🦆 Rare Whistling Duck Spotted in Malappuram Wetlands

A flock of over 30 Fulvous whistling ducks was sighted at Venjali wetlands in Cherumukku, near Tirurangadi, Malappuram. This marks the first reported sighting of this rare species specifically in Malappuram district. The birds usually arrive in Kerala near the start of the monsoon and typically return by October. Birdwatchers Kabeerali P. and Fathima Sabeeha P.P. made the discovery, noting its distinct features. Cherumukku wetlands are a vital stopover, having recorded 70 to 80 bird species over the last four years. 🦆

🇮🇳 Quad Sherpa meet in Delhi sets up India-US quarter

A high-level Quad Sherpa meeting took place in New Delhi to lay groundwork for the upcoming leaders' summit. The meeting involved designated Sherpas from the US, Australia, and Japan, hosted by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. This event is part of an intense diplomatic calendar running from September through the G20 Leaders’ Summit in December. The discussions help define the agenda for the next Quad Leaders’ Summit, which dates have yet to be announced. This meeting signals the deepening strategic and diplomatic ties between India and the United States. 🤝

🚧 BRICS Summit rehearsal traffic update for Sept 3

Delhi Police issued a traffic advisory for the BRICS Summit 2026 motorcade rehearsal happening on September 3rd. The restrictions will affect over 35 major roads across New Delhi and South Delhi between 10 am and 3 pm. Traffic movement will be regulated at 22 diversion points, impacting key routes like Sardar Patel Marg and Janpath. Commuters are strongly advised to use the Delhi Metro or plan alternate routes for airport and railway travel. Emergency and medical vehicles will maintain obstruction-free passage throughout the rehearsal period. 🚗

🚑 Bus-truck crash leaves five dead in MP

A severe bus and truck collision occurred on National Highway 39 near Badwar in Rewa district, Madhya Pradesh. Five people were killed and 30 others sustained injuries in the incident. This happened around 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The accident was so bad that the truck overturned and the bus fell into a water-filled drain. The state government has announced financial aid for the victims and the investigation is ongoing. 😥

🏏 Hridoy's massive 350 fuels Test hopes

Towhid Hridoy scored a record-breaking unbeaten 350 against South Africa A in Potchefstroom, South Africa. He played with the Bangladesh A team, which included Nurul Hasan, Rishad Hossain, and Mohammad Saifuddin. This massive innings came during the series which took place in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Despite his feat, Hridoy remains cautious about his prospects in red-ball cricket. His performance will definitely be a major talking point before Bangladesh's next Test series.

💥 Iran reports casualties from US strikes amid war escalation

Iran's health ministry reported that 142 people were injured and 18 were killed in recent US strikes. This incident occurred after the US military conducted additional strikes on Iran on Tuesday. The reported figures include 61 women and 44 people under 18 among the injured. US President Donald Trump stated that the renewed fighting with Iran would not last 'too long.' Meanwhile, Iran's security chief suggested Washington would soon see Tehran's new war strategy.

🔫 Minneapolis apartment shooting leaves multiple injured

Three people, including the suspected gunman, have died following a mass shooting at a downtown Minneapolis apartment building on Wednesday afternoon. Three police officers were also injured in the incident, with one hit in the leg and another in the stomach. The total casualties reported include seven patients taken to Hennepin Healthcare, one of whom succumbed to injuries. Governor Tim Walz and FBI Director Kash Patel both expressed support for the responding law enforcement agencies. Authorities are continuing to manage the situation in the downtown area following multiple gunshots. 🔫

🏏 PCB Chief Defends Big Test Squad Shakeup

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi defended the major changes to Pakistan’s Test squad during the England series. These changes were implemented after Pakistan lost the first two Tests, giving England an unassailable 2-0 lead. Seven players were dropped, including Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, before the final Test on September 9. Naqvi stated the decisions were essential, pointing to improvements in white-ball cricket during his tenure. He also introduced Mike Hesson as the new head coach. 🏏

🌍 Rubio on Modi-Pezeshkian meet: No India-Iran trade deal

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the meeting between PM Narendra Modi and Iran President Massoud Pezeshkian at the SCO Summit in Bishkek. Rubio stated that he does not believe there is any trade deal between India and Iran, noting that many countries interact with Tehran's regime. This meeting was the first since the US-Iran war started, following earlier attacks. Rubio also warned that countries helping Iran evade sanctions will face repercussions. Pezeshkian had appreciated India's support and urged Modi to promote dialogue for peace in the region. 🤝

🍄 Zombie Beetles: Fungus Makes Them Die on Flowers

A fungus is turning goldenrod soldier beetles into mobile corpses that die on flowers. Researchers observed this phenomenon in Arkansas involving the Chauliognathus pensylvanicus beetle. In one 1996 collection of 446 beetles, 90 were found infected, showing a 20.2% prevalence. The beetles grip flowers before dying, which may help fungal spores spread to new hosts. This study offers insights into fungal prevalence and beetle-plant interactions. 🧐

🌊 Nepal hydropower flood: Banks knew the risks

A massive water surge hit Nepal's 216-MW Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower project, trapping workers in the tunnel. Of the 13 Indians initially in the group, only eight have returned home after the incident on August 26th. The project, funded by $150 million from ADB and AIIB, faced known climate risks. Experts noted that banks failed to conduct proper climate resilience assessments despite earlier warnings. Now, over 600 workers remain missing as rescue operations continue. 😟