Tensions between the United States and Iran have sharply escalated following renewed military exchanges and growing confrontation around the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The US launched strikes against Iranian targets, citing threats to American forces and attempts to deploy sea mines that could endanger commercial shipping. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting US-linked positions in the region. President Donald Trump warned Tehran that further retaliation would trigger an even stronger US response. The crisis has raised concerns over shipping disruptions, global energy supplies and oil prices, as the Strait of Hormuz remains a crucial route for international oil trade. (PC: AP)

Ishanvi Sakharpe, a Class 6 student from Virginia Beach, has earned recognition as the 2026 Virginia State Merit Winner in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge for her project, “Dolphin Guard.” Her project focuses on using science and problem-solving to reduce potentially harmful interactions between dolphins and human activities such as boating and fishing. The initiative highlights how young students can apply classroom knowledge to real-world environmental challenges. Sakharpe studies at Old Donation School and has also achieved recognition in mathematics competitions. Her achievement demonstrates the potential of student-led innovation to contribute to wildlife conservation and inspire greater interest in science and technology. 

A powerful image from flood-hit Rasuwa, Nepal, shows Nepal Army personnel carrying a baby to safety during an ongoing search-and-rescue operation. The infant was among survivors rescued after devastating flash floods struck the region. Reports say a 45-day-old baby was safely brought to the Rasuwa Dhange camp following the disaster. The floods, linked to a glacier collapse and avalanche of ice and rock near the Nepal-Tibet border, caused widespread destruction and left thousands dead or missing. Rescue teams continue searching devastated mountainous areas, with the Nepal Army and international teams working to locate survivors and assist affected communities.

The death toll from Nepal’s devastating flash floods rose to 1,127 on September 2, as rescuers continued searching for 4,858 people still missing a week after the disaster. Police said 6,541 people had been rescued from affected areas. The floods, triggered by the collapse or avalanche of ice and rock near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, devastated towns and villages in northern and central Nepal. Authorities deployed 7,912 police personnel for search and rescue, relief distribution and body management. Police have completed postmortem and identification procedures for 1,113 bodies, while 95 have been handed over to relatives.

Rights advocates and minority groups in Pakistan have demanded an investigation after an over-century-old Hindu temple in Siraj village, Narowal, was allegedly demolished on August 21 to expand an adjacent madrassa. They accused members of the banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan of razing the nearly 125-year-old structure and called for its reconstruction. The Pakistan government disputed the allegation, saying the 100-125-year-old temple collapsed due to torrential rains. The Evacuee Trust Property Board acknowledged that the land beside the temple was leased for a seminary, but said the temple land itself was never leased and senior officials would decide on restoration. (PC: NDTV)

Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared to squirm after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged him to end the Ukraine war during their meeting in Bishkek at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. Modi said every day the conflict continues, “humanity is, in effect, set back a step,” and called for an end to the war and a peaceful resolution. He said India would continue to support peace efforts. After listening through an earpiece, Putin removed it and placed it on the table before replying that Russia was “moving forward along this path”. However, Putin has repeatedly said he will end the war only on his terms.

Nepal has sought climate-related compensation from India, China and the United States following the catastrophic Bhotekoshi River flash flood on August 26. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said Nepal was shifting its approach from “aid” to “justice and compensation”, arguing that major greenhouse gas emitters have a moral and historical responsibility to support vulnerable countries. The disaster killed more than 1,100 people, while nearly 4,500 remain missing, according to the report. Nepal has also formally approached the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, seeking urgent financial assistance for widespread destruction and humanitarian losses. (PC: NDTV)

Four people, including a young child, were killed and more than 50 others injured after a US missile strike hit a residential home hosting a wedding celebration in Kuhestak, Sirik county, southern Iran, according to the Iranian Red Crescent. An Iranian government video showed extensive damage and debris at the site. The United States said its latest strikes targeted Iran’s Revolutionary Guards after alleged attempted attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and US service members. It was not immediately clear what the intended target was in Sirik county. (PC: NDTV)

Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US targets in Jordan, Kuwait, Iraq and Bahrain after American forces resumed strikes against Iran. Tehran’s retaliation came after Iranian authorities said a US missile strike hit a home hosting a wedding in Sirik, southern Iran, killing five people, including a child, and injuring more than 50. The US military said it was aware of the reports but insisted it never targets civilians. Iran fired ballistic missiles at a US Marine base in Jordan, while strikes were also reported in Kuwait, Bahrain and Iraq. Jordan said it intercepted most of the missiles. (PC: BBC)

Erin Piacenti, 32, a Bank of America vice-president and new mother, was fatally stabbed in a random, unprovoked attack in New York’s Times Square on August 31. The incident occurred shortly after she returned to work following maternity leave. Police said a 49-year-old woman, Pamela Cisneros, attacked Piacenti and a 68-year-old man with knives. Piacenti was taken to hospital but died from her injuries, while the other victim remained in stable condition. Officers shot Cisneros after she allegedly advanced toward them with knives. Authorities said the attacker had a history of mental-health issues. Bank of America expressed deep sorrow over Piacenti’s death.