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)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on September 3, 2026, during his official visit to Ukraine. Their discussions focused on approaches to ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and strengthening bilateral cooperation. Jaishankar also briefed Zelenskyy on his earlier talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha concerning cooperation in areas including education, health, agriculture, digital technology and development. India reiterated its willingness to support efforts aimed at ending the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. The meeting highlights New Delhi’s continued engagement with both Russia and Ukraine while maintaining its independent diplomatic position. (PC: X)

The Nagaland Chief Minister’s Team, representing India, finished sixth in the Classic Tug of War World Championship at the 6th World Nomad Games in Kyrgyzstan. The 10-member team, led by captain Vechita Khesoh, defeated Brazil, South Korea, Great Britain and Turkey before losing to hosts Kyrgyzstan. India’s participation marked its first appearance in tug of war at the World Nomad Games. The competition is being held from August 31 to September 6 across Bishkek and Cholpon-Ata, featuring around 3,000 athletes from more than 100 countries across 43 traditional sporting disciplines. The Nagaland Tug of War Association praised the team’s performance.

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)

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has told the Bombay High Court that Old Monk cannot be marketed as rum because certain variants are made using neutral spirit and rum flavouring. The regulator said the product could instead be labelled a “rum-flavoured spirit.” The company has submitted revised labels, removing the phrase “7 years old blended,” after concerns that consumers could be misled about the product’s ageing. FSSAI is reviewing the new labels, while the court has scheduled the next hearing for September 11. The company claims losses of around ₹1 crore daily during the ban. (PC: X)

Former Indian Air Force Group Captain and Vir Chakra awardee Abhinandan Varthaman has joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a commercial pilot after retiring from the IAF. He served for nearly 22 years and became widely known after the February 2019 India-Pakistan aerial engagement following the Balakot strikes. Flying a MiG-21 Bison, Varthaman was involved in the downing of a Pakistani F-16 before his aircraft was hit and he was captured after ejecting over Pakistan. He was released three days later. Varthaman is now undergoing training to fly ATR aircraft for FLY91. (PC: PTI)

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay confronted the Opposition DMK in the Assembly on Thursday after Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin questioned the TVK government’s handling of law and order, drug proliferation and protests. Stalin also questioned why the government promoted senior police officers who had served in similar roles under the previous DMK administration. Vijay said he would provide a detailed response to every allegation on Monday and urged DMK members not to walk out during his address. The exchange triggered heated scenes, with Opposition members protesting over crime statistics and the government’s record on protests and student dissent. (PC: PTI)

The BCCI has dismissed speculation that Rohit Sharma is set to retire from ODI cricket following its review meeting in Mumbai on September 3. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said there was no reason to fuel retirement rumours, stressing that Rohit remains focused on playing cricket. The veteran batter recently strengthened his case with a century against England at Lord’s. The meeting also discussed India’s ODI roadmap, player fitness, injury management and preparations for the 2027 World Cup. With Rohit continuing to perform strongly, the BCCI’s comments suggest that retirement is not currently imminent, keeping his World Cup hopes alive. (PC: BCCI)

The 6th World Nomad Games are being held in Kyrgyzstan from August 31 to September 6, 2026, bringing together athletes from 104 countries. Established in 2014, the Games promote traditional sports and cultural heritage associated with nomadic communities, particularly across Central Asia. Competitions include horseback archery, wrestling, horse racing, kok-boru, falconry and traditional board games. The opening ceremony in Bishkek was attended by world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Beyond competition, the event aims to preserve traditional practices, encourage cultural exchange and strengthen international understanding through the shared heritage of nomadic civilizations. 

India and Belgium have signed 10 defence-related agreements aimed at strengthening military and defence-industrial cooperation. The deals cover areas including ammunition, 70-mm helicopter rockets, counter-drone technology, tank turrets and naval mine-countermeasure systems. Belgium also assured India that it would not provide Pakistan with defence equipment or military technology. The two countries signed a Letter of Intent establishing structured military cooperation, including officer exchanges, training, research and development, joint exercises and maritime security. The agreements came during Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever’s visit to India and reflect growing strategic and industrial ties between the two countries. (PC: X)