A devastating flash flood struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Nepal-Tibet border, killing at least 19 people and leaving hundreds missing, including 105 Indian nationals. The sudden flooding severely damaged roads, bridges, buildings and hydropower infrastructure around the Bhote Koshi River. Rescue operations are underway, but difficult mountainous terrain and damaged infrastructure are complicating efforts. India has responded by keeping NDRF teams on standby in Bihar and other border areas as rising river levels could affect downstream districts. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, while India has offered humanitarian assistance to Nepal.

At least 16 people have died and nearly 400 are missing after devastating flash floods struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Tibet border. Among those missing are 105 Indian nationals. Dramatic CCTV footage from Gyirong in Tibet shows a massive wall of mud and water rushing through a valley and crashing into buildings as people run for safety. The floods swept away homes, roads and bridges and damaged power projects. Rescue teams are struggling to reach the worst-hit areas as Nepal’s army and security forces continue search 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Jewellery brand Giva has withdrawn its Rakshabandhan advertisement featuring actor Kriti Sanon after her outfit and a scene involving her pet sparked backlash online.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)

More than 70,000 Indians could be among up to 2 lakh people facing the cancellation of US business and tourist visas in what could become the biggest mass visa revocation in American history. The proposed action targets B1/B2 visa holders issued visas between 2016 and 2026 who have sought or are seeking asylum in the US. American officials say some visitors entered legally before filing asylum claims to remain in the country. The move may affect pending asylum cases and could lead to people losing legal status, though it would not mean immediate deportation. (PC: The Print)

The Indian Air Force is fully prepared to launch relief and rescue operations in Nepal after devastating flash floods caused widespread damage, sources said. Aircraft and helicopters have been kept on standby to transport rescue teams, relief material and essential supplies if assistance is sought. The preparations come as Nepal deals with the impact of heavy rainfall and flash floods, which have disrupted normal life in affected areas. India is closely monitoring the situation and remains ready to support Nepal’s emergency response. Official details about the scale and timing of any Indian Air Force deployment are awaited. (PC: NDTV)

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)

At least 105 Indians are missing after massive flash floods swept through Nepal’s Nuwakot and Dhading districts near the Tibet border on Wednesday. The sudden surge of water in the Bhote Koshi River, reportedly from the Tibetan side, washed away villages, homes and infrastructure. The death toll in the Nepal-China border region has risen to nine, while several others remain missing. Rescue operations are under way, though high water levels have made it difficult for helicopters to land in affected areas. Authorities have urged people living along riverbanks to move to safer locations. 

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)

At least 17 people were killed after a massive flash flood and mudslide swept through areas along the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday, washing away villages and damaging roads and infrastructure. The disaster struck Rasuwa district after excessive snowmelt reportedly flooded the Bhote Koshi river. Search and rescue operations are under way on both sides of the border, with 12 people rescued so far. Authorities said 13 armed police personnel were missing, while communication, power and road links were disrupted. Nepalese officials warned of huge losses as several downstream areas remained on high alert. (PC: BBC)

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has urged the ICC and BCCI to take stronger action against Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi over recent on-field confrontations.   Jaiswal and Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando were fined 25% of their match fees and given one demerit point after their altercation during the second Test in Colombo. Manjrekar linked the incident to Sooryavanshi's earlier confrontation with Sri Lanka A players, warning that repeated misconduct without consequences could encourage such behaviour. Jaiswal, however, defended his actions, saying critics did not know what had been said before the confrontation. (PC: India Today)