From PM Modi's China, Japan Visits to Linkin Park's First Concert in India: The Week That Was in Pics

From PM Modi's visit to China and Japan, Delhi Metro fare hike, and Linkin Park’s big debut in India at Lollapalooza 2026 — here’s a quick roundup of the week that was.

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India-China Relations Gain Momentum

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was welcomed with a grand red-carpet reception in Tianjin, China, ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. Following the reception, PM Modi held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In his remarks, Xi underlined that it was essential for China and India to be friends, describing it as the “right choice” for two ancient civilizations and the world’s most populous nations. He said the time had come for the “Dragon and the Elephant to dance together” and called for closer cooperation as neighbours and partners who support each other’s success. Marking 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Xi stressed the importance of approaching the relationship with strategic vision and a long-term outlook. He urged both sides to work together to promote multilateralism, advance a multipolar world order, and contribute to peace and prosperity in Asia and the wider world. After the meeting, Prime Minister Modi said, “Had a fruitful meeting with President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO Summit. We reviewed the positive momentum in India-China relations since our last meeting in Kazan. We agreed on the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas and reaffirmed our commitment to cooperation based on mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity.” 

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India-Japan Forge Future Partnership

India and Japan adopted a joint vision titled “India–Japan Joint Vision for the Next Decade” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Japanese PM Ishiba Shigeru. The plan outlines eight focus areas, including economic growth, security, mobility, technology, health, ecological partnerships, people-to-people exchanges, and state-level cooperation. Japan set a new investment target of JPY 10 trillion (around ₹60,000 crore) in India over the next decade, building on earlier commitments. Both sides also agreed to strengthen industrial cooperation under Make in India, develop a resilient battery supply chain, and expand railway collaboration through high-speed rail, advanced metro systems, and AI-driven monitoring. The visit saw 13 agreements and announcements, including a defence framework and a 10-year roadmap to deepen economic and strategic ties.

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PM Modi Abused During Rahul Gandhi's Vote Adhikar Yatra in Bihar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was allegedly targeted with offensive remarks, along with his late mother Heeraben Modi, during a public event in Bihar’s Darbhanga. Police have arrested Mohammad Rizvi, also known as Raja, a resident of Singhwara, in connection with the case. He was produced before a court on Friday and sent to 14 days in judicial custody. Authorities said Rizvi was among those who used objectionable language from the stage of Rahul Gandhi’s Voter Adhikar Yatra. The remarks triggered a political row in poll-bound Bihar, with the BJP lodging an FIR at Kotwali Police Station in Patna and demanding an apology from the Congress MP. A video from Darbhanga capturing the incident has gone viral, showing Congress workers hurling abusive remarks at Prime Minister Narendra Modi from a stage decorated with posters of Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and Tejashwi Yadav. The same platform was earlier used by Rahul, Priyanka, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav before they set off for Muzaffarpur on motorcycles. Reacting to the controversy, the Congress has disowned the act. Senior leader Rashid Alvi stated that the party does not endorse such language and strongly condemned the behavior.

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Air Commodore MK Chandrasekhar Passes Away

Air Commodore MK Chandrasekhar, VM, VSM (Retd), a highly decorated officer of the Indian Air Force and father of Kerala BJP State President and former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, passed away on Friday night. Remembered for his service, courage, and leadership, he played a pivotal role in mentoring generations of air warriors. Paying an emotional tribute, Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, “My father passed away today after returning home. He lived a full life — one that inspired many, including me. Every step I have taken has been guided by his love and example. He was an air warrior, a patriot, a gentleman, and above all, a devoted father and grandfather.” Several leaders expressed their condolences. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri wrote, “I extend my deepest condolences to my friend and senior colleague Shri Rajeev Chandrasekhar ji on the loss of his illustrious father. May God grant strength to the family in this difficult time.” Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant shared, “My heartfelt condolences to Rajeev ji and his family. May they find strength to bear this irreparable loss.” Union Minister Pralhad Joshi added, “Deeply saddened by the demise of Air Cmde M.K. Chandrasekhar ji. His commitment, vision, and contributions will be fondly remembered.”

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Delhi Metro Fare Hike

Commuters in Delhi-NCR will have to pay more for their metro rides from August 25, as the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has revised fares across all routes. Ticket prices have been increased by ₹1 to ₹4, while fares on the Airport Express Line have gone up by as much as ₹5. DMRC, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), described the revision as a “nominal increase,” saying it was necessary to maintain smooth operations without placing too much burden on passengers. Despite the hike, DMRC has retained concessions for smart card users. Passengers will continue to get a 10% discount on every journey made with a smart card. An additional 10% discount will also be available during off-peak hours (before 8 am, between 12 pm and 5 pm, and after 9 pm) offering regular commuters a more economical travel option.

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Nikki Bhati Dowry Murder Case

The Nikki Bhati dowry murder case once again highlighted the deep-rooted issue of dowry-related violence in India. Nikki Bhati, a young woman from Rajasthan, was found dead under suspicious circumstances at her in-laws’ home, only months after her marriage. According to her family, Nikki was subjected to constant harassment and pressure for dowry, which ultimately led to her death. The family alleged that despite fulfilling several demands, the in-laws continued to torture her for more money and valuables. Police have booked her husband and in-laws under charges of dowry harassment and murder, and investigations are underway. The incident has sparked outrage across social media and women’s rights groups, who have demanded strict action and speedy justice. This case serves as a grim reminder that despite stringent laws like the Dowry Prohibition Act and Section 304B of the IPC (dowry death), such incidents remain alarmingly frequent. Every year, hundreds of women lose their lives to this social evil, pointing to a failure in enforcement as well as the persistence of regressive mindsets. Nikki’s tragic death underscores the urgent need for greater awareness, stricter punishment for offenders, and stronger support systems to protect women from dowry-related abuse and violence.

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'Hanuman Ji' First to Travel to Space?

BJP MP and former Union Minister Anurag Thakur sparked controversy during an interaction with schoolchildren on National Space Day after linking mythology with space science. Speaking to students at Shri Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Una, Himachal Pradesh, Thakur asked, “Who was the first person to travel to space?” When the children replied “Neil Armstrong,” he quipped, “I think Hanuman ji was the first person to travel to space.” The remark quickly triggered criticism from the Opposition. DMK MP Kanimozhi, in a post on X, accused Thakur of “confusing fact with fable” and said misleading students undermines scientific temper and India’s future. Responding to the backlash, Thakur emphasized the value of India’s knowledge traditions and urged teachers to go beyond colonial-era curricula. “We should look towards our veds, our textbooks and our knowledge. That will allow students to see a lot more,” he said, stressing that ancient wisdom should stand alongside modern scientific achievements.

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Ashoka Professor Gets Relief in Operation Sindoor Case

The Supreme Court on Monday put on hold proceedings against Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, who is facing two police cases over a controversial Facebook post related to Operation Sindoor. A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi directed the Haryana Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) not to frame charges against him until the next hearing and said that cognizance of the chargesheet should not be taken for now. Mahmudabad was arrested in May for remarks made about the government’s choice of Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh for Operation Sindoor briefings. Days after his arrest, the Supreme Court granted him bail with strict conditions — including a ban on writing articles, social media posts, or delivering speeches related to the case, as well as commenting on the April 22 Pahalgam attack or Operation Sindoor. He was also required to surrender his passport. The court later relaxed these restrictions, allowing him to express views through posts and articles, except on matters directly linked to the sub judice case.

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Delhi HC Says PM Modi's Degree Need Not Be Disclosed

The Delhi High Court set aside a 2016 order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) that had directed the disclosure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree details. Justice Sachin Datta, delivering the ruling on Delhi University’s plea, observed that such academic records constitute personal information and their disclosure does not serve any “implicit public interest.” The case stemmed from an RTI application seeking Modi’s academic details, which the CIC had earlier directed the university to provide. The High Court, however, clarified that while transparency is the foundation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, it must be balanced against the individual’s right to privacy. The court noted that marks, grades, and answer sheets fall within the ambit of Section 8(1) of the RTI Act, which exempts personal information from disclosure unless there is a larger public interest involved. 

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RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat's Jibe at BJP

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Thursday, August 28 took a jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stating that the Sangh does not play a direct role in the party's decision-making. Referring to the much-delayed search for a new national president, Bhagwat said that it would not have taken so long for the appointment if RSS was involved in the affairs. He also asserted that there are no differences or quarrels between the BJP and the Sangh, saying that there could be "difference of opinion" as attempts are made to achieve the goals of the country, but there was no "manbhed (heart-to-heart differences)". While addressing the gathering during a three-day lecture series to celebrate the centenary year of the RSS, Bhagwat said that the Sangh had good coordination with every government, not only the current one.

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India May Host 2030 Commonwealth Games

India may host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, after the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports’ proposal to submit a formal bid. The Cabinet also cleared the signing of the Host Collaboration Agreement (HCA), along with necessary guarantees from relevant ministries and authorities, and sanctioned grant-in-aid support for the Gujarat Government if the bid is accepted, according to an official release. The Commonwealth Games bring together athletes from 72 countries, along with coaches, officials, tourists, media, and support staff. Hosting the event in India would not only showcase the nation’s sporting capabilities but also generate significant economic benefits, boosting local businesses, tourism, and revenue. Ahmedabad has been put forward as the proposed host city. With world-class stadiums, modern training facilities, and a thriving sporting culture, the city is considered well-equipped to stage a mega sporting event of this scale. 

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Linkin Park to Make India Debut at Lollapalooza 2026

Linkin Park is set to make their debut performance in India at Lollapalooza 2026, sending waves of excitement through fans worldwide. The announcement marks a major milestone for the legendary rock band, whose genre-defining sound shaped an entire generation of music lovers. Known for their electrifying fusion of rock, rap, and electronic elements, Linkin Park’s appearance at one of the world’s biggest music festivals will be both a celebration of their legacy and a glimpse into the band’s next chapter. Other musicians in the lineup includes Playboi Carti, Yungblud, Sunflower Tape Machine, Kehlani, Fuji Kaze, Bloodywood, Mother Mother among others.