A newly deployed US missile, the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), is suspected of causing civilian deaths in strikes on the Iranian city of Lamerd on February 28, according to an AP report citing Airwars and weapons experts. Three missiles reportedly hit a sports complex and residential areas, killing at least 21 civilians, including seven children. Airwars said fragments or pellets from one blast travelled up to 50 metres and killed a two-year-old girl. Experts said damage patterns were consistent with the PrSM, although US Central Command denied responsibility. The missile was reportedly used in combat for the first time during the Iran operation. (PC: X)

India is looking for a “sustainable way forward” to continue its involvement in Iran’s strategic Chabahar port after a US sanctions waiver expired, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said. India is in talks with various stakeholders as it seeks to protect its $120 million investment. Reports say New Delhi may temporarily transfer its stake to an Iranian entity during the sanctions period, without exiting the project. Chabahar is crucial for India’s access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan, and is also linked to the International North-South Transport Corridor. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to move from “endless war” towards peace during their meeting at the SCO Summit in Bishkek. Modi said a peaceful solution to the Ukraine conflict was necessary for humanity. He added that India supports dialogue and diplomatic efforts to end the war. The leaders also discussed trade, defence, energy and other areas of cooperation. They raised concerns about attacks in the Black Sea that have affected maritime trade and Indian seafarers. Putin is expected to visit New Delhi later this month for the BRICS Summit.  

The US government has proposed ending work permits for some H-4 visa holders, who are spouses of H-1B workers. The move could affect thousands of families, especially Indians.   The proposal would reverse a 2015 rule that allowed eligible H-4 spouses to work with an Employment Authorisation Document. Between 2014 and 2017, about 93% of approved H-4 work permits went to Indian nationals.   The proposal is not yet a final rule. DHS must first publish it, allow public comments and issue a final decision. Until then, valid H-4 EAD holders can continue working under current rules.  

ISRO will launch its GSLV-F17 rocket carrying the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite on September 4. The launch is scheduled for 2:55 AM from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.   GSLV-F17 will be the 19th flight of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. The rocket will place EOS-05 into a Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.   EOS-05 will be India’s first imaging satellite to operate from a geosynchronous orbit. From its high position, it will observe large areas of Earth. The satellite will help monitor land, natural resources and changes on the planet. It will also support scientific and practical applications.  

Country music star Dolly Parton has been laid to rest following a private family funeral in Tennessee. She was reportedly buried beside her late husband, Carl Dean, at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Mausoleum.   Parton died last week at the age of 80 after a brief battle with cancer. Her great-niece, Lainey Parton, shared an emotional tribute after the funeral. She remembered Parton as a loving and supportive family member who always encouraged her dreams.   Since her death, fans and artists have paid tribute to the singer. Her famous song 'Jolene' has also returned to the UK music charts. (PC: Reuters)  

Travel between Delhi and Lucknow could take around two hours under a proposed new bullet train project, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Monday. The planned corridor will connect Delhi with Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Varanasi and Patna. Travel from Delhi to Agra could take 58 minutes, while Kanpur may be reached in 1 hour and 50 minutes. The journey to Patna is expected to take around 4.5 hours. Vaishnaw said the project would be the next phase of India's bullet train network after the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor. The project is expected to boost tourism, business and economic activity.  

Rescuers in Nepal are using explosives to blast through a hillside to reach hundreds of workers believed to be trapped inside mud-filled hydropower tunnels. Teams are also pumping air into the tunnels as families wait anxiously for news. At least 939 people have died in the floods, while 3,925 remain missing. Hundreds of the missing are linked to hydropower projects. An international rescue team is leading the operation, with experts from several countries helping. So far, 279 workers have been rescued. Families fear time is running out but still hope their loved ones are alive. (PC: Nepal Army/Reuters)  

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football after 20 years with Argentina. The 39-year-old shared his decision on Instagram on August 31. Messi said he decided to retire two days after Argentina's 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain. He added that the death of his father made him even more certain about the decision. Messi played 207 matches for Argentina and scored 125 goals. He led the team to the 2022 World Cup title and two Copa América trophies. He will continue playing club football for Inter Miami.

AIIMS will re-conduct the CRE-5 examination for affected candidates in Jaipur on September 7. The August 31 morning shift was disrupted by a power failure at the iON Digital Zone Sitapura centre. The examination at centres RJ0101 and RJ0102 was cancelled after the disruption. Only candidates who were scheduled to appear in the affected morning shift can take the re-examination. The exam city will remain Jaipur, but the new centre details will be given in revised admit cards. AIIMS said the revised admit cards will be released soon. Candidates have been asked to check the official examination portal for updates.