The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially validated Bhutan for eliminating dog-transmitted rabies as a public health problem, making it the first country in the WHO South-East Asia Region to achieve the milestone. Bhutan has recorded zero rabies deaths since 2023, following more than a decade of sustained investment in a One Health approach integrating human, animal and environmental health. The achievement offers a potential blueprint for the global goal of ending human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. The validation followed a rigorous assessment by a regional Dossier Review Group convened by WHO with support from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), including a joint field mission conducted in Bhutan from August 17 to 22, 2026. (PC: The Print)

For the first time since India began opening its space sector to private companies, nine ISRO employee organisations representing thousands of staff have formally sought written clarification from the Department of Space. Their concerns focus on ISRO’s future role in designing, developing, manufacturing, testing and launching vehicles such as PSLV, LVM-3 and SSLV. The associations questioned reports that private players could eventually take over launch-vehicle production and operations. They also sought clarity on the transfer of publicly developed technology, infrastructure and technical expertise. Employees warned that reduced in-house activities could affect jobs, recruitment, promotions and technical responsibilities within ISRO. (PC: X)

Tucker Budzyn, the golden retriever who became an internet sensation with millions of followers, has died unexpectedly at age 8. His owner, Courtney Budzyn, said Tucker was diagnosed with lymphoma on August 30 and began CHOP chemotherapy under a veterinary oncologist’s care. After a week, he was reportedly in partial remission and continued swimming, walking, visiting parks and spending time with family. However, his family later learned the lymphoma had affected his intestines. As chemotherapy worked against the cancer, it left a hole in his intestine, causing an infection that rapidly worsened. Despite antibiotics and fluids, Tucker’s condition deteriorated, and his family ultimately decided to let him go. (PC: X/@gmanews)

For the first time since India began opening its space sector to private industry six years ago, nine employee bodies representing thousands of ISRO staff have sought written clarification on the transition. In a September 4 representation, they said private participation in defined commercial activities can coexist with a strong, publicly owned ISRO, but opposed reducing it to a residual R&D role while launch-vehicle production and infrastructure operations move to private hands. They called ISRO-developed technology a national asset and demanded transparent, accountable transfers. The unions also questioned whether IN-SPACe chairman Pawan Goenka’s reported statement that ISRO may eventually stop manufacturing launch vehicles reflects an approved government policy. They also sought clarity on ISRO’s future role and PSU participation. (PC: Inspired Pencil)

India and China held Corps Commander-level talks in Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday to address recent tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), particularly in the Taksing area of Upper Subansiri district. The meeting took place at the Wacha-Damai border meeting point in the Kibithoo sector, marking a significant military dialogue in the eastern sector. India was represented by Lt General Girish Kalia, commander of the Army’s III Corps (Spear Corps). The talks followed recent diplomatic discussions between Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and focused on reducing tensions, managing border differences and maintaining peace along the disputed frontier. 

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi attracted major attention during the Duleep Trophy final, but 21-year-old Jharkhand opener Shikhar Mohan stole the spotlight with an impressive 85-run innings. Mohan, initially named East Zone’s reserve opener, received his first opportunity of the tournament in the final against South Zone. He responded with a composed knock that provided substance to East Zone’s strong opening-day performance. Sooryavanshi, the highly rated 15-year-old, also impressed with an aggressive 44, entertaining the crowd at Chennai’s Chepauk. However, Mohan’s debut performance became one of the biggest talking points of the opening day. (PC: X)

A building collapsed in Delhi’s Satya Niketan area on Sunday, September 6, amid heavy rainfall, leaving several people feared trapped under the debris. The incident occurred in a locality near Delhi University’s South Campus, where many college students live. At least 12 fire tenders were deployed as emergency teams began rescue operations. Reports from the scene indicated that the building may have been used as a paying guest accommodation. Rescue personnel are searching through the rubble for survivors, while the exact number of people trapped and the cause of the collapse remain unclear. The situation is developing. 

The world map many people commonly use can make India and other countries near the Equator appear smaller than their actual size because of the Mercator projection’s distortion. The United Nations has backed a move toward the Equal Earth projection, which preserves the relative areas of countries more accurately. India therefore appears somewhat larger on the Equal Earth map, while countries closer to the poles appear less exaggerated. The change is intended to provide a fairer geographical representation, particularly for Africa and other Global South regions. However, no flat map can perfectly represent Earth’s three-dimensional surface without some distortion. (PC: NDTV)

At least nine people have died and several others have fallen ill after allegedly consuming spurious liquor in villages under Banda tehsil of Madhya Pradesh’s Sagar district. Around three dozen people were reportedly taken to hospitals, with more than 25 referred to higher medical facilities. Health officials suspect methyl alcohol poisoning, although the exact cause will be confirmed through post-mortem examinations and investigations. Authorities have deployed medical and administrative teams to affected villages for door-to-door screening. Liquor samples have been sent for analysis, while several liquor outlets in the affected area have reportedly been sealed as investigators work to identify the source. 

Indian powerlifter Madhura Kar delivered an outstanding performance at the World Powerlifting Championships, winning four gold medals in the Sub-Junior Women’s 52kg category. The young athlete from Jalpaiguri recorded a 107.5kg squat, 60kg bench press and 125kg deadlift, producing a combined total of 292.5kg. Her achievement adds to an impressive record at the national and international level. Kar, a Class XII student, has previously won national titles and secured silver at the 2026 Asian Powerlifting Championships in China. Her performance highlights the growing presence of young Indian women in international strength sports.