Nepal has reversed its earlier decision to reject foreign rescue teams and will allow experts from India, China, Australia and South Korea to assist with flood relief operations. The teams will help search for people potentially trapped inside tunnels and identify bodies through DNA testing and forensic investigations. A senior government official said international pressure, including concerns over missing foreign nationals, influenced the decision. Nepal’s disaster authority has raised the number of missing people to 1,924, including 517 foreigners and 933 hydropower workers. India has offered tunnel-rescue expertise, medical teams, Bailey bridges and relief supplies. Two aircraft carrying emergency materials have already arrived, while another was scheduled to follow as rescue and recovery efforts continue. (PC: Reuters)

A Nepali family has survived the devastating flash floods after taking shelter in a green-painted house that remained standing as raging waters swept away nearby buildings and debris. Dramatic footage showing the house surrounded by fast-moving, muddy floodwaters went viral online, prompting widespread concern for the family’s safety. At least three family members were visible on the house as the torrent engulfed the surrounding area. While neighbouring structures were carried away, the green house appeared to suffer relatively little visible damage. Its durability quickly became a talking point online, with viewers highlighting how the structure withstood the extreme force of the flood. The disaster was triggered by an ice-rock avalanche following a glacial collapse near Nepal’s border.

Congress leaders have questioned Penguin Random House India (PRHI) over the publication row surrounding Sonia Gandhi’s memoir Belonging: A Journey of Love, alleging pressure on the publisher and threats to freedom of expression. Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot claimed sections concerning Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the RSS and China were targeted for removal, while Kamal Nath and other Congress leaders also raised concerns. Penguin denied that it rejected the memoir because Gandhi refused editorial changes, clarifying that it is not the book’s Indian publisher. PRHI said fact-checking and editorial recommendations are routine and maintained it had remained willing to publish the book. The memoir’s Indian publisher remains unclear, with international release scheduled for November. (PC: X)

Nepal has opened its doors to international assistance as devastating flash floods and landslides leave thousands affected and damage infrastructure. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Mahabir Pun said the government needs help to rebuild, while rescue operations continue with more than 20 helicopters deployed. Finance Secretary Ghanshyam Upadhyaya said India, China and the World Bank are coordinating financial support. The World Bank said up to Rs 25 billion could be mobilised as emergency assistance. Around 93,000 people may have been affected, according to Red Cross estimates, while destroyed roads, bridges, electricity and mobile networks are hampering access. The IFRC has launched a $31 million appeal for relief and long-term recovery efforts.

Delhi Police’s Special Cell has arrested a Delhi couple, Sahil, 25, and his wife Sameera, 21, for alleged links to a Pakistan-based espionage network. Police said the couple met in 2022 and married in 2024. Sameera, who worked at a Noida call centre, allegedly came into contact with a Pakistani “agent” on Instagram and later introduced Sahil to him. According to police, the agent told them they could make money through espionage-related activities. Investigators allege the couple sent Indian SIM cards to Pakistan via Dubai and were tasked with gathering information and recruiting operatives. Police said the Instagram trail helped uncover the alleged connection and led to the couple’s arrest on Friday. (PC: The Indian Express)

Nepal is struggling to store and identify bodies recovered after devastating flash floods killed hundreds and left more than 1,000 people unaccounted for. Bodies swept away by the Bhotekoshi flood have been recovered hundreds of kilometres downstream across Nuwakot, Chitwan, Tanahun and Nawalparasi. With district hospitals running out of morgue space, authorities are transferring remains and preparing temporary storage facilities for further recoveries. Chitwan has become a major recovery point, with 137 bodies recovered along the Trishuli and Narayani rivers between Phishling and Golaghat as of Thursday morning, according to The Kathmandu Post. Existing hospital morgues can hold only about 30–50 bodies, prompting officials to convert an unused government building in Bharatpur into temporary storage. (PC: Reuters)

India will purchase the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system from the United States, strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries. The ground-launched, medium-range, fire-and-forget missile can engage tanks, armoured vehicles and fortified positions at distances of up to 5 km. The US Embassy in India welcomed the Indian Army’s signing of a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) for the acquisition. In November 2025, the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency had notified approval for the sale of 100 Javelin missiles, one fly-to-buy round, 25 command-launch units, training aids, simulation rounds, spare parts and lifecycle support. The agreement also opens discussions on co-production and strengthening both countries’ defence industrial bases. (PC:  Lockheed Martin)

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Friday that 320 Indian nationals remain uncontactable following devastating flash floods in Nepal, while around 100 persons of Indian origin are also missing. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said 21 Indians from Tamil Nadu who had reached Kathmandu from the affected areas safely arrived in Delhi. Another 63 Indian workers at the Trishuli One hydropower project were rescued on Thursday. Meanwhile, 96 Indians stranded on the Chinese side safely crossed into Nepal by land, with efforts underway to evacuate them. The MEA said some uncontactable persons may have been travelling for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and could hold nationalities other than Indian.

Nepal’s devastating flash floods have raised the risk of flooding in Bihar as water levels in the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi and Burhi Gandak rivers continue to rise following heavy rainfall in their catchment areas in Nepal. The floods, triggered after an ice-rock landslide blocked a river near Nepal’s border with China, have affected several districts and left at least 826 people missing, according to Nepal’s disaster management authorities. Bihar officials said several rivers have touched or crossed danger levels in bordering districts, while the Gandak, Kosi, Ganga, Burhi Gandak and Ghaghra are flowing above danger marks at multiple locations. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have increased monitoring of downstream river systems.

Nestle has urged India to consult food manufacturers while developing front-of-pack warning labels for products high in sugar, salt and fat, arguing industry participation could help ensure the rules are scientifically sound. The comments come amid growing public anger after Reuters reported that Coca-Cola, Nestle and industry groups opposed India’s proposed warning-label measures, which the government later dropped. India’s Supreme Court has criticised delays and called for front-facing warning labels. Health activists oppose industry involvement, arguing it could weaken public-health policy. Nearly 80% of products in India’s more than $100 billion packaged food and beverage market could be considered high in fat, sugar and salt. Consumers have also criticised differences between products sold in India and European markets. (PC: fity.club)