SpaceX successfully launched the Starlink 10-22 mission, deploying 28 satellites into low Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on September 3, 2025. The mission marked the company's 113th launch of the year and the second of five Starlink launches scheduled that week. The Falcon 9 first-stage booster B1083—on its 14th flight—landed safely on the Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ship A Shortfall of Gravitas (ASOG) in the Atlantic Ocean.   

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a sharp rebuke at the Trump administration’s tariff strategy, particularly targeting India and China. He insisted these nations are sovereign, powerful partners—not subjects of economic coercion—asserting, "The colonial era is now over" and emphasizing that such heavy-handed diplomacy is outdated. Putin said the tariffs aim to weaken the leadership of these giant economies, warning that any show of weakness could imperil political careers . He also expressed appreciation for India’s efforts, alongside China and other strategic allies, in seeking a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis. (PC: India Today)

In a dramatic rescue in Uttarakhand’s Pauri district, a herd of elephants saved a young calf swept away by the raging Khoh River near Dugadda Range. As dusk fell, the calf lost footing and was carried downstream. Its distress call triggered an immediate response—seven to eight elephants charged in, trumpeting for help. Mobilizing swiftly, about 25–30 elephants coordinated their effort, plunged into the turbulent water, and pulled the calf to safety. According to forest ranger Umesh Joshi, they rescued the calf near Lalpul bridge by Siddhabali Temple. Wildlife expert Ranganath Pandey credited the rescue to elephants’ low-frequency communication, allowing the herd to mount such a precise, collective effort. 

In a landmark reform, the GST Council has approved a new two-slab structure, replacing the earlier four-tier rates of 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% with simplified slabs of 5% and 18%, effective September 22. Essential goods like dairy products, dry fruits, soaps, detergents, and small vehicles will now be taxed at the lower 5% rate, while individual life and health insurance policies become GST-free. However, luxury cars, high-end bikes, yachts, energy drinks, and aerated beverages will attract a steep 40% GST. Pan masala and tobacco remain at 28% plus cess until dues are settled. (PC: PTI)

A catastrophic derailment occurred on September 3, 2025, when Lisbon’s iconic Elevador da Glória funicular—a national monument and tourist favorite—veered off course, crashing into a building around 6 p.m. Fifteen people were killed, and eighteen were injured, with five in critical condition and a child among the casualties. Emergency crews extracted all victims within two hours. Preliminary reports point to a loose cable as the likely cause; the operator Carris affirmed that scheduled maintenance had been performed. The government declared a national day of mourning, and an investigation into the incident has been launched. (PC: AP)  

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on September 3, 2025, that he would be willing to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—but only if Zelenskyy travels to Moscow. Speaking in Beijing after a Victory Day parade, Putin stated he "never ruled out" such a meeting but questioned, "is there any point?" and insisted it be “well prepared” with concrete results. He stressed Ukraine must lift martial law, hold elections, and conduct a territorial referendum first. Ukraine’s foreign minister rejected Moscow as a venue, saying seven neutral countries have already offered locations. (PC: AFP)

Punjab has declared all 23 districts flood-hit after heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers caused massive damage. At least 30 people have died, and more than 3.5 lakh residents are affected. Pathankot reported the highest deaths with 6, while 3 people remain missing. Over 1.4 lakh hectares of crops are submerged, with Gurdaspur the worst-hit district. Authorities have evacuated nearly 20,000 people and set up 174 relief camps. The NDRF, Army, Navy, and Air Force are carrying out rescue operations using helicopters and boats. Schools and colleges will remain closed until September 7 as red alerts continue in many districts. (PC: X)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the new two-tier Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure announced by the GST Council. He said the reform will benefit farmers, MSMEs, the middle class, women, and youth. The Council decided to keep only two slabs, 5% and 18%, while scrapping 12% and 28%. Most items under higher slabs have moved to lower rates. A new 40% slab will apply to luxury cars, tobacco, and cigarettes. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the change will help the common man. The revised GST rates will take effect from September 22, the first day of Navratri. (PC: India Today)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia will achieve its goals in Ukraine through military action if no deal is reached. Speaking in China after a military parade, Putin said he welcomed dialogue but stressed Russia would not give up Donbas. He repeated demands for Ukraine to drop NATO plans and end alleged discrimination against ethnic Russians. US President Donald Trump recently urged him to consider peace, but Putin rejected a ceasefire. UK Defence Secretary John Healey said allies will increase aid and pressure on Moscow. Russia launched 500 drones and 24 missiles on Ukraine overnight. (PC: BBC)

The GST Council has introduced a new 40% tax rate for sin and luxury items in India. Cigarettes, tobacco, pan masala, and aerated drinks with added sugar will now attract the higher rate. Big petrol cars above 1,200 cc, diesel cars above 1,500 cc, motorcycles over 350 cc, yachts, aircraft for personal use, and racing cars will also be taxed at 40%. The Council cut the four GST slabs to just 5% and 18%, scrapping 12% and 28%. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the new rates, except on tobacco, will apply from September 22. (PC: X)