World leaders posed for the traditional family photo at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, China. Chinese President Xi Jinping, the host, stood at the centre with Russian President Vladimir Putin on his right and his wife Peng Liyuan on his left. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood in the front row alongside Xi, Putin, Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also in the front row. This marks Modi’s first SCO summit in China in seven years, where he will also hold bilateral talks. (PC: X)

In a significant development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Tianjin during the SCO Summit on August 31, 2025—marking a notable thaw in India–China relations. Modi emphasised that cooperation should proceed on “mutual trust, respect, and sensitivity,” noting the impact of their partnership on 2.8 billion people and global welfare . Xi described India and China as the “elephant and dragon” whose unity can promote peace, prosperity, and a multipolar world. The extended, substantive talks went beyond diplomacy for symbolism, reflecting real intent toward improved ties.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast above-normal rainfall for September. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra warned that Uttarakhand faces risks of landslides and flash floods due to heavy rain. The monthly average rainfall is expected to be more than 109% of the long-term normal. Some regions in the northeast, east, northwest, and southern India may see below-normal rain. Heavy showers are also expected in Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan. August brought 265 mm rainfall in northwest India, the highest since 2001. Officials urged states to prepare as swollen rivers could impact cities and towns downstream. (PC: HT)

Thousands joined anti-immigration rallies across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Police estimated up to 8,000 people in Sydney and 15,000 in Adelaide. The marches were supported by opposition politicians like Pauline Hanson and Bob Katter, alongside far-right activists and neo-Nazi figures. Clashes broke out in Melbourne with pro-Palestine demonstrators. Protesters carried placards, including support for Dezi Freeman, accused of killing two police officers. The government condemned the rallies, calling them racist and divisive. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said such movements “undermine social cohesion.” Ministers stressed that racism and far-right extremism have “no place in modern Australia.” (PC: BBC)

At the 25th SCO Summit in Tianjin (August 31–September 1, 2025), China’s Xi Jinping greeted both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with red-carpet welcomes, underscoring Beijing’s ambition to forge a multipolar world order . Modi’s first visit to China in seven years featured discussions on bolstering economic ties, easing long-standing border tensions, and advancing strategic autonomy from Western influence . Putin emphasized the need for a “fairer multipolar world,” while China projected regional solidarity among Global South nations amid shifting geopolitical currents .    

The United States has introduced a $250 “visa integrity fee,” effective October 1, 2025, raising total visa costs for non–Visa Waiver Program nations, including India, to around $442—among the highest globally. Indian students, tourists, and business travelers are expected to be particularly impacted, as India is one of the largest sources of U.S.-bound visitors. The move comes amid a 3.1% drop in U.S. international arrivals in July 2025, marking a fifth consecutive monthly decline. Travel industry leaders warn the higher costs could discourage Indian visitors, threatening U.S. tourism ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics. (PC: Reuters)

PP Divakaran (PPD), a physicist turned pre-eminent historian of Indian mathematics, passed away recently in Kochi. A polymath and clarifier of complex ideas, he authored The Mathematics of India: Concepts, Methods, Connection, spotlighting ancient Indian mathematicians on the global stage. PPD argued that Aryabhata expressed a rational, even “godless secularist” mindset—eschewing traditional invocations—and may have hinted at Earth’s rotation through verses in the Āryabhatiya. He also provided evidence that the Kerala Nila school developed trigonometric series for sine, cosine, and their inverses long before Western mathematicians. (PC: X)

India's economy surged 7.8% in April-June 2025, marking its fastest growth in five quarters despite US tariffs reaching 50%. Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran expects tariff impacts to be "short-lived" with resolution "sooner rather than later" through ongoing India-US conversations. The growth was driven by agriculture (3.7% vs 1.5% previous year) and services including trade, hotels, finance, and real estate. While acknowledging second-quarter tariff impacts, Nageswaran believes effects will be "contained" and compensated by GST relief and strong monsoon benefits. India maintains its position as the world's fastest-growing major economy, outpacing China's 5.2% growth, demonstrating underlying economic resilience despite external trade pressures. (PC: First Post & TRT Global)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, emphasizing commitment to strengthening India-China relations through "mutual trust, respect and sensitivity." Modi highlighted that border disengagement has created "peace and stability" with Special Representatives reaching understanding on border management. He mentioned resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and direct flights between nations. Modi stressed that cooperation serves 2.8 billion people's interests and benefits humanity. Xi Jinping welcomed Modi, calling for countries to be "friends and good neighbours," describing the partnership as "dragon and elephant coming together." Both leaders emphasized strategic, long-term perspective and shared responsibility for developing nations' solidarity and global peace. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, marking his first China visit in seven years. Modi emphasized commitment to improving bilateral relations based on "mutual trust, respect and sensitivity," noting that border disengagement has created "peace and stability." He highlighted that cooperation serves 2.8 billion people's interests and mentioned resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and direct flights. Xi Jinping called for India-China to be "friends and good neighbours," describing the relationship as "dragon and elephant coming together." The meeting occurs amid strained India-US ties following Trump's 50% tariffs on Indian goods, signaling potential realignment in regional partnerships and strategic cooperation. (PC: X & India Today)