The search for Vijaya Lakshmi Gali, a 48-year-old Indian tourist from Andhra Pradesh who fell into a 26-foot-deep sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on August 23, has been called off after nine days. Malaysian authorities, citing extremely challenging conditions and the emergence of a second sinkhole, halted the operation. Despite this, efforts to locate her will continue. The Indian ambassador to Malaysia thanked authorities, and Gali's family’s visas have been extended. The sinkhole collapsed suddenly as Gali walked through the Dang Wangi area, triggering the search.

Shreyovi Mehta, a 9-year-old from Faridabad, has won runner-up in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024 contest. Her photo of peahens, taken during a morning stroll at Keoladev National Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, was recognized in the “10 Years and Under” category. Out of nearly 60,000 entries from 117 countries, Mehta's “In the Spotlight” stood out. The award ceremony will be held at the Natural History Museum, London, on October 8. Mehta aims to capture India's national animal, the tiger, next.

Former Singapore diplomat Kishore Mahbubani urged reforms in the United Nations, suggesting India deserves a permanent seat at the UN Security Council (UNSC). He emphasized India’s growing global power, ranking third after the US and China. Mahbubani criticized the UK for not using its veto power for decades and called for the UK to relinquish its seat to India. He argued that the UNSC needs representation from today’s great powers, not those of the past. The diplomat also highlighted the importance of allowing nations like the UK to act independently without their UNSC obligations.

Bangladesh's interim government may request the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India after an uprising in Bangladesh left 300 people dead. Hasina, currently in New Delhi, faces several murder charges. Interim Foreign Affairs Advisor Mohammed Touhid Hossain warned that this could lead to a diplomatic challenge for India. Nobel laureate and interim leader Mohammed Yunus has expressed displeasure with Hasina's statements from India. Bangladesh also expressed frustration over the ongoing Rohingya crisis, emphasizing the need for global action on humanitarian grounds.

The Maldives has seen a significant decline in Indian tourists due to diplomatic tensions, with only 28,604 Indian visitors between April and June 2024, compared to 54,207 last year. Meanwhile, Lakshadweep’s popularity surged, with Agatti Airport handling 22,990 passengers in the same period, up from 11,074 last year. Increased flight services, promotions, and diplomatic stability have contributed to Lakshadweep’s rise. The Maldives faces competition from other Asian destinations like Thailand and Indonesia, while Chinese tourists have become the leading visitors to the Maldives in 2024.

Rescue efforts to locate Indian tourist Vijaya Lakshmi Gali, who disappeared into an 8-meter sinkhole in Kuala Lumpur on August 23, have been halted due to dangerous conditions. Malaysian fire and rescue officials cited strong underground currents, limited space, and debris obstructing divers as key risks. Vijaya, who often traveled to Malaysia for business, fell into the sinkhole while heading to a temple. Her husband and son narrowly escaped. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim assured that Kuala Lumpur remains safe and promised swift action on risk-prone areas. The Indian High Commission continues to assist Vijaya's family.

Jaskirat Kaur, a 33-year-old Indian-origin woman in the UK, pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility for killing her 10-year-old daughter, Shay Kang. The tragic incident occurred in Rowley Regis, West Midlands, where Shay was found with fatal stab wounds. The local community expressed grief, and Shay's school described her as a "bright, happy, fun-loving child." Kaur’s sentencing is scheduled for October 25. West Midlands Police confirmed no other suspects are being sought.

Bobby Singh Shah, a 51-year-old Indian-origin man, was arrested and charged with capital murder in the "execution-style" killing of 21-year-old Nepalese student Muna Pandey in Houston, Texas. Pandey, a nursing student at Houston Community College, was found dead in her apartment on August 24 with multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities believe Shah shot her during an attempted robbery. Shah was taken into custody on Wednesday night, and it remains unclear whether he and Pandey knew each other before the incident. The case has garnered significant attention due to the brutal nature of the crime.

The FBI is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Cindy Rodriguez Singh, a 39-year-old mother wanted for murdering her 6-year-old son, Noel Alvarez, in Texas. Singh is believed to be in India with her husband, Arshdeep Singh, and their six other children. She has ties to both India and Mexico. The FBI is seeking tips to bring Singh to justice. Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI. The case has sparked international attention, and authorities are working to apprehend Singh and hold her accountable for the tragic death of her young son.

Tourists, including expat Indians, are cancelling trips to West Bengal for Durga Puja, fearing safety issues. This is due to recent crimes on the RG Kar Medical College campus and subsequent protests. Tour operators are hoping the situation will improve before the festive season. Anil Punjabi of the Travel Agents Federation of India noted that the state had seen a 10%-18% rise in foreign tourist footfall for Durga Puja until 2023, but this year, concerns about safety have caused cancellations. The ongoing agitation about women's safety is deterring international visitors, with some choosing alternate destinations like Nepal.