Double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker has been named one of India’s flag-bearers for the Asian Games opening ceremony in Nagoya on Saturday, with shot-putter Tajinder Pal Singh Toor expected to join her. The announcement came amid organisational problems at the Games, as the traditional flag-hoisting ceremony involving India, Yemen, North Korea, Palestine and Timor-Leste was delayed by 20 minutes before being abruptly halted. Organisers cited unspecified “trouble” involving a team but gave no further details. The disruption adds to concerns over accommodation, transportation and other logistical arrangements reported by athletes ahead of the official opening. (PC: X)

India has called for a stronger international framework to keep vital maritime routes open during crises, warning that disruptions at key sea chokepoints can affect global trade, energy and food supplies. Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting, India’s Permanent Representative Harish Parvathaneni stressed that commercial vessels should not become targets of geopolitical tensions and that freedom of navigation must comply with international law. India highlighted its maritime security operations in the Indo-Pacific and Gulf of Aden–Red Sea, which have helped ensure the safe transit of 449 merchant vessels carrying nearly 20.3 million tonnes of cargo and oil. (PC: X)

A 15-year-old Palestinian boy, Mohammad Abdul Zinati, was killed in northern Gaza City after approaching a wounded man following an initial Israeli strike, according to witnesses cited by The Guardian. Witnesses said an Israeli drone launched a second strike as civilians gathered to help the injured man, identified as paramedic Sharif Shadi Labad. Weapons experts who reviewed verified footage said the incident appeared consistent with a “double-tap” pattern and suggested the teenager may have been visible to the drone. The Israeli military said Labad was a Hamas militant and acknowledged that an uninvolved person was harmed. It said the incident was under review. 

Scientists have identified Leopardus tilcayo, a small spotted tiger cat from Bolivia’s Yungas forest, marking the first new living cat species scientifically described in more than 100 years. The cat weighs about three pounds and is smaller than an average domestic cat. Researchers used genomic analysis to confirm that it is genetically distinct from other tiger cats and diverged from them around 1.4 million years ago. The species was initially mistaken for another tiger cat after being found as a kitten in 2016. Scientists say much about its behaviour and ecology remains unknown, highlighting the need for further research and conservation. 

The US House of Representatives has passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, giving President Donald Trump authority to impose sanctions and tariffs of up to 100% on countries buying Russian energy or helping Moscow evade sanctions. The legislation particularly affects major Russian oil buyers such as India and China. However, the bill includes exemptions for certain civilian nuclear activities and Russian uranium imports, reflecting US dependence on Russian nuclear fuel supplies. The measure also targets Russian officials, companies and the “shadow fleet” used to transport oil. The bill now awaits Trump’s signature. (PC: X)

Iran has urged caution over Saudi Arabia’s claim that a Houthi drone was intercepted south of Mecca, saying the allegation alone does not establish responsibility. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei condemned any aggression against Islamic holy sites, including Mecca, Medina and Al-Aqsa Mosque, but said unverified claims should not be used to inflame regional tensions or divide Muslim countries. The Houthis have denied targeting Mecca, saying their operations target Saudi military and oil facilities. Baqaei also warned about alleged “false flag” operations, arguing that such incidents could be exploited for political purposes. (PC: X)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on September 18 criticised the Election Commission’s interim decision to bar rival Trinamool Congress factions from using the party’s name and “Flowers & Grass” symbol in upcoming West Bengal Assembly bypolls. Gandhi alleged that the BJP and Election Commission were working together to split political parties, citing previous disputes involving Shiv Sena and NCP. He described the situation as “vote chori, government chori, now party chori” and questioned the EC’s constitutional responsibility to protect electoral mandates. The Commission said both TMC factions must choose separate names and free symbols until it reaches a final decision. (PC: AP)

A 17-year-old girl’s decomposed body was found in a field near Kushak Road in Delhi on September 13, days after she was allegedly gang-raped and murdered. According to police, local residents noticed stray dogs around the body and alerted authorities. The girl had reportedly been stabbed multiple times, and a medical examination confirmed sexual assault. Police arrested four suspects in connection with the case, including a 19-year-old man and three minors. Investigators reportedly examined more than 50 CCTV cameras and traced a tempo allegedly linked to the incident. Knives, clothing and the vehicle were recovered as part of the investigation. (PC: NDTV)

India and Bangladesh have restarted official-level discussions on arranging Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit to New Delhi after a brief disruption in bilateral engagement. Officials are working on the visit’s agenda, with discussions expected to cover bilateral trade and the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty. Rahman had previously received invitations from India for a bilateral visit and to attend the BRICS Summit, but did not travel to New Delhi for the summit. The renewed talks come amid efforts to stabilise relations that have faced tensions since Sheikh Hasina’s removal from power in 2024. (PC: Reuters)

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) expects to begin deliveries of LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighter jets to the Indian Air Force by the end of 2026, with deliveries likely starting in December. HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K said the company is addressing remaining radar-related issues and completing weapons-integration testing, which could take about a month. HAL has 27 Mk-1A airframes ready and has received 10 GE Aerospace engines. The IAF has ordered 180 Mk-1A fighters under two contracts worth around ₹1.1 lakh crore. HAL plans to deliver about 10 aircraft during FY 2026-27. (PC: X)