Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten faced widespread criticism after publishing a cartoon depicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a snake charmer during his Norway visit. The illustration, accompanying an opinion article, showed Modi holding a snake-like fuel pipe and triggered accusations of racism, xenophobia and colonial stereotyping online. Critics argued the imagery revived outdated portrayals of India associated with “snake charmers” and undermined the country’s global image. The controversy emerged alongside another diplomatic row involving Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng and Indian diplomat Sibi George during media interactions in Norway. The debate has further intensified discussions surrounding media portrayal, cultural sensitivity and India-Norway relations.

Norwegian journalist Helle Lyng said her Instagram and Facebook accounts were suspended following the controversy surrounding her viral interaction during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Norway visit. Lyng described the suspension as a “small price to pay for press freedom” while sharing screenshots and tagging Meta for assistance. The controversy began after Lyng questioned Modi during a joint media appearance with Norway’s prime minister and later challenged Indian officials over human rights and press freedom at an MEA briefing. The episode triggered intense online debate, with supporters defending her journalism and critics accusing her of targeting India. Her social media following reportedly surged dramatically after the incident.  

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warmly welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Rome during the final leg of his five-nation tour, sharing a candid selfie from the iconic Colosseum on social media. The image quickly went viral, drawing significant online engagement. During his Italy visit, Modi is scheduled to meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Meloni to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029. Modi will also visit the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization, highlighting India’s commitment to multilateralism and global food security initiatives.

Naren Dhar, an Assistant Protocol Officer at the Indian mission in Chattogram, was found dead inside the mission premises early Tuesday morning, according to local police. Dhar, reportedly from Chandigarh, Punjab, was discovered near a bathroom door on the second floor of the old visa centre building. Police initially suspect cardiac arrest, though officials stated that a post-mortem examination would determine the exact cause of death. Authorities have launched an unnatural death case and sent the body for autopsy at Chattogram Medical College Hospital. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian High Commission in Dhaka had not officially commented on the incident at the time of reporting. (PC: X)

Twisha Sharma died by suicide and was not murdered, according to Sanjay Kumar, who cited post-mortem findings and collected evidence. Twisha was found hanging at her in-laws’ home in Bhopal on May 12, while her family alleged dowry-related harassment and filed criminal charges against her husband Samarth Singh and mother-in-law Giribala Singh. Police stated that no signs of drug use were found despite allegations made by the mother-in-law. Authorities also admitted procedural lapses involving the belt allegedly used in the hanging but maintained it would not impact the investigation. Twisha’s family continues demanding a second post-mortem examination. (PC: NDTV)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin are likely to attend the BRICS summit scheduled in New Delhi on September 12-13, according to sources. Xi’s participation would mark his first visit to India since the 2019 Mamallapuram summit, held months before the India-China border standoff along the Line of Actual Control. Russian officials have reportedly confirmed Putin’s attendance. The summit comes amid gradual stabilisation in India-China relations, including resumed visas, direct flights and Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage arrangements, although troop deployments along the LAC remain high. India is also reportedly seeking broader consensus among BRICS nations regarding ongoing geopolitical divisions over the West Asia conflict. (PC: Getty Images)

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing on Tuesday night for his 25th official visit to China, where he was welcomed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and a military honour guard. During the two-day state visit, Putin is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, sign cooperation documents and issue a joint statement on strengthening strategic ties. Putin will also meet Premier Li Qiang, attend exhibitions and hold informal discussions with Xi. The Kremlin said discussions would include “important and sensitive issues”. The visit comes shortly after US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic trip to China.

Lawmakers in Iran are preparing to vote on a bill that would offer a "$58 million bounty" for the killing of Donald Trump, Benjamin Netanyahu and Admiral Brad Cooper. Iranian officials say the proposal is a response to recent attacks on the country. The debate comes as indirect talks between Iran and the United States continue through Pakistan. The proposal has raised fears of further escalation in the Middle East. (PC: Reuters)

India and the Nordic countries launched a Green Technology and Innovation Strategic Partnership at the India-Nordic Summit 2026 in Oslo. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The countries agreed to work together on 6G, climate action, digital technology and Arctic research. They also decided to allow up to 100% foreign direct investment by Nordic defence companies in India’s defence corridors. (PC: Reuters)

Officials in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates said they were unaware of a planned United States attack on Iran. This came after Donald Trump said Gulf leaders had asked him to delay military action. Trump later warned that the US could still strike Iran within days if nuclear talks fail. Iran has sent a new proposal through Pakistan. The growing tensions have raised concerns about a wider conflict in the Middle East.