Pranav Soorma’s inspiring story is one of perseverance and triumph over adversity. A quadriplegic since a life-altering accident at 16, Pranav found his purpose in sports despite the immense physical challenges. Using glue to grip his club, Pranav won silver in the club throw event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, throwing 34.59m. His determination, supported by his father, who left his job to care for him, led to this victory. Pranav credits his role model, Virat Kohli, for motivating him through tough times. His journey serves as a beacon of hope for overcoming obstacles.

India achieved its best-ever Paralympics haul at Paris 2024, winning 25 medals—5 golds, 9 silvers, and 11 bronzes. Harvinder Singh secured India's first-ever para archery gold, while Dharambir set an Asian record of 34.92m in men's club throw F51. Sumit Antil broke the Paralympic record in men's javelin throw F64, and Nitesh Kumar clinched gold in para badminton. In shooting, Avani Lekhara added gold, while Mona Agarwal took bronze in women's 10m air rifle standing SH1. China continues to dominate with 146 medals, including 64 golds. India ranks 14th on the medal table as of September 5.

A Royal Navy member has died after a Merlin Mk4 helicopter ditched into the Channel near Dorset on the night of September 4, 2024. The helicopter was conducting night-flying exercises with HMS Queen Elizabeth. The deceased, whose identity has not been released, was one of three crew members aboard. The other two were rescued and hospitalized. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed deep sadness, while Defence Secretary John Healey and First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Ben Key also offered condolences. An investigation into the incident will be conducted.

The Democratic Republic of Congo received its first shipment of 99,000 mpox vaccine doses on September 5, 2024. The vaccines, manufactured by Bavarian Nordic and donated by the EU, arrived in Kinshasa and are aimed at combating a severe outbreak that led the U.N. to declare a global health emergency. Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba Mulamba announced plans to target high-affected areas such as Equateur and South Kivu. A second delivery on September 7 will bring the total to 200,000 doses. Congo’s vaccination campaign is set to start on October 8.

Indian para-archer Sheetal Devi, who recently won a bronze medal in the mixed team event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, continues to inspire many, including a 13-year-old girl born without arms and legs. Hailing from a small village, Sheetal overcame her disability, becoming an international sensation by shooting with her legs. After gaining attention on Instagram, she received a heartfelt message from the young girl. Inspired by Sheetal, the girl started archery in the same club. Sheetal’s story is a powerful reminder that with determination and support, people with disabilities can achieve greatness.

Traders are rushing to offload Maldives' Islamic bonds as the risk of default grows. The dollar-denominated sukuk due in 2026 dropped below 70 cents, hitting a record low. The Bank of Maldives has capped foreign currency spending, and Fitch has issued its second downgrade since June. "Without a last-minute foreign exchange infusion from China, the GCC, or India, the non-payment of the October coupon is a plausible scenario," said Purvi Harlalka, an emerging-market strategist. The Maldives Monetary Authority is negotiating a $400 million currency swap with India, but reserves remain critically low.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have been preparing Boeing's Starliner spacecraft for its upcoming return to Earth. The space veterans focused on loading cargo and conducting final inspections aboard the International Space Station (ISS). In a strategic move to optimize space, they removed the crew seats to make room for additional cargo. Following this, the astronauts conducted a thorough photographic survey of the capsule to ensure all systems were in proper working order. The Starliner is scheduled to depart the ISS on Friday for its uncrewed journey back to Earth, marking a key step in NASA's space missions.

Indian judoka Kapil Parmar made history by winning India's first-ever Paralympic medal in judo at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. He earned bronze in the men's -60kg J1 category, defeating Brazil's Elielton de Oliveira in 33 seconds with an Ippon. Kapil's win brings India's total medal count to 25, including five golds. The 24-year-old, who hails from Madhya Pradesh, overcame adversity after surviving an electric shock as a child. Despite a semifinal loss to Iran's Banitaba Khorram Abadi, Kapil’s achievement has inspired the nation.

India and Singapore have elevated their relationship to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit. Modi held talks with Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, leading to the signing of four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in semiconductors, digital technologies, healthcare, and skill development. The leaders reviewed progress in trade, defence, and technology cooperation, with a focus on future growth. Singapore is a major investor in India, with over $160 billion in investments. Modi invited Wong to visit India, which he accepted. The visit strengthens India's Act East policy and the two nations' bilateral ties.

Rahul Gandhi has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the collapse of a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra. The Congress leader called it an insult to the warrior king. Gandhi claimed corruption in the statue's construction and said the contract was given to an RSS member. He questioned why PM Modi apologized, suggesting he knew about the corruption. Sculptor Jaydeep Apte and consultant Chetan Patil have been arrested. The opposition claims Apte has connections with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s son. Gandhi urged PM Modi to apologize to the people of Maharashtra.