A devastating flash flood in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River has disrupted the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, leaving 384 pilgrims out of contact in the Rasuwagadhi border area. The river originates in Tibet, and the flooding has cut off a key route connecting Nepal and Tibet. While neither the Nepal government nor India’s Ministry of External Affairs has formally cancelled the pilgrimage, tour operators in Kathmandu have halted all departures for the next 48–72 hours as a safety precaution. Authorities are assessing the situation, while operators are exploring alternative crossings for pilgrims affected by the disruption. The flash flood has plunged the pilgrimage into uncertainty, with hundreds of travellers awaiting updates on their safety and possible onward travel. (PC: X/@Reuters/Navesh Chitrakar)

At least 133 Indians are among more than 400 people reported missing after massive flash floods struck Nepal’s northern Rasuwa district, near the Tibet border, leaving at least 95 people dead. The floods swept away homes, vehicles, bridges and infrastructure sites, severely affecting areas including Timure and Syapru Besi. Security footage showed people fleeing moments before a powerful surge of rocks, mud and water entered the Bhote Koshi River from the Tibetan side around 9 am. A German geoscience agency reported a 4.4-magnitude earthquake about seven minutes earlier, though the relationship between the quake and flooding remains to be established. With floodwaters moving downstream, authorities have placed Bihar and Uttar Pradesh on alert.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Wednesday and expressed condolences over the loss of lives in the devastating floods. Modi assured Shah that India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance as Nepal faces a major rescue and relief challenge. He said India stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal during the crisis. Teams from both countries are coordinating closely on rescue and relief operations. The flash floods, triggered by a sudden surge in the Bhote Koshi River, have caused widespread destruction in Nepal’s Rasuwa and neighbouring districts. (PC: ANI)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is fully prepared for relief and rescue operations in Nepal following devastating flash floods that have killed at least 19 people and left hundreds missing. More than 100 Indians are reportedly among those missing. India has placed C-130 and C-17 aircraft on standby, carrying relief supplies, medicines and earth-moving equipment. The C-130 is scheduled to leave for Nepal on Wednesday, followed by the C-17 on Thursday. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is also on standby. Floodwaters from Tibet caused extensive damage in Nuwakot and Dhading, destroying villages, roads, bridges and infrastructure. (PC: NDTV)

More than 70,000 Indians could be among up to 2 lakh people facing the cancellation of US business and tourist visas in what could become the biggest mass visa revocation in American history. The proposed action targets B1/B2 visa holders issued visas between 2016 and 2026 who have sought or are seeking asylum in the US. American officials say some visitors entered legally before filing asylum claims to remain in the country. The move may affect pending asylum cases and could lead to people losing legal status, though it would not mean immediate deportation. (PC: The Print)

The United States has paused or rescheduled immigrant visa appointments at embassies and consulates worldwide as the Trump administration tightens immigration rules. The State Department said a global training programme for consular officers was launched, with appointments adjusted to accommodate the initiative. The training aims to help officers assess applicants more consistently, including whether they could become dependent on public benefits. Applicants with scheduled interviews have been informed that their appointments will be rescheduled, though no timeline has been announced. The move comes amid a wider immigration crackdown by President Donald Trump’s administration. (PC: The Hindu)

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has said he does not support an upcoming RSS event at Madison Square Garden, where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat is scheduled to address members of the Indian diaspora on August 29. Mamdani, however, said he was unsure whether the city had the authority to cancel what he described as a private event. He said he opposed what he called an “exclusionary vision” of India and expressed support for a pluralistic and secular society. The event, part of the RSS’s centenary-year global outreach programme, is expected to draw around 5,000 people. (PC: X)

The United States has sanctioned four India-based companies and three individuals for allegedly helping facilitate the sale and shipment of Iranian petroleum products worth more than $119 million. The action is part of Washington’s wider effort to curb Iran’s oil revenues and pressure Tehran over its policies. The US Treasury Department accused the sanctioned entities and individuals of operating through a network involved in trading Iranian oil and petrochemical products. The sanctions freeze any US-based assets and prohibit American individuals and companies from conducting business with those named, potentially exposing others to secondary sanctions. (PC: X)

Iran has blacklisted 45 vessels, including two ships owned or operated by India-based entities, for allegedly violating its rules while transiting the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority accused the vessels of non-compliance but did not provide detailed evidence for each case. The blacklist reportedly exposes affected ships to possible fines, detention or cargo confiscation. The development comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States and a sharp decline in maritime traffic through the strait. The move could increase risks for Indian shipping companies and further disrupt regional energy and commercial trade. (PC: Reuters)

Hyderabad student Sai Pradeep, fondly known as Deepu, died by suicide in the US on August 21, allegedly amid stress over his prolonged job search. A native of Dammaiguda, Pradeep moved to the US in 2024 to pursue a master’s degree at the University of Texas at San Antonio. His family and friends said he had struggled to find employment for around four months and was under considerable stress. His cousin Deepthi remembered him as loving, kind-hearted and determined. A GoFundMe campaign is seeking $35,000 to bring his remains back to India and cover funeral expenses, with remaining funds intended for his parents. By Tuesday morning, 821 donors had contributed $28,602. (PC: gofundme.com)