Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Tianjin, China, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit from August 31 to September 1—his first China visit since 2019 and the Galwan clash in 2020. The visit follows stops in Japan and comes amid US President Donald Trump's criticism of BRICS nations, including India, over oil trade with Russia. Ahead of the summit, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and NSA Ajit Doval visited China, while EAM S. Jaishankar met President Xi. The SCO agenda faces tension, as India opposed China's move to exclude the Pahalgam terror attack from a key SCO counterterrorism document. (PC: India Today)

A sudden flash flood triggered by intense monsoon rains struck Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand, burying two women under mudslides and sweeping five Nepali labourers away. The disaster occurred amid cloudburst conditions that caused debris-laden torrents across vulnerable slopes. Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force, NDRF, and local police are working urgently to locate the missing. The exact death toll remains unclear. Authorities have issued red alerts and urged villagers and tourists to stay away from rivers and unstable terrain as drainage and infrastructure suffer severe disruption. (PC: PTI)

At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured after four aid trucks overturned in central Gaza on Tuesday, according to the Hamas-run civil defence agency. The crowd, desperate for food, reportedly surged toward the trucks and climbed onto them, causing the drivers to lose control on the damaged, uneven roads. The tragedy comes amid fears of worsening humanitarian conditions. A top UN official warned of “catastrophic consequences” if Israel expands its military operations in Gaza. Reports suggest PM Netanyahu is pushing for a full reoccupation of Gaza, a plan opposed by Israel’s army chief and families of Israeli hostages.

After months of specialized care at Reliance’s Vantara rescue center in Gujarat, elephant Mahadevi has safely returned to Karnataka. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis shared the update, highlighting the animal’s improved health following treatment for injuries and malnourishment. Originally rescued from illegal captivity in Karnataka, Mahadevi was moved to Vantara in April 2024 for medical attention. The facility provided her with round-the-clock veterinary care, nutrition, and rehabilitation. Her return was coordinated with Karnataka authorities, ensuring proper monitoring and continued care in her natural habitat. The case underscores the importance of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts. (PC: HT Photo)

A cloudburst near Kharadi in Uttarkashi triggered flash floods and landslides, causing severe damage along the Gaumukh-Gangotri corridor. Villages like Dharali and Jhala were worst hit—homes, hotels, and an army transit camp were destroyed. Four people have died, over 36 are missing, and 130+ have been rescued. The terrain's natural fragility was worsened by unchecked construction, deforestation, and violation of eco-sensitive zone norms. Experts warn of rising disaster risks due to tourism-driven development. Rescue efforts by NDRF, SDRF, ITBP, and the Army continue, despite blocked roads and ongoing rain hampering access to remote areas. (PC: NDTV)

A heartwarming moment unfolded near the western gate of the Taj Mahal when a group of Italian tourists struggled with their sarees. Noticing their discomfort, a female Agra police constable, Lakshmi, stepped in to help them drape the traditional attire properly. She not only fixed their pallus but also taught them how to wear the saree with grace. The kind gesture was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media, earning widespread praise. The act perfectly embodied the spirit of “Atithi Devo Bhava,” reflecting India’s deep-rooted tradition of hospitality.

A group of 28 tourists from Kerala, including 20 settled in Maharashtra, has gone missing after Tuesday’s cloudburst triggered devastating flash floods in Uttarkashi’s Dharali area, Uttarakhand. The tourists were en route to Gangotri when the disaster struck, sweeping away homes, hotels, and vehicles. Relatives last spoke to them a day before the incident, and communication has since been lost. The travel agency involved also has no updates. The ecologically fragile region is heavily damaged, and rescue efforts led by the Indian Army and NDRF continue. At least 4 deaths have been confirmed, and 9 Army personnel are also missing. (PC: HT)

Rescuers have recovered a fifth body after a massive cloudburst triggered flash floods in Uttarkashi’s Dharali village, Uttarakhand. At least 11 Army personnel remain missing and 150 people have been rescued. The region is cut off due to landslides and collapsed roads, prompting a red alert across Uttarakhand and neighbouring Himachal Pradesh. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and PM Narendra Modi are monitoring the situation. The Army, NDRF, and SDRF are conducting operations. Nearby Sukki village was also hit. In Himachal, pilgrim routes and highways have been blocked. The IMD warns of more rain, heightening fears of further floods and landslides. (PC: X)

The Trump Organization’s real-estate footprint in India has expanded nearly four-fold since 2012, reaching 11 million sq ft across six cities. Despite Donald Trump’s past dismissal of India’s economy, his brand has seen aggressive growth since his re-election in 2024. Partnering with Tribeca Developers, the company has launched new luxury projects in Gurugram, Pune, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Noida, and Bengaluru, totaling 8 million sq ft. Brand Trump has already earned at least ₹175 crore from past ventures and expects sales from the new projects to exceed ₹15,000 crore. The organization does not invest directly but earns through branding fees and sales commissions. (PC: Indian Express)

Uttar Pradesh minister Sanjay Nishad sparked controversy after a viral video showed him saying, “Ganga maiya reaches your doorstep to clean your feet,” while visiting a flood-hit area in Lucknow. His remark, seen as insensitive, drew sharp criticism from Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders, who accused him of trivialising flood victims’ suffering. Nishad later claimed the comment was made “in a lighter vein,” stressing the cultural reverence Nishads hold for rivers. As several districts like Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, and Prayagraj face severe flooding and waterlogging, opposition parties accused the government of failing to deliver relief and staying disconnected from reality. (PC: HT)