🏔️ 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. 🤝

✈️ Two pilots killed in Kanpur training crash

A twin-engine four-seater training aircraft crashed near Nattha Khera Ganga Barrage in Kanpur on Thursday morning. Both the instructor pilot, Sachin Bhatia, and trainee pilot, Abhishek Pujari, died instantly in the incident. The aircraft belonged to Garg Aviation, which runs a local flight training school. Police have secured the site and alerted the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for the probe. The exact circumstances that led to this tragic crash remain currently unclear.

📉 Weaker rupee could bust foreign asset tax limit

A weaker rupee might push foreign assets past the FAST-DS Rs 1 crore limit, potentially costing taxpayers a lower 60% tax benefit. This voluntary disclosure window opened on August 16 for individuals in India. The scheme allows regularization of overseas assets by paying 60% tax up to Rs 1 crore. Taxpayers are worried because the rupee's decline over years could push their holdings over the limit. Authorities are set to administer the process online until December 31, 2026. 😥