😥 Nepal flood relief fund hits ₹2 billion fast

Over ₹2.295 billion has been donated to Nepal's Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund following massive flash floods. The floods hit the Himalayan nation, with the death toll rising to 626 in Nuwakot district on August 29, 2026. Donations reached ₹1.91 billion in 36 hours from Wednesday afternoon to Thursday midnight. The government declared affected areas disaster zones, prompting widespread aid collection. The Finance Ministry is coordinating this assistance, and PM Balendra Shah will also contribute a month's salary. 😥

🏛️ GST Council meeting set for Sep 12 to ease tax blocks

The 57th GST Council meeting is scheduled in New Delhi on September 12, following an officers’ meeting on September 11. Sources indicate the Council might relax restrictions on blocked input tax credit (ITC) under Section 17(5) of the CGST Act. This provision currently restricts ITC on things like motor vehicles and beauty treatments, causing business expenditure issues. The Council will also look into refunding accumulated ITC under the inverted duty structure. These potential reforms aim to lower working-capital burdens and improve GST fairness. 💰

🎬 Swastika Mukherjee defends Kiara Advani against backlash

Actress Swastika Mukherjee defended Kiara Advani amidst backlash over Yash and Geetu Mohandas' film 'Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-Ups'. Mukherjee addressed the trend of pre-judgment, questioning why actresses must fit a specific mold in cinema. The criticism intensified when Kiara's motherhood, after welcoming daughter Saraayah Malhotra on July 15 last year, was brought up. Swastika strongly questioned why motherhood should dictate an actress's on-screen choices. The film, released on August 26, has reportedly collected Rs 221 crore globally.

⚖️ Banks challenge Subhash Chandra's repayment plan

Canara Bank, Union Bank of India, and LIC Housing Finance will contest the NCLT's approval of Dr. Subhash Chandra's personal insolvency plan. These three public sector lenders had previously voted against the proposed ₹6.25 crore repayment plan. The plan ultimately gained approval from other private creditors who held an aggregate 80.81% voting share. Canara Bank stated it was filing an appeal in the NCLAT against the NCLT order. Union Bank and LIC Housing Finance are also immediately challenging the NCLT's decision. ⚖️

🔥 LDF factions clash over leadership and legacy

Tensions are rising within the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Keralam as CPI and CPI(M) challenge each other's historical roles. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has approached the CPI, praising its ideals while criticizing the CPI(M)'s dominance. K.P.A. Majeed highlighted early CPI achievements in land reform, contrasting them with current dynamics. Meanwhile, CPI(M) member C.N. Mohanan attacked the CPI for stirring division within the LDF. CPI Secretary Binoy Viswam countered by accusing CPI(M) of past alliances with right-wing groups.

🏛️ Bombay HC clears 5 eateries amid FDA scrutiny

The Bombay High Court has ruled in favor of reopening five eateries after facing objections from the Food and Drug Administration. This decision involved a legal challenge regarding the operational status of these establishments in Mumbai. The court cleared the restaurants following a review of the matter, which involved specific health regulations. This move signals a shift in how the court views regulatory hurdles for small businesses. Authorities are now expected to monitor compliance as the eateries resume service.

📱 Vivo X500 Pro Max display specs drop

Vivo has revealed key display details for its upcoming X500 Pro Max smartphone. The device will feature a 6.85-inch 2K BOE panel. This new display promises a significant improvement with 93% less motion blur compared to previous models. This upgrade aims to enhance the overall viewing experience for users. More detailed information regarding the X500 Pro Max is expected to be shared soon.

⌚ Samsung lets you try Galaxy Watch for 100 days

Samsung has launched an enhanced trade-in offer for the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 in the UK. Customers can save up to £147 using the code W9 at checkout for these smartwatches. The offer includes 30% off a watch band and 60 days of free Strava access. A major perk is the 100-day trial period, allowing returns if the watch isn't liked. This limited-time deal is valid until September 8.

🚨 FIR filed against Mamata Banerjee over rally order

An FIR has been registered against Mamata Banerjee and TMCP organisers for violating a Calcutta High Court order during a rally. The incident took place in Kolkata on August 28, 2026. The case, registered at Hastings Police Station, involves allegations of criminal conspiracy and obstruction. The complaint states that supporters occupied both flanks of Cathedral Road, causing traffic issues. The authorities will now determine the validity of these serious allegations in court. 🧐

🚗 Bombay HC drops cab driver language plea

The Bombay High Court disposed of a petition challenging Maharashtra's Marathi language rule for cab drivers. The petition was filed by four cab drivers against the state government in Mumbai. The government granted an additional year to learn Marathi, extending the deadline past August 15th. This move halts immediate action against non-Marathi-speaking drivers, who fear losing their livelihoods. The court accepted the government's statement, ending the immediate legal challenge to the notification. 🚗

😥 28 from Karnataka stranded in Nepal/Tibet due to floods

Flash floods have resulted in 28 individuals from Karnataka being reported stranded or missing across Nepal and Tibet. The State Emergency Operations Centre shared this update on August 29, 2026, noting that 23 are from Bengaluru Urban. Most are believed to be in Timure, Rasuwa district in Nepal, while four have been confirmed safe. Karnataka government is monitoring the situation and coordinating rescue efforts with central authorities. Search and tracing operations are actively continuing for the remaining 24 people. 😥