Hamas has released a video showing two Israeli hostages, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel, held since October 2023. The footage, dated 28 August, shows Gilboa-Dalal in Gaza City saying he and others remain captive. Families of hostages called the video propaganda and urged Israel to return to talks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war could end if Hamas released all 48 hostages still held. Israel has rejected Hamas’s truce plan and continues its military campaign, striking Gaza City. Gaza’s health ministry said 30 Palestinians were killed in 24 hours, adding to the rising humanitarian crisis. (PC: BBC)

Tesla delivered its first car in India today at its new ‘Tesla Experience Centre’ in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex. Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik received the Model Y, becoming the first customer in the country. He said the car is a symbol of the state’s green goals and announced he would gift it to his grandson to promote awareness of electric mobility. Sarnaik highlighted Maharashtra’s EV plans, including toll exemptions and 5,000 e-buses already in service. The Model Y starts at ₹59.89 lakh and offers up to 622km range. Tesla also opened a showroom in Delhi last month. (PC: India Today)

Afghanistan’s Hindukush region was rocked by seven earthquakes in 24 hours, with magnitudes ranging from 4.1 to 5.8. The tremors struck close to the Pakistan border, causing fresh damage and panic. Earlier this month, a powerful quake killed more than 2,200 people and injured over 3,000. The World Food Programme has sent emergency supplies, including food and high-energy biscuits, to Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. India also sent 21 tonnes of relief materials to Kabul, including medicines, tents, blankets, and water purifiers. Rescue operations remain difficult due to blocked roads, landslides, and repeated aftershocks, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Lionel Messi scored twice in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Venezuela in their World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires. After the game, the 38-year-old captain spoke about his future and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Messi said he has not made a decision yet and it depends on how his body feels. “At my age, it’s logical I might not play another World Cup,” he admitted. Fans filled Monumental stadium with chants and celebrations for Messi, creating a carnival atmosphere. He said finishing this way in front of his people was always his dream, making it a special night. 

Mumbai Police has issued a lookout notice against actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra in a ₹60 crore fraud case. Businessman Deepak Kothari alleged the couple took the money between 2015 and 2023 for their company Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd. He claimed the couple promised 12% annual interest and a written guarantee from Shetty, but later spent the funds on personal expenses. Shetty resigned as company director soon after. Police are checking the couple’s travel records, and the firm’s auditor has been called for questioning. The couple denied the charges, calling them baseless and malicious. (PC: NDTV)

Donald Trump shared a photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping from the SCO Summit in Tianjin. He wrote, “Looks like we’ve lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China.” This comes after Trump imposed 50% tariffs on India over its purchase of Russian oil. The Ministry of External Affairs refused to comment on Trump’s post. Experts say Trump’s tariff actions are pushing India closer to Russia and China. Xi and Modi agreed to improve ties, marking a possible shift in India-China relations after years of hostility. (PC: India Today)

On September 4, 2025, the Indian Army executed a high-altitude rescue operation to evacuate two South Korean nationals, Hyun Woo Kim and his wife, stranded at Kongmaru La Pass in Ladakh, situated over 17,000 feet above sea level. The couple had fallen critically ill during a mountaineering expedition. Upon receiving the distress call at 8:05 PM, the Fire and Fury Corps mobilized Army Aviation helicopters by 8:20 PM. Despite challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions, the helicopters performed a precision landing using Night Vision Goggles at an unprepared site around 9:15 PM. The couple was airlifted and transported to SNM Hospital in Leh for medical treatment. Tragically, one of the climbers succumbed to illness during treatment. The operation highlighted the Indian Army's readiness and capability to conduct high-risk evacuations under extreme conditions, showcasing their commitment to humanitarian efforts and international cooperation. 

President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order rebranding the Department of Defense as the "Department of War." While the official name change requires congressional approval, the order permits the Pentagon to use "secondary titles" like "Secretary of War" in official and ceremonial contexts. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have expressed dissatisfaction with the current title, suggesting that "Department of War" better reflects America's military history. The original War Department was established in 1789 and renamed in 1947 to emphasize defense over offense. The proposed change has sparked debate over its implications. (PC: AFP)

Several Punjabi and Bollywood celebrities have rallied to support flood-hit Punjab. Sonu Sood launched a helpline and ensured aid for displaced families, while Satinder Sartaaj’s foundation distributed ration and cattle feed in Ajnala, Ferozepur, and Fazilka . Karan Aujla arranged rescue boats, Gippy Grewal sent cattle fodder, and artists like Ranjit Bawa, Babbu Mann, and Sunanda Sharma pledged ground-level support . Randeep Hooda joined Global Sikhs relief efforts in Gurdaspur, and SRK, Sanjay Dutt, Kapil Sharma, and others offered emotional and digital support via social media messages.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reaffirmed India’s strategic decision to continue importing Russian oil, stating that energy choices are driven by national interests—including cost and logistics—rather than external pressures. She also emphasized that the newly introduced GST 2.0 reforms will significantly neutralize the impact of steep 50% U.S. tariffs, helping industries remain competitive. The revamped tax structure, featuring simplified slabs and relief for consumers and businesses, is expected to boost domestic demand, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen resilience amid global trade tensions. (PC: Money Control)