Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said India’s political system “bent, but didn’t break” during recent Gen Z protests, unlike several South Asian countries that witnessed major political upheavals. Speaking at the NDTV World Anviksha Summit, Tharoor said youth-led protests had emerged across Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and India. He highlighted India’s “self-correcting” democratic system, saying it responded quickly to public anger, including a minister’s resignation. Tharoor said the government’s response showed the flexibility of Indian democracy and gave him hope that the country’s political system could adapt to popular demands. (PC: NDTV)

A pilot was killed and another person was seriously injured after a private training aircraft crashed into a field near the Ganga barrage in Kanpur on Thursday morning. Officials said the pilot died on the spot, while the co-pilot suffered severe injuries and was rushed for medical treatment. The aircraft was on a training flight when it crashed, though the exact circumstances remain unclear. Authorities have begun an investigation to determine what caused the accident. Further details are awaited as officials continue to examine the crash. (PC: HT)

A 21-year-old student and model, Muskan, was allegedly stabbed to death inside her home in West Delhi’s Tilak Nagar. Police have identified her gym trainer, Imran, as the main accused, who allegedly fled after the attack. Neighbours rushed to the house after hearing her cries and took her to hospital, where she was declared dead. Police said Muskan was alone at home when the incident occurred. Multiple teams have been deployed to trace Imran, while investigators are examining CCTV footage and other evidence. The motive behind the alleged killing is still under investigation. (PC: India Today)

Following the devastating flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, the Sikkim Bhutia Lepcha Apex Committee (SIBLAC) has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to halt proposed new hydropower projects in Sikkim. SIBLAC convenor Tseten Tashi Bhutia also called for an independent, time-bound inquiry into existing and proposed hydroelectric projects, citing concerns over environmental and disaster risks in the fragile Himalayan region. The demand comes after the Nepal floods destroyed infrastructure, including power projects, and raised renewed concerns about large-scale development in vulnerable mountain areas. (PC: Reuters)

Haryanvi singer and YouTuber Ankit Balyan was shot dead by unidentified assailants outside a gym in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, on Wednesday evening, August 26. The attackers opened fire as Balyan was leaving the gym, seriously injuring him. He was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead. Police are examining CCTV footage and have formed multiple teams to identify and arrest the attackers and determine the motive. His death sparked protests, with family members and supporters blocking the Delhi–Muzaffarnagar Road and demanding immediate arrests. Balyan was known for popular Haryanvi songs and a significant social-media following. (PC: India Today)

Spiritual leader Sadhguru said 77 Kailash pilgrimage participants were at an immigration centre in Tibet when a sudden flash flood struck the region. The incident occurred amid severe flooding near the Nepal-Tibet border, where rescue operations are underway following widespread destruction. Sadhguru’s statement has drawn attention to the safety of Indian pilgrims travelling through the affected Himalayan region. Meanwhile, reports indicate that more than 100 Indian tourists remain uncontactable in Nepal, including pilgrims from Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Authorities are continuing efforts to locate missing people, while damaged infrastructure and disrupted communications are complicating rescue operations. 

Jewellery brand Giva has withdrawn its Rakshabandhan advertisement featuring actor Kriti Sanon after her outfit and a scene involving her pet sparked backlash online. The controversy began after actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut criticised the ad, calling the styling inappropriate for the festival. Sanon defended her choice, saying culture and traditions were “in a woman’s heart, not in her neckline”. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also backed her, saying a woman’s clothing was her own choice. Giva said it respected Indian traditions and withdrew the advertisement after it unintentionally hurt some people’s sentiments. (PC: BBC)

CIA Director John Ratcliffe made an unannounced visit to Moscow for undisclosed meetings with Russian officials, triggering speculation over the purpose of the trip. The visit comes amid the stalled Russia-Ukraine war and rising US pressure on Iran. Some analysts believe Ratcliffe may have carried a warning to Moscow over possible escalation against Ukraine or Nato, while others linked the mission to Washington’s efforts to reduce Russia’s support for Tehran. Speculation about a possible Russian nuclear strike has also surfaced, though there is no public evidence supporting the claim. Neither the CIA nor the Kremlin has disclosed details of the visit. (PC: India Today)

West Bengal’s SIR appellate tribunals have restored 75,443 names to the electoral roll, accounting for 91% of the 82,782 appeals disposed of so far, according to an Election Commission reply to an RTI query. Another 7,339 names were excluded. Congress MP Isha Khan Chowdhury raised concerns over the high number of appeals filed compared with voters marked “Not Eligible”, seeking clarification from the Election Commission. The data also shows that only a small fraction of the 38.1 lakh appeals filed have been disposed of, with several districts still awaiting decisions. (PC: The Indian Express)

India’s food regulator, FSSAI, has backed away from proposed colour-coded warning labels for packaged foods high in sugar, salt and fat following industry opposition. Major companies argued that such labels could confuse consumers and questioned their effectiveness. The issue is now under Supreme Court scrutiny after health activists sought stronger nutritional disclosures. Experts say clearer front-of-pack warnings could help consumers make healthier choices amid rising obesity concerns. The report also highlights differences between products sold in India and Western markets, including higher sugar content in some beverages. Nearly 80% of India’s packaged food products may be high in fat, sugar or salt. (PC: NDTV)