Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian PM to visit Brunei, where he was hosted by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at the world's largest palace, Istana Nurul Iman. The palace, spanning 2 million square feet, features 1,700 rooms, 250 bathrooms, and a 22-carat gold dome. Sultan Bolkiah, with a net worth of $30 billion, owns a luxurious car collection worth $5 billion, including a gold-coated Rolls Royce. His private jets include a gold-plated Boeing 747-400, nicknamed the "flying palace." Known for his extravagant lifestyle, the Sultan's residence is a symbol of immense wealth and luxury.

As protests over the rape and murder at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College intensify, Trinamool Congress leaders face backlash for threats and derogatory remarks against protesters. Following Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's advice to “hiss” at opponents, leaders like Atish Sarkar issued threats, leading to his suspension. Kanchan Mullick and Udayan Guha also sparked controversy with inflammatory comments, while MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar apologized for a demeaning remark about female doctors. Trinamool MLA Lovely Maitra, echoing Mamata’s words, vowed "revenge" in 2024. The ongoing controversy adds fuel to the protests demanding police action and justice.

India’s largest-ever Paralympic contingent of 84 athletes has made headlines in Paris, securing 15 medals with more expected. Supported by the Narendra Modi government, the Paralympians received top training and facilities similar to their Olympic counterparts. Remarkably, 50% of the athletes are first-time participants. Star performers include Avani Lekhara, who won consecutive golds in air rifle, and Preeti Pal, the first Indian woman track and field athlete to win two Paralympic medals. The Indian government invested Rs 96 crore towards training and support, emphasizing equal opportunities for the Paralympic team.

At least 41 people were killed and over 180 injured after two Russian ballistic missiles struck an educational facility and a nearby hospital in Ukraine's central Poltava region, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported. The attack, one of the deadliest since the conflict began in 2022, left many trapped under rubble. Rescue teams saved 25 people, including 11 pulled from the debris. Ukraine's Defence Ministry condemned the strike as a "barbaric" act. Zelenskyy called for a comprehensive investigation, while rescue operations continued amidst fears that more civilians remain trapped.

NASA addressed reports of "strange noises" heard by astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore aboard Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, currently docked at the International Space Station (ISS). Wilmore first reported the pulsating sounds from the spacecraft's speaker system. NASA explained that the noise resulted from an audio configuration issue between the ISS and Starliner. The agency assured that the feedback had no technical impact on the crew, the spacecraft, or station operations. Starliner is scheduled to undock from the ISS on September 7, with Williams and Wilmore returning to Earth in February 2025 aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule.

Junior doctors from Kolkata's medical colleges staged an all-night protest near Lalbazar, the Kolkata Police headquarters, demanding Police Commissioner Vineet Goyal's resignation. Accusing Goyal of mishandling the August 9 rape and murder investigation of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College, the doctors vowed to continue protesting until all demands are met. "We are seeking the police commissioner’s resignation. Till the police allow us near Lalbazar, we will not go back," said Arnab Mukherjee, a postdoctoral trainee. Despite the arrest of ex-principal Sandip Ghosh in a corruption case, protesters stressed that justice and healthcare worker safety remain their main concerns.

Suellen Carey, a 36-year-old influencer and model, has made headlines again after filing for divorce from herself. Last year, she married herself in a London ceremony, citing struggles with dating and a desire for self-love. However, after attending solo therapy sessions and attempting to make the union work, Carey has concluded that the marriage is unsustainable. The unconventional divorce highlights the experimental nature of self-marriage, which sparked debate and curiosity worldwide. Carey's bold statement of independence has now become a thought-provoking exploration of the limits of self-love.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for heavy rain across much of the UK, including the East of England, South East, East and West Midlands, South West, London, and parts of Wales. The warning, in effect from 9pm Wednesday to 9am Thursday, predicts heavy, possibly thundery showers. There is a risk of sudden flooding, with potential damage to buildings from floodwater, lightning, hail, or strong winds. Fast-flowing or deep floodwater could pose a danger to life. Disruptions to train and bus services, including delays and cancellations, are also possible. Residents are advised to stay alert to rapidly changing conditions.

Great Britain's Jodie Grinham and Nathan Macqueen secured gold in the mixed team compound event, beating Iran 155-151. Grinham, seven months pregnant, won her second medal in Paris after earlier claiming bronze in the women's individual compound event. The GB pair led narrowly throughout, with a perfect final score of 40 sealing victory. This marks Grinham's second gold in Paris, a remarkable achievement given her pregnancy. The win highlights GB's strength in para-archery, with Grinham and Macqueen's partnership proving unbeatable.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Brunei on Monday, marking the first visit by an Indian head of state to the country. The visit comes despite 40 years of diplomatic relations between India and Brunei. PM Modi will hold talks with Brunei's leaders before heading to Singapore on September 4. In Singapore, he will meet Prime Minister Lawrence Wong for a two-day visit. The visits aim to strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation in various fields. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar described the timing of the visit as "ripe" for enhancing relations with both nations.