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

Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has added another remarkable achievement to his rapidly growing cricket career by becoming the youngest player in Duleep Trophy history to score a half-century. The 15-year-old created the record while representing East Zone against Central Zone in the 2026 Duleep Trophy semi-final in Bengaluru. Showing his attacking approach from the start, Sooryavanshi reached his fifty in just 42 deliveries before going on to score 92 from 81 balls.

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.

India opened their Women’s Asia Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 94-run victory over Thailand in Dubai. Shafali Verma’s attacking 64 set up India’s 159/9 before Deepti Sharma produced a sensational 3/0 spell to help dismiss Thailand for 65 in 16.1 overs. Shafali Verma Fifty Asked to bat first at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India made a brisk start through Smriti Mandhana a

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat has called for harmony among different religious communities, saying that Hindutva cannot be associated with the exclusion of Muslims from India. Speaking at a multi-faith dialogue in New York on Saturday, August 29, Bhagwat addressed questions about Hindu-Muslim relations, the RSS and the idea of a Hindu Rashtra. He said his understanding of Hindu philosophy recognises the dignity of every individual and accepts that different spiritu

Zohran Mamdani celebrated Raksha Bandhan with South Asian seniors at India Home in New York City on Friday, August 28, 2026. The mayor received a rakhi, spoke about mutual support and community, and linked the festival’s message to a safer, more affordable city. Mamdani joins Raksha Bandhan celebration New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani celebrated Raksha Bandhan with South Asian seniors at India

Infosys Public Services President and CEO Lax Gopisetty remains unreachable after catastrophic flash floods struck Nepal while he was visiting the region in a personal capacity. Infosys is working with relevant agencies and supporting his family as search efforts continue. Infosys Executive Remains Unreachable Infosys confirmed that Lax Gopisetty, who heads its public-sector subsidiary Infosys Public

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

Nepal flood aid is expanding after catastrophic flash floods devastated Rasuwa and downstream districts, killing more than 150 people and leaving hundreds missing. The US has pledged $500,000 in emergency relief as India, China and the World Bank mobilize additional assistance. US relief supports Nepal rescue effort The US State Department

Nepal floods on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, left at least 95 people dead and 484 travelers reported missing near the Tibet border. The disaster disrupted a key Kailash Mansarovar route as rescuers searched for survivors and investigators examined a possible quake-linked glacier collapse. 484 travelers reported missing near Tibet border At least 95 bodies have been recovered in Nepal after catas

Three Telangana students were killed in a fiery single-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 in Palm Bay, Florida, on Tuesday, August 25, after the vehicle they were traveling in left the highway and struck a roadside tree. One of the victims was identified as N. Rahul, from Navipet in Telangana’s Nizamabad district. I-95 crash occurred in Brevard County   The crash occurred at about 9:49 a.m. near mile marker 172 on northbound I-

Can an H-1B holder start a business in the US? Business ownership is generally possible, but actively working for the company requires proper H-1B authorization. Newer rules also allow qualifying beneficiary-owned companies to petition for their founders under specific conditions. An H-1B visa holder can generally own or invest in a U.S. business, including an LLC or corporation. However, owning the compan

Bhai Dooj vs Raksha Bandhan Differences: Rituals and Meaning Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters, but they are not the same festival. Bhai Dooj vs Raksha Bandhan differences can be seen in their rites, dates, myths, meaning and customs. One centers on tying a rakhi, while the other is marked by a sacred tilak and prayers for a brother’s well-being. Rites

India’s Hockey World Cup exit was confirmed after a 3-5 defeat to Argentina in Amstelveen, extending the men’s team’s 51-year wait for another World Cup medal. Sukhjeet Singh scored twice, but defensive errors and Argentina’s fast start ended India’s semifinal hopes. India Argentina hockey clash starts badly India entered Monday?

The cost to open a convenience store in the US can vary widely by location, size and product mix. A no-fuel store may require roughly $100,000 to $450,000 in startup capital, with rent, buildout, refrigeration, inventory, permits, insurance and working capital among the biggest expenses. Opening a convenience store in the United States can require a substantial investment. There is no government-set national startup price

Want to open a convenience store in the US as an Indian? This guide explains business formation, EIN registration, choosing a location, retail and food permits, insurance, inventory, employees and the immigration rules Indian entrepreneurs must consider. Indian citizens can generally own convenience stores in the United States, but opening one involves more than registering a company. Location, licenses, taxes, food regula

Want to start an LLC in the US from India? Indian citizens can generally own U.S. LLCs without being U.S. residents. This guide explains state selection, registered agents, formation documents, EIN applications, tax reporting and key immigration considerations. An Indian citizen can generally form and own a limited liability company in the United States without being a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder. The IRS says most s

Can you own a US business without a Green Card or citizenship? Generally, yes. Indian nationals can own many U.S. businesses, but ownership does not provide work authorization. This guide explains LLC and corporation options, S corporation limits, taxes, EIN rules and immigration concerns. An Indian citizen generally does not need U.S. citizenship or a Green Card simply to own a U.S. business. U.S. tax rules recognize fore