In a dramatic twist to the Dharmasthala mass burial case, the key whistleblower, a former sanitation worker was arrested for allegedly furnishing false evidence and misleading Karnataka’s Special Investigation Team. He had claimed to have buried 70–80 bodies between 1998 and 2014, but police found only one male skeleton at the identified sites. The skull he initially presented was revealed to be fake. He faces charges of perjury and will be produced before a magistrate. Despite denying any intent to malign the temple, he alleged that many victims showed signs of sexual assault. His claims are now under intense scrutiny. (PC: India Today & NDTV)

India has extended its airspace closure to Pakistan-registered aircraft, including military and leased planes, until September 24, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. The original restriction, imposed on April 30, has been renewed monthly, with the latest NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued on August 22. Pakistan reciprocated with its own NOTAM on August 20, continuing its ban on Indian aircraft. These mutual airspace restrictions reflect escalating diplomatic tensions and are part of broader retaliatory measures. The Indian NOTAM specifies that Pakistani aircraft are barred until 11:59 PM UTC on September 23, equivalent to 5:30 AM IST on September 24. (PC: Reuters)

Facing steep U.S. tariffs and pressure over Russian oil imports, India is ramping up crude oil trade with Brazil, another country targeted by President Trump. Imports from Brazil surged 75% year-on-year in early 2025, making it India’s ninth-largest supplier. As Russian oil remains politically sensitive, Indian refiners are diversifying, with Brazil emerging as a key non-OPEC alternative. Diplomatic efforts between PM Modi and President Lula da Silva signal deeper energy ties, including collaboration on offshore exploration. Despite logistical hurdles and competition from West Asia and China, Brazil’s growing output and India’s strategic pivot may reshape global oil flows amid tariff tensions.

On National Space Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ISRO unveiled India’s expansive space roadmap, including Chandrayaan-4, a Venus Orbiter Mission, and the Bharatiya Antriksh Station (BAS) by 2035. The first BAS module will launch by 2028, with full operations by 2035. A Moon sample return mission is planned by 2040, alongside development of a Next Generation Launcher (NGL). PM Modi praised India’s historic lunar and Martian achievements and urged youth to join the astronaut pool. He highlighted technological strides in semi-cryogenic engines and electric propulsion, and celebrated initiatives like the Space Hackathon and Robotics Challenge. India aims to match global space agencies in deep space exploration and interplanetary missions. (PC: Jagran Josh & PTI)

Just days after being named in India’s Asia Cup squad, Shubman Gill has reportedly fallen ill, casting doubt over his participation in a major upcoming BCCI tournament. Gill, who was expected to lead the side, is currently under medical observation. His sudden health setback has raised concerns within the team management, especially given his recent form and leadership role. The BCCI is closely monitoring the situation and may announce a replacement if Gill is ruled out. This development comes at a critical juncture for India’s tournament preparations, potentially impacting team dynamics and strategy. Fans and selectors alike await further updates on his recovery. (PC: NDTV)

A tour bus returning to New York City from Niagara Falls crashed on Interstate 90 near Pembroke, about 40 km east of Buffalo, killing at least five and injuring several others. The bus carried 54 passengers, including individuals of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino descent, as well as children. The vehicle veered into the median and landed in a roadside ditch, ejecting passengers as windows burst. Authorities confirmed the driver survived and is cooperating with the investigation. Officials believe they understand the cause of the crash. The incident has sparked concern over highway safety and the vulnerability of international tourists traveling across U.S. roadways.(PC: X)

Renowned economist and Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen voiced concern over rising linguistic intolerance against Bengali-speaking individuals in India. Speaking at a public discussion themed “India’s Youth: Social Opportunities They Should Have,” Sen cited media reports of Bengalis being pushed to Bangladesh for speaking their language. With characteristic wit, he joked about speaking French instead though he doesn’t know the language. Sen emphasized India’s cultural diversity and called for respect toward Bengali heritage, warning against professional hurdles and disrespect faced by Bengali speakers. He urged recognition of Bengali civilization’s rich history and advocated protest if cultural dignity is undermined. His remarks spotlight growing anxieties around identity and inclusion in contemporary India.(PC: Lokmat Times)

A devastating cloudburst struck Tharali tehsil in Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, late Friday night, causing widespread destruction. Debris surged into homes, markets, and even the residence of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate. Visuals from Saturday morning revealed uprooted trees, damaged roads, and vehicles buried under mud. Uttarakhand Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Kumar Suman confirmed that two people are reported missing. District Magistrate and relief teams have rushed to the site to assess damage and coordinate rescue efforts. The incident underscores the vulnerability of Himalayan regions to extreme weather events, raising urgent concerns about infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness in ecologically sensitive zones.

Lionel Messi is officially set to play a friendly football match in Kerala this November, as confirmed by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) on August 23, 2025. The match will be part of two FIFA friendlies scheduled for the remainder of the year. The first will take place in the United States from October 6–14, while the second will be held between November 10–18 in Luanda, Angola, and Kerala, India. The opponents for both fixtures are yet to be announced. This marks a historic moment for Indian football fans, as Messi’s presence promises to electrify the stadium and spotlight India on the global football map. (PC: Al Jazeera)

White House Personnel Director Sergio Gor has been nominated by Donald Trump as the next US Ambassador to India and Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs. Gor, 38, expressed deep gratitude, calling it the “honour of my life.” Born in Soviet-era Uzbekistan, Gor moved to Malta, studied in the US, and rose through Republican ranks, working with Senator Rand Paul and Trump’s campaigns. Trump praised Gor’s loyalty and record-setting staffing achievements. Endorsements came from VP JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The nomination coincides with Trump’s imposition of a 50% tariff on India, including a 25% penalty for purchasing Russian oil. (PC: CNBC)