Around 150 Pakistani Sindhi women engaged to men in India have travelled to the country for their weddings after receiving visas despite restrictions following Operation Sindoor. With the Wagah-Attari route closed, the brides and their families entered India through air transit routes via Dubai, Oman, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and other countries. The restrictions had left at least 150 weddings on hold, with the women waiting to move to their marital homes. The families approached Sant Yudhishtirlal Shadaani, spiritual head of Shadaani Darbar in Pakistan’s Sindh province, whose shrine helped prepare a list submitted to India’s Ministry of Home Affairs. Since April, 150 brides and families have arrived, while nearly 300 more women await visas. (PC: X)

Actress and former beauty queen Urvashi Rautela judged the Miss Universe India 2026 finale in Jaipur, making a striking appearance in a dramatic tricolour-inspired gown featuring saffron, white and green panels, an Ashoka Chakra-inspired blue motif and crystal-and-pearl fringe. Calling herself “India,” she said the outfit was inspired by the national flag. The look drew mixed reactions online, with some praising its patriotic interpretation while others called it disrespectful. The evening was also emotional for Rautela as Sushmita Sen, who crowned her Miss Universe India in 2015, joined the selection committee. Rautela called Sen her “first guru” and hoped her journey had made her proud. Kaziah Liz Mejo from Kerala won the 2026 title.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to visit India for the Brics summit in New Delhi, accompanied by around 400 officials, Reuters reported. If confirmed, it would be Xi’s first India visit in seven years. India will host the summit on September 12 and 13. Chinese officials are reportedly working on hotel bookings and security arrangements, though Beijing has not confirmed his plans. India-China relations deteriorated after the deadly June 2020 border clash that killed 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers, followed by a prolonged military standoff. A 2024 disengagement agreement eased tensions, while recent diplomatic engagement has indicated a gradual thaw. Xi’s visit could deepen dialogue and address outstanding issues. (PC: AFP)

The US Department of Homeland Security is reportedly planning to raise the H-1B visa fee to $103,265, a move that could significantly affect Indian workers and employers. Indians account for more than 70% of H-1B visa beneficiaries, making them particularly vulnerable to higher costs. The proposal is still under review and its final details have not been released. The administration is also considering a possible $100,000 fee for certain OPT applications. Separately, DHS has proposed ending the 60-day grace period for unemployed H-1B workers, potentially forcing affected workers and their families to leave the US sooner.  

The United States has announced a new round of sanctions against Iran, targeting sectors including digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and maritime transport. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that countries and entities helping Iran move or launder money could face secondary sanctions and possible exclusion from the US dollar-based financial system. The measures are part of Washington’s wider effort to cut Iran’s access to global trade and financial networks. The latest sanctions target dozens of individuals, companies and vessels. The move increases pressure on Tehran and raises concerns for countries and businesses that maintain financial or commercial ties with Iran. (PC: X)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Iran tried to kill one of his sons, amid continuing tensions between Israel and Tehran. Speaking to Israel’s Channel 14, Netanyahu did not identify which of his two sons was allegedly targeted. He made the claim while discussing security arrangements for former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, who is contesting the October 27 election. Netanyahu said round-the-clock protection was necessary against Iranian threats. The claim comes as the US-Israeli war with Iran nears six months, with diplomatic efforts stalled and the Strait of Hormuz remaining blocked, keeping global energy prices under pressure. (PC: HT)

India has lifted its four-year ban on wheat exports with immediate effect, aiming to improve returns for farmers amid weak domestic prices. The government changed wheat exports from “prohibited” to “free”, covering wheat, durum, flour, maida, semolina and atta. India had imposed the ban in May 2022 to control rising domestic prices and protect food security. The decision follows record wheat production of 120.65 million tonnes and buffer stocks of nearly 49 million tonnes. Officials said adequate supplies are available to meet domestic demand. Fresh Indian exports could also provide additional supplies as disruptions affect wheat shipments from Russia and Ukraine. (PC: India Today)

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has vowed that the UK will continue supporting Ukraine despite what he called Russia's "outrageous threats". During his first official visit to Kyiv, Burnham met President Volodymyr Zelensky and chaired a Coalition of the Willing meeting. Britain will share blueprints for components used in the Scalp missile, helping Ukraine develop domestic production. Russia warned it could target future missile facilities. Burnham said allies would strengthen Ukraine's air defences and increase pressure on Moscow through sanctions. The coalition also pledged to curb Russia's war funding and support Ukraine until a just and lasting peace is achieved. (PC: BBC)

The number of U.S. military personnel killed or wounded since the start of the Iran war has risen to 774, according to the latest Pentagon data. The Defence Casualty Analysis System reported that 18 service members have been killed, while 756 have been wounded in action. The updated figures highlight the growing human cost of the conflict as Washington continues its military operations in the region. The casualties include troops injured during combat and related operations. The Pentagon regularly updates its casualty data as new information becomes available, with the latest figures marking a significant rise in U.S. military losses. (PC: Washington Post)

Actor and motorsport enthusiast Ajith Kumar escaped unhurt after his racing car spun off the track during the Michelin Le Mans Cup race at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. The incident took place at Turn 11 on August 22, when his No. 16 Ligier went into the gravel, prompting the Safety Car to be deployed. Ajith was competing in the LMP3 Pro/Am category for Ajith RedAnt by Virage. Despite the scare, the actor suffered no injuries. Ajith has previously survived several racing accidents and continues to compete in international motorsport events alongside his film career. (PC: Deccan Herald)