Fifty-one of the 227 Indian nationals recruited into the Russian armed forces have died, the government said on Monday. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said 139 Indians have been discharged so far.   India is in regular talks with Russia to secure the release and return of those still serving in the Russian army. The Indian Embassy in Moscow is also monitoring the situation.   Misri said New Delhi wants the remaining Indian nationals to be discharged and reunited with their families as soon as possible. He shared the update during a briefing on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kyrgyzstan.  

Seventeen-year-old Tokyo student Aditi Paudel has been appointed Japan’s first literacy ambassador by the World Literacy Foundation. The global programme includes around 900 young people from 101 countries.   Paudel was chosen for her passion for reading and work to promote literacy among young people. Born in Japan, she spent part of her childhood in Nepal before returning to Japan.   She plans to support children with disabilities and help collect books for communities with lower literacy rates, including in Nepal. Paudel believes literacy opens doors to education, opportunities and a better future.  

The price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder has increased by Rs 9.50 from September 1. The new price is Rs 2,747.50, up from Rs 2,738.   The hike comes after two months of price cuts. Higher prices may increase costs for restaurants, hotels and catering businesses. The price of a 5-kg Free Trade LPG cylinder has also risen by Rs 2 to Rs 764.   Meanwhile, domestic LPG prices remain unchanged. A 14.2-kg household cooking gas cylinder continues to cost Rs 942. Domestic LPG prices were last increased in June.  

The death toll from devastating floods in Nepal and Tibet has crossed 1,000, officials said. Nepal has recovered 987 bodies, while at least 16 people have died in Tibet.   Nearly 4,000 people remain missing in Nepal. Around 12,000 people have been rescued so far, while 279 others were injured.   The worst-hit areas include Chitwan, Nawalparasi and several other districts in Nepal. In Tibet, hundreds of people are also missing after floods hit Gyirong County. Chinese authorities said 261 foreign nationals from 23 countries remain unaccounted for near the Nepal border. (PC: Reuters)  

Delhi Traffic Police has issued an advisory for Tuesday due to motorcade rehearsals for the upcoming BRICS Summit. Traffic restrictions and diversions are expected between 11 am and 3 pm in several parts of central Delhi.   Major roads, including Sardar Patel Marg, Janpath, Mathura Road, Ashoka Road and Shanti Path, may face temporary closures or delays.   Commuters travelling to the airport or railway stations have been advised to leave early and use alternative routes. The Delhi Metro will operate normally and has been recommended to avoid traffic delays. Emergency vehicles will be given priority passage.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping exchanged a brief handshake at the SCO summit in Bishkek on Tuesday. The interaction appeared more formal than their warmer meeting at the Tianjin summit in 2025.   The two leaders did not hold a formal bilateral meeting in Bishkek. The next possible meeting could take place at the BRICS summit in New Delhi later this month.   India and China have improved some diplomatic and people-to-people ties since their 2024 border disengagement agreement. However, border issues along the Line of Actual Control remain a key concern for India.  

Duane “Keffe D” Davis has been found guilty of murdering rapper Tupac Shakur, nearly 30 years after his death. A jury in Las Vegas delivered the verdict on September 1.   Tupac was shot several times in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996. He died a few days later.   Davis was charged with murder in 2023 and pleaded not guilty. During the trial, prosecutors focused on his past statements, including claims made in his 2019 memoir. Davis faces a possible life sentence without parole. He has said he plans to appeal the verdict.  

Uzbekistan has announced visa-free entry for Indian passport holders for stays of up to 30 days. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev made the announcement during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tashkent.   The move is expected to boost tourism, business and people-to-people ties between India and Uzbekistan. Until now, Indian travellers needed an e-visa to visit the country.   However, the official implementation order and start date are yet to be announced. Uzbekistan is known for its historic Silk Road cities, Islamic architecture, busy bazaars and popular local food.  

Two people were killed and another was injured in a stabbing at New York’s busy Times Square on Monday. Police said a woman armed with knives carried out the attack before officers shot her.   The injured victim was taken to hospital and is in stable condition. The attacker was also taken to hospital in critical condition but later died, according to reports.   Police do not believe the attack was linked to terrorism. The area was filled with emergency teams after the incident. Investigators are still looking into what happened and the possible motive behind the stabbing.  

The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has paused its earlier order allowing Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra to settle his insolvency case by paying around Rs 6.25 crore. The tribunal has also stopped Chandra from selling or transferring his properties.   The case will now be heard by a special five-member bench. The bench said there were differences in the earlier orders passed by three members, with no clear majority decision.   The earlier order had raised questions because claims of over Rs 22,000 crore were reportedly made against Chandra. The five-member bench will now review the matter and decide the next steps.