A chilling scene unfolded in Manali on August 27, 2025, as heavy monsoon rain led to a sudden collapse of the road opposite the Beas River. A stationary pickup truck on Left Bank Road vanished instantly, swept away by the torrent of water as the ground beneath it gave way—captured in dramatic, widely shared visuals . The incident underscores the sheer intensity of the flooding and the fragility of mountain infrastructure under extreme weather. As monsoon rains persist across Himachal Pradesh, urgent calls have emerged for bolstered disaster response and infrastructure safeguards in vulnerable regions.

Sanju Samson has made it clear he will not give up his opening slot ahead of the Asia Cup. With Shubman Gill returning as India’s T20I vice-captain, many expected Samson to move down the order. But the wicketkeeper-batter backed his case by smashing 223 runs in the Kerala Cricket League. After a failed attempt at No. 6, he returned as opener and hit 121 and 89 in two innings. Samson has scored three centuries in his last 10 T20I matches. His strong form is seen as a direct challenge to Gill and the selectors. (PC: X)

Seventeen-year-old Koyel Bar from Howrah, West Bengal, created history by lifting a total of 192 kg in the women’s 53 kg category, setting a new youth world record at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships . She achieved 85 kg in snatch and, though she narrowly missed a 109 kg clean and jerk, her 107 kg lift still secured the record . Inspired by her father’s gym visits and trained under coach Vijay Sharma, Koyel has surged from a 147 kg total to this stellar performance . Her feat eclipsed senior silver medallist Sneha Soren’s 185 kg. (PC: The Hindu)

Heavy rains in Jammu and Kashmir have killed at least 36 people over two days. A landslide on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route in Reasi district caused most deaths. Dozens of roads were blocked, bridges and electricity poles collapsed, and mobile networks were disrupted. Rescue teams are searching for survivors under the debris. The pilgrimage to the shrine is suspended. Jammu city recorded over 380 mm of rain in 38 hours. Northern Railways cancelled and delayed many trains. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reviewed the situation and briefed PM Modi. Schools remain closed across the region. (PC: News18)

India’s iconic freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose is the subject of a new AI-generated anime series titled DQN. Created by Tokyo-based Indian alumnus Kushagra Kushwaha, the show’s trailer features Bose rallying his troops against a fictional oppressor, Avalon, with impassioned words of resistance such as, “Our land, our future and identity — all are imprisoned… never bow before Avalon’s tyranny” . DQN unfolds in a cyberpunk world infused with AI, following a high-stakes race among 12 individuals seeking a hidden vault that could change the power dynamics of society . The creator brings rich anime expertise from projects like Vinland Saga and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and the production is led by AI studio Morphic. (PC: The Telegraph)

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched and deployed satellites from Bengaluru-based Pixxel and Hyderabad’s Dhruva Space into orbit, marking a milestone for India’s private space sector. Pixxel placed three more Firefly hyperspectral imaging satellites in orbit—completing the first phase of its six-satellite constellation. These satellites capture over 135 spectral bands at 5-meter resolution across a 40-km swath, enabling advanced applications like agriculture, climate monitoring, and disaster response . Dhruva Space’s LEAP-1 satellite, carrying AI and hyperspectral payloads from Australian partners, was also deployed—signifying the startup’s first commercial mission . Industry observers hailed this dual-launch as a defining moment in the rise of Indian private space innovation.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin joined Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s “Voter Adhikar Yatra” in Bihar, alongside Tejashwi and Priyanka Gandhi. Addressing crowds in Muzaffarpur, Stalin accused the BJP and Election Commission of orchestrating mass voter deletions under the Special Intensive Revision process, calling the removal of 65 lakh names “more dangerous than terrorism.” He alleged the EC had become a “BJP puppet” and demanded voter rights be protected. The BJP hit back, circulating videos of alleged anti-Bihari remarks by DMK leaders, daring Stalin to repeat them on stage, intensifying political tensions around the rally. (PC: X)  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm greetings to citizens on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, sharing his message on X (formerly Twitter). He prayed to Lord Gajanan for the well-being, peace, happiness, and good health of all devotees. Emphasizing the spirit of unity and devotion the festival brings, Modi invoked “Ganpati Bappa Morya,” encouraging people to celebrate with faith and joy. Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival widely celebrated across India, marks the birth of Lord Ganesha, symbolizing new beginnings, wisdom, and prosperity. Modi’s wishes echoed the cultural and spiritual essence of the occasion. (PC: ANI)

President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on Indian exports to the United States took effect on Wednesday, raising duties to 50%. The move, called a “penalty” for India’s Russian oil purchases, has hit key sectors. Gems and jewellery, textiles, auto parts, and seafood exports face major losses. Surat’s diamond industry and shrimp farmers are already reporting disruptions. Auto parts worth over $6 billion are also impacted. However, smartphones, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy have been spared for now. India rejected the tariffs as unfair and said its oil imports are based on national energy security needs for 1.4 billion citizens. (PC: HT )

A 20-year-old woman, DC Kumari, was killed by her in-laws in Khagaria district of Bihar over dowry. Her family said she was beaten and then hanged after they delayed giving a gold chain during her brother’s wedding. Her father said he had asked for two months but the in-laws threatened to kill her. Her brother alleged she was tortured before her death, and injury marks were found on her body. The victim was married to Vibhishan Yadav about a year ago. Police have registered a case, but the accused are missing. The body was handed to the family. (PC: NDTV)