India eagerly awaits the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft's scheduled moon landing attempt on Wednesday following Russia's recent failed south pole touchdown bid. The ISRO mission aims to be the first to successfully land in the uncharted lunar polar region thought to contain water ice vital for future moon bases. After the disappointment of 2019, Chandrayaan-3 signifies India's perseverance and scientific capabilities. Across the country, people are praying for success, students are watching in schools, and enthusiasts have organised viewing parties. The outcome of this historic soft landing try will be a moment of national pride and further India's space exploration goals.

India is attempting a historic first landing of a spacecraft on the moon's south pole, a challenging mission that could yield new insights on lunar water ice. While the existence of frozen water on the moon is known, its accessibility and potential for future mining and use as a resource remain unclear. A successful soft landing in the rugged, uncharted south pole region could provide vital data on the composition and distribution of this water ice. Chandrayaan-3 marks India's second moon landing attempt and would demonstrate complex landing capabilities. The mission aims to advance the country's space programme while expanding scientific knowledge of a resource that could aid future lunar colonies and deep space travel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the BRICS Business Forum leaders' dialogue in Johannesburg, South Africa on Tuesday as part of the 15th BRICS Summit. In his address, PM Modi pitched India as an economic growth engine for the world, emphasising its rapid development and efforts to modernise infrastructure. He stated India places great importance on BRICS cooperation on issues concerning developing countries globally. Earlier, Modi said the summit would enable BRICS members to identify new areas for collaboration. He will also participate in the main BRICS summit on August 24 after the business forum and leaders' retreat. The PM's visit highlights India's prominent role within the bloc.

US President Joe Biden will travel to India from 7 to 10 September to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit in New Delhi, the White House announced. Biden and G20 partners will discuss joint efforts on issues including the clean energy transition, combatting climate change, mitigating Ukraine war impacts, and poverty reduction. The President will also commend PM Modi's G20 leadership and reaffirm America's commitment to the forum, including by hosting it in 2026. While in India, Biden will emphasise the importance of the US-India partnership on major global challenges. The visit highlights the significance Washington places on ties with New Delhi and its role in the Indo-Pacific.

A viral Twitter thread by software engineer Aanshul Sadaria explains why he turned down opportunities to move to the US. He reveals many assume Indian techies aspire to go abroad, and not doing so can seem lacking competence. However, Sadaria articulates motivations behind committing to an India-based career over the "American Dream". He lost his father in 2021 and wanted to stay close to family, prioritising relationships over leaving home. When asked if he'd ever move to the US in future, Sadaria says maybe to experience the work culture as he loves travel, but would ultimately settle back in India. His perspective challenges assumptions and highlights family priorities.

Vivek Ramaswamy has strengthened his position as a top contender behind Donald Trump for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination according to recent polls. An Emerson College survey showed Ramaswamy tied for second with 10% support, trailing only Trump's 56% but ahead of others like Ron DeSantis. Ramaswamy's support rose eight points over the summer while DeSantis' declined. The 37-year-old entrepreneur performs well among younger and educated GOP voters. Analysts say Ramaswamy represents a new direction for Republicans. With the first 2024 primary debate approaching, he aims to further introduce himself to voters as a fresh alternative.

Bollywood actor Sunny Deol recently attended a special screening of 'Gadar 2' in London as the film continues its successful box office run. Deol said the original 'Gadar', released over 20 years ago, connected deeply with audiences. He was initially hesitant about making a sequel but the story idea during COVID-19 convinced him and the team to revisit the classic. Speaking about future plans, Deol said he wants to cherish 'Gadar 2''s moment and carefully choose his next step. He aims to do cinema that provides larger than life experiences and values, which much of today's films lack. Deol wants subjects that can light up the silver screen again.

The India Club in London, a historic landmark tied to Krishna Menon and the Indian independence movement, is closing permanently on September 17 after a decade-long eviction fight. Owners Yadgar and Phiroza Marker who have been running the place for the last 26 years, regretfully announced the closure last week. The club held deep cultural and emotional significance for Indians in the UK. But freeholders Marston Properties plan to gut the premises and replace it with a luxury hotel. The club’s demise represents the loss of an institution cherished by generations of Indians in Britain.

21 Indian students were deported from the US in a single day last week after their student visas were cancelled. Many were from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and had finished visa formalities and hoped to pursue higher education in the US. These students may face a 5-year entry ban to the country, reported TOI. Experts say this could also create problems entering popular study destinations like Canada, the UK and Australia. Cancelling an F1 visa has long-term H1B implications. The situation has created anxiety among Indian students aspiring to study abroad.

An Indian couple, Yogesh Nagarajappa and Prathiba Amarnath, their 6-year-old son Yash Honnal from Karnataka were found dead with gunshot wounds in their Baltimore county home last Friday in an apparent murder-suicide. Police responded to a welfare check at the Baltimore County residence. The family members were reportedly last seen alive on Tuesday evening, police said, adding that an autopsy would be conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer to determine the manner and cause of death. Local officials expressed condolences for the tragic loss of innocent life. Police assured no threat to surrounding communities.