Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office drew attention at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek after sharing a group photograph in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been cropped out. The image, featuring leaders of the 10 SCO member countries, appeared to position Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif at the centre. PM Modi’s version of the family photograph showed the complete group, including Sharif. The Pakistan PMO’s image also cropped Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and several other leaders. The move triggered backlash on social media, following which Sharif posted the full group photograph on his personal X account. The episode came amid the SCO summit, where Modi and Sharif were among participating leaders. (PC: X)

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has withdrawn its planned September 5 march in Delhi. The decision came after the Centre assured the Supreme Court that FIRs linked to the NEET protests would be closed.   CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the group would follow the court’s order and expected the government to honour its promises.   The Centre also said families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide would receive compensation within three months. The CJP had announced the march from India Gate to Delhi Police Headquarters, claiming the government had failed to meet earlier commitments.  

Amazon has been accused of overcharging more than one million advertisers by manipulating online ad auctions. The US Federal Trade Commission and 22 states filed a lawsuit against the company.   The lawsuit claims Amazon made around $20 billion from the alleged practice since 2019. It says advertisers were charged higher prices than expected for some ads.   The complaint also claims the extra costs may have been passed on to consumers. Amazon strongly denied the allegations and called the lawsuit misguided. The company said advertisers adjust their bids based on performance. Amazon shares fell 2.5% after the lawsuit was announced.  

The Supreme Court has quashed FIRs filed across India against students and others who joined the NEET paper leak protests between July 20 and 25. The court said peaceful participation in a protest should not be treated as a crime.   The order applies to cases across states and Union territories. No new FIRs can be filed over the same incidents.   However, the court allowed authorities to separately examine cases involving 2,837 people with serious criminal records. The CJP later withdrew its planned September 5 march after the Centre promised to follow the court’s directions and provide compensation to eligible families.  

A dog in Nepal is refusing to leave the site where its home was destroyed by deadly flash floods. The black-and-white dog has remained among the rubble in Trishuli Bazaar, Nuwakot district.   Four houses in the area were swept away by the floods. Rescuers said the dog repeatedly returns to the spot where one of the homes once stood.   Workers have tried to lure it away with food, but it refuses to leave. Volunteers are now leaving food and water nearby. The dog's owner has not been identified as rescue and recovery work continues.  

Fifty-one of the 227 Indian nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces have died, the government said on Monday. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said 139 Indians have been discharged so far.   India is in regular talks with Russia to secure the release and return of those still serving in the Russian army. The Indian Embassy in Moscow is also monitoring the situation.   Misri said New Delhi wants the remaining Indian nationals to be discharged and reunited with their families as soon as possible. He shared the update during a briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kyrgyzstan.  

Seventeen-year-old Tokyo student Aditi Paudel has been appointed Japan’s first literacy ambassador by the World Literacy Foundation. The global programme includes around 900 young people from 101 countries.   Paudel was chosen for her passion for reading and work to promote literacy among young people. Born in Japan, she spent part of her childhood in Nepal before returning to Japan.   She plans to support children with disabilities and help collect books for communities with lower literacy rates, including in Nepal. Paudel believes literacy opens doors to education, opportunities and a better future.  

The price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has increased by Rs 9.50 from September 1. The new price is Rs 2,747.50, up from Rs 2,738.   The hike comes after two months of price cuts. Higher prices may increase costs for restaurants, hotels and catering businesses. The price of a 5-kg Free Trade LPG cylinder has also risen by Rs 2 to Rs 764.   Meanwhile, domestic LPG prices remain unchanged. A 14.2-kg household cooking gas cylinder continues to cost Rs 942. Domestic LPG prices were last increased in June.  

The death toll from devastating floods in Nepal and Tibet has crossed 1,000, officials said. Nepal has recovered 987 bodies, while at least 16 people have died in Tibet.   Nearly 4,000 people remain missing in Nepal. Around 12,000 people have been rescued so far, while 279 others were injured.   The worst-hit areas include Chitwan, Nawalparasi and several other districts in Nepal. In Tibet, hundreds of people are also missing after floods hit Gyirong County. Chinese authorities said 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries remain unaccounted for near the Nepal border. (PC: Reuters)  

Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory for Tuesday due to motorcade rehearsals for the upcoming BRICS Summit. Traffic restrictions and diversions are expected between 11 am and 3 pm in several parts of central Delhi.   Major roads, including Sardar Patel Marg, Janpath, Mathura Road, Ashoka Road and Shanti Path, may face temporary closures or delays.   Commuters travelling to the airport or railway stations have been advised to leave early and use alternative routes. The Delhi Metro will operate normally and has been recommended to avoid traffic delays. Emergency vehicles will be given priority passage.