The SCO Summit 2026 remains at the centre of global attention as Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds high-level meetings in Bishkek. Modi’s talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin focused on bilateral ties and the need for dialogue to resolve conflicts, while Nepal continues a massive flood rescue operation and Pakistan sees fresh political chatter around Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek on August 31 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit. The Modi Pezeshkian meeting focused on India-Iran ties, the West Asia conflict, maritime security, trade and the need for lasting regional peace. India Iran Ties The two leaders revi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Bishkek on August 31 on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. The Modi Pezeshkian meeting would be their first face-to-face interaction since the latest West Asia conflict erupted, putting India-Iran ties, energy security and regional stability firmly in focus. India Iran Ties Modi and Pezeshkian last met in person in October 2024 during the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia. At that meeting, the leaders reviewed bilateral relations and highlighted the importance of the Chabahar Port project for trade links with Afghanistan and Central Asia. Their relationship has remained active despite the deterioration in regional security. The two leaders have spoken by phone several times during 2026, discussing developments in Iran and the wider region. India has consistently positioned itself as a partner of Iran while maintaining relationships with other major powers in West Asia. Hormuz Talks The Strait of Hormuz is expected to be one of the most important strategic issues surrounding the discussions. India depends heavily on secure maritime routes for energy imports, making any disruption in the Gulf a direct economic concern. During a March conversation with Pezeshkian, Modi stressed the importance of protecting Indian nationals and maintaining unhindered movement of energy and goods. He also reiterated India’s position that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. In another conversation in June, Modi again called for lasting regional stability and freedom of navigation and commerce. SCO Bishkek Summit The bilateral engagement comes as Bishkek hosts the 26th SCO Summit from August 31 to September 1. India’s government has confirmed that Modi will hold meetings with several SCO leaders on the sidelines while highlighting India’s priorities of security, connectivity and opportunity. The 2026 gathering also marks the SCO’s 25th anniversary. Iran, India, Russia, China and Pakistan are among the organisation’s 10 full members, giving the summit added geopolitical weight as several regional conflicts remain unresolved. Chinese President Xi Jinping is also attending the Bishkek gathering, while Russian President Vladimir Putin is among the other major leaders expected to participate. Energy Security Energy cooperation remains central to India-Iran relations. New Delhi has repeatedly stressed that instability in West Asia can affect fuel supplies, shipping costs and the broader Indian economy. Connectivity is another major issue. Chabahar Port gives India a strategic route toward Afghanistan and Central Asia that bypasses Pakistan, making the project important for both commerce and regional connectivity. The two sides are therefore expected to review trade, transport links and wider economic cooperation alongside the security situation. Dialogue and Diplomacy India is likely to continue urging de-escalation rather than taking sides in the conflict. Modi has repeatedly told Pezeshkian that New Delhi supports dialogue and diplomacy while calling for the protection of civilians, infrastructure and international shipping routes. The Bishkek interaction would also carry significance ahead of further BRICS engagement. Pezeshkian has previously supported a larger role for organisations such as BRICS and the SCO in addressing regional challenges. For India, the meeting provides an opportunity to protect practical interests—energy supplies, maritime security, connectivity and the safety of Indian nationals—while maintaining a diplomatic channel with Tehran during one of the most unstable periods in recent West Asian politics.

The SCO Bishkek 2026 summit will bring Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders to Kyrgyzstan as the organisation marks its 25th anniversary. Modi-Putin talks and wider regional security issues are expected to draw particular attention. Bishkek Summit The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation will hold its Council of Heads of Sta

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is beginning a significant diplomatic stretch with visits to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan ahead of India's BRICS Summit in September. The Modi SCO BRICS diplomacy agenda places security, connectivity, bilateral relations and wider Global South cooperation at the centre of India's engagement. Modi Tashkent Visit Prime Minister Modi will visit Tashkent on August 29 and 3

Illinois medical cannabis rules now include PMOS with chronic pain and sickle cell disease as qualifying conditions. IDPH approved the additions after advisory review, allowing providers to certify eligible patients and bringing the state’s approved-condition list to 58. Illinois has added polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS, with chronic pain and sickle cell disease to the conditions that can qualify patie

The United States is examining how Chinese artificial intelligence companies gain access to advanced Nvidia chips outside China, putting a new focus on cloud GPU use and overseas data centres. The US AI chip review highlights a growing challenge for export controls built mainly around physical hardware shipments. China GPU use shifts beyond physical chip exports The Bureau of Industry and Secur

Google is entering a major new chapter in artificial intelligence after a Google AI leadership shake-up changed the top of DeepMind while four prominent researchers left to create Discovery Loop. Demis Hassabis is moving into a broader scientific role as Jeff Dean ends a 27-year career at Google. DeepMind leadership reset changes Hassabis role Demis Hassabis is stepping away from the day-to-day

The investigation into the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar has entered a new phase after United States authorities charged jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and Satinderjeet Singh, also known as Goldy Brar, in connection with the 2023 assassination case. The development has brought fresh attention to the Nijjar probe, which had earlier triggered a major diplomatic dispute between India and Canada. Current public charges focus on an alleged transnational crime network rath

Cape Verde’s World Cup run reached the knockout stage after the tournament debutant secured a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia. The Blue Sharks finished the group stage unbeaten with three points from three draws and advanced to the round of 32. Cape Verde World Cup run secured by Vozinha Goalkeeper Vozinha, 40, made several decisive saves as Saudi Arabia pushed for the victory it needed. He stopped Mohamed Kanno’s header in first-half stoppage t

The RBI introduced the US dollar-rupee swap facility on Monday, June 8, 2026. It applies to eligible fresh FCNR(B) deposits, including deposits renewed at maturity, with an original tenure of at least three years and no more than five years. Deposits must be mobilized between Monday, June 8, 2026, and Wednesday, September 30, 2026. Banks may use the RBI swap window through Friday, October 16, 2026. The swap

Artificial general intelligence, or AGI, is no longer just a futuristic idea discussed by scientists and technology experts. Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis has warned that AGI could arrive around 2030, which means the world may have only a few years to prepare for one of the biggest technological changes in modern history. AGI refers to an advanced form of artificial intelligence that can understand, learn and solve many different types of problems at a human level or beyond. Un

A 20-year-old Indian national was arrested in Gainesville, Florida, after investigators said he tried to collect nearly $500,000 in gold bars from an elderly woman targeted in an alleged government imposter scam. The FBI and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office conducted a sting near SW Archer Road after learning the woman had been instructed to hand over gold bars to protect her savings, according to the information provided. Florida Gold Bar Scam Targeted Elder

Punjabi music sensation Diljit Dosanjh is bringing his AURA World Tour 2026 to Kia Center on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, giving fans in Florida a chance to witness one of the biggest Punjabi music concerts currently touring North America. The Orlando stop is part of Diljit Dosanjh’s massive 13-city North America tour promoted by Live Nation. The Punjabi singer has already performed in cities including Vancouver and Dallas, with upcoming concerts scheduled in Nashville, Atlanta, New York and San Francisco. Why the Diljit Dosanjh Orlando Concert Is Trending The Diljit Dosanjh Orlando concert has generated strong attention online as fans across the United States continue searching for AURA World Tour tickets and tour dates. Over the last few years, Dosanjh has become one of the most recognizable global names in Punjabi music, attracting audiences not only from India but also from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. Fans attending the Orlando show can expect: energetic Punjabi music performances large arena production Bhangra-pop fusion tracks live audience interaction songs from the AURA album popular Diljit Dosanjh hits Diljit Dosanjh’s North America Tour Continues The AURA World Tour officially launched on Wednesday, April 23, 2026, at BC Place in Vancouver. The tour will continue across major US cities before ending on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at Chase Center in San Francisco. One of the most anticipated stops of the Punjabi music tour will be Dosanjh’s two-night performance at Madison Square Garden in New York, where ticket demand has remained extremely high among Punjabi music fans. From Punjabi Music Star to Global Performer Diljit Dosanjh first entered the Punjabi music industry with his debut album “Ishq Da Uda Ada” in 2004. Since then, he has expanded into films, television and international touring. The singer is known for combining: traditional Punjabi folk music modern pop sounds Bhangra beats global stage production His rise has helped Punjabi music gain mainstream popularity among younger audiences across North America. Major Milestones in Diljit Dosanjh’s Career The Punjabi singer has achieved several major international milestones in recent years. In 2023, Dosanjh became the first Indian-born artist to perform at Coachella. In 2025, he became the first Punjabi artist to headline and sell out stadium concerts across Australia, drawing more than 90,000 fans in Sydney and Melbourne. His previous Dil-Luminati Tour reportedly attracted more than 215,000 fans across North America and grossed over $27 million, making it one of the most successful Punjabi music tours outside India. Alongside music, Dosanjh has also built a successful acting career through Punjabi films including: “Jatt & Juliet” “Punjab 1984” “Super Singh” In 2025, he also received an International Emmy Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor for his role in the Netflix film “Amar Singh Chamkila.” Diljit Dosanjh Orlando Tickets Tickets for the Orlando performance at Kia Center remain available through Ticketmaster. Prices for the Diljit Dosanjh Florida show reportedly start around $78 depending on seat selection and availability.

In a significant political milestone, Himanta Biswa Sarma has been sworn in as Assam’s Chief Minister for a second consecutive term, making history as the first non-Congress leader in the state to achieve this feat. Sarma's swearing-in ceremony took place on May 12, 2026, after the BJP-led NDA secured a record victory in the Assam Assembly elections, further solidifying the party's dominance in the state. The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Governor Lakshman Prasad

During his live concert in Calgary, Canada, Diljit Dosanjh paused his performance midway to address a group of protesters raising pro-Khalistan slogans. The incident took place during his Aura Tour in May 2026 and quickly gained attention due to his calm and controlled response on stage. Rather than reacting emotionally, Diljit acknowledged the protesters and told them they were free to wa

Exit poll predicts NDA sweeping Assam with 88 to 100 seats in Assembly elections. BJP-led alliance likely to secure third consecutive term with strong vote share lead. The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance is poised for a decisive victory in the Assam Assemb

Political tensions have intensified ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections as Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a sharp attack on Mamata Banerjee during a campaign rally in

Rajasthan Royals secured a narrow six-run victory over Gujarat Titans in an Indian Premier League 2026 match held in Ahmedabad on Saturday, April 4, 2026 (IST). The contest delivered a high-scoring encounter, with both sides crossing the 200-run mark, but disciplined bowling in the final overs allowed Rajasthan to defend their total successfully. Rajasthan Royals: 210/6 (20 overs) Yashasvi Jaiswal 55 (36), Dhruv Jurel 75, Vaibh

President Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to those responsible for the alleged kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, stating that federal authorities will pursue the “most severe” penalties if she is harmed. The 84-year-old mother of television host Savannah Guthrie was reported abducted from her residence on February 1, 2026, triggering a nationwide law enforcement response and heightened public concern. In remarks during a recent interview, Trump said the perpetrators would face extrem