A major political row has erupted between the Congress and the BJP over the purification ritual conducted at the venue of Mallikarjun Kharge's rally in Uttarakhand. Congress Uttarakhand in-charge Kumari Selja met party president Mallikarjun Kharge and targeted the BJP, accusing it of promoting divisive politics and acting against the Dalit community. Questioning the FIR filed against Rahul Gandhi, the Congress announced massive protests in Dehradun and stated that party workers are moving to register FIRs at various police stations across the state ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Uzbekistan, Uzbek students performed his poetry as part of a musical tribute in both Hindi and Uzbek languages. The students recited verses penned by the Prime Minister, including 'Abhi Toh Suraj Uga Hai', highlighting themes of determination, overcoming dark obstacles, and the resolve, resources, and strength of 21st-century India.
Diplomatic engagements took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, following an official visit to Uzbekistan. Key discussions focused on resolving ongoing regional conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy, addressing energy supply disruptions, and ensuring the safety of seafarers and diaspora communities. The deliberations also addressed expanding bilateral economic cooperation, defence exports, high-technology collaboration, and humanitarian partnerships. Strategic discussions evaluated broader geopolitical developments, international diplomacy, and upcoming multilateral forums, including the BRICS summit. Cultural outreach programmes were also held, including interactions with students at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Tashkent, where verses of poetry were recited to foster international cultural ties.
Delhi's top luxury five-star hotels are witnessing a massive surge in demand and soaring room rates ahead of the BRICS Summit scheduled for September 12 and 13 in New Delhi. Several prominent properties, including the Taj Mahal Hotel, Taj Palace, The Leela Palace, and The Oberoi, are fully booked with no room availability for September 11 and 12. Ahead of the summit dates, tariffs have seen a sharp rise, with room prices touching up to 20 lakh rupees per night at the Taj Mahal Hotel. Meanwhile, properties like ITC Maurya are offering limited room availability with rates touching 2.55 lakh rupees per night during the summit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold his first in-person bilateral meeting with the President of Iran on the sidelines of the SCO summit amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. The discussions are expected to focus on peace advocacy through dialogue and diplomacy, along with crucial matters regarding energy supply disruptions. In addition, the safety of the Indian community and Indian seafarers remains a primary agenda item following attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, with the Prime Minister likely to express gratitude for the safe exit of Indians.