Three Indian startups—Agrowsure, Hexpressions, and lifeandlimb.ai—have been chosen among the world’s most promising startups. They work in agriculture, construction, and healthcare. The founders will present their ventures to investors at Imperial College London on September 9, as part of the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship. The programme, for startups from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries, provided six months of mentoring, training, and access to funding. Agrowsure makes affordable farm machinery, Hexpressions builds eco-friendly modular homes, and lifeandlimb.ai develops advanced prosthetic hands. The fellowship helps these startups scale operations, create jobs, and solve pressing challenges in their regions. 

Nepal’s Gen Z shocked the nation by mobilising massive protests despite a ban on 26 social media platforms. WhatsApp and Facebook were blocked, yet tens of thousands of youths filled Kathmandu and Pokhara. They used TikTok, Viber, and VPNs to share updates and organise rallies. Protesters chanted, “Stop the ban on social media,” while waving national flags. Security forces fired bullets, tear gas, and water cannons. At least 16 people died and over 100 were injured. Protesters set the Parliament gate on fire and climbed the building. The government imposed curfew and deployed the army to restore order. (PC: X)

Protests in Nepal against a government ban on social media turned deadly on Monday. At least 18 people were killed, including 16 in Kathmandu and 2 in Itahari. Police clashed with thousands of demonstrators who broke barricades and forced riot police to retreat. Protesters blocked highways, burned tyres, and threw stones at Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s house in Damak. Security forces fired warning shots to control the crowds. A journalist, Shyam Shrestha, was shot with a rubber bullet and is in hospital. The Nepalese army was deployed, and India has placed its border security forces on high alert. (PC: X)

6 people were killed and 8 others injured when two Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop in Jerusalem’s Ramot Junction. Israeli police said the attackers arrived by car and began shooting at civilians during the morning rush hour. An off-duty soldier and a civilian returned fire, killing both attackers. The dead include five men aged 25 to 79 and a 60-year-old woman. Hamas praised the attack but did not claim responsibility. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed stronger action, while soldiers encircled villages near Ramallah. World leaders, including Emmanuel Macron, condemned the attack as terrorism. (PC: BBC)

The United States has changed its visa rules, making it harder for Indians to book interviews abroad. From now on, all non-immigrant visa applicants must schedule appointments only in their country of citizenship or residence. This ends the earlier option of applying in countries like Singapore, Thailand, or Germany to escape long wait times in India. The change affects B1 and B2 visa applicants most, as wait times in India already stretch from 3.5 to 9 months. The US State Department said the rule applies globally. Only a few exceptions exist where the US lacks regular visa operations. (PC: NDTV)

At least 16 people were killed and over 100 injured in Nepal after protests against a social media ban escalated. Thousands of young demonstrators, many in school and college uniforms, filled Kathmandu streets demanding accountability and protesting corruption. Police fired tear gas, water cannons, and live rounds after protesters breached barricades near Parliament. Authorities imposed a curfew and deployed the army. The unrest began after the government blocked 26 platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp, for failing to register. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli defended the decision as vital for national security, but protesters called it censorship and corruption-driven. (PC: X)

India will elect its next vice-president on September 9. The contest is between NDA candidate CP Radhakrishnan and INDIA bloc’s Sudershan Reddy. Radhakrishnan, Maharashtra’s governor and a BJP leader from Tamil Nadu, is seen as the frontrunner. The NDA holds a clear majority with support from 422 members in Parliament, well above the 394 votes needed to win. Reddy, a retired Supreme Court judge known for strong rulings on black money and Naxal issues, is the opposition’s nominee. The election follows Jagdeep Dhankhar’s sudden resignation in July due to health reasons. Results will be announced the same evening. (PC: HT)

At least 13 people were killed and dozens injured in Nepal after protests against a social media ban turned violent in Kathmandu. Thousands, many young protesters calling themselves Generation Z, gathered near parliament to oppose the government’s decision to block Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram. Police used water cannons, batons, tear gas, and rubber bullets after demonstrators tried to enter a restricted area. The government said platforms must register to fight fake news, hate speech, and fraud. Protesters called the move authoritarian. A curfew was imposed. Some users are bypassing the ban with VPNs. Two platforms have since registered. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron regarding Ukraine peace efforts, highlighting India's emerging role as a significant diplomatic mediator in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The conversation underscores India's strategic positioning as a neutral party capable of facilitating dialogue between conflicting nations. As global leaders seek sustainable solutions to end the prolonged war, India's diplomatic channels have become increasingly valuable due to its maintained relationships with both Russia and Western allies. Modi's engagement with Macron represents part of broader international efforts to establish peace frameworks and demonstrates how India is leveraging its unique geopolitical position to contribute meaningfully to conflict resolution and global stability initiatives.  

India’s foreign exchange reserves surged by $3.5 billion to $694.23 billion for the week ending August 29, nearing the all-time high of $704.89 billion set in September 2024. The rise was driven by a $1.7 billion increase in foreign currency assets and a $1.8 billion boost in gold holdings. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra confirmed the reserves can cover 11 months of imports. In 2025 alone, reserves have grown by $53 billion. The RBI continues strategic interventions buying dollars when the rupee is strong and selling during weakness to stabilize the currency. FX reserves include assets in USD, Euro, Yen, and Pound, with a growing preference for gold amid global uncertainties.