US Vice-President JD Vance faced criticism after a US missile strike in southern Iran reportedly killed four people, including a child, during a wedding celebration. The Iranian Red Crescent said shrapnel struck a residential home in Kuhestak, Sirik county, killing four and injuring more than 50 people. When asked whether the US was responsible, Vance said he was “extremely skeptical” of Iranian reports and insisted that America does not target civilians, adding that “sometimes things happen.” The incident has intensified scrutiny of US military operations in Iran and renewed concerns over civilian casualties as the conflict continues into its seventh month. (PC: Getty Images)

Estonia’s Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur has resigned, taking political responsibility for problems surrounding a €70 million ammunition procurement deal intended to supply artillery shells to Ukraine. The agreement, signed in 2024, involved Italy-registered Datasel S.R.L., owned by Indian company Neco Defence Munitions. Reports said the companies had no previous record of selling artillery ammunition when the contracts were awarded. Estonia had paid around €70 million upfront using European Union funds. The procurement later faced concerns over delays and ammunition requirements, triggering a dispute. Estonia’s National Audit Office criticised weaknesses in defence procurement, prompting Pevkur to step down. 

Director Vishal Chaturvedi has criticised the Hindi film industry for failing to support Hanuman Ansh when it was struggling, saying some people who did not help are now congratulating him after its success. The film, released on August 7, initially had more than 350 shows nationwide but faced reduced screenings because of competition from other releases. Chaturvedi said the movie gained momentum through word of mouth and direct audience engagement, with the film reportedly nearing ₹75 crore. He also described Bollywood as divided between genuinely passionate filmmakers and those pursuing filmmaking without sufficient commitment, questioning the industry’s understanding of what audiences will embrace. (PC: NDTV)

Nepal’s devastating flash floods and mudslides have left more than 1,200 people dead, while thousands remain missing as search-and-rescue operations continue. The disaster, triggered by a glacier collapse near the Nepal-China border, sent huge volumes of ice, rock, mud and water through Himalayan valleys, destroying homes, roads, bridges and hydropower facilities. Rescue teams face difficult terrain, debris and rising river levels, while authorities remain alert to possible fresh flooding from unstable lakes and landslide-dammed waterways. Security forces, supported by specialist teams, are searching affected areas and hydropower tunnels for survivors. The disaster has also displaced thousands and created major reconstruction challenges. (PC: Reuters)

Two workers were rescued alive from the Trishuli 3A hydropower tunnel in Nepal, nine days after devastating flash floods and landslides trapped workers underground. The survivors, identified as Sanjay Sah and Kabir Maharjan, were found inside the tunnel during an intensive rescue operation involving Nepalese Army personnel and other teams. Sah was rescued first, while Maharjan was later brought out and taken for medical treatment. The disaster, triggered by a glacier collapse, caused widespread destruction across the Trishuli River valley and left hundreds missing. The successful rescue has renewed hopes of finding more survivors as search operations continue at several affected hydropower projects. 

The Ganga’s rising water level has put eight Bihar districts—Bhojpur, Patna, Saran, Vaishali, Nalanda, Begusarai, Lakhisarai and Jehanabad—on high alert. At Gandhi Ghat in Patna, the river reached about 1.65 metres above the danger mark, with forecasts warning it could cross the Highest Flood Level. Authorities have been instructed to monitor embankments, alert residents in low-lying areas and prepare shelters, medical facilities, food and drinking water. SDRF and NDRF teams remain ready for rescue operations. Meanwhile, Opposition leader Tejashwi Yadav criticised the government, alleging inadequate flood preparedness and relief arrangements in affected areas. (PC: India Today)

Train services to North Bengal were severely disrupted on September 3 after railway track subsidence occurred between Tildanga and New Farakka stations in Murshidabad. Heavy rainfall caused soil erosion and weakened the ground beneath the tracks, damaging the up line and forcing authorities to halt train movement for several hours. Several trains, including the Darjeeling Mail, Kanchankanya Express, Gour Express and Padatik Express, were delayed, diverted or cancelled. Railway engineers began emergency repair work, while some long-distance trains were rerouted through the Nalhati-Azimganj-Jangipur route. Officials said restoration work progressed rapidly, with services expected to gradually return to normal. 

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the GSLV-F17 rocket carrying EOS-05, an advanced Earth observation satellite, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 2:55 a.m. on September 4, 2026. � The mission marks an important achievement for India’s space programme, with EOS-05 designed to provide high-resolution, continuous imaging from geosynchronous orbit. The satellite will support applications including Earth monitoring and national development. The launch is also significant for the GSLV programme following earlier setbacks, demonstrating ISRO’s improved launch capabilities and strengthening India’s Earth-observation infrastructure. 

A News18 explainer examines the unusual pattern of major disasters and tragedies associated with the number 26, prompting claims that the date may be “jinxed.” The report highlights several devastating events, including the August 26, 2026 Nepal floods, the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the 2005 Mumbai floods, and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. While the repeated occurrence has attracted public attention, there is no scientific evidence that the number 26 causes or predicts disasters. Experts generally regard such patterns as coincidence, with selective attention making memorable date associations appear more significant than they statistically are. 

Dr. Penny Dash, Chair of NHS England, has said Britain should learn from India’s healthcare system, highlighting the country’s growing potential as a global healthcare model. She particularly pointed to India’s use of digital technology and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery. According to her, India’s expanding digital healthcare infrastructure demonstrates how technology can improve efficiency, reduce costs and strengthen access to medical services. Her comments come as the UK’s National Health Service faces pressure to improve productivity and manage rising healthcare demands. The remarks highlight India’s emerging influence in global healthcare innovation and technology-driven service delivery. (PC: X)