PM Modi Seva Sankalp Abhiyan began on his 76th birthday as the BJP launched a month-long programme featuring blood donation camps, cleanliness drives, youth activities and public outreach to mark 25 years since Modi became Gujarat chief minister.    BJP begins month-long Seva Sankalp Abhiyan Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned 76 on September 17, 2026, as the Bharatiya J

India remains on the US list of major drug transit or illicit drug-producing countries for fiscal year 2027, but President Donald Trump has also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anti-opium efforts and called for continued cooperation under the US-India Drug Policy Framework. Trump praises Modi’s anti-opium drive US President Donald Trump welcomed India’s efforts to curb illicit opium poppy cultivation while issuing his admini

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is scheduled to visit Varanasi on September 17 to participate in the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan being held on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 76th birthday. The programme is part of a month-long campaign marking 25 years since Modi first assumed elected executive office as Gujarat Chief Minister in October 2001.

Sridevi Chennai property dispute has reached the Supreme Court as petitioners challenge a Madras High Court ruling. The Kapoor family land dispute involves 2.7 acres on East Coast Road, limitation claims and court-ordered mediation.   The Sridevi Chennai property dispute has reached the Supreme Court after MC Sivakami challenged a Madras High Court order dismissing her suit over 2.7 acres of land on East Coast Road. The property was sold to Sr

Western disturbance rain in North India is set to intensify on September 16 and 17, with Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh facing rain, thunderstorms and isolated heavy showers under the latest IMD weather forecast.   A western disturbance is expected to keep weather conditions unsettled across parts of North India on September 16 and 17, bringing rain, thunderstorms, lightning and isolated heavy showers to several areas.

UPI charges from October 15 2026 will mainly affect eligible merchant payments above Rs 2,000. Person-to-person UPI transfers remain free, while fuel, rail, insurance and utility payments get special MDR rates.   UPI charges from October 15 2026 will introduce a revised fee structure for certain merchant payments, while most everyday users will continue to make personal UPI transfers without charges. Under the n

When an Indian citizen dies in the US, the appropriate Indian Consulate can help the family with death registration, documentation, coordination with local authorities and repatriation formalities. In qualifying cases, financial assistance may also be considered. When an Indian citizen dies in the United States, the Indian Consulate responsible for the state where the death occurred can b

The cost to repatriate a body from the US to India varies by funeral home, departure city, airline, preparation requirements and destination. Private providers commonly quote several thousand dollars, with funeral services, embalming, casket preparation and air cargo forming major expenses. Families arranging international repatriation after a death in the United States can face expenses running into several thousand dollars. There is n

When an Indian dies in the US, the family may need to coordinate with local authorities, a funeral home and the appropriate Indian Consulate. This guide explains the basic repatriation process, required documents, transportation arrangements and where families can seek assistance. When an Indian dies in the US, bringing the deceased person's mortal remains back to India can involve several agencies. Families may need to work wi

Mohammed Jaber Hussain, a 27-year-old Hyderabad native living in Lowell, Massachusetts, died on September 14, 2026. His family is seeking assistance to repatriate his mortal remains to India, prompting appeals for support from authorities and the Indian community. Hyderabad family seeks urgent assistance International transportation of mortal rem

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed BRICS leaders at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi with Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathaswamy Temple as the ceremonial backdrop, placing Rameswaram’s spiritual and architectural heritage at the centre of the 18th BRICS Summit. Modi Welcomes BRICS Leaders at Bharat Mandapam Prime Minister Narendra Modi received visiting leaders on September 12 as India hosted the 18th BRICS

Indian-origin woman shot dead after stalking in California has raised concerns over repeated harassment and restraining order violations. Shalini Thakur was killed in a Sacramento shooting, while police later found the suspect dead after a Highway 50 operation.  Indian-origin woman shot dead after stalking in California A 38-year-old Indian-origin woman, identified as Shalini Thakur, was shot d

India BRICS joint statement consensus was achieved after intense negotiations involving Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The breakthrough highlights India BRICS diplomacy as New Delhi hosts the BRICS Summit 2026 amid West Asia tensions.  Iran Saudi Arabia UAE talks pave way for consensus India managed to secure agreement on the BRICS joint statement after negotiations continued into the early hours, rep

India to U.S. parcel customs duty may be collected differently depending on whether a shipment travels through FedEx, UPS, DHL or the postal network. CBP determines applicable government charges, while carriers may collect them and add separate clearance or advancement fees. When a parcel arrives in the United States from India, the delivery company may ask for payment of customs charges. That does not mea

Customs duty on gifts from India to the U.S. does not apply automatically to every parcel. CBP maintains a separate exemption for qualifying unsolicited gifts worth up to $100 per recipient per day, even as broader de minimis treatment remains suspended. A gift sent from India to a friend or relative in the United States can still qualify for duty-free treatment in certain circumstances, despite major changes to U.S. rules

Tamil Nadu Secretariat Pattinapakkam protest has intensified as fisherfolk oppose the Chennai Secretariat project over livelihood and coastal concerns. Political parties are also backing a Secretariat site shift demand and wider consultation.   The Tamil Nadu government’s proposal to build a new Secretariat and Legislative Assembly complex at Pattinapakkam in Chennai is facing growing resistance from fishing communities, en

Delhi HC on Vinesh Phogat maternity and selection case has highlighted women athletes maternity issues while rejecting her interim plea for selection trials. The court also examined WFI eligibility criteria and postpartum athlete comeback concerns.   The Delhi High Court has brought renewed attention to the challenges women athletes face when pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum recovery interrupt their competitive careers. T

Bihar floods affect 46.88 lakh people across 15 districts as the Ganga, Kosi and other rivers remain above danger levels. Bihar flood relief operations have intensified with NDRF and SDRF teams, boats, camps and community kitchens supporting affected families. Flood conditions across Bihar remain serious, with around 46.88 lakh people affected across 15 districts as several major rivers continue to flow above their danger marks

The 18th BRICS Summit in Delhi 2026 brings leaders together for BRICS bilateral meetings, the BRICS Business Forum, trade cooperation and Global South diplomacy under India’s BRICS chairship.  

New Delhi is preparing a carefully planned cultural programme for the spouses and family members accompanying BRICS leaders, combining India’s political heritage, traditional crafts, modern art and hospitality. The BRICS Delhi cultural tour will run alongside summit-related engagements as India hosts the BRICS Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, 2026. The programme is expected to take visiting family members beyond the