India and China have agreed to advance disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and enhance bilateral relations. During a recent meeting in St Petersburg, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi discussed progress on border issues, emphasizing the need for peace and stability. Both sides pledged to maintain communication and work on resolving remaining friction points. The agreement follows years of military standoff and aims to restore normalcy in their ties, which were severely strained after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.

Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus has caused diplomatic friction with India by criticizing New Delhi’s handling of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stay. Yunus, who leads Bangladesh's caretaker government after Hasina’s ouster, urged India to prevent Hasina from making political statements while in Delhi. His remarks, viewed as “megaphone diplomacy,” reflect rising tensions between the two nations. India, previously aligned with Hasina, is now cautious, awaiting clarity on her return and dealing with internal political shifts in Bangladesh. Relations are strained further by Yunus’ public comments on India’s engagement with Bangladeshi opposition parties.

For the first time in five years, Kolkata's fish lovers will miss out on 'Padmar ilish' (hilsa from the Padma) during Durga Puja. Bangladesh's interim government has rejected a request from Kolkata's Fish Importers' Association to export the delicacy, prioritizing domestic demand. The move ends 'hilsa diplomacy' initiated by former PM Sheikh Hasina in 2019, which allowed export of over 1,000 tonnes of hilsa to India annually. The association's plea to continue the limited trade has been turned down, leaving fish enthusiasts in Kolkata disappointed

Following a period of high fares, ticket prices for UAE-India flights have significantly dropped, with Economy class rates now around or below Dh1,000. This reduction comes after a summer of elevated prices, offering relief to travelers with upcoming plans. The fare decrease affects popular routes between the UAE and India, where prices have fallen by Dh1,000 to Dh1,500. This change is expected to benefit those looking for more affordable travel options between the two countries.

Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Saint Petersburg on the sidelines of the BRICS national security advisors' conclave. The two officials discussed unresolved border issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and agreed to work with urgency for full disengagement in disputed areas. Both sides emphasized peace and bilateral agreements as crucial for stabilizing relations. Doval also met Russian President Vladimir Putin during the visit, discussing India-Russia security cooperation and preparing for the upcoming BRICS summit in Kazan this October.

Indian-origin lawyer Nabanita Nag, Chief Legal Officer of Norfolk Southern Corporation, was fired after an investigation revealed her involvement in a consensual relationship with the company's CEO, Alan Shaw. The company stated that both violated corporate policies and code of ethics despite the consensual nature of their relationship. Shaw was also terminated from his role as CEO. Nag, a seasoned leader with prior roles at Goldman Sachs, joined the company in 2020. Mark R. George, Chief Financial Officer, has now been appointed as the new CEO.

Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on Thursday. Doval was sent by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to personally brief Putin on Modi’s recent talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The meeting took place during the BRICS NSAs summit. Modi emphasized that both Ukraine and Russia should engage in talks to end the war and expressed India’s willingness to play an active role in restoring peace. Putin proposed a bilateral meeting with Modi during the BRICS summit in Kazan next month, scheduled for October 22-24.

Kristen Fischer, an American living in Delhi, has gone viral for her humorous video about Indian English phrases. In her Instagram post, she shared her surprise at expressions like "shifting" for moving homes and "time pass" for killing time. Fischer also mentioned other terms like "loose motion" for diarrhoea, which amused her. Her lighthearted video has gained over 5 lakh views, with many users adding their own favorite Indian-English phrases in the comments. Fischer's playful take has resonated with viewers, sparking discussions on the differences between Indian and American English.

Bangladesh has reinforced its ban on hilsa fish exports to India, affecting West Bengal ahead of the Durga Puja festival. The new government in Dhaka wants to ensure the fish remains available for locals. Farida Akhter, an adviser to the fisheries ministry, said, “We will not allow the hilsa to cross the border.” The move ends former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s "hilsa diplomacy," where fish was sent as a goodwill gesture to India. Hilsa is beloved by Bengalis on both sides of the border, and the shortage could lead to higher prices during the festive season.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his intention to hold a bilateral summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Kazan later this year. Putin made the proposal during his meeting with Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval in St. Petersburg. "I am looking forward to discussions with PM Modi," Putin said, as reported by Russian media. The summit is expected to focus on the Ukraine conflict and other bilateral issues. NSA Doval is currently attending the BRICS High-Level Security Officials meeting in St. Petersburg.