A woman fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force was part of the strike mission that hit the Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters in Muridke during Operation Sindoor, according to defence and security sources. The officer reportedly flew a Su-30MKI during the 87-hour conflict with Pakistan last year. Sources said more than one woman fighter pilot took part in missions targeting military locations, flying Su-30MKIs and Rafale aircraft as pilots or Weapon System Operators. On the first day of Operation Sindoor, India struck nine targets, including terror facilities in Muridke and Bahawalpur.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor visited Srinagar’s historic Pari Mahal on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, during his two-day India visit. It marked his first trip to Jammu and Kashmir as US ambassador, coming after a relatively long interval since an active US envoy visited the region. Gor described Jammu and Kashmir as an “important” part of India and praised its natural beauty. He also met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar to discuss deepening ties between the Union Territory and the US in tourism and horticulture. Pari Mahal, a seven-terraced Mughal-era garden atop the Zabarwan mountain range, overlooks Dal Lake and remains a prominent Srinagar landmark.

Indian-origin Lakshmanan Meyyappan set a Guinness World Record after qualifying as the world’s youngest male chartered accountant at age 16. Now 21, the Dubai-based Meyyappan’s social media profile says he specialises in investment analysis and market insights. It also describes his interest in designing and building watches during his free time. Guinness World Records states Meyyappan was 16 years and 170 days old when he qualified in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on June 30, 2021. Reflecting on the achievement, Meyyappan said he once imagined chasing swimming records like Adam Peaty before completing ACCA a year later. He credited his teachers at PwC Academy Middle East. (PC: X)

US Ambassador and special envoy Sergio Gor’s first visit to Jammu and Kashmir in six years has triggered a diplomatic row after he called the Union Territory “an important part of India” during his Srinagar visit on August 19. Pakistan strongly rejected the remarks and summoned US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad. Gor met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss regional development, bilateral ties and deeper US-J&K engagement, including tourism and the economy. He also indicated Washington could review its Level 4 “do not travel” advisory for J&K, citing improved security. A downgrade could benefit local businesses, with tourism accounting for 7% of the region’s GDP. Mehbooba Mufti also urged the US to reconsider the advisory.

London’s River Thames is set to host a special Ganga Aarti on September 13, 2026, bringing a centuries-old Indian spiritual tradition to one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks. Traditionally performed at sunset along the Ganges in Rishikesh, Haridwar and Varanasi, Ganga Aarti involves lighting lamps, chanting and devotional music. The Thames event will be open to people of all faiths and backgrounds and will feature Indian culture, music, food and community activities before culminating in the evening aarti. The ceremony aims to showcase India’s spiritual and cultural heritage thousands of kilometres from the Ganga. The Thames, at 346 km, is England’s longest river and the UK’s second longest. (PC: X)

India and Palestine have finalised paperwork for a new India-supported hospital in the West Bank, with Palestinian Ambassador Abdullah Mohammad Abu Shawesh welcoming New Delhi’s assistance for infrastructure and humanitarian projects. The development comes as Palestinians face a humanitarian crisis, with the health sector under intense strain. Abu Shawesh said the project is expected to begin soon, reflecting India’s expanding development partnership with Palestine. The initiative is part of broader Indian support for Palestinian healthcare and services. The hospital is intended to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and address pressing medical needs in the West Bank. The move also highlights continued India-Palestine cooperation in humanitarian assistance, development and capacity-building amid the regional crisis.

Indian-origin educator and former high school principal Pia Dandiya has won the Democratic primary for Florida’s 22nd Congressional District. With more than 95% of votes counted, Dandiya secured 68.6% of the vote, defeating Kaysia Earley. She will now face Republican nominee Casey Askar in the November 3 general election. Thanking voters and volunteers after her victory, Dandiya said it was her dream to represent her home state and make Florida proud. Her campaign has focused on issues affecting working families, including the rising cost of groceries, healthcare and housing. (PC: HT)

Indian gangster Major Singh, an alleged operative of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang, has been added to the FBI's Most Wanted list. The FBI said Singh is wanted for his alleged involvement in the activities of the transnational criminal syndicate in the United States. He faces charges including conspiracy to violate the RICO Act and conspiracy to engage in the unlicensed arms trade. A federal arrest warrant was issued against him on June 25, 2026. The allegations against Singh have not yet been proven in court, and the FBI has sought public information about his whereabouts. (PC: NDTV)

Pakistan summoned US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker and lodged a strong protest over remarks by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor during his visit to Srinagar. Gor described Jammu and Kashmir as an “important part of India” and said the US could review its travel advisory for the region. Pakistan rejected his remarks, calling Jammu and Kashmir a disputed territory and referring to UN Security Council resolutions. Gor met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and visited Dal Lake during his first trip to the region since taking charge as US ambassador to India. (PC: X)

India’s relationship with Israel has deepened significantly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, moving beyond diplomacy into defence, manufacturing and strategic cooperation. A Guardian report, citing an Amnesty International investigation, says Indian companies have supplied Israeli military firms with components potentially used in weapons, marking a shift from India being primarily an Israeli arms buyer to also contributing to production. India and Israel formally became strategic partners after establishing full diplomatic relations in 1992. The growing partnership has drawn criticism from activists and opposition groups, particularly over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, while supporters emphasise defence and strategic interests. (PC: EPA)