India’s economy grew 7.8% in the April-June quarter of FY 2026-27, beating expectations despite global uncertainty. The growth was higher than the RBI’s 7% forecast and economists’ estimates. Services led the expansion with 10% growth, while manufacturing rose 9.2% and construction increased 7.7%. Gross Value Added grew 8.2%, according to official data. Private and government consumption also remained strong, while investment, measured by gross fixed capital formation, surged 20.4%. Agriculture grew at a slower 3.6%. The data points to broad-based economic momentum, driven mainly by services, industry and strong investment activity. (PC: X)

Nepali authorities carried out a controlled blast early Monday to open access to a hydropower tunnel where hundreds of workers are feared trapped following last week’s devastating flash floods. The operation took place at the Trishuli-3A site in Rasuwa district, where rescuers are racing to reach possible survivors. Officials say 933 hydropower workers are missing across affected sites, while 4,247 people remain unaccounted for. At least 903 deaths have been confirmed. Rescue teams are clearing water, mud and debris from tunnels after saving 191 people on Friday and another 88 on Saturday. (PC: BBC)

Essel Group founder Subhash Chandra said borrowers linked to his personal guarantees have assured him they will settle outstanding claims of Rs 4,262 crore with lenders. According to a statement from his office, borrowers had received Rs 4,808 crore and repaid Rs 3,803 crore, leaving a payable balance of Rs 998 crore, while claims after settled accounts stood at Rs 4,262 crore. The largest outstanding amounts include Rs 1,322 crore with LIC Housing and Rs 775 crore with HDFC Bank. The statement said several liabilities were being settled or were backed by adequate assets. (PC: The Indian Express)

India has stepped up rescue efforts in Nepal as the death toll from the devastating floods crossed 900 and thousands remain missing. Indian rescue teams and technical experts are assisting Nepali authorities, particularly in efforts to reach workers trapped inside hydropower tunnels. The disaster, triggered by a massive glacier collapse and flash floods, has left large areas devastated and rescue operations difficult. Indian teams have also helped evacuate stranded citizens as Nepal battles one of its worst natural disasters in years. Search and relief operations continue across the affected region amid fears that the toll could rise further. (PC: X)

Police have arrested two men for allegedly gang-raping a 16-year-old girl on a moving sleeper bus in Greater Noida and abandoning her nearly 40 km away in Delhi. The accused, identified as driver Kuldeep, 39, and conductor Sandeep, 26, were arrested from Delhi's Timarpur area. Police said the incident took place on August 4 after the teenager, travelling from Mainpuri, boarded the empty bus near Pari Chowk after being told it was going towards Noida Sector 63. The bus was later seized, while forensic evidence and CCTV footage have been collected as the investigation continues. (PC: NDTV)

One person has died and around 15 people remain missing or unaccounted for after flash flooding struck the Bright Angel Canyon and Phantom Ranch areas of the Grand Canyon. The National Park Service said the flood destroyed footbridges, swept boulders downstream and caused extensive damage to park infrastructure. The body of a 46-year-old man was found near Crystal Rapids along the Colorado River. At least 62 people have been airlifted to safety. Trails have been closed and South Rim guest lodgings suspended as authorities warn that further thunderstorms could trigger additional flash floods, debris flows and rockfalls. (PC: BBC)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Bishkek, marking a key engagement between the two leaders amid tensions in West Asia. The meeting came months after Modi and Pezeshkian spoke by phone following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Earlier, Modi also held bilateral talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. He is expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin later and attend the opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games. The SCO summit will focus on regional and global issues and strengthening cooperation among member states.

A preliminary report by Nepalese scientists has concluded that last week’s devastating flash floods in Nepal and Tibet were triggered by an ice-rock avalanche from the Langtang-Lirung peak, not a glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). The avalanche began around 8:37 am on August 26, plunging from about 5,200 metres into the Lhende River and generating a powerful debris flow. Satellite images found no evidence of a glacial lake outburst or major cloudburst. The disaster has killed more than 900 people, while over 3,000, including many Indians, remain missing. Scientists warned similar Himalayan disasters could become more frequent. (PC: HT)

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed to have shot down a US MQ-9 Reaper over the Strait of Hormuz, though Washington had not confirmed the loss. The $50 million Reaper is a long-endurance combat drone capable of surveillance and precision strikes. India also operates MQ-9B Sea Guardians, but they serve a different role. India’s Sea Guardians are primarily used for long-range maritime surveillance and can remain airborne for about 30 hours. The Navy currently operates four leased drones, while India has ordered 31 MQ-9B drones under a Rs 32,000 crore deal, with deliveries expected from 2029. (PC: India Today)

The bodies of two women from Kerala, who were found dead at their home in California, are set to be brought back to India after Union Minister Suresh Gopi intervened. The victims were identified as Ranjitha and Rekha. US authorities are investigating the deaths, while details about the motive and allegations remain unclear. Following appeals from their families, Gopi coordinated with officials to help complete the process of repatriating the bodies to Kerala. (PC: The Indian Express)