King Charles marked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday by gifting him a Kadamb tree, inspired by Modi’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. The gesture follows PM Modi’s earlier gift of a ‘Sonoma’ tree to the King during his July UK visit. The exchange highlights India-UK cooperation on climate and clean energy. Leaders worldwide, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Donald Trump, and Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, sent greetings. PM Modi expressed gratitude, saying the affection and blessings from people strengthen his resolve to work for a “Viksit Bharat.” Celebrations included BJP’s launch of ‘Seva Pakhwada’ events. (PC: X)

Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, a senior Jaish-e-Mohammed commander, has made a second admission linking Masood Azhar to major terror attacks in India. In a new video, he said Azhar planned the 2001 Parliament attack and 2008 Mumbai attack from his base in Balakot, Pakistan. He described Azhar as “Amir-ul-Mujahideen” who spread fear in Delhi and Mumbai. Kashmiri also revealed that recent Indian strikes in Bahawalpur killed Azhar’s family members. His confession strengthens India’s stand that Pakistan shelters terror groups. The video leaves Islamabad with little space to deny terror safe havens. (PC: India Today)

Ishikawa Yoshihisa, Japan’s Consul General in Kolkata, is preparing to celebrate his first Durga Puja in the city. Dressed in a dhoti-kurta, he recently visited Kumartuli to watch artisans shaping idols and expressed his joy at experiencing the festival. “I have read about Durga Puja, but the pandals and the cheer in the air must be felt in person,” he said. He plans to participate in a Pujo parikrama and visit both large and small pandals. Ishikawa also praised Kolkata’s warmth and history, stressinthe need for g stronger Japan-Kolkata ties through business, student exchange, and cultural collaboration. (PC: TOI)

A group of 56 Indians alleged mistreatment by Georgian officials at the Sadakhlo border while entering from Armenia. Dhruvee Patel, one of the travellers, shared on Instagram that the group had valid e-visas but was made to wait over 5 hours in freezing cold without food or toilets. She said passports were taken away for 2 hours and travellers were forced to sit on the footpath “like cattle.” Patel also claimed officials filmed them “like criminals” but stopped them from recording. Calling the treatment “shameful & unacceptable,” she urged India to take a strong stand. MEA has not yet responded. (PC: NDTV)

India joined the Zapad-2025 military drills in Russia and Belarus, sending 65 personnel. The exercises involved 100,000 troops, warships, nuclear-capable bombers, and artillery. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in military fatigues, personally supervised the drills at the Mulino Training Ground. Forces from Iran, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, DR Congo, and Mali also joined. For the first time, US military observers attended the drills, signaling a shift in ties with Belarus. India’s role drew attention because of rising trade tensions with Washington after 50% tariffs on Indian imports. New Delhi said its aim was to strengthen cooperation with Russia. (PC: India Today)

South Asian anti-racism groups in the UK have demanded justice after the rape of a British Sikh woman in Oldbury. Police confirmed the assault was racially aggravated and arrested a man in his 30s. Over 40 organisations joined the South Asia Solidarity Group to condemn the attack. British Sikh MP Gurinder Singh Josan called it a “horrific attack” in Parliament. He asked Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood to address the rise of racism and its threat to minority communities. Campaigners said racism in public debate can fuel hate crimes and put Sikh and other ethnic groups at risk. (PC: X)

Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a US-based Khalistani group, has threatened to “siege” the Indian Consulate in Vancouver on Thursday. The outfit released a poster showing India’s new High Commissioner, Dinish Patnaik, with a target on his face. SFJ asked Indo-Canadians to avoid visiting the consulate that day. The group accused Indian consulates of spying on Khalistan supporters in Canada. They said the siege will demand “accountability” for alleged espionage. SFJ also recalled Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s 2023 remarks on Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing. Indian officials have not yet commented on the latest threat. (PC: NDTV)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked US President Donald Trump for calling on his 75th birthday on September 17. Modi tweeted, “Thank you, my friend, President Trump, for your phone call and warm greetings… I am fully committed to taking the India-US Comprehensive and Global Partnership to new heights.” He also voiced support for Trump’s efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict peacefully. Trump shared the call on Truth Social, calling it “wonderful” and thanking Modi for backing peace initiatives. The conversation comes as India and the US resume trade talks in New Delhi, aiming to ease tensions after recent tariffs on Indian goods. (PC: PTI)

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has admitted that India firmly rejected any US mediation during Operation Sindoor, calling the conflict a bilateral issue. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Dar said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told him India’s stance was clear — talks with Pakistan were only bilateral. Dar also revealed it was Pakistan that requested a ceasefire after suffering losses from Indian strikes, not the US as claimed by Donald Trump. India has always maintained no third party can mediate on matters with Pakistan. The BJP said Dar’s words proved Trump’s claim of mediation was false. (PC: AP)

India and the US held trade talks in Delhi on September 16, their first since Washington imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods. Both sides described the discussions as “positive” and agreed to speed up efforts toward a trade deal. US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch met Indian commerce official Rajesh Agrawal to discuss next steps. Tensions had risen after US President Donald Trump imposed penalties over India’s Russian oil imports, calling them “blood money.” But recent statements from Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi signalled progress, with both leaders expressing hope for an early, mutually beneficial agreement. (PC: NDTV)