👋 Barcelona defender Alvaro Cortes eyeing move to Elche

Alvaro Cortes is reportedly close to leaving FC Barcelona this summer after changes in the club's defensive plans. The academy graduate, who hoped to stay, is now looking for a new club to secure regular playing time. Journalist Gerard Romero named Elche as one of the possible destinations for the young defender. Barcelona's search for a specialist left-footed centre-back has severely impacted Cortes's prospects at the club. His departure is considered imminent, and he might miss Thursday's match against Athletic Club.

✈️ Private Trainer Plane Crashes in Kanpur, Pilots Dead

A private trainer aircraft tragically crashed near Kanpur, resulting in the deaths of both pilots. The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, near the city premises. Authorities confirmed that two pilots were aboard the plane at the time of the crash. Investigations are currently underway to determine the exact cause of this aviation accident. Further updates on the ongoing probe are expected in the coming days. ✈️

🏔️ Himalayan flood leaves 1,300+ missing in Nepal and China

A massive mud and rock collapse in the Himalayas triggered catastrophic flooding across local towns in Nepal and China. Authorities in Nepal and the Tibet region have confirmed that over 1,300 people are missing, including more than 700 foreign nationals. As of Thursday, at least 270 bodies were recovered in Nepal, while 558 people are missing in China’s Gyirong county. The disaster heavily impacted trekkers and pilgrims heading to sites like Mount Kailash. International aid is flowing in, and rescue operations continue despite warnings about a dammed lake upstream.

🚀 Hanuman Ansh sees wild third-week box office jump

Hanuman Ansh experienced a massive late surge at the box office after its release on August 7th. The film achieved a total collection of Rs. 9.05 crore across 19 days in India. Between August 23 and August 25, the movie brought in Rs. 6.38 crore, marking a huge jump. This performance contrasts sharply with its slow opening weekend and second-week earnings. The film's unexpected late run has significantly reshaped its overall theatrical journey. 📈

🎬 Mukesh Khanna says no to Ranveer Singh for Shaktimaan

Mukesh Khanna has publicly refused to let Ranveer Singh portray the character Shaktimaan in the upcoming project. This decision was made by Khanna, who is closely associated with the character's legacy. The refusal comes after discussions regarding the role and casting decisions. Khanna stated that while Singh is talented, he feels he is better suited for a villain role. This sets up an interesting dynamic for the character's future portrayal in Indian media.

💳 Syrian President Makes First Visa Card Payment

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa completed his first Visa-facilitated card payment in Damascus. This transaction took place at a restaurant in Old Damascus on Wednesday, with Central Bank of Syria Governor Safwat Raslan present. Visa also confirmed a successful live international card transaction in Syria on Thursday. This milestone supports expanding digital payments and Syria's global economy connection. The move follows the US Treasury removing Syria from its state sponsors of terrorism list on Monday.

🛰️ BepiColombo starts its Mercury arrival phase live

The ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission is starting its Mercury Arrival Phase after eight years of travel. The Mercury Transfer Module (MTM) will separate from the two science orbiters on 3 September 2026 in ESA's mission control. This separation is the first step of a very demanding operational sequence for ESA. Following this, the orbiters will enter Mercury orbit in November and separate in December 2026. Science operations are scheduled to commence in April 2027. 🚀

😠 Rahul slams govt over Subhash Chandra NCLT deal

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the Narendra Modi government of creating two systems in the country. This was after the NCLT approved a resolution plan for businessman Subhash Chandra in Mumbai. The plan lets Chandra pay ₹6.5 crore against ₹22,006.57 crore in creditor claims on August 27, 2026. Gandhi argued this shows favoritism towards billionaires over common citizens. Other Congress leaders called this settlement a mockery of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. 💸

🏛️ Congress slams NCLT's Subhash Chandra payout approval

Congress criticized the NCLT for approving Subhash Chandra's ₹6.5 crore payout to settle ₹22,006 crore debts. This happened on Thursday, August 27, 2026, in the insolvency tribunal process. This repayment translates to a nearly 99.97% haircut for lenders. Congress MP Jairam Ramesh called this a "mundan," not just a haircut, mocking the IBC, 2016. The NCLT approved the plan after dissenting creditors, like LIC Housing Finance, raised objections.

😥 Kolkata man sees his pilgrimage village wiped out by Nepal floods

A Kolkata traveller, Anindya Mukherjee, found the village where he stayed during his Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage almost entirely wiped out by recent floods. He was on the route roughly two and a half months ago, passing through the now-submerged Nepal route. The disaster struck the Bhotekoshi river belt in Nepal’s Rasuwa district early Wednesday, claiming at least 160 lives. West Bengal has reported 33 residents missing, and a state helpline has been opened for affected families. Rescue operations are ongoing, with the Nepal Army deploying helicopters and India assisting with relief efforts. 😥

🗣️ FO refutes claims of Munir acting as US envoy to Iran

The Foreign Office stated that claims regarding CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir visiting Iran as a US envoy are factually incorrect. He met Iranian leadership in Tehran on August 24th, alongside Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The visit aimed at regional de-escalation and breaking the US-Iran military stalemate. The FO clarified the trip was part of Pakistan's role as a mediator, not an official US mission. Pakistan continues to support diplomatic efforts for a lasting resolution to the conflict. 🤝