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)

London’s River Thames will host a traditional Ganga Aarti on September 13, 2026, bringing a centuries-old Indian spiritual tradition to the UK. The ceremony will be held at the historic Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich and is being organised by Chinmaya Mission UK in collaboration with Totally Thames. The event will feature Indian music, dance, food and community activities before culminating in the evening aarti. The ceremony aims to create a symbolic connection between the Ganga and Thames while introducing Indian cultural heritage to a wider audience. The event is open to people of all backgrounds, highlighting cultural exchange and community participation. (PC: Unsplash)

Indian criminal defence lawyer Vijay Aggarwal, who represents fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, was reportedly detained by UK immigration authorities in London over alleged immigration and work-permit violations. Reports said British officials inspected a property in Mayfair following a landlord’s complaint, where Aggarwal was allegedly found working professionally without the required permissions. A substantial amount of cash was also reportedly discovered at the premises, though its source remained under investigation. Several junior lawyers from Aggarwal’s firm were reportedly present during the inspection. Aggarwal is known for representing Choksi in legal proceedings across jurisdictions, including India and Belgium, and challenging his extradition. He has also handled prominent corporate crime, financial fraud and 2G spectrum-related cases. (PC: X)

A 40-year-old Indian-origin man, Jagendar Kurana, has been arrested in Surrey, Canada, over the alleged sexual assault of a young woman at Bear Creek Park. Police said the woman reported on August 9 that an adult man groped her before fleeing. She was not physically injured. The suspect was described as a South Asian male, about 5'8", wearing a blue Adidas toque, black T-shirt, black pants and black flip-flops. After extensive patrols and a public appeal with photographs, police identified and arrested Kurana on August 12. The British Columbia Prosecution Service approved charges of sexual assault and sexual interference. Kurana remains in custody awaiting a bail hearing as investigations continue further. (PC: AFP)

Nine Bangladeshi nationals, including a child, were killed and six others injured after a fire broke out at a hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in Kolkata around 2 am, according to the Fire Department. The victims had reportedly travelled to the city for medical treatment. Two fire tenders were deployed as firefighters conducted rescue and search operations at the hotel. Further details on the cause of the blaze and the identities of the victims were awaited. The report also mentioned a separate hotel fire in Tarapith, West Bengal, where at least eight people were reportedly killed after being trapped inside, with rescue operations continuing and fears that the toll could rise.