The Reserve Bank of India’s FCNR(B) forex swap scheme mobilised $73 billion in foreign exchange inflows, significantly exceeding the $26 billion attracted by its 2013 FCNR(B) swap scheme over nearly three months. Of the latest mobilisation, FCNR(B) deposits accounted for $65.40 billion. The strong response led the central bank to close the facility early. The scheme was aimed at mobilising foreign exchange through FCNR(B) deposits, with the scale of inflows highlighting strong participation from banks and depositors. The latest mobilisation marks a substantial increase compared with the 2013 initiative and underscores the scale of foreign exchange raised through the RBI’s latest swap facility. The RBI’s forex initiative therefore generated considerably higher inflows than its previous programme. (PC: X)

Around 150 Pakistani Sindhi women engaged to men in India have travelled to the country for their weddings after receiving visas despite restrictions following Operation Sindoor. With the Wagah-Attari route closed, the brides and their families entered India through air transit routes via Dubai, Oman, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and other countries. The restrictions had left at least 150 weddings on hold, with the women waiting to move to their marital homes. The families approached Sant Yudhishtirlal Shadaani, spiritual head of Shadaani Darbar in Pakistan’s Sindh province, whose shrine helped prepare a list submitted to India’s Ministry of Home Affairs. Since April, 150 brides and families have arrived, while nearly 300 more women await visas. (PC: X)

Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to visit India for the Brics summit in New Delhi, accompanied by around 400 officials, Reuters reported. If confirmed, it would be Xi’s first India visit in seven years. India will host the summit on September 12 and 13. Chinese officials are reportedly working on hotel bookings and security arrangements, though Beijing has not confirmed his plans. India-China relations deteriorated after the deadly June 2020 border clash that killed 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers, followed by a prolonged military standoff. A 2024 disengagement agreement eased tensions, while recent diplomatic engagement has indicated a gradual thaw. Xi’s visit could deepen dialogue and address outstanding issues. (PC: AFP)

The US Department of Homeland Security is reportedly planning to raise the H-1B visa fee to $103,265, a move that could significantly affect Indian workers and employers. Indians account for more than 70% of H-1B visa beneficiaries, making them particularly vulnerable to higher costs. The proposal is still under review and its final details have not been released. The administration is also considering a possible $100,000 fee for certain OPT applications. Separately, DHS has proposed ending the 60-day grace period for unemployed H-1B workers, potentially forcing affected workers and their families to leave the US sooner.  

Sikkim rock band Girish and The Chronicles (GATC) has begun a European tour, with performances scheduled in Portugal and Spain this month. The four-member band will make its Portugal debut at the Milagre Metaleiro Open Air Festival before headlining the Valdor Rock Festival in Burgos, Spain, on August 29. The tour is GATC's second international outing this year after performing in Australia in March. Formed in 2009, the band has built a global following and previously opened for Guns N' Roses in Abu Dhabi. GATC is also preparing to release its fourth studio album, featuring its recent single, Generation Coward. (PC: X)

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to visit India next month to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi, marking his first trip to the country in seven years. The September 12-13 summit comes as India and China cautiously work to stabilise ties following the deadly 2020 border clashes. Xi is reportedly likely to be accompanied by a delegation of around 400 officials, with Chinese authorities already finalising hotels and security arrangements. The visit follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to China last year, his first in seven years. Despite gradual diplomatic improvement, recent border-related tensions have continued to complicate relations. Xi’s presence at the summit could provide an important opportunity for both sides to engage on bilateral and regional issues. (PC: Times Now)

Russian President Vladimir Putin met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar at the Kremlin on Monday, discussing the expansion of India-Russia ties and cooperation across key sectors. Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s greetings and delivered a personal message from him. Putin highlighted decades of bilateral relations and said trade had continued to grow in 2026, with cooperation expanding across almost all areas. Jaishankar pointed to significant progress in trade, energy, fertilisers and nuclear cooperation following the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission meeting. Putin also said Russia was ready to increase fertiliser supplies to India to support its agricultural sector. Jaishankar said Modi looked forward to meeting Putin at the SCO and BRICS summits and holding their annual summit. 

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s postponed three-day Delhi visit has highlighted growing strains in India-Bangladesh relations, according to the article. Dhaka has sought Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, while some officials have expressed interest in a Saudi-Pakistan-Turkey defence pact dubbed “Islamic NATO”. Rahman visited Beijing before his planned Delhi trip, discussing the Teesta project and a proposed Yunnan-Bangladesh highway via Myanmar. The article also points to rising Chinese influence and security concerns involving radical groups in Bangladesh. Meanwhile, India is strengthening security around the strategically vital Siliguri Corridor. Rahman’s reported reluctance to attend the BRICS summit could further reduce opportunities for talks on counter-terrorism, trade, electricity and transport. The article argues for pragmatic India-Bangladesh partnership. (PC: Vartha Bharati)

Government sources have described India’s discussions on media arrangements surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit in France in June as “normal practice”. The clarification followed US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s claim that India had specifically requested no media interaction after the bilateral meeting. According to the sources, discussions on public appearances are routine before VVIP visits, and India communicated its standard practice for such engagements. Gor said Trump initially agreed but later invited reporters’ questions, resulting in a 45-minute press conference with Modi beside him. The Modi-Trump meeting took place on June 17 in Evian-les-Bains, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.

A 19-year-old Indian-origin student, Alli Renee Singh, died after the car she was travelling in plunged off a cliff into the ocean near Santa Cruz, California. The accident happened on April 13 near the Steamer Lane surf break. Singh was studying psychology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. A male passenger escaped with minor injuries. Rescue teams found Singh trapped inside the submerged car. Four professional divers helped bring her out. She was taken to a hospital but later died from her injuries. Her family asked for privacy. The accident also raised concerns over coastal erosion along West Cliff Drive.