During the devastating cloudburst on August 14, 2025, local youth known as the Chishoti Bikers—who normally ferry pilgrims along the Machail Mata yatra route—switched from their regular service to rescuers, becoming the first responders. As torrents of water and debris swept through Chishoti village, these bikers sounded alarms and guided terrified pilgrims to safety. They then improvised rescue efforts using bike tools and household items to help dig out survivors until formal aid arrived. Their bravery was later acknowledged by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who lauded their selfless, courageous service.

Rajesh Sakriya Khimjibhai, 41, from Rajkot, attacked Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a Jan Sunwai event on Wednesday. Police said he told them he acted over the lives of three lakh stray dogs after a Supreme Court order. Khimjibhai, an autorickshaw driver with a criminal record including assault and bootlegging, is in custody. An attempt-to-murder case has been registered. CM Gupta described the attack as a “cowardly attempt” but said she is recovering. Police continue to verify his motive and are working with Gujarat authorities to investigate his background and actions. (PC: HT)

A Class 9 student shot his physics teacher at Shri Gurunanak Senior Secondary School on Wednesday after being slapped and scolded two days earlier. The student smuggled a country-made pistol inside his lunch box and shot Gagandeep Singh Kohli from behind, hitting him under the right shoulder. Staff caught the boy as he tried to flee. The injured teacher was admitted to a private hospital ICU. In protest, CBSE and private schools in the district closed Thursday, and teachers held a silent march demanding stronger safety measures. Police have taken the student into custody. (PC: India Today)

Hurricane Erin battered the Outer Banks with strong winds and high waves, flooding Highway 12 and surging under beachfront homes, officials said. Tropical storm conditions also affected parts of Virginia. Authorities closed beaches in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware due to dangerous rip currents. Waves over 20 feet hit North Carolina, causing coastal flooding and threatening erosion-damaged homes. Despite evacuation orders, most residents stayed. Officials warned that the storm could regain strength and become a major hurricane but is expected to move out to sea. Rescuers saved dozens of people caught in rip currents this week. (PC: NDTV)

Russia launched 574 drones and 40 missiles on Ukraine, hitting western cities including Lviv and Transcarpathia, Ukrainian officials said. One person died and 18 were injured as residential buildings and a US electronics firm were damaged. Ukraine’s air force said it intercepted 577 of 614 attacks. President Zelensky expressed willingness to meet Putin in neutral Europe but ruled out Budapest due to Hungarian ties with Moscow. The strikes come amid US-led diplomatic efforts to end the war. Ukraine also struck Russian facilities in Rostov and Donetsk. The attacks mark the largest bombardment since July, highlighting the urgent need for stronger air defenses. (PC: BBC)

Mumbai’s richest Ganesh mandal, GSB Seva Mandal in King’s Circle, has arranged a historic ₹474.46 crore insurance package for the upcoming Ganeshotsav—significantly above last year’s ₹400 crore cover . Underwritten by New India Assurance, it includes ₹375 crore in personal accident protection for volunteers, priests, cooks and security staff; ₹67 crore covering gold, silver and jewellery; ₹30 crore public liability; ₹2 crore for fire and natural calamities; and ₹43 lakh specifically for venue premises . The increase reflects soaring bullion valuations and expanded personnel involved in the festival. 

A 26-year-old woman from Muradnagar, Ghaziabad, married in March 2025, filed a police complaint accusing her husband—a government physical education teacher—and in-laws of severe mental and physical abuse. She alleges he forced her into rigorous three-hour daily gym workouts to resemble Bollywood star Nora Fatehi, and denied her food if she failed to comply. The woman says she was body-shamed, abused over unmet dowry demands despite lavish gifts worth around ₹75–76 lakh, given an abortion pill without consent causing miscarriage, and later barred from returning home. An FIR has been registered; investigation is ongoing.

The government on Thursday said India will not take part in any bilateral sports events with Pakistan. Indian teams will not travel to Pakistan, nor host Pakistani teams in bilateral series. However, this rule does not apply to multilateral tournaments. The Indian men’s cricket team will be allowed to play Pakistan in the Asia Cup on September 14 and possibly September 21 in Dubai. The final is on September 29. The policy follows international sports practices and ensures safety. Visa procedures for international sports officials will also be simplified, the government said. (PC: India Today)

Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Thursday granted bail to former Prime Minister Imran Khan in eight cases linked to the May 9, 2023, violence. The cases followed nationwide protests and attacks on government and military buildings after Khan’s arrest. A three-member bench led by Chief Justice Yahya Afridi approved the bail pleas. However, Khan will remain in jail due to other convictions, including a case on state gifts and another involving £190 million. Several trials are still pending. PTI called the Supreme Court’s decision a “victory for Imran Khan” and shared his message of hope on X. (PC: Economic Times)

Security was increased in Jammu after a pigeon carrying a threat note was caught near the India-Pakistan border. BSF officials found the bird in RS Pura, about 40 km from Jammu city. A note tied to the pigeon warned of an IED blast at Jammu Tawi Railway Station. The message was written in Urdu and English. Urdu part said, “Kashmir is ours, the time has come,” and English part read, “JAMMU STATION IED BLAST THE END.” Police and BSF beefed up security at the station and other sensitive areas. Officials suspect it may be a prank. (PC: India Today)