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)    

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman confirmed GST 2.0 will launch on September 22, introducing a simplified two-slab tax structure aimed at easing compliance and reducing burden for businesses and citizens. Basic goods like salt and sugar will be taxed at the lowest rate, while luxury items and sugary products will face higher levies. Regular schooling remains tax-free, but coaching centres lose exemption. Sitharaman emphasized vigilance to ensure benefits reach consumers. Looking ahead, GST 3.0 will focus on stability, fairness, and smoother implementation. The government expects these reforms to boost transparency, consumption, and economic growth, marking a shift from “one nation, one tax” to a more citizen-friendly system. (PC: Mint)

Two powerful aftershocks, with magnitudes of 6.2 and 5.4, jolted eastern Afghanistan just 12 hours apart, intensifying devastation in a region already devastated by two initial earthquakes that claimed around 2,205 lives and injured 3,640 people . Over 6,700 homes were destroyed across Nangarhar and Kunar provinces . The mountainous terrain, landslides, and blocked roads are severely hampering rescue and relief operations . Survivors, fearing more tremors, are staying outdoors in makeshift shelters, facing dire shortages of food, medical supplies, and clean water . The WHO has appealed for an additional $4 million, while the UN has released $10 million, and an emergency global funding appeal is being prepared. (PC: Reuters)  

Seventeen-year-old Naisha Mehta from Mumbai created history by securing India’s first Junior Girls Solo Dance gold medal at the 20th Asian Roller-Skating Championship in South Korea, winning with a commanding 6.72-point lead on her international debut. Starting her skating journey at just 4½ years, Naisha has already won 10 national, 28 state, and 23 district-level golds. Alongside sports, she excels in academics, topping Olympiads in math and science while preparing for NEET 2026. Despite balancing rigorous training with studies, her discipline, passion, and versatility in dance and gymnastics have shaped her remarkable journey. (PC: Rediff)  

UK Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner resigned after an inquiry found she breached ministerial ethics over unpaid stamp duty on a Hove apartment. Though the report acknowledged her integrity and public service, it concluded she should have sought clearer tax advice. Rayner admitted the error and took full responsibility, saying she acted in good faith. Reports suggest she saved £40,000 by underpaying the levy. Known for her strong stance against tax evasion, especially under the previous Conservative government, Rayner’s resignation drew praise from PM Keir Starmer, who expressed sadness and admiration for her political contributions. (PC: BBC)

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India at the BRICS Leaders’ Summit hosted virtually by Brazil on September 8. Convened by President Lula da Silva, the summit aims to address punitive tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on India and Brazil. India faces a 25% tariff for purchasing Russian oil, while Brazil’s exports, including coffee, are hit with 50% duties amid political tensions over Jair Bolsonaro’s trial. The summit also seeks to reinforce multilateralism among emerging economies. This follows the SCO Summit in Tianjin, where Modi, Xi, and Putin met. Trump warned the U.S. has “lost India and Russia to China,” amid BRICS efforts to reduce dollar dependence. (PC: Brinnica)

President Trump declared America has "lost India and Russia to deepest, darkest China" after the SCO summit in Tianjin, sarcastically wishing the trio a "prosperous future together." Trump's comments mark his sharpest acknowledgment of deepening ties between the three nations, all at odds with Washington on Ukraine and trade. The summit featured Modi's first China visit in seven years since the 2020 Galwan clash, signaling India's strategic autonomy over US alignment. Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, targeting Russian oil imports, while criticizing India's "one-sided" trade relationship. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar countered that the US applies different standards to China and EU regarding Russian energy purchases, highlighting growing diplomatic tensions. (PC: Mint & X)