New Delhi is scheduled to host the 18th BRICS summit in September 2026 under the leadership of PM Modi. This will be part of his presidency of the bloc, bringing together leaders of major developing countries at a time of growing uncertainty worldwide.

Putin previously visited India for a two-day visit in December 2025, when he held talks with the Prime Minister during the 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit, aimed at strengthening mutual relations.

This visit also marked the 25th anniversary of the Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the two countries, which was first signed during his first visit to India in 2000.

What is the BRICS Summit? BRICS has grown significantly in recent years, becoming a group of 11 major emerging market and developing economies, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.

The group serves as an important platform for coordination on global political and economic issues, particularly governance reforms, energy security, and development priorities.

Originally formed as BRIC following a meeting of foreign ministers on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in 2006, the group held its first summit in Yekaterinburg in 2009. It was later expanded to BRICS in 2010 with the addition of South Africa.

Recently, its scope has expanded with the addition of new members from 2024, as well as a group of partner countries such as Belarus, Nigeria, Malaysia, and Vietnam, reflecting its growing geopolitical and economic importance.

India’s 2026 Agenda: A ‘Humanity-First’ Focus

Under India’s presidency from January 2026, the summit’s theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability,” with a special focus on the Global South.
Priorities include advancing global governance reforms, promoting economic resilience and local currency trade, enhancing digital public infrastructure, strengthening health security, enhancing counter-terror cooperation, advancing climate finance and the energy transition, and deepening people-to-people ties among BRICS countries.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ramprasad Goud (@ramgoudz)

The post Putin to attend BRICS summit in India, Kremlin confirms second visit in a year appeared first on The Daily Voice.

Estimated Net Worth

According to OneIndia, Asha Bhosle’s estimated net worth stood between ₹200 and ₹250 crore. Her primary source of income was her long and illustrious career in the Indian music industry, where she recorded thousands of songs across multiple languages.

Decades of Career Earnings

Asha Bhosle began her journey at a time when playback singers did not receive royalties—particularly during the industry’s nascent years.

Despite this, the sheer volume of her work ensured a steady stream of income.

By singing across a diverse range of genres—from classical and ghazal to cabaret and pop—she remained a popular figure across generations.

Her collaborations with renowned composers and filmmakers produced some of Hindi cinema’s most memorable songs, thereby further solidifying her financial standing over time.

Business Ventures Beyond Music

In addition to her singing career, Asha Bhosle also indulged her passion for food by launching an international restaurant chain named ‘Asha’s’.

This brand, which debuted in Dubai in 2002, expanded across several countries—including the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Kingdom—and currently boasts branches in cities such as Birmingham and Manchester.

Real Estate Assets

According to reports, the singer held assets valued at approximately ₹80 to ₹100 crore.

Her real estate portfolio included premium residential properties in Mumbai and Pune, as well as a luxurious apartment that she subsequently sold. Global Performances and Enduring Popularity

Even in her later years, Asha Bhosle remained active on the global stage, giving live performances in cities such as Dubai, Trinidad, the United States, and Canada.

The Cause of Asha Bhosle’s Death

The news of her passing was announced outside the hospital by Maharashtra’s Minister of Culture, Ashish Shelar.

Dr. Pratit Samdani confirmed that the legendary singer had been battling various health issues and passed away due to organ failure. He stated, “It is tragic news that Asha Bhosle passed away today. She had been battling various health complications and died due to multi-organ failure…”

Her funeral will be held on Monday at 4:00 PM at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.

Asha Bhosle’s son, Anand Bhosle, also confirmed the news and provided details regarding the opportunity to pay final tributes to her. He said, “My mother, Asha Bhosle, passed away today. Tomorrow morning at 11:00 AM, people may visit her residence to pay their final respects…”

Regarding Asha Bhosle’s Hospitalization

The news of Asha Bhosle’s hospitalization was confirmed by her granddaughter and singer, Zanai Bhosle.

Zanai Bhosle revealed that Asha Bhosle had been admitted to the hospital due to “extreme fatigue and a chest infection.”

She wrote, “My grandmother, Asha Bhosle, has been hospitalized due to extreme fatigue and a chest infection, and we request that you respect our privacy. Treatment is underway, and we are hopeful that everything will turn out well; we will share good news with you soon.”

About Asha Bhosle

Asha Bhosle—the legendary figure behind hit songs such as ‘Piya Tu Ab To Aaja’, ‘Jaaiye Aap Kahan Jaayenge’, ‘Rangeela Re’, and ‘Sharara Sharara’—would have turned 93 on September 8, 2026.

She began her singing career quite early on, in 1943, with the song ‘Chala Chala Nav Bala’ from her debut Marathi film, Majha Bal.

Initially, people tended to pigeonhole her, limiting her to highly energetic dance numbers like ‘Piya Tu Ab To Aaja’ and ‘O Haseena Zulfon Wali’; however, she later proved her immense versatility through soul-stirring ghazals like ‘Dil Cheez Kya Hai’ and classical gems such as ‘Tora Man Darpan Kehlaye’.

In 2023, on her 90th birthday, instead of opting for a quiet family gathering, she traveled to Dubai to perform a massive live concert.

Speaking to PTI ahead of the show, she remarked, “Even at the age of 90, to be able to stand on stage and sing continuously for three hours… I am incredibly happy that I can still do this.” She further added, “If our breath ceases, we die. For me, music is my very breath. I have lived my life by its support, given my all to music, and even weathered those difficult times when I felt I could go no further—and yet, here I stand today.”

Then, in 2024, she took the internet by storm during another show in Dubai by performing to Karan Aujla’s smash hit ‘Tauba Tauba’; she even flawlessly recreated the viral dance step from Vicky Kaushal and Tripti Dimri’s film, Bad Newz. He won two National Film Awards, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2000, and India’s ‘Padma Vibhushan’ honor in 2008.

The post Renowned singer Asha Bhosle passed away on Sunday. She was 92 years old. Her demise marks the end of an era in Indian music appeared first on The Daily Voice.

His resignation has been submitted to the President. It comes at a time when he was facing an internal inquiry, and discussions were also underway regarding the possibility of his removal from office through a parliamentary process.

The controversy dates back to March of last year, when a fire broke out at Justice Verma’s official residence in Delhi. During the firefighting operations, piles of cash were reportedly discovered at the scene; according to some reports, these piles stood more than 1.5 feet high.

The then Chief Justice took cognizance of the incident, following which Justice Verma was transferred from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court.

However, Justice Verma has denied these claims, stating that no cash was recovered from his residence.

Justice Verma’s Defense

In his response to a parliamentary panel, Justice Verma stated that he was not present at home when the fire broke out, nor was he the first person to arrive at the scene to assist in extinguishing the fire.

According to sources, he told the panel, “If the officials failed to secure the site, why should I be removed from office? The police and fire department officials present at the scene failed to take appropriate action as required.”

He also raised the question: given that the entire area was under the control of the officials present at the time of the incident, how could he be held responsible for any alleged lapses?

Inquiry, Legal Challenge, and Setback from the SC

In August 2025, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla constituted a three-member committee under the ‘Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968’ to investigate the allegations.

This panel comprises Supreme Court Justice Aravind Kumar, Madras High Court Chief Justice Manjula Chellur (formerly Manvinder Mohan), and Senior Advocate B.V. Acharya. Justice Verma had challenged the validity of this panel in the Supreme Court. He argued that the motion seeking his removal from office had already been rejected by the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

However, the Supreme Court dismissed his petition and permitted the parliamentary committee to proceed with its inquiry.

Findings of the Inquiry and Resignation

An internal inquiry panel constituted by the Supreme Court had previously found that the room where the cash was allegedly discovered was under the control of Justice Verma and his family members.

In light of the ongoing inquiry and the apprehension of impeachment proceedings, Justice Verma has now resigned from his post.

The post Justice Yashwant Verma Resigns One Year After Recovery of Large Amount of Cash from His Residence appeared first on The Daily Voice.

A Clean Fuel Alternative Emerges

The research team at CSIR-NCL has developed a patented technology for the production of Dimethyl Ether. This is a synthetic fuel known for its clean-burning properties. Scientists state that DME could serve as a sustainable alternative to LPG and also support the government’s broader ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) objective of strengthening domestic energy capabilities.

Energy security remains a major concern for India, as the country imports over 80 percent of its fossil fuel requirements. In recent years, disruptions in global supply chains have led to a rise in LPG prices, impacting numerous households—particularly those utilizing subsidized cylinders under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana’.

Why the Focus on DME?

Dimethyl Ether is considered a clean fuel because it emits significantly lower levels of soot, nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter compared to many traditional fuels. Furthermore, scientists note that its thermal efficiency is comparable to that of LPG.
The Bureau of Indian Standards has already established the necessary standards and regulations for its usage. Under the standard IS 18698:2024, up to 20 percent DME can be blended with LPG for domestic, commercial, and industrial use.

Experts state that blending up to 8 percent DME with LPG will not require any modifications to the existing LPG infrastructure—such as cylinders, regulators, hoses, or burners. This means that households will be able to utilize this blended fuel without making any changes to their current kitchen setups.

A Hefty Import Bill, Significant Potential for Savings

In 2024, India imported approximately 21 million tonnes of LPG. Scientists estimate that if just 8 percent of this import volume were replaced by DME, it could result in annual foreign exchange savings of approximately ₹9,500 crore. For families covered under the Ujjwala Scheme, the scale of demand is substantial. To substitute a portion of the LPG supply for the 105 million connections under this scheme, a DME production capacity of approximately 1,300 tonnes per day would be required.

Beyond the Kitchen: Other Applications of DME

Apart from being a cooking fuel, DME also has numerous industrial and commercial applications. It can serve as an automotive fuel and as a propellant in aerosol products, where it can replace ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

This compound also functions as a chemical intermediate in the production of lower olefins, dimethyl sulfate, and methyl acetate.

How ​​the Technology Works

Developed at CSIR-NCL, this technology converts methanol into dimethyl ether using a highly active and cost-effective catalyst. The research team was led by Thirumalaivesamy Raja, who integrated catalyst chemistry with reactor engineering to create an efficient production process. According to a press release from the institute, this system enables the production of DME at a pressure of approximately 10 atmospheres. This makes it possible to fill the fuel directly into LPG cylinders while keeping operational costs relatively low.

This process has already been successfully scaled up to a pilot capacity of 250 kilograms per day.

Burner Prototype Tested

To make this technology more practical for everyday use, scientists at CSIR-NCL have also designed a patented burner prototype. This burner can operate in a flexible mode—ranging from 100 percent LPG to 100 percent DME, as well as on any mixture thereof.
The efficiency of this prototype has been tested at the LPG Equipment Research Centre located in Bengaluru.

The Next Step: Moving Towards an Industrial Scale

The institute is now preparing to set up an industrial demonstration plant capable of producing 2.5 tons of DME per day. The scientists aim to establish this facility within the next six to nine months, in collaboration with a process engineering partner.
If this demonstration proves successful, it could pave the way for the establishment of commercial plants capable of producing between 50 and 100 tons per day.

CSIR-NCL has also expressed interest in partnering with major oil Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and bio-energy companies to implement this technology on a large scale.

Scientists state that the widespread adoption of DME could help India reduce its reliance on LPG imports, enhance energy security, and advance towards a cleaner energy mix.

The post Pune Scientists Develop Synthetic Gas That Could Serve as an Alternative to LPG appeared first on The Daily Voice.

Tomar, who served as Tehsildar in Vijaypur, Sheopur district, is accused of being part of a ₹2-2.5 crore scam related to the distribution of compensation following the devastating floods of 2021. According to the investigation, officials had identified 794 affected residents in Baroda tehsil as eligible beneficiaries. However, a subsequent audit revealed that instead of reaching the affected individuals, the money was allegedly diverted to at least 127 fake or unrelated bank accounts. Police claim this diversion was not random, but part of a larger pattern of manipulation of government records and beneficiary lists.

The matter escalated when investigators named over 100 individuals, including over two dozen patwaris, and accused them of complicity at various levels of revenue administration. Significantly, the investigators pointed to financial transactions allegedly linked to accounts belonging to Tomar’s family members. Based on these findings, the Baroda police filed cases under the Prevention of Corruption Act, including fraud, forgery, criminal conspiracy, and the Prevention of Corruption Act, citing misuse of official position in distributing government aid.

Sheopur Superintendent of Police Sudhir Kumar Agarwal confirmed the arrest, saying, “The Tehsildar was charged in this case, arrested, and presented in the local court. The matter is under investigation.”

Tomar’s anticipatory bail application was initially rejected by the Madhya Pradesh High Court, paving the way for his arrest. Administrative action followed swiftly, with Sheopur Collector Arpit Verma removing him from his post just a day before the police arrived.

Court documents state that the prosecution alleges Tomar played a key role in approving documentation to divert funds meant for flood victims. Meanwhile, his defense argued that he was falsely implicated and that his role was largely procedural. His legal team stated that the beneficiary list and bank details were prepared by Patwaris and verified by Revenue Inspectors and Naib Tehsildars, after which the files were presented to them for signing and forwarding.

The defense further stated that Tomar neither made any financial transactions nor received any direct monetary benefit, and his name was not initially mentioned in the FIR. It also pointed out that several co-accused, including Patwaris allegedly involved in preparing the records, have already been granted bail.

The post From KBC to Arrest: Tehsildar Who Sit Opposite Amitabh Bachchan in 2019 Now in Jail appeared first on The Daily Voice.

Flames engulfed the building, with emergency teams racing against time to rescue residents; the building housed both commercial warehouses and residential units.

Massive Fire Breaks Out in Palam Building

According to officials, the fire broke out in a building consisting of a basement, ground floor, and four upper floors, topped by a temporary tin shed. The lower floors—the basement, ground, and first—were used to store clothes and cosmetics, while the second and third floors were occupied by families.

The presence of flammable materials may have intensified the fire, making rescue operations even more difficult.

Children Among the Victims

Delhi Fire Service (DFS) rescue teams evacuated several people from the building and rushed them to nearby hospitals.

“A total of 07 casualties (including 03 children) were rescued by the DFS and taken to the hospital.”

Officials stated that the situation remains uncertain, and the death toll has not yet been formally confirmed.

DCP Amit Goyal (South-West) stated that approximately 9-10 people have been rescued from the building.

He said, “They are being sent to the IG Hospital and other hospitals. It appears that 6-7 people have died. However, we do not yet have a confirmed death toll.”

In the initial stages of the fire, two people reportedly jumped from the building in an attempt to escape, and they were also taken to the hospital.

Firefighting Operations Continue

The Delhi Fire Service has deployed approximately 30 fire engines to control the fire. Firefighters are continuously carrying out cooling operations and searching for other residents trapped inside.

Officials stated that the fire has not yet been completely extinguished, and efforts are underway to prevent any further damage or casualties.

Lieutenant Governor Expresses Grief

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu expressed deep concern over the incident and confirmed that officials are closely monitoring the situation. “I am deeply saddened by the fire incident in a residential building near Palam Metro.

My deepest condolences to those affected by this tragic incident. Rescue and firefighting operations are being closely monitored, and all necessary assistance is being provided.

The post A massive fire broke out in Delhi’s Palam area, killing 7 people tragically. appeared first on The Daily Voice.

Centuries ago, this same land witnessed a historic departure. In the 7th century, when Muslim armies conquered Persia (now Iran), many Zoroastrians were pressured to convert. Fearing persecution, a segment of the community decided to leave their homeland.

These Zoroastrians left their homeland in search of a place where they could practice their religion without fear and eventually found a safe haven in India. They arrived on the western coast of India, where a local ruler allowed them to settle peacefully.

Over time, they came to be known as Parsis. They were not only given refuge but also allowed to build their own fire temples. This encouraged more Zoroastrians to migrate from Iran to India.

The Parsis first settled in Sanjan, a coastal city in present-day Gujarat. From there, they gradually moved to other cities such as Navsari, Ankleshwar, and Surat as their population grew and trade opportunities increased. After settling in Gujarat, the Parsis quickly adapted to their new environment and began speaking Gujarati.

The Parsis also adopted many local Hindu customs and observed some social practices common in Gujarat.

One of the most significant moments in Parsi history in India was the establishment of their sacred fire temple in Sanjan.

They built an Atash Behram, the highest-ranking fire temple in Zoroastrianism, known as the Iranshah Atash Behram, which continues to burn there today and is one of the holiest places for Parsis worldwide.

Some even decided to move north, to places like Dehradun, and even to the Sindh and Punjab provinces (now part of Pakistan).

When Parsis first settled in India, they made an important promise to their Hindu hosts that they would not try to convert others to their religion, which helped them live peacefully and gain trust. However, later, conversion became a strict rule in their culture.

According to The Guardian, Parsis are marrying later, having fewer children, and many are choosing not to marry at all. Because outsiders cannot convert easily, the community is rapidly shrinking.

Jahangir Patel, who has edited the community’s monthly magazine, Parsiana, for nearly 50 years, said, “You may have heard of four weddings and a funeral. Today, for Parsis, it’s four funerals and a wedding.”

By the 20th century, especially as India moved toward independence, Parsis had become deeply involved in almost every aspect of public life.

They established their own hospitals and medical centers, Boy Scout groups, ambulance corps, educational institutions, housing colonies, and community organizations, and also ran newspapers, magazines, and literary groups.

The post Why the Parsis Left Iran: Their Journey from Ancient Persia to India appeared first on The Daily Voice.

Government’s response: Restraint, not support

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has limited its public position to appealing for “restraint, dialogue, and de-escalation.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the leaders of Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Jordan. They have condemned the attacks on their territories and stressed the safety of the approximately 10 million Indians living in the region.

India has not condemned the US-Israeli attacks that reportedly killed Khamenei, nor has it offered condolences. Government sources indicate that the government’s response is driven by national interests, including energy security, diaspora welfare, and strategic partnerships in the Gulf.

History of Public Criticism

Khamenei has repeatedly commented on India’s internal affairs over the past ten years, prompting diplomatic protests from New Delhi.

In 2017, he appealed to the Muslim world to support the “oppressed Muslims of Kashmir.”

After the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, he urged India to adopt the “correct policy” on Kashmir in light of public opinion, prompting the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to summon the Iranian ambassador. During the debate on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in January 2020, Iran’s parliament speaker criticized the law, calling it “anti-Muslim discrimination,” a move India rejected as interference.

In March 2020, amid the Delhi riots, Khamenei tweeted that India must “confront radical Hindus,” described the violence as a “genocide of Muslims,” ​​and warned of “isolation from the Islamic world,” using the hashtag #IndianMuslimsInDanger. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) again summoned the Iranian ambassador.

More recently, in September 2024, Khamenei placed India alongside Myanmar and Gaza in a social media post, prompting an official response from the Ministry of External Affairs, calling the comment “misinformed and unacceptable.”

Gulf Priorities and Strategic Coordination

India has strongly condemned Iranian attacks targeting Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which are major energy suppliers and host large Indian communities.

In separate conversations, PM Modi emphasized the importance of restoring peace in the region and thanked Gulf leaders for ensuring the well-being of Indians.

Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar also spoke with his counterparts from all six GCC countries following the escalation of hostilities, emphasizing India’s role in regional stability.

Over the past decade, India’s strategic engagement with Gulf countries has deepened, encompassing energy, defense, maritime security, and connectivity. This has been accompanied by a cautious approach towards Tehran.

Between 2005 and 2009, the Congress-led UPA government voted against Iran three times at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) during negotiations on the India-US civil nuclear agreement.

In 2022, the NDA government abstained from voting on a similar IAEA resolution related to Iran’s nuclear program.

The government has not directly responded to his comments. Officially, India maintains that it has consistently appealed for peace and stability in the Middle East.

With tensions rising across the region following the US-Israeli strikes and Iran’s retaliatory strikes, New Delhi’s public messaging has been restrained, condemning the attacks on its Gulf partners and reiterating its stance in favour of diplomacy.

The post From criticism of the CAA to comments on Kashmir: India on Khamenei’s death appeared first on The Daily Voice.