Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Uzbekistan for a two-day state visit, after which he will travel to Kyrgyzstan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit. Modi posted on social media pictures of himself with Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, expressing gratitude for the welcome. He noted that this is his fourth visit to Uzbekistan, highlighting the growing bilateral relations. Modi is scheduled to attend a dinner with Mirziyoyev and hold bilateral meetings on Sunday before departing for the SCO Summit.
In other news, Kolkata Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly violating a Calcutta High Court order during a rally. The FIR was filed after police reported that the rally organizers did not adhere to the court's directive to keep one side of the road operational. Banerjee, leader of the Trinamool Congress Party, claimed police had become a 'monstrous entity' under the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The dispute over basmati rice continues as both India and Pakistan seek European Union recognition for the rice's geographical origin. The EU has yet to decide on the matter, which could have significant implications for both countries.
Leaders of the Indian National Congress (INC) alleged that Penguin India was pressured to withdraw from publishing Sonia Gandhi's memoir due to content related to Prime Minister Modi and China's actions under his administration. Penguin India clarified that the decision was based on editorial changes not being accepted by the author.
Following deadly flash floods triggered by a glacial collapse, India has increased monitoring of glaciers in its Himalayan region. The state disaster management minister, Madan Kaushik, stated that vigilance is necessary due to the geographical similarities with Nepal.
Mohan Bhagwat, chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is set to address Indian American groups in New York City, an event that has faced protests and criticism from various organizations. The RSS has been accused of promoting intolerance, a claim it disputes.
As of the latest update, at least 320 Indian nationals are unaccounted for following the Nepal-Tibet floods, which have resulted in over 600 fatalities. India has dispatched aid and a medical team to assist in the recovery efforts. Modi's visit to Uzbekistan aims to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including trade and defense, before attending the SCO Summit where he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.