Train services to North Bengal were severely disrupted on September 3 after railway track subsidence occurred between Tildanga and New Farakka stations in Murshidabad. Heavy rainfall caused soil erosion and weakened the ground beneath the tracks, damaging the up line and forcing authorities to halt train movement for several hours. Several trains, including the Darjeeling Mail, Kanchankanya Express, Gour Express and Padatik Express, were delayed, diverted or cancelled. Railway engineers began emergency repair work, while some long-distance trains were rerouted through the Nalhati-Azimganj-Jangipur route. Officials said restoration work progressed rapidly, with services expected to gradually return to normal. 

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the GSLV-F17 rocket carrying EOS-05, an advanced Earth observation satellite, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 2:55 a.m. on September 4, 2026. � The mission marks an important achievement for India’s space programme, with EOS-05 designed to provide high-resolution, continuous imaging from geosynchronous orbit. The satellite will support applications including Earth monitoring and national development. The launch is also significant for the GSLV programme following earlier setbacks, demonstrating ISRO’s improved launch capabilities and strengthening India’s Earth-observation infrastructure. 

A News18 explainer examines the unusual pattern of major disasters and tragedies associated with the number 26, prompting claims that the date may be “jinxed.” The report highlights several devastating events, including the August 26, 2026 Nepal floods, the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster, the 2005 Mumbai floods, and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. While the repeated occurrence has attracted public attention, there is no scientific evidence that the number 26 causes or predicts disasters. Experts generally regard such patterns as coincidence, with selective attention making memorable date associations appear more significant than they statistically are. 

Dr. Penny Dash, Chair of NHS England, has said Britain should learn from India’s healthcare system, highlighting the country’s growing potential as a global healthcare model. She particularly pointed to India’s use of digital technology and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery. According to her, India’s expanding digital healthcare infrastructure demonstrates how technology can improve efficiency, reduce costs and strengthen access to medical services. Her comments come as the UK’s National Health Service faces pressure to improve productivity and manage rising healthcare demands. The remarks highlight India’s emerging influence in global healthcare innovation and technology-driven service delivery. (PC: X)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has reignited a debate over educational qualifications by challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to publicly disclose his degree. Dipke, who has said he earned a postgraduate degree in Public Relations from Boston University, offered to show his own degree and supporting documents if Modi does the same. The controversy began after questions were raised online about Dipke’s Boston University education and scholarship. Dipke has maintained that he received a university scholarship and an education loan to fund his studies. The latest exchange has brought renewed political attention to transparency surrounding educational credentials.

Actor and motorsport enthusiast Ajith Kumar has expressed appreciation to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay following the announcement of a proposed world-class Motor Sports City in Chennai. The project is expected to feature advanced racing tracks capable of hosting Formula 1 to Formula 4 events, along with training facilities, tourism infrastructure and motorsport-related manufacturing. Ajith welcomed the initiative, describing the focus on motorsport infrastructure as a major step forward for Indian racing. His statement has attracted significant attention online, with fans celebrating the public exchange between the popular actor and the Chief Minister, popularly known as “Thala x Thalapathy.” (PC: India Today)

Apple’s new CEO John Ternus is set to receive a compensation package worth about $58 million for fiscal 2027 after succeeding Tim Cook on September 1. The package includes a $3 million annual salary and a targeted $55 million stock award, along with a prorated $2.5 million equity grant for fiscal 2026. A key condition is that 75% of his fiscal 2027 equity award depends on Apple’s shareholder returns outperforming the S&P 500. The performance-linked structure places significant emphasis on delivering results. Meanwhile, Tim Cook remains Apple’s executive chairman with a separate compensation package. 

A new study titled The Many Urban Indias, by PRICE in collaboration with Tata Sons Research, highlights major differences in household financial behaviour across India’s cities. Bengaluru records the highest average household income, while Chandigarh has the highest household spending. Chennai has the highest household debt-to-income ratio, making it the leading city for borrowing, whereas Hyderabad records the lowest borrowing levels. Bengaluru also leads household savings among India’s six major metros. Meanwhile, Delhi-NCR remains the country’s largest consumption market, with the top six metros accounting for a significant share of urban consumption. The findings underline India’s varied patterns of earning, saving, spending and borrowing. (PC: ET)

Indian opener Smriti Mandhana created history during India’s Women’s Asia Cup 2026 Group A match against Hong Kong in Dubai, surpassing legendary Mithali Raj to become the highest-ever run-scorer in women’s international cricket across all formats. Mandhana crossed Raj’s career tally of 10,868 runs while producing a spectacular 124 off 64 balls, including 14 fours and seven sixes. She reached the landmark at 113 runs with a six in the 18th over. Her innings also delivered her 18th international century, moving her ahead of Meg Lanning. India posted 193/5 and defeated Hong Kong by 137 runs. (PC: NDTV)

New York City Public Schools will impose a one-year moratorium on student-facing generative AI for students from 2-K through eighth grade during the 2026–27 school year. The policy, described as the nation’s broadest school AI restriction, aims to protect critical thinking, creativity, human interaction and independent problem-solving. High school students will instead receive AI-literacy education twice yearly and gain limited access to five vetted AI programs under direct teacher supervision. Companion chatbots will be prohibited across all grades. The city will also recommend daily screen-time limits and continue allowing necessary assistive technology for students with disabilities and English-language learners. (PC: Getty Images)