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.

The Indian government has successfully secured the discharge of 45 Indian nationals who were misled into joining the Russian army during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These individuals were reportedly lured by a human trafficking network from India, promising lucrative jobs or education in Russia. Once in Russia, they were forced into combat roles. Efforts are ongoing to rescue 50 more Indians still trapped in the war zone. Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue with President Vladimir Putin during a recent visit to Moscow, ensuring their release. Indian authorities are taking legal action against those responsible for this exploitation.

At a Washington press conference, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stated that Indian democracy has been under attack for the past decade, but is now recovering. He cited Maharashtra as an example, alleging legislators were bought off and joined the BJP. Gandhi expressed confidence in democracy's resilience, saying it was "broken" but now "fighting back". The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha made these remarks at the National Press Club, highlighting concerns over India's democratic institutions and authoritarianism. Gandhi's comments come amid ongoing debates over India's democratic health.