Relatives of Rinson Jose, a Malayalee linked to the recent pager blasts in Lebanon, expressed their confidence in his innocence. Thankachen, a family member, stated they have not been able to contact Jose for three days but believe he is a straightforward person who would not engage in any wrongdoing. The blasts have left several people dead and many injured. Rinson Jose, 39, from Wayanad, Kerala, holds a Norwegian passport and lives in Oslo with his wife. He is the owner of Norta Global, a Bulgaria-registered company suspected of supplying pagers used in the explosives involved in the attacks. Family members assert he may have been inadvertently caught up in the situation.

Senior U.S. officials held a meeting with Sikh activists to address threats facing the Sikh community in the United States, including a foiled murder plot against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun last year. The discussions involved White House and U.S. intelligence officials and occurred just days before President Joe Biden's scheduled meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The U.S. has urged India to investigate the alleged murder plot against Pannun, a dual U.S.-Canada citizen, while continuing its own criminal investigation into potential Indian involvement. This meeting highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of Sikhs in the U.S. and international relations.

A Norwegian citizen of Indian origin, Rinson Jose, is being probed for his alleged role in supplying modified pagers used in deadly Lebanon blasts. Twelve people were killed and thousands injured in the explosions targeting Hezbollah operatives. Initial reports linked Jose's Bulgarian company to the supply, but investigations revealed Taiwan's Gold Apollo manufactured the AR-924 pager model. Hungary's BAC Consulting KFT, authorized to use Gold Apollo's trademark, sold the devices. Intelligence agencies allegedly modified the pagers to contain explosives. Jose, 37, from Kerala's Wayanad, is currently under investigation for his possible involvement.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a three-day visit to the US to participate in the fourth Quad Leaders' Summit on September 21, hosted by President Joe Biden in Wilmington. Modi will join leaders from Australia and Japan to discuss peace, progress, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. He will also address the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In a tweet, Modi expressed his eagerness to strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership during his meeting with Biden, aiming to explore new opportunities for collaboration that benefit both nations and promote global good.

An Indian embassy official was found dead on the mission premises in Washington DC on September 18, 2024. Local police and the Secret Service are investigating the incident, exploring the possibility of suicide. The Indian Embassy confirmed the death, expressing deep regret and stating they are coordinating with relevant agencies to facilitate the return of the official's remains to India. In a statement, the embassy emphasized privacy for the deceased’s family and extended condolences during this difficult time. Further details regarding the individual have not been disclosed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the US from September 21-23, with a focus on the QUAD summit, Russia-Ukraine conflict, and bilateral meetings with President Joe Biden. The summit, hosted at Biden's home in Delaware, will include key discussions on health, security, climate change, and emerging tech. Modi’s visit also includes a community event, “Modi & US,” in Long Island, where over 24,000 people have registered. Bilateral agreements on Indo-Pacific cooperation and defense, including the procurement of MQ-9B Predator drones, are expected. Modi will conclude the trip with a speech at the United Nations Summit of the Future.

India has dismissed a Reuters report alleging that European buyers transferred Indian-made artillery shells to Ukraine, calling the claims "speculative" and "misleading." The foreign ministry emphasized that the report implies violations where none exist, asserting India's compliance with international arms non-proliferation obligations. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the ministry, stated that India has stringent export rules to prevent unauthorized transfers. Despite Ukraine facing artillery shortages amid renewed Russian offensives, India has maintained its diplomatic stance, advocating for dialogue and respect for territorial integrity while balancing its longstanding ties with Russia.

Dhruvi Patel, a Computer Information System student from the USA, has been crowned Miss India Worldwide 2024. The pageant, held in Edison, New Jersey, concluded with Patel taking the top honor. Lisa Abdoelhak from Suriname was declared the first runner-up, while Malvika Sharma from the Netherlands secured the second runner-up position. Patel, who aims to pursue a career in Bollywood and become a UNICEF Ambassador, expressed her pride in representing her heritage and values. This achievement marks Patel as the latest winner of the longest-running Indian pageant outside of India.

India has dismissed a report alleging that Indian artillery shells are being diverted to Ukraine, calling it "speculative and misleading." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the Reuters report is inaccurate and implies violations where none exist. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized India’s strong record of complying with international export regulations. He added that India ensures all defense exports follow strict legal and regulatory frameworks, including end-user certifications. The report, citing unnamed officials, claims European buyers have diverted Indian munitions to Ukraine, but India has not intervened despite protests from Russia.

Residents of Jhulasan, Gujarat, are praying for the safe return of astronaut Sunita Williams, who has been stuck in space for 107 days. Williams, 58, and Barry Wilmore, 61, launched on June 5 but faced issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft, delaying their return to February 2025. The village, which once hosted Williams’ father and grandparents, holds daily prayers and a space-themed exhibition for her 59th birthday. The community cherishes memories of her visits and continues to be inspired by her achievements.