Nepal has said it does not require general foreign assistance for search-and-rescue operations following devastating flash floods that struck the Bhote Koshi River region on August 26. The government stated that its security agencies are capable of handling rescue efforts but may accept targeted international support for specific requirements. Several countries, including India, China, South Korea, the US, UK and Japan, have offered assistance. The disaster has caused hundreds of deaths, widespread destruction and left many people missing. Nepal’s approach prioritises domestic control of rescue operations while allowing limited external assistance where specifically needed. 

Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of an ancient tomb and garden in Jerusalem that researchers say closely resembles the biblical description of Jesus’ burial site. The discovery includes a rock-cut tomb situated near an ancient garden, supporting historical details described in the Gospel of John. Researchers believe the garden’s location and the tomb’s characteristics provide valuable archaeological context for understanding burial practices during the period. However, the findings do not prove that the tomb belonged to Jesus. Experts emphasize that archaeological evidence cannot establish the identity of the individual buried there with certainty. (PC: MEGA)

Hyderabad-origin tech professional Nikitha Godishala, 27, was found dead with stab wounds in Maryland, US, after being reported missing on New Year’s Eve 2025. US investigators accused her former boyfriend and roommate, Arjun Sharma, 26, of killing her and fleeing to India. Sharma allegedly left the US after reporting Nikitha missing and later came under Indian authorities’ radar during a cheating investigation filed in Telangana. Hyderabad Police, assisted by Agra authorities, traced and arrested him from a flat in Agra, eight months after the killing. US authorities had issued murder warrants, and extradition proceedings are now underway. (PC: NDTV)

Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL) has increased CNG prices by ₹3.89 per kg across Delhi-NCR from August 29, citing elevated costs of imported liquefied natural gas (LNG). The revised CNG price in Delhi is ₹86.98 per kg. The increase comes amid a sharp rise in international LNG prices linked to disruptions in global energy markets and ongoing tensions in West Asia. This is reportedly IGL’s fifth CNG price hike this year. Higher fuel costs are expected to affect commuters, auto-rickshaw and taxi operators, and commercial transport businesses that depend heavily on CNG. (PC: Getty Images)

Twenty-one Tamil Nadu pilgrims who survived devastating flash floods in Nepal returned to Chennai, describing the experience as a “second birth.” Their convoy of three buses was struck by an avalanche-triggered flash flood, which swept away two vehicles. Survivors said they escaped by climbing onto their bus and then reaching a hilltop Armed Reserve Police camp, where Nepalese police provided shelter. Around 400 people from Tamil Nadu may have travelled to Nepal during the period. Authorities said 140 Tamil Nadu residents have been rescued and remain safe in Nepal, while at least 80 are still believed missing. Rescue and repatriation efforts continue. (PC: NDTV)

Devastating flash floods along the Nepal-China border have killed at least 626 people, while around 2,478 remain missing, according to the latest updates. The disaster, which struck the mountainous Rasuwa region and affected the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river systems, caused widespread destruction to roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Search-and-rescue operations are continuing, but rising lakes and the threat of further flooding are creating additional risks. Nepal has requested assistance from India and China, including Bailey bridges to restore damaged connectivity. Hundreds of foreign nationals, including Indians, remain unaccounted for, while authorities continue evacuations, relief distribution and body-recovery operations. (PC: X)

Nepal has reversed its earlier decision to reject foreign search-and-rescue assistance following devastating flash floods along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers. The disaster has killed more than 550 people and left many others missing, while severely damaging settlements and infrastructure. Nepal will now allow specialised rescue teams from India and China to assist ongoing operations in affected areas. The decision comes amid growing pressure and concerns over missing foreign nationals. India and China had previously offered specialised personnel and technical support. Nepal’s own security forces continue leading the rescue effort, while international assistance is expected to strengthen searches and emergency response. (PC: Getty Images)

India has sent its third relief consignment to flood-hit Nepal, delivering 10 tonnes of humanitarian aid along with an 11-member medical and tunnel rescue team. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the team and supplies had reached Kathmandu as rescue operations continued after devastating flash floods near the Nepal-Tibet border. The latest shipment takes India’s total humanitarian assistance to Nepal to 57.5 tonnes. It includes portable generators, dignity kits, food packets and water purification tablets. The team comprises doctors, paramedics and a reconnaissance unit assessing a tunnel rescue operation at a hydroelectric project where people are feared trapped. India has also offered Bailey bridges, technical teams, NDRF personnel and equipment.

Ed Nathanson, who calls himself the “World’s Greatest Snack Detective,” says discovering Indian cuisine around five years ago completely changed his taste and how he views other cuisines. In an Instagram video, he joked that Indian food had created a “problem” because food from other countries no longer seemed as special. Describing his first experience, Nathanson said it felt as though the “gates of heaven had opened.” He praised pani puri as “little flavour bombs” and said Gobi Manchurian made cauliflower taste extraordinarily good. Comparing Indian cuisine’s complex flavours with simpler foods elsewhere, he said his eating habits also changed. Despite being a “hardcore carnivore,” Nathanson now orders vegetarian dishes. Social media users offered mixed reactions.

Infosys Public Services chief Lax Gopisetty remains unreachable after flash floods in Nepal, where he was visiting in a personal capacity. Infosys said its immediate priority is to locate Gopisetty, establish contact and ensure his safety. The company is coordinating with relevant agencies to gather information and remains in close communication with his family, providing necessary support. The Ministry of External Affairs said 320 Indians remain missing following the floods, while 400 people are stranded on the Chinese side. The situation has prompted continued efforts by authorities to locate missing Indians and assist those stranded. Gopisetty’s disappearance adds to concerns surrounding the impact of the deadly flash floods in the region. (PC: India Today)