The Himachali Link UK released a video of the celebration of their rich cultural heritage that took centre stage during the 77th Independence Day festivities in London. The High Commission of India orchestrated the event, where the Himachali essence thrived. A grand feast of Himachali Dham, cooked meticulously by Chef Sanjeev without onions, garlic, or ginger, delighted over 1200 attendees. The cultural spectacle, led by Anil & Inderpal Chandel, Deepak & Sujata, mesmerized 10,000 spectators with captivating Naati performances, honouring Devta ji and showcasing diverse art forms. The Pheri of a handmade palki enchanted all, garnering well-deserved praise for Himachal Pradesh's culture. [Video: I Am Local]

Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa, the runner-up at the 2023 FIDE World Cup, was warmly welcomed at Chennai Airport. Expressing his joy at the turnout, he noted its positive impact on chess. Despite his second-place finish, he gained hope from qualifying for the 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament. This eight-player event is set for April 2-25, 2024, in Toronto, Canada. The winner becomes the contender for the 2024 World Chess Championship. Praggnanandhaa's remarkable journey included defeating top-ranked players, signalling India's rising prominence in global chess. His achievement marks a new era of Indian chess excellence.

Indians in London, mostly children, appealed in a video (seen on ANI) to PM Modi to intervene and bring home 2-year-old Ariha Shah to her Indian parents. Waving Indian flags, the kids chanted for Modi to ask Germany to return Ariha. Ariha's parents Bhavesh and Dhara Shah have fought for their daughter since 2021 when she was removed from their custody in Berlin amid harassment claims that were dropped. Despite the closed criminal case, Ariha remains under civil custody of Berlin Child Services. The Indian community assembled seeking Modi's help to reunite the toddler with her despondent parents.

A senior police officer in Lahore, Pakistan is being investigated for involvement in cross-border drug smuggling to India using drones. Lahore Deputy Inspector General Imran Kishwar said a Deputy Superintendent of Police was aiding the operation. The method was drones dropping drug bundles in India's Punjab, then returning for gangs in Pakistan to collect them. Payments were made in the UAE. The racket emerged when a drone carrying drugs crashed near Lahore. Despite making seizures, the accused DSP Mazhar Iqbal. allegedly enabled trafficking into India for years while heading the anti-narcotics wing. [Photo courtesy: Dawn]

Boosting naval capabilities, India's latest stealth frigate 'Mahendragiri' will be launched on September 1 in Mumbai by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar's wife Sudesh. It is the seventh frigate under Project 17A with advanced features compared to the previous Shivalik class. Four frigates are being built at Mazagon Dock and three at GRSE Kolkata under the project. The launch, comes amid the government's focus on defence self-reliance with changing Indian Ocean dynamics. President Murmu earlier launched the sixth 17A frigate 'Vindhyagiri' on August 17. All seven frigates are at different build stages and will join the navy during 2024-26 to strengthen its combat readiness.

The trailer for Shah Rukh Khan's much-awaited film 'Jawan' was released on Tuesday at a grand event in Chennai. The trailer sets up an intense face-off between SRK's character, a 'rogue soldier', and Vijay Sethupathi who plays an arms dealer. Other cast members including Sanya Malhotra and director Atlee attended the trailer launch. SRK was seen dancing energetically on stage while Vijay Sethupathi praised him before the audience. The action-thriller's trailer will also be showcased in Dubai and on Burj Khalifa later, after a week of promotional buildup including the film's song release. With its high-octane trailer, 'Jawan' emerges as one of SRK's most ambitious projects pitting him against Vijay Sethupathi's villain.

As per a Hindustan Times report, China has ramped up construction of reinforced bunkers and underground facilities in Aksai Chin, located about 70km from the LAC with India. Satellite imagery comparisons from December 2021 and August 2023 by Maxar Technologies show China building hardened structures at least three spots in Aksai Chin to station more weapons and troops. The imagery shows reinforced personnel bunkers coming up, even as China released a new map claiming entire Arunachal and Aksai Chin, amid ongoing India-China border tensions. The construction highlights China's efforts to bolster its military presence along the sensitive boundary with India.

BK Asha, Director of the Brahma Kumaris organization, shared Rakshabandhan's joy by tying rakhi on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. Brahma Kumaris sisters globally continued the celebration, tying rakhis on the envoys of Indian Missions worldwide, including High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami and Deputy High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh in London. These festivities, uniting Indian community members and local dignitaries, aimed to fortify cultural bonds and people-to-people connections between India and various nations. The event was a testament to the organization's commitment to strengthening global ties and showcasing the richness of Indian traditions on an international stage. [photo courtesy: @BrahmaKumaris]

The Indian Mission in Iceland shared pictures of Yoga students from various nations united in a joyous Rakhi celebration, radiating joy and enthusiasm. The @ICCR_hq's message of harmony, resonating with Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam's essence, graced the event, aligning perfectly with G20India's spirit. This heartfelt gathering symbolized global togetherness, fostering camaraderie through Rakhi festivities. The pictures captured the mood and spirit of rakhi perfectly, enhancing the significance of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, embodying India's warm embrace as it welcomes the world for the G20 summit. [photo courtesy: @indembiceland]

A trip to Thailand might get easier for Indians soon. Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin intends to simplify visa procedures for Chinese and Indian travellers, aiming to bolster tourism revenue to nearly $100 billion in the upcoming year. For Indian tourists, who currently pay 2,000 baht ($57) for a 15-day visa on arrival, this move is anticipated to encourage more visits. Srettha also aims to expand the list of visa-exempt countries and extend stay durations for some international travellers. Airports of Thailand Pcl plans to augment flight capacity and streamline immigration processes to accommodate this initiative.