West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has assured that 33,000 fans who purchased tickets for Lionel Messi’s chaotic appearance at Kolkata’s Yuva Bharati Stadium will receive refunds from the state’s sports budget. The tickets reportedly cost ₹4,000 and ₹6,000, while the refund demand had remained unresolved since the December 13, 2025 event. Messi’s brief appearance was followed by crowd disorder, protests and vandalism at the stadium. Adhikari said the refund process has already been initiated internally. He also announced a ₹400-crore sports budget and plans to develop mini indoor stadiums across West Bengal. 

The death toll from devastating flash floods and landslides along the Nepal-Tibet border has risen to 750, while 3,044 people remain missing, as rescue operations enter their fifth day. Nepal has reported 734 deaths and 2,498 missing, while China’s Tibet region has confirmed 16 deaths and 546 missing. Rescue teams are searching devastated communities, riverbanks and hydropower facilities for survivors, with thousands already rescued. Difficult terrain, rising river levels and damaged infrastructure continue to hamper operations. Authorities have warned of further flooding in some areas, while families remain anxiously awaiting news of missing relatives. (PC: X)

Guna Maya Bohara, a 97-year-old woman, was miraculously rescued alive after spending four days trapped beneath the rubble of her care home, destroyed by devastating flash floods in Nepal. Rescue teams found her immobilised under the debris and carried out a lengthy operation to bring her to safety. While many residents survived by fleeing, climbing to higher ground or hiding, Bohara endured the disaster trapped beneath the wreckage. Her survival has emerged as a rare moment of hope amid widespread destruction, deaths and displacement. Rescue operations continue across affected areas as teams search for survivors and recover victims. (PC: AP)

Punjab-based social media influencer Manjeet Kaur, 28, died on August 26 at PGIMER Chandigarh, nearly two months after she was allegedly abducted and brutally attacked. According to a complaint filed by her mother, Kaur was allegedly lured to meet two acquaintances near a Chandigarh liquor shop on July 3, forced into a car and taken to Morinda. The accused allegedly assaulted her, tied her to a tree and set her on fire. She briefly regained consciousness in August and reportedly described the incident to her family. Police have registered a murder and kidnapping case and are searching for the two accused. 

Punjab-based social media influencer Manjeet Kaur, 28, died on August 26 at PGIMER Chandigarh, nearly two months after she was allegedly abducted and brutally attacked. According to a complaint filed by her mother, Kaur was allegedly lured to meet two acquaintances near a Chandigarh liquor shop on July 3, forced into a car and taken to Morinda. The accused allegedly assaulted her, tied her to a tree and set her on fire. She briefly regained consciousness in August and reportedly described the incident to her family. Police have registered a murder and kidnapping case and are searching for the two accused. (PC: NDTV)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, speaking at the Universal Oneness Celebration in New York, urged Indian-Americans to remain loyal to the country where they live and work. Calling India their “janma bhumi” and America their “karma bhumi,” he said the diaspora should first fulfil its responsibilities to American society before voluntarily contributing to India. Bhagwat also emphasised India’s tradition of unity in diversity, saying different identities should be respected and protected. Addressing concerns about minorities, he said Hinduism does not support excluding Muslims or other communities. His remarks came amid opposition to his US visit from some groups. (PC: PTI)

Rescue teams in Nepal are battling mud, debris and difficult weather as they search for survivors after devastating flash floods killed 675 people and left nearly 3,000 missing. Triggered by a glacier collapse, torrents of water, ice and debris swept through rivers, destroying homes, bridges and infrastructure. Operations resumed after rain and fog disrupted searches, with helicopters and ground teams focusing on Rasuwa and Nuwakot. More than 3,700 people have been rescued. India has sent rescue specialists, forensic experts, equipment and 68.5 tonnes of relief supplies. Nepal has also sought international assistance for tunnel rescues and reconstruction. (PC: India Today)

India has rescued 108 nationals from flood-hit Nepal and re-established contact with 50 others who were earlier untraceable, the Ministry of External Affairs said. However, more than 275 Indian nationals and 128 persons of Indian origin remain missing. The MEA said 598 Indians had safely crossed into Nepal from China over the past two days, while around 900 others stranded in China were safe and contactable. India is coordinating rescue and relief operations with Nepal and China, with round-the-clock control rooms and emergency helplines operating. Authorities are also facilitating the return of Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims.  

Indian trans athlete Anaya Bangar has responded to criticism over her pathway into women’s cricket, saying critics should “educate themselves” about the issue. Bangar’s remarks came after South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp called Cricket Australia’s decision “absolutely ridiculous”. Bangar said she has provided the necessary information to show she has no unfair advantage and is following Cricket Australia’s eligibility guidelines. She has been cleared to play women’s community cricket in Australia and could become eligible for elite competitions, including the Women’s Big Bash League, after March 2027 if she meets the required testosterone-related criteria.  

Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra has accused Mukesh Ambani of using Reliance-linked media outlets to spread “wrong propaganda” about his personal insolvency proceedings, an allegation Reliance has strongly rejected as “baseless”. In a video message, Chandra questioned reports highlighting Rs 22,006 crore in admitted claims against him, saying the amount relates to personal guarantees for Essel Group loans and not money he personally borrowed. He also revisited the Zee-Invesco dispute and Reliance’s past interest in Zee. Reliance said its media brands have never been used to attack anyone and expressed high regard for Chandra. (PC: India Today)