The death toll from Nepal’s devastating August 26 flash floods has risen to 1,003, while families continue searching for workers missing at damaged hydropower projects. Rescuers, including the Nepal Army, foreign experts and an Indian tunnel rescue team, are battling deep mud, rocks and debris inside blocked underground tunnels. At least 122 people remain unaccounted for at the Upper Trishuli-3B project in Nuwakot, while families fear their relatives may be trapped inside tunnels. “We still have hope,” one son said as he urged faster excavation. The floods damaged at least 12 hydropower projects across Rasuwa and Nuwakot. (PC: HT)

Former British prime minister Keir Starmer has announced he will step down as MP for London’s Holborn and St Pancras constituency, ending his parliamentary career and triggering a by-election. Starmer, 63, resigned as Labour leader and prime minister last month but had initially planned to remain in Parliament as a backbencher. In a statement issued as Parliament returned from its summer recess, he said he had spent the summer considering his future before deciding to leave the House of Commons. Starmer said he would now focus on international affairs, defence, security, trade and technology, citing the rapidly changing global environment. His departure marks the end of his political representation of the constituency. (PC: X)

Nepal is facing the aftermath of catastrophic flash floods that have killed 1,003 people, while around 4,000 remain missing as rescue operations continue amid rain and fresh alerts. The disaster followed a collapse or avalanche of ice and rock near the Nepal-Tibet border, sending a massive surge of water down the Bhotekoshi River. Floodwaters swept through settlements and caused extensive damage to roads, bridges and hydropower projects. Rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate survivors and recover bodies despite difficult conditions. Kathmandu has linked the scale of the disaster to climate change and is seeking compensation from major greenhouse-gas emitters. The catastrophe has caused widespread destruction across the country, leaving thousands affected.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly fears that ending the Ukraine war without achieving his maximalist objectives, including capturing the entire Donbas region, could trigger a backlash from Russia’s elite and threaten his hold on power, according to The Economist. A Kremlin insider reportedly recalled Putin saying “they will hang me” when discussing the consequences of ending the war without securing his stated goals. The report suggests Putin views a negotiated settlement as a sign of weakness and believes a weak Russian leader cannot survive. Estonian intelligence chief Kaupo Rosin similarly warned that stopping the war could make Putin appear weak. Meanwhile, growing elite dissatisfaction, economic difficulties, Ukrainian strikes and mounting war costs are complicating Putin’s position. (PC: 19FortyFive)

Sweetie, a deaf dog from Nepal’s Nuwakot district, survived alone for five days after devastating floods and has been reunited with her family. The family had tried to move her to safety before floodwaters rose, but Sweetie could not hear their calls. After the disaster, they repeatedly searched their devastated neighbourhood before finding her alive. Sweetie had gone missing on August 26, when a wall of water and debris swept through Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. The flash flood along the Trishuli River was triggered by a glacier collapse near Langtang Lirung. The emotional reunion also brought heartbreak: Sweetie’s family had two dogs, both with them for more than five years, but only Sweetie survived. (PC: Suresh K Pandey/Outlook)

A pet dog in Nepal has refused to leave the site of his former home after devastating floods washed away four houses in Trishuli Bazaar, Nuwakot. The black-and-white dog, still wearing his collar, continues to sit near what was once his family’s doorway, despite bulldozers and rescue workers clearing mud, timber and debris around him. His owners remain unaccounted for. Workers initially tried to coax him away with biscuits, but he barely responded and repeatedly returned to the same spot. Volunteers now leave food and water nearby, which he takes only when the area becomes quiet. For displaced residents, the dog’s unwavering wait has become a poignant symbol of loyalty, loss and hope amid the disaster. (PC: X/@TheDailyJagran)

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.  

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 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)