringing unfamiliar fish, debris and other contaminants. Officials said floodwater can expose fish to sewage, dead animals, bacteria, viruses and other pathogens, making them unsafe to eat until conditions stabilise. Residents have also been advised to seek medical help if symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, dizziness or breathing difficulties develop after eating such fish. Contaminated floodwater could also affect drinking water, increasing risks of diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid and hepatitis, while stagnant water may increase mosquito-borne diseases.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the S-500 missile defence system and Su-57 stealth fighter on the sidelines of the SCO Summit, as India considers expanding military cooperation with Russia. The discussions follow the reported effectiveness of India’s S-400 system during Operation Sindoor against aerial threats, strengthening interest in newer Russian defence capabilities. India could explore co-producing the S-500 with a Russian defence partner rather than simply purchasing it, though technical specifications, costs, manufacturing arrangements and logistics would require further negotiations. The Su-57, Russia’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, is also being discussed as India seeks to address its fighter aircraft requirements. Potential agreements remain subject to detailed negotiations. (PC: The Economic Times) 

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina says she intends to return to Bangladesh by December, questioning Dhaka’s decision to make her extradition a condition for a possible visit by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India. Hasina said her return would be her own decision and that she could not remain abroad indefinitely. She criticised the BNP government, alleging persecution of Awami League members and describing the extradition issue as politically motivated. She defended the party’s role and questioned its ban, while raising concerns about Bangladesh’s economy, extremism and regional security. Hasina also questioned a reported $2.3-billion Chinese fighter-jet deal. India says her extradition request is being carefully examined through established processes. (PC: NDTV)

As many as 163 Indian nationals have been rescued from flood-hit Nepal, while 151 Indians left China on Tuesday, the Ministry of External Affairs said in its latest update. Five more Indians were rescued since Monday. Indian teams continued search operations at hydropower tunnels in Chilime, where difficult terrain, restricted access and a marshy tunnel floor have hampered efforts to reach possible survivors. The team used improvised floats to move deeper into the tunnels. India has also expanded forensic assistance, including DNA analysis, with Nepalese authorities. The devastating floods have killed more than 1,050 people, while over 580 foreign nationals remain missing. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the Ukraine war, saying every day of conflict pushes humanity backwards while peace brings hope. Modi’s appeal reflects India’s long-standing policy of strategic autonomy, as New Delhi maintains close ties with Moscow while also strengthening relations with Western nations. Putin responded politely but gave no clear commitment to halt the fighting. Russia’s leadership still appears to believe that military pressure will eventually bring victory, making an immediate peace deal unlikely. Modi’s remarks are not expected to damage India-Russia ties, which remain important for energy and defence cooperation. (PC: BBC)