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)

Gloria Steinem, the influential American feminist, journalist and activist who helped shape the modern women’s rights movement, has died at 92. Her foundation said she passed away peacefully at her New York City home on September 2, surrounded by loved ones. Steinem rose to prominence during the 1960s and became a leading figure in second-wave feminism. She co-founded Ms. Magazine and helped establish the National Women’s Political Caucus, advocating for gender equality, reproductive rights and greater political participation by women. A celebrated writer and organiser, Steinem received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013. Her decades-long activism leaves a lasting legacy. (PC: AFP)

Larry, the famous resident cat of 10 Downing Street, has once again attracted attention after appearing to target a squirrel near the British Prime Minister’s official residence. Known as the UK Cabinet Office’s Chief Mouser, Larry has lived at Downing Street since 2011 and has become a familiar figure during successive governments. The amusing encounter highlights Larry’s natural hunting instincts, despite his long-standing role as a much-loved Downing Street resident. His presence frequently draws photographers and public interest, making even his everyday movements around the government complex a media attraction. 

The Sikkim Mahananda Express was safely stopped in West Bengal to allow a herd of elephants, including calves, to cross the railway tracks. Train No. 15484 Up halted between Rajabhatkhawa and Alipurduar Junction around 9:40 pm after the crew spotted the elephants on the tracks. Loco Pilot Debojit Hore and Assistant Loco Pilot Subhas Ch. Das controlled the train in time, preventing a possible accident. The incident was captured on video, showing the train waiting as the elephant herd crossed safely. After the animals moved away from the tracks, the Sikkim Mahananda Express continued its journey.