Gloria Steinem, the influential American journalist, author and feminist activist, has died at 92 at her home in New York City, according to her foundation. She passed away peacefully on September 2, surrounded by loved ones; no cause of death was disclosed. Steinem became a leading voice of the U.S. women’s liberation movement from the 1960s onward. Her 1963 investigation into working conditions at Playboy Clubs helped establish her as a prominent journalist. She later co-founded Ms. magazine and several organizations supporting women’s political participation and equality. A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Steinem continued advocating for gender equality and reproductive rights for decades. (PC: X)

Aditi Paudel, a 17-year-old high school student in Tokyo, has been appointed Japan’s first literacy ambassador by the World Literacy Foundation. Born in Japan and raised partly in Nepal, Paudel developed a passion for reading from childhood, inspired by her grandfather and books. She joins a global Youth Ambassador Programme involving around 900 young people aged 16–25 from 101 countries. Paudel aims to promote reading, education and equal opportunities for young people, while also supporting book donations to countries with lower literacy rates. Her bilingual background and personal experiences have strengthened her commitment to making literacy accessible and empowering. (PC: NDTV)

Jailed separatist leader Yasin Malik has reportedly decided to divorce his wife, Pakistani national Mushaal Hussein Mullick, amid ongoing legal proceedings. Malik has denied involvement in the 1990 killing of Kashmiri Pandit nurse Sarla Bhat, a case associated with the violence against Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the report, Malik has stated that he would accept the death penalty if convicted in the murder case. He is currently serving a life sentence in a terror-funding case. His latest statements have brought renewed attention to the decades-old Sarla Bhat murder case and Malik’s wider legal battles. (PC: ANI)

Gloria Steinem, the influential American feminist, journalist and activist who helped shape the modern women’s rights movement, has died at 92. Her foundation said she passed away peacefully at her New York City home on September 2, surrounded by loved ones. Steinem rose to prominence during the 1960s and became a leading figure in second-wave feminism. She co-founded Ms. Magazine and helped establish the National Women’s Political Caucus, advocating for gender equality, reproductive rights and greater political participation by women. A celebrated writer and organiser, Steinem received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013. Her decades-long activism leaves a lasting legacy. (PC: AFP)

Larry, the famous resident cat of 10 Downing Street, has once again attracted attention after appearing to target a squirrel near the British Prime Minister’s official residence. Known as the UK Cabinet Office’s Chief Mouser, Larry has lived at Downing Street since 2011 and has become a familiar figure during successive governments. The amusing encounter highlights Larry’s natural hunting instincts, despite his long-standing role as a much-loved Downing Street resident. His presence frequently draws photographers and public interest, making even his everyday movements around the government complex a media attraction. 

The US military struck nearly 60 Iranian military targets while escorting 40 commercial vessels carrying about 18 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, according to CNN. The operation marked a wartime high for shipping through the strategic waterway amid fresh US-Iran clashes. American forces targeted air defence sites, radar systems, maritime assets, mine-laying capabilities and communications sites while defending the convoy from drone and cruise missile attacks. The operation came as global energy prices remained elevated and risks to commercial shipping increased. A Saudi-flagged tanker was attacked and caught fire on Monday, killing two Filipino crew members.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Thursday announced plans to develop a world-class Olympic City and a dedicated motorsports city in Chennai. The Olympic City, to be developed by the Tamil Nadu Sports Development Authority, will feature advanced sports arenas, a High Performance Training Centre, Sports Science and Sports Medicine centres, and accommodation for athletes and coaches. Vijay said the facility would help Tamil Nadu athletes prepare for the Olympics and other international events. The proposed motorsports city will host Formula 1-4 races. The announcement comes amid national efforts to strengthen motorsports and bring Formula 1 back to India by 2028. (PC: News18)

Saudi Arabia has accused Iran of attacking the Saudi-owned supertanker Sidr in the Strait of Hormuz, killing two Filipino sailors. Saudi shipping company Bahri said the vessel was involved in a security incident late Monday while transiting the waterway. Maritime security firms reported that Sidr and the South Korean-owned Senegal Prosperity, each carrying two million barrels of Saudi crude, were struck by unknown projectiles near Oman’s Musandam Peninsula. Iran has not directly responded to the allegation and said two tankers caught fire after hitting mines on an unauthorised route. The incident came amid escalating US-Iranian military exchanges. (PC: BBC)

The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust on September 2 appointed Air Marshal (retired) Jeetendra Mishra, who led the IAF’s Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor, as its first full-time CEO. Mishra, 60, was selected from 5,585 applicants through a two-month process. The move comes as the trust seeks more professional administration amid allegations of donation pilferage and financial irregularities. Mishra retired on April 30, 2026, and will oversee temple operations, devotees, security and financial systems. The trust also appointed three new trustees. Its 2025-26 accounts showed Rs 237 crore income and Rs 1,882 crore available funds. (PC: India Today)

The EU and NATO have vowed to step up pressure on Russia after Germany blamed Moscow for a failed drone attack at Leipzig/Halle airport, calling it a “new escalation” on European soil. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Russia was growing increasingly reckless, while NATO chief Mark Rutte pledged full solidarity with Germany. Moscow denied responsibility and demanded evidence. Germany announced retaliatory measures, including closing the Russian consulate in Bonn and the Russian House in Berlin, prompting Russia to shut German Goethe-Institut centres. EU ministers are now discussing tighter sanctions, visa restrictions and action against Russia’s “shadow fleet”. (PC: BBC)