Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there can be no double standards on terrorism, calling it a grave challenge to humanity, at the SCO Summit in Tianjin, China, on Monday. Speaking in the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Modi said terrorism was a common threat and called for dismantling its entire ecosystem, including financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens. He urged SCO member states to act against countries that use terrorism as a policy instrument or provide shelter to terrorists. Modi also called for greater cooperation on security, connectivity and regional development.   

Rights advocates and minority groups in Pakistan have demanded an investigation after an over-century-old Hindu temple in Siraj village, Narowal, was allegedly demolished on August 21 to expand an adjacent madrassa. They accused members of the banned Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan of razing the nearly 125-year-old structure and called for its reconstruction. The Pakistan government disputed the allegation, saying the 100-125-year-old temple collapsed due to torrential rains. The Evacuee Trust Property Board acknowledged that the land beside the temple was leased for a seminary, but said the temple land itself was never leased and senior officials would decide on restoration. (PC: NDTV)

India is reportedly exploring the acquisition of Russia’s S-500 missile defence system and Su-57 stealth fighter as Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds talks with President Vladimir Putin. The discussions follow the reported performance of India’s S-400 systems during Operation Sindoor and come as the IAF faces a shortage of combat aircraft. India operates four of five S-400 squadrons ordered in 2018 and is also considering five additional units. Russia has discussed possible local co-production of the S-500 and licensed Su-57 production. Broader talks include Sukhoi-30MKI upgrades, logistics cooperation and defence industrial partnerships. (PC: Economic Times)

4 Indian-origin people from Texas remain missing after devastating floods near the Nepal-Tibet border, a non-profit organisation said, as it launched a USD 100,000 relief drive. Deepak and Madhu Ahuja lost contact while returning from a Mount Kailash pilgrimage near Gyirong Port, while Archana Suresh and Raghu Rajan remain unaccounted for in the Rasuwagadhi-Timure area. Texas-based Sewa International USA said it raised over USD 55,000 within 24 hours and opened a missing persons portal. The organisation has sent tarpaulins, food, medical supplies and oral rehydration packets to flood-hit communities. (PC: HT)

Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared to squirm after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged him to end the Ukraine war during their meeting in Bishkek at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. Modi said every day the conflict continues, “humanity is, in effect, set back a step,” and called for an end to the war and a peaceful resolution. He said India would continue to support peace efforts. After listening through an earpiece, Putin removed it and placed it on the table before replying that Russia was “moving forward along this path”. However, Putin has repeatedly said he will end the war only on his terms.

Actor Sonu Sood has reached flood-hit Nepal to support victims of the devastating disaster, urging people worldwide to come forward and help those who have lost homes and loved ones. Speaking from the affected areas, Sood said the scale of destruction was clear on the ground and stressed the need for immediate assistance. His team is working with several organisations to understand the challenges faced by survivors and ensure help reaches them. Sharing pictures after meeting locals, he said, “Nepal, you are not alone.” Nepal’s floods have killed 1,093 people, with nearly 4,000 still missing and over 11,900 rescued.

Nepal has sought climate-related compensation from India, China and the United States following the catastrophic Bhotekoshi River flash flood on August 26. Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said Nepal was shifting its approach from “aid” to “justice and compensation”, arguing that major greenhouse gas emitters have a moral and historical responsibility to support vulnerable countries. The disaster killed more than 1,100 people, while nearly 4,500 remain missing, according to the report. Nepal has also formally approached the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, seeking urgent financial assistance for widespread destruction and humanitarian losses. (PC: NDTV)

The Rajasthan government has begun rebuilding a government school in Rampura village in Jaipur’s Bagru Assembly constituency after the Cockroach Janata Party protested over its poor condition on August 21. The old, dilapidated building was demolished on Wednesday to make way for a new structure, with around ₹18 lakh sanctioned for the project. CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka called the move a victory for students, saying children had been studying in extremely poor conditions. Ranka said Rampura reflected wider infrastructure problems in Rajasthan’s government schools and vowed to continue raising the issue until students receive safe, dignified learning environments. (PC: The Indian Express)

Four people, including a young child, were killed and more than 50 others injured after a US missile strike hit a residential home hosting a wedding celebration in Kuhestak, Sirik county, southern Iran, according to the Iranian Red Crescent. An Iranian government video showed extensive damage and debris at the site. The United States said its latest strikes targeted Iran’s Revolutionary Guards after alleged attempted attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and US service members. It was not immediately clear what the intended target was in Sirik county. (PC: NDTV)

Two soldiers from 1 Para Special Forces are missing after an Army boat capsized in the Yamuna near Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana’s Yamunanagar district during a night training exercise on September 1. The boat, carrying five personnel, suffered a technical snag and was caught in strong currents before capsizing near the barrage’s sluice gates. Three soldiers swam to safety, while two were swept away. A joint rescue operation involving the Army, Air Force, NDRF, SDRF, police and civil authorities is underway, with water discharge reduced to support the search.   (PC: HT)