PM Modi at SCO Summit in Bishkek: Holds Talks with Putin & Xi, Calls for Zero Tolerance on Terrorism and Peace Through Dialogue…
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, to participate in the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit. Several leaders of the organization, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, attended the SCO Summit. On the sidelines of the summit, PM Modi held important bilateral meetings and discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. During the meetings, PM Modi reiterated that India has always been a supporter of peace and that all issues and problems should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy. The summit is discussing key global issues such as regional security, counter-terrorism, trade, economic cooperation, and enhanced connectivity. India is expanding cooperation with major Eurasian powers while maintaining its national priorities and strategic autonomy amid external pressures. During the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India supports all efforts that connect markets, facilitate trade, and open new avenues for development. However, it is also essential that such efforts respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, which is also the core spirit of the SCO Charter. He stated that connectivity will expand in the future, with emphasis on roads, railways, and air corridors, simplifying customs procedures, promoting digital documentation, and making logistics networks more efficient. Zero Tolerance on Terrorism Cracking down on terrorism, PM Modi appealed to member countries to dismantle the entire ecosystem of terrorism. He stated that terrorist funding, recruitment, radicalization, and their safe havens must be completely eliminated. Without naming Pakistan at the summit, PM Modi delivered a strong message regarding terrorism. He stated that there should be no room for double standards on this serious issue. The Prime Minister said that countries that use terrorism as a tool of their policy and provide shelter and support to terrorists should be given a clear message that terrorism cannot become a strategic weapon for anyone. Referring to Ukraine and other global crises, the Prime Minister said that wars and conflicts can never be resolved on the battlefield. The only way to resolve any dispute is through dialogue and diplomacy. He also appealed to SCO countries to use their shared geography to transform it into shared opportunities, rather than becoming embroiled in border disputes, thereby strengthening global trade, maritime trade, and supply chains.
Trump Claims U.S. Secures Majority Control of Venezuela’s 65 Billion-Barrel Oil Reserves in Historic Deal…
US President Donald Trump announced a major, historic agreement with Venezuela on Friday, August 28th. Trump announced the largest oil deal in history with Venezuela, information about which was shared in a social media post. Under this agreement, the US will gain majority control over Venezuela’s proven crude oil reserves of over 65 billion barrels. Trump claims that this historic transaction will more than double US oil reserves and significantly increase US oil supplies. Announcing the agreement on social media, Donald Trump wrote, “The United States has just reached the largest oil deal in world history with the country of Venezuela.” The US President stated that this agreement was negotiated between Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and Venezuela’s Acting President Delcy Rodriguez. Trump wrote on Truth Social, “At my behest, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, in collaboration with Venezuela’s highly respected interim President Delcy Rodriguez and in partnership with private companies, have secured majority control for the United States over 65 billion barrels of proven oil reserves in Venezuela. This agreement cost the US no American taxpayer money.” He stated that the agreement is highly beneficial to America’s energy supply and claimed that it will more than double US oil reserves and help lower gas prices. Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez welcomed the agreement, saying it will generate significant revenue for the country’s treasury. Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez stated that the country wants to utilize its vast oil reserves to become a major energy producer, create jobs, increase workers’ incomes, and improve living standards. He added, “In this way, Venezuela is ushering in a new era of recovery, growth, production, security, and prosperity for its people.” “ How the deal will work Under this deal, the US will form a new private company in collaboration with an unnamed private operator to develop 17 strategic Venezuelan oil fields (primarily in the Orinoco Belt and Lake Maracaibo). Effectively, 55% of this company’s total oil production will be directly under US control. Venezuela says these projects could generate approximately $100 billion in private investment and generate over $209 billion in tax revenue for Caracas. This agreement was reached after intensive negotiations between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez. This political change comes after the US military operation in January that ousted and arrested former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, after which Venezuela amended its oil laws to encourage foreign investment.
Uttarakhand CM Announces ₹31 Crore Development Funding, Brings DA Relief for Pensioners
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has approved financial sanctions of around ₹31 crore for various development and construction projects across the state. The approved works include road and bridge construction, interlocking tile work and a multi-level parking facility. The government has also approved an increase in dearness allowance for pensioners of public bodies receiving pensions under the Sixth Central Pay Commission. Major Development Projects Approved One of the biggest approvals is ₹15.30 crore for the Chandak-Bans-Aanwala Ghat-Gangolihat road and the construction of a steel girder bridge over the Ramganga River in Gangolihat, Pithoragarh. In Khatima, Udham Singh Nagar, ₹3.05 crore has been sanctioned for interlocking tile work on the route from Melaghat through Baghgha Colony to Mayur Vihar. The project is expected to improve road conditions and local connectivity. ₹3.16 Crore Approved for Bridge in Rishikesh The Chief Minister has also approved ₹3.16 crore for the construction of a 30-metre-span bridge over Bangla Nala in Ward No. 3 of Bhuttowala Gram Sabha in Rishikesh. The new bridge is expected to provide better connectivity for local residents. Multi-Level Parking Facility in Champawat For the construction of a multi-level parking facility at Dechmar in Champawat, the government has sanctioned ₹9.80 crore. Uttarakhand Peyjal Nigam has been designated as the executing agency for the project. SDRF Personnel to Receive Awards The government has also approved ₹5 lakh for awards to 108 SDRF personnel for their contribution to the successful conduct of the Kumbh Mela 2025. The recognition is aimed at acknowledging the efforts of SDRF personnel during the major religious event. Public Body Pensioners to Get Higher Dearness Allowance In another decision, CM Dhami has approved an increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) for civil and family pensioners of public bodies who are receiving pensions under the Sixth Central Pay Commission. Under the approved decision, pensioners will receive 252% DA from January 1, 2025, which will increase to 257% from July 1, 2025. The rate will further rise to 262% per month from January 1, 2026. The decisions are expected to provide financial relief to eligible pensioners while also giving a push to infrastructure and development works in different parts of Uttarakhand.
BJP Announces New Spokespersons, Ravindra Jugran and Shadab Shams Among Appointees
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expanded its team of state spokespersons in Uttarakhand, giving new responsibilities to eight party leaders. Ravindra Jugran and Shadab Shams are among the prominent names included in the expanded team. Eight Leaders Appointed as State Spokespersons The appointments were made with the approval of Uttarakhand BJP state president Mahendra Bhatt. Along with Jugran and Shams, Rajesh Shukla, Suresh Tiwari, Anukriti Gusain, Vishwajeet Negi, Satyaveer Chauhan and Manoj Jakmola have also been appointed as state spokespersons. The expanded team includes leaders from different parts of Uttarakhand, with the BJP aiming to strengthen its communication network and present the party’s position more effectively on political and public issues. Focus on Stronger Public Communication BJP state media in-charge Manveer Singh Chauhan said the spokesperson team has been expanded on the directions of the state president. The newly appointed leaders will be responsible for communicating the party’s policies, government initiatives and responses to political developments. The move is also being viewed as an effort to strengthen the BJP’s media outreach across the state and ensure a quicker response to issues raised by the opposition. Ravindra Jugran and Shadab Shams Get Key Responsibilities The inclusion of Ravindra Jugran and Shadab Shams gives the party’s Dehradun-based media team experienced political voices. Both leaders have been active in Uttarakhand politics and have previously remained involved in public and political issues. The new appointments are focused on organisational and media responsibilities and should not be interpreted as an indication of electoral ticket decisions. BJP Steps Up Preparations Ahead of 2027 With the 2027 Uttarakhand Assembly elections approaching, political activity in the state is expected to intensify. The BJP’s expanded spokesperson team is likely to play an important role in taking the party’s message to the public and responding to political developments. The new appointments underline the party’s focus on strengthening its communication strategy at both the state and local levels.
India Rushes 10 Tons of Relief Aid to Flood-Hit Nepal as Death Toll Crosses 160…
The devastating floods in Nepal have wreaked havoc everywhere, with scenes of devastation visible everywhere. More than 160 people have died so far in this devastating flood. More than 800 are reported missing. 133 Indian tourists are also missing since the disaster. As Nepal’s neighbor, India is fulfilling its duty during this difficult time. India is providing all possible assistance to Nepal. PM Modi assured Nepal of all possible support during this difficult time. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed on the social media platform ‘X’ that India has sent 10 tons of humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) material along with essential medicines to Nepal. Following a conversation with Nepal’s Prime Minister Balen Shah, PM Modi also wrote on social media, “The people of India stand firmly with our brothers and sisters in Nepal in this hour of crisis. India is fully prepared to provide all possible humanitarian assistance to Nepal.” Our teams are continuously coordinating with each other for rescue and relief operations. Meanwhile, India has sent the first consignment of relief material to Nepal by an Indian Air Force aircraft. The relief material includes tents, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps, and medicines.The Indian Air Force shared a post on the social media platform (X) informing about the aid being sent to neighboring Nepal. The IAF wrote in its post that in response to the devastating floods in Nepal, #IAF has rapidly deployed a C-130J aircraft carrying 10 tons of essential relief material and medical supplies.The relief supplies will be delivered through additional air efforts by C-17 and C-130 aircraft, with helicopters deployed for rescue and evacuation operations.
Modi, Sitharaman, Jaishankar, Goyal & Doval Lead 3 Week Global Outreach Before BRICS 2026…
India has intensified diplomatic engagements and bilateral meetings with major global powers to strengthen its position on the global stage ahead of the BRICS Summit. The primary objective is to safeguard its national interests in multilateral forums and maintain balance in the global order. Ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled to be held in New Delhi in September 2026, the Indian government has launched a major diplomatic push. Four of India’s most prominent officials and ministers are visiting five key countries to strengthen India’s national interests ahead of the summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with his three ministers Nirmala Sitharaman, S. Jaishankar, Piyush Goyal, and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is leading a major diplomatic campaign. These diplomatic meetings will last for three weeks, concluding in the second week of September, immediately following the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is on a highly important official visit to Canada and the United States from August 25 to September 2, 2026. This visit, taking place just before the BRICS Summit, is considered strategically important for India’s economic diplomacy. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s visit to Canada and the United States prioritizes four key agendas: investor meetings, interactions with corporate leaders, strengthening economic ties, and G20 financial discussions. As part of this diplomatic mission, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar recently held a crucial meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. Key areas of economic cooperation, energy and fertilizers, technology and defense were discussed amid preparations for the upcoming Modi-Putin meeting. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal is also visiting Japan with a large delegation of 200 Indian business leaders and veterans. The main objective of this visit is to enhance India-Japan bilateral trade and attract significant Japanese investment in India’s infrastructure, high-tech manufacturing, semiconductor, and next-generation industries. National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is in Beijing, the capital of China, for the 25th round of India-China Special Representatives’ Dialogue. The main objective of this high-level strategic meeting is to find a lasting solution to the long-standing border issues between the two countries and effectively manage the current tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Xi Jinping May Visit India for BRICS Summit on September 2026, With 400 Member Delegation..
Chinese President Xi Jinping may visit India next month on September 12 and 13, 2026 to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi, accompanied by a large delegation of approximately 400 officials. Although Xi Jinping’s visit has not yet been officially confirmed, sources indicate that Chinese officials are busy finalizing arrangements regarding hotels and security. It is worth noting that this visit by the Chinese President is taking place after a gap of seven years. He last visited India in October 2019 for the second informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), near Chennai. Sources claim that this time, a massive delegation of around 400 Chinese officials could accompany Xi Jinping to India. This would be a significantly larger contingent compared to 2019, the number of officials accompanying Xi to India in 2019 was fewer than 200. Xi Jinping’s potential visit to India could prove crucial for efforts to improve relations between the two nations following the border clashes of 2020. Violent clashes between the troops of both countries occurred in the Galwan Valley of Eastern Ladakh during May and June of 2020. Twenty Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers lost their lives in the Galwan Valley clash. Subsequently, a standoff persisted between the armies of both nations for nearly four years. Relations between the two countries hit rock bottom, and heavy military deployments were made along the border. Notably, Xi Jinping did not visit India when the country hosted the G20 summit in New Delhi in 2023, instead, Chinese Premier Li Qiang attended the summit on his behalf. However, the first formal bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Xi Jinping took place during the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024. Following this, both countries reached an agreement regarding patrolling along the LAC. According to sources, officials from India and China might use the BRICS summit to address long-standing differences concerning the border and regional security, as well as to explore avenues for enhancing mutual cooperation. However, the final plan for Xi’s visit and the agenda for a potential bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi have not yet been finalized. Therefore, it remains unclear which issues would be discussed in detail should the two leaders meet.
TN CM Vijay: Free bus travel for women on all govt buses, 3 free LPG cylinders for poor families…
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has made two major and historic announcements for the women and families of the state. These important announcements were made during the Assembly session on Monday, August 24, 2026. The Tamil Nadu government has expanded the scope of free bus travel for women. Women and transgender people will now be able to travel free on both ordinary government buses as well as express and deluxe buses.This scheme will be launched across the state on October 2, 2026, Gandhi Jayanti. There are no income or travel distance requirements to avail of this scheme.In a statement under Rule 110, Vijay said, “There will be no income or travel limit requirements for availing the free bus travel ‘Vetri Payanam’ for women.” Women can travel free on express, LSS, and deluxe government buses operating in metropolitan and urban areas. He stated that the scheme will be launched on October 2nd, Gandhi Jayanti. This will result in an additional annual expenditure of ₹6,000 crore for the state government. “Annapurni Super Six” scheme will be launched in State CM Vijay has announced free LPG cylinders under the “Annapurni Super Six” scheme to reduce women’s kitchen expenses. Under the scheme, families with an annual income of less than ₹2.5 lakh will receive three free domestic LPG cylinders each year, directly benefiting approximately 13 million families in the state. This scheme will be launched from the 2027 Pongal festival (January 14, 2027). The government will transfer the cylinder subsidy directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts (DBT). It should be noted that Vijay had promised the “Annapurni Super Six” scheme before the assembly elections in April. Under this scheme, every eligible family in Tamil Nadu was promised six free LPG cylinders annually to reduce household expenses. Vijay said, “This will ease the burden on those who were spending a lot of money to purchase cylinders. The government has decided to subsidize the cost of cooking gas cylinders. In the first phase, three free LPG cylinders will be provided, and the cost will be deposited directly into the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.” During this, members of the ruling party thumped the tables in support. He said that this move will benefit families with an annual income of approximately ₹2.5 lakh, economically backward families, small and medium-sized farmers, disabled people, and poor families. Vijay said, “Preparations have begun. This scheme will be launched during the Pongal festival (mid-January) in 2027.” He also stated that the state government will allocate ₹4,000 crore annually for this initiative. He also announced the cancellation of the Randur Greenfield Airport project, which farmers had strongly opposed because they did not want to give up their land.
Jaishankar to Visit Russia on August 23-24, India-Russia Ties on Agenda
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will visit Russia on August 23 and 24, 2026, at the invitation of Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov. During the visit, Jaishankar and Manturov will co-chair the 27th Session of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC). Talks with Sergey Lavrov Jaishankar is also scheduled to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The two sides are expected to discuss bilateral cooperation as well as regional and global developments. The IRIGC-TEC is an important mechanism for reviewing and advancing cooperation between India and Russia across several sectors. Focus on Trade and Economic Cooperation The visit comes as India and Russia continue efforts to expand their economic relationship. Key areas under the commission include trade, investment, connectivity, payment mechanisms, science and technology and other areas of bilateral cooperation. The two-day visit is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to take stock of ongoing cooperation and discuss ways to further strengthen the long-standing India-Russia partnership.
ABVP-NSUI Clash Erupts at COEP Pune Ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ Event…
An event titled ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ (Students’ Voice), featuring Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, was scheduled for today Saturday, August 22 at the College of Engineering, Pune (COEP) in Shivajinagar. However, a commotion broke out at the venue before the event could begin. Reports indicate that a clash erupted between the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) at the college premises prior to the event, heating up the political atmosphere. Following the clash, both groups accused each other of assault. The dispute reportedly stemmed from the filming of a female student at COEP. The ABVP alleged that NSUI members pressured the student, while the NSUI claimed that ABVP members held her captive; this led to a confrontation between the two factions. Tension prevailed on the COEP campus for some time due to the incident. Upon being informed of the dispute, the police arrived at the scene, brought the situation under control, and initiated an investigation. Rahul Gandhi is visiting Pune today for the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event. Subsequently, several leaders—including Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar arrived at the site and staged a sit-in protest, while the BJP Yuva Morcha blocked the road in protest. According to the news agency PTI, a heavy police force was deployed on the campus following the dispute. Reports also suggest that some Congress workers sustained injuries. A case has been registered at the Shivajinagar police station against 50 to 60 individuals, including key office-bearers of the Youth Congress. State Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal accused the ABVP of holding students captive in the hostel because they had posted status updates supporting Rahul Gandhi on social media. Sapkal alleged that the ABVP engaged in hooliganism, which included assaulting students and confining them to their rooms in the hostel, describing the actions as extremely serious and shameful. They questioned who gave ABVP goons the right to intimidate students and violate their freedom simply because they had posted a status featuring Rahul Gandhi. They stated that this incident once again exposes the culture of the BJP’s student politics, questioned whether these ABVP goons enjoy state protection, and declared that the Congress party would never bow to such hooliganism that attacks students’ freedom of expression and the liberty of young women.