The UN human rights office says Russian authorities were behind 89 per cent of verified conflict-related sexual violence cases in Ukraine. Its report documents 1,004 cases between February 2022 and July 2026, involving civilians and prisoners of war. The remaining 11 per cent were attributed to Ukrainian authorities. Most victims were men, while women and children were affected mainly in occupied territory. The UN says the true figure is likely higher because of underreporting and Russia's refusal to grant access. Russia declined to comment, while Ukraine welcomed the report. UN rights chief Volker Türk said the violence must stop immediately. (PC: India Today)

Three people were killed and another critically injured after a speeding BMW crashed on Mumbai’s Coastal Road and fell from a bridge early Sunday morning. The black BMW was travelling from Marine Drive towards Haji Ali when the driver allegedly lost control, hit a boundary wall and plunged into an area where parking work was underway. All four occupants were taken to Nair Hospital, where three were declared dead. The victims included 21-year-old Shanay Gajjal and 17-year-old Dhirya Seth, while the third deceased was a 25-year-old man. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. 

Japan Air Self-Defense Force chief General Takehiro Morita flew a sortie in India's indigenous LCA Tejas at Jodhpur on Sunday, during the India-Japan air exercise Veer Guardian-2026. IAF chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said the flight showed Japan's "faith and trust" in homegrown Indian aircraft. Singh also flew a Tejas. He called it a milestone that Japanese fighters are operating from Indian soil for the first time. Morita said Tejas symbolises India's technological innovation and the Make in India drive. The 14-day exercise began on September 8, with JASDF F-2 jets joining IAF Tejas, Su-30MKI and Rafale aircraft.

A Sikh bus driver was attacked before a man hijacked a bus in Telford, UK, on Friday evening. A video circulating online appears to show the man pulling the driver’s beard and headbutting him before taking control of the bus. Police said the vehicle was driven on the wrong side of the road and crashed into several vehicles. Armed officers stopped the bus and arrested a 33-year-old man within 10 minutes of receiving the first emergency call. The driver suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of robbery and dangerous driving. Police said inquiries into the incident are continuing.  

Indian fish importers have urged Bangladesh to lift its hilsa export ban ahead of Durga Puja, but no 2026 export quota has been announced. Eighteen Bangladeshi companies have applied for permission, and Dhaka's Commerce Ministry has asked the Fisheries Ministry to assess domestic supply first. Last year, Bangladesh allowed 1,200 tonnes of hilsa to go to India. This year the flow has reversed. India has exported about 500 tonnes of hilsa to Bangladesh in two months, amid lower production there, and 150-200 tonnes more are expected. For Bengalis on both sides of the border, Padma ilish remains central to the festive table. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump has signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, giving him authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that continue major purchases of Russian oil and gas. India and China, among the largest buyers of Russian energy, could potentially face such measures, though the law does not automatically impose them. The legislation expands sanctions on Russia, targets its energy sector, banks, officials and shadow fleet, and extends existing sanctions on Iran. India has expressed concern over possible effects on bilateral ties, energy security and markets. New Delhi says it will continue sourcing energy based on prices and availability. (PC: NY Times)

Japanese airmen at the India-Japan air exercise "Veer Guardian 2026" have praised Indian Air Force personnel as "approachable" and spoken warmly of Indian curry and yoga.   The drill is being held at the Air Force Station in Jodhpur and will run until September 22. The IAF welcomed Japan's F-2 fighter jets and 110 Japan Air Self-Defense Force members on September 8.   Airmen from Tsuiki Air Base said training with aircraft their force does not have is improving their skills. They called the curry "super delicious" and said yoga left an impression. Rajnath Singh called the visit a "significant milestone" for India-Japan defence ties. (PC:  HT)

A 24-year-old Indian national has become the first person to be charged under the UK's new border security law for advertising illegal immigration services online.   Hem Raj, who lives in the West Midlands, was arrested in Smethwick on Tuesday and appeared before Birmingham Magistrates Court on Wednesday. The National Crime Agency (NCA) said his arrest followed social media posts allegedly offering advice on fraudulent visa and asylum applications.   Raj is charged under Section 17 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025. He is also charged with illegally providing immigration advice under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. (PC: Economic Times)

The Government of India said on Saturday it will act in its own interest and is not under external pressure, after US President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law.  The law lets the US President impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on major buyers of Russian oil and gas, but does not automatically impose them on any country.  Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh called such tariffs unfair and said energy is a primary concern for India. India will buy from commercially viable sources, he said. (PC: The Tribune)

An India-Pakistan naval collision in the North Arabian Sea has renewed attention on the two countries’ long history of maritime confrontations. On September 15, Pakistani offshore patrol vessel PNS Hunain collided with Indian Navy destroyer INS Kolkata in international waters. India said the Pakistani vessel approached at high speed and manoeuvred unsafely, while Pakistan disputed India’s account. The incident prompted diplomatic protests from both sides. India also cited the 1991 bilateral agreement requiring naval vessels to maintain at least three nautical miles of separation. The episode follows earlier clashes, including confrontations during the 1965 and 1971 wars. (PC: LCM)