The 6th World Nomad Games are being held in Kyrgyzstan from August 31 to September 6, 2026, bringing together athletes from 104 countries. Established in 2014, the Games promote traditional sports and cultural heritage associated with nomadic communities, particularly across Central Asia. Competitions include horseback archery, wrestling, horse racing, kok-boru, falconry and traditional board games. The opening ceremony in Bishkek was attended by world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Beyond competition, the event aims to preserve traditional practices, encourage cultural exchange and strengthen international understanding through the shared heritage of nomadic civilizations. 

India and Belgium have signed 10 defence-related agreements aimed at strengthening military and defence-industrial cooperation. The deals cover areas including ammunition, 70-mm helicopter rockets, counter-drone technology, tank turrets and naval mine-countermeasure systems. Belgium also assured India that it would not provide Pakistan with defence equipment or military technology. The two countries signed a Letter of Intent establishing structured military cooperation, including officer exchanges, training, research and development, joint exercises and maritime security. The agreements came during Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s visit to India and reflect growing strategic and industrial ties between the two countries. (PC: X)

Gloria Steinem, the influential American feminist, journalist and activist who helped shape the modern women’s rights movement, has died at 92. Her foundation said she passed away peacefully at her New York City home on September 2, surrounded by loved ones. Steinem rose to prominence during the 1960s and became a leading figure in second-wave feminism. She co-founded Ms. Magazine and helped establish the National Women’s Political Caucus, advocating for gender equality, reproductive rights and greater political participation by women. A celebrated writer and organiser, Steinem received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013. Her decades-long activism leaves a lasting legacy. (PC: AFP)

Larry, the famous resident cat of 10 Downing Street, has once again attracted attention after appearing to target a squirrel near the British Prime Minister’s official residence. Known as the UK Cabinet Office’s Chief Mouser, Larry has lived at Downing Street since 2011 and has become a familiar figure during successive governments. The amusing encounter highlights Larry’s natural hunting instincts, despite his long-standing role as a much-loved Downing Street resident. His presence frequently draws photographers and public interest, making even his everyday movements around the government complex a media attraction. 

The Sikkim Mahananda Express was safely stopped in West Bengal to allow a herd of elephants, including calves, to cross the railway tracks. Train No. 15484 Up halted between Rajabhatkhawa and Alipurduar Junction around 9:40 pm after the crew spotted the elephants on the tracks. Loco Pilot Debojit Hore and Assistant Loco Pilot Subhas Ch. Das controlled the train in time, preventing a possible accident. The incident was captured on video, showing the train waiting as the elephant herd crossed safely. After the animals moved away from the tracks, the Sikkim Mahananda Express continued its journey.

The US military struck nearly 60 Iranian military targets while escorting 40 commercial vessels carrying about 18 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, according to CNN. The operation marked a wartime high for shipping through the strategic waterway amid fresh US-Iran clashes. American forces targeted air defence sites, radar systems, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities and communications sites while defending the convoy from drone and cruise missile attacks. The operation came as global energy prices remained elevated and risks to commercial shipping increased. A Saudi-flagged tanker was attacked and caught fire on Monday, killing two Filipino crew members.

India’s largest drugmaker, Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, has signed an agreement with the US government to make medicines more affordable for American patients. The Mumbai-based company will offer “Most Favoured Nation” pricing to US state Medicaid programmes, providing medicines at the lowest prices offered in other developed countries. The arrangement will also apply to Sun Pharma’s future innovative medicines in the US market. The agreement was part of a wider US government push to lower prescription drug prices. In return, the company has secured a delay of more than two years in proposed Section 232 tariffs on its innovative pharmaceutical products. (PC: HT)

Bengaluru has ranked 17th among the world’s 20 best cities for nightlife in Time Out’s 2026 survey, emerging as the only Indian city on the list. The ranking was based on a global survey of more than 24,000 residents and assessments by local experts. Bengaluru scored 71% for nightlife quality and 82% for community feel, highlighting its lively after-dark culture. The city’s street life and casual bars were particularly popular with locals. However, affordability remained a weaker point, with a score of 54%. (PC: The Hindu)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during his visit to Kyiv, said India is ready to help end the Russia-Ukraine war and would assist in any way possible to bring the conflict to an end. “If India can be of any help, in any manner, we are there,” he said alongside Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. The two leaders also discussed attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea. Jaishankar’s visit comes amid rising tensions and after Indian seafarers were killed and injured in recent attacks. India reiterated its call for dialogue, diplomacy and the safety of all seafarers. (PC: X)

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has forecast a 100% chance that El Niño will persist through February 2027, with unusually warm Pacific Ocean waters expected to intensify the climate event. WMO said El Niño could become very strong by late 2026, increasing risks of extreme heat, drought and floods worldwide. For India, the development is a major concern as El Niño can weaken monsoon rainfall and worsen dry conditions. India ended August with a 16% rainfall deficit, while the 2026 monsoon has remained below normal. A positive Indian Ocean Dipole could, however, modify El Niño’s impact. (PC: India Today)