A frustrated Reddit user's viral post about falling into an unmarked drain during Gurugram's heavy rainfall has sparked widespread criticism of the city's infrastructure. The resident, stuck in the "Millennium City" for five months due to work commitments, described living there as "literal hell" after tumbling into knee-deep floodwater concealing an open drain with no safety barriers. Monday's downpour brought over 100mm of rainfall in four hours, causing severe waterlogging across streets. Despite being Haryana's highest tax-paying city, residents complained about poor civic facilities worse than tier-2 cities. Social media users shared similar experiences, with one walking three kilometers through gutter water. The incident highlights ongoing infrastructure failures in India's corporate hub during monsoon season. (PC: Business Today & India Today)

Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held crucial one-hour talks at the SCO summit in Tianjin, focusing on LAC disengagement progress since their October 2024 Kazan breakthrough. The leaders acknowledged successful disengagements in Depsang and Demchok plains, which restored patrolling rights and reduced border tensions. Over 11 months, extensive bilateral, military, and diplomatic discussions have built momentum toward LAC normalization. Four areas including Pangong, Galwan's PP-14, Gogra, and Hot Springs have completed disengagements, though patrolling hasn't resumed everywhere. Both sides reaffirmed commitments to prevent disputes from escalating and maintain peace essential for bilateral relations. The meeting signals renewed focus on Corps Commander-level dialogue to address remaining issues and restore pre-Galwan status quo along the disputed border. (PC: X)

A devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan near the Pakistan border late Sunday, killing over 1,100 people and injuring 2,938 others, according to Taliban officials. The quake destroyed approximately 8,000 houses across Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, with the epicenter located 17 miles east of Jalalabad. Emergency responders continue searching for survivors in remote villages, fearing higher casualty numbers. The hardest-hit areas include Chawkay, Nurgal, and Chapa Dara districts in Kunar Province. Afghanistan sits at the volatile intersection of tectonic plates, making earthquakes common. This tragedy follows similar deadly quakes in 2022 and 2023, each claiming over 1,000 lives. The World Health Organization reports 12,000 people directly affected. (PC: ABC News)

Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif sparked controversy by calling devastating Punjab province floods a "blessing" and advising citizens to store floodwater in buckets and tubs at home. Speaking to local media, Asif suggested protesters should "take flood waters home" instead of blocking roads. The monsoon fury has killed 33 people, affected 2,200 villages, and forced evacuation of over 700,000 residents across Punjab province. Provincial Disaster Management Authority reports one of history's most severe floods with three rivers running dangerously high. In Sindh province, 1.6 million people across 1,657 villages face potential flood impact. Relief operations continue in worst-hit districts while livestock are relocated to safer areas. (PC: The Hindu)

2011 ODI World Cup winning coach Paddy Upton praised India's hockey team's exceptional dedication, claiming they have "18-20 Virat Kohlis" in terms of fitness and physicality. Currently serving as mental strength coach during Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, Bihar, Upton compared the hockey squad's discipline in diet, sleep, and training to cricket teams, stating they're "five leagues above" the Indian cricket team. India dominated their league stage, qualifying for Super Four after defeating Kazakhstan 15-2. Upton revealed plans to continue with the team for 2026 World Cup and 2028 LA Olympics, working with head coach Craig Fulton and captain Harmanpreet Singh to help players manage distractions during major tournaments.(PC: The Bridge & Britannica)

Rescuers in Afghanistan are using helicopters to search for survivors after a massive earthquake killed 800 people and injured 1,800. The 6.0 quake struck near the Pakistan border, flattening villages and leaving many trapped under rubble. Roads are blocked, making air rescue critical. Survivors described pulling bodies out with bare hands. Hospitals in Jalalabad are overwhelmed with patients. The Taliban government has appealed for help. The UN released emergency funds, while the UK pledged £1m. India sent 1,000 tents and 15 tonnes of food. China and Switzerland also pledged support. Aid workers warned survivors urgently need shelter. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence on the controversy over alleged abuses directed at his late mother during Rahul Gandhi’s rally in Bihar. Modi called the remarks “painful,” saying, “She is gone, yet targeted.” He said the insult was to all mothers and daughters of Bihar. BJP leaders accused Congress and RJD of promoting “hate and tastelessness.” Modi also attacked Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, saying they cannot understand the struggle of a poor mother. The video clip of the incident, which surfaced from Darbhanga, has gone viral, though its authenticity remains unverified. (PC: HT)

Heavy rain has paralysed north India, killing at least 98 people across Punjab, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand. The Yamuna crossed the danger mark in Delhi, flooding homes and roads. Punjab reported 29 deaths in what officials called the “worst flood in 25 years.” In Jammu and Kashmir, over 50 people have died, highways remain shut, and 500 houses are damaged. Uttarakhand reported 10 deaths, with 69 still missing after cloudbursts. Thousands are displaced across the region. Schools and offices in many states have closed. The IMD warned heavy rain will continue until September 7. (PC: India Today)

Poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar responded to West Bengal Urdu Academy's event cancellation after Islamic groups objected to his participation, accusing him of insulting religion. Akhtar, invited as chief guest for "Urdu in Hindi Cinema" panel discussion, said receiving "hate mail from both sides" confirms he's "doing something right." He emphasized his Persian name has no religious association, criticizing India's tendency to link names with religion. Author Taslima Nasreen condemned the academy's decision, warning that bowing to extremist threats empowers them. The cancellation drew criticism from poet-filmmaker Gauhar Raza and civil rights groups like APDR, who flagged broader dangers to democratic rights and freedom of expression in contemporary discourse. (PC: Black Hat Talent Solutions)

Former US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan accused President Trump of "throwing away" India relations to prioritize Pakistan business deals with Trump's family. Sullivan claimed Trump's tariffs on India benefit Pakistan's willingness to engage Trump family businesses, potentially undermining US allies' trust in Washington. Meanwhile, Russia considers manufacturing fifth-generation Su-57 fighter jets in India amid escalating US tariffs. Russian agencies assess investment requirements for Indian production, with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's Nashik facility emerging as potential hub. The development strengthens Russia-India defense cooperation rather than pushing New Delhi away from Moscow. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed confidence in resolving trade friction, calling the SCO summit "largely performative" while acknowledging India's democratic values align closer to America than China or Russia. (PC: Responsible Statecraft)