During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, the US returned 297 antiquities to India, raising the total recovered since 2014 to 640. The US has become a key partner in India's efforts to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property, having returned 578 antiquities so far. In comparison, only one artefact was repatriated between 2004 and 2013. Notable recoveries include 157 artefacts during Modi's 2021 visit, featuring a 12th-century bronze Nataraja statue, and 105 more after his early 2023 trip. These returns highlight sustained efforts to repatriate India’s stolen cultural heritage.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Marxist-leaning opposition leader, has taken an early lead in Sri Lanka's presidential election with 53% of counted votes. Sajith Premadasa secured 22%, while incumbent President Ranil Wickremesinghe trails in third. The Election Commission reported a 75% voter turnout, with 17 million citizens casting ballots. Dissanayake's potential win could impact Sri Lanka's economic recovery efforts. The country faces its worst financial crisis, with debt restructuring and IMF bailout talks ongoing.

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has partnered with Karnataka Milk Federation as its new ghee supplier to ensure the highest quality of laddus at Sri Venkateswara Temple. This decision follows recent allegations of adulteration. In preparation for the upcoming Brahmotsavam festival (October 4-12), TTD will produce 8-9 lakh laddus daily. To maintain quality, TTD has implemented stringent controls. The change in ghee supplier replaces the previous arrangement, addressing concerns over animal fat contamination. Devotees can expect uncompromising quality in the sacred offering.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden held bilateral talks in Delaware on the sidelines of the Quad Summit. Key topics discussed included the MQ-9B Predator drone deal and the establishment of a semiconductor plant in Kolkata. The discussions emphasized the growing strategic partnership between India and the US, highlighting shared democratic values and mutual interests. According to a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi stressed that the relationship covers a broad range of areas, driven by strong people-to-people ties. The meeting underlined both nations' commitment to advancing technological and defense cooperation.

Israel launched air strikes on Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah after detecting preparations to fire on Israeli territory, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The offensive follows an earlier airstrike in Beirut that killed 12 Hezbollah commanders, with Lebanon reporting 37 total deaths, including children. Israel has also restricted gatherings in Haifa and northern regions amid the escalating conflict. The US government has advised its citizens in Lebanon to leave while commercial travel options are still available. The conflict marks rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with increased military actions on both sides.

The US and India have agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in clean energy, vowing to expand complementary manufacturing capacity. Following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden in Greenville, Delaware, the White House announced plans to boost technical, financial, and policy support. The partnership seeks to establish a cutting-edge techno-industrial base for innovative clean energy manufacturing. Key initiatives include securing $1 billion in multilateral finance through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support India's clean energy supply chain development.

In a shocking discovery, Bengaluru police found a woman's body, dismembered into over 20 pieces, stored in a 165-liter refrigerator in Vyalikaval on Saturday. The victim, 29-year-old Mahalakshmi from Nelamangala, lived alone in Bengaluru. Investigators suspect the murder occurred 15 days ago. Police have identified Mahalakshmi's husband, Hemant Das, as a person of interest. Authorities are probing the case, and further details are awaited. The gruesome find has sent shockwaves through the community, sparking outrage and demands for swift justice.

During the Quad Leaders' Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, US President Joe Biden was caught on a hot mic, stating that China was "testing" the four nations. The closed-door summit, attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, focused on regional security, including China’s increasing territorial claims in the South China Sea. Biden’s remarks highlighted the shared concern among the Quad nations over Beijing's assertiveness. The incident underscored the importance of strengthening alliances in the Indo-Pacific to counter China's influence in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s highly anticipated diaspora event, ‘Modi&US,’ is set to take place at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island. The event will celebrate the cultural diversity of India and its ties with the US, drawing a packed crowd of nearly 14,000 attendees. Cultural performances like ‘Echoes of India’ will showcase India's rich traditions, featuring over 500 artists and surprise celebrity appearances. The event is expected to highlight the contributions of the 5.1 million-strong Indian-American community, which excels in sectors like education, science, and philanthropy, significantly impacting the US economy and culture.

Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon and Gaza in the past 24 hours have killed at least 50 people. A strike on southern Beirut, Lebanon, claimed 37 lives, including three children and seven women, according to Health Minister Firas Abiad. Two apartment blocks collapsed, and 68 others were injured. Rescuers fear 17-18 people are still missing. The strikes targeted Hezbollah militants, with two senior commanders confirmed dead. In Gaza City, Israeli strikes hit schools sheltering displaced people, killing 13. Hezbollah launched retaliatory rocket attacks on northern Israel, intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome.