Air India and Bhutan's national carrier Drukair have entered an interline partnership, allowing passengers to book connecting flights on both airlines under a single ticket. The arrangement will also enable baggage to be transferred to the final destination through Delhi. Air India passengers can travel to Paro and connect to Bumthang, Gelephu and Yonphula, while Drukair passengers gain access to Air India's domestic and international network through Delhi, Guwahati and Kolkata. The airlines said the partnership will improve connectivity, offer more travel options and strengthen links between India, Bhutan and destinations beyond. (PC: Business Today)

English actor Tim Curry, best known for his iconic role as Dr Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has died at the age of 80. Curry also earned acclaim for playing Pennywise in the 1990 TV adaptation of Stephen King's It. His career included roles in Annie, Clue, Home Alone 2 and Muppet Treasure Island. After suffering a major stroke in 2012, Curry continued voice acting and attending fan conventions. He published his memoir, Vagabond, last year.

The United States said Wednesday it had disrupted a Chinese hacking campaign that allegedly breached sensitive government institutions, including the Justice Department, NASA, the Federal Reserve and the US Senate. According to the US Justice Department, China state-sponsored hackers allegedly used two platforms, QScan and QTRouter, to target US networks. American authorities said the platforms facilitated attacks against government agencies and other sensitive organisations. The Justice Department has seized domains linked to both platforms as part of efforts to disrupt the campaign. The operation comes amid broader US efforts to counter cyber threats that Washington attributes to China, highlighting continuing concerns over state-sponsored hacking targeting critical government and institutional networks. (PC: esecuritypanel.com)

Satellite images have revealed the devastating scale of flash floods along the Nepal-China border, after a massive mud and rock collapse triggered catastrophic flooding on August 25 and 26. At least 98 people have been killed, while hundreds remain missing as rescue teams assess the damage. Verified videos showed dozens of people being swept away, with authorities on both sides fearing significantly higher casualties. In Nepal, houses, roads and power projects were destroyed, while officials in Tibet reported major casualties and missing people in Gyirong after a mudslide struck a border crossing. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said initial reports suggested an earthquake may have triggered an avalanche, causing the floods. (PC: Planet Labs PBC/Handout via Reuters)

India has ranked 176th among 177 countries in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index (EPI), remaining just above Laos despite a 7.47-point improvement over the past decade. The index, developed by Yale and Columbia researchers, assesses 47 indicators across 12 categories covering Ecosystem Vitality, Climate Change and Environmental Health. India ranks particularly poorly in Environmental Health at 174th, with worsening air quality remaining a major concern despite initiatives such as the National Clean Air Programme. The country also ranks 171st in Ecosystem Vitality, reflecting pressure on forests, biodiversity and natural ecosystems from infrastructure, mining and urban expansion. The assessment suggests India's modest improvement does not indicate a broader environmental turnaround. (PC: PTI)

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah has appealed for unity and patience after devastating flash floods killed at least 98 people in Rasuwa district. The floods caused extensive destruction along the Bhote Koshi River, washing away bridges and homes. Shah said the government has mobilised all available resources for rescue and relief operations, while emergency meetings were held by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, National Council and Cabinet. The Nepali Army, Armed Guard Force and Nepal Guard teams were deployed to affected areas. More than 250 civilians were rescued by the Nepali Army using helicopters, while injured people were taken to Kathmandu for treatment. Shah assured citizens that the government would provide rescue, treatment, food and shelter. (PC: collegenp.com)

A devastating flash flood in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River has disrupted the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, leaving 384 pilgrims out of contact in the Rasuwagadhi border area. The river originates in Tibet, and the flooding has cut off a key route connecting Nepal and Tibet. While neither the Nepal government nor India’s Ministry of External Affairs has formally cancelled the pilgrimage, tour operators in Kathmandu have halted all departures for the next 48–72 hours as a safety precaution. Authorities are assessing the situation, while operators are exploring alternative crossings for pilgrims affected by the disruption. The flash flood has plunged the pilgrimage into uncertainty, with hundreds of travellers awaiting updates on their safety and possible onward travel. (PC: X/@Reuters/Navesh Chitrakar)

India’s egg prices have risen 35-40% over the past year as increasing diversion of maize to ethanol production raises poultry feed costs. Eggs now cost about ₹7 each ex-farm, while retail prices are around ₹8.50-₹9. Maize, which accounts for 65-70% of poultry production costs, has climbed to nearly ₹26,500 per tonne from ₹14,000 three years ago. Nearly 37% of India’s maize production is now going to ethanol distilleries, while maize-based ethanol output has risen from about 1 million tonnes in 2022 to around 17 million tonnes currently. With winter demand expected to increase, poultry executives anticipate further egg-price rises. India’s maize imports also hit a record 1 million tonnes in FY25. (PC: X)

At least 77 pilgrims from Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation are missing after devastating flash floods struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Tibet border on Wednesday. The group was reportedly at an immigration office in Gyirong, Tibet, while returning from the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage when a massive wave hit the area. Visuals showed floodwaters surging through the Chinese port before crossing into Nepal and causing widespread destruction along the Bhote Kosi River. Nepal media reported 95 deaths, while 105 Indian Kailash pilgrims were among those reported missing. Sadhguru said his teams were working with authorities and ready to assist rescue efforts. He added that 495 pilgrims had returned safely, while others remained in Tibet and Nepal.

A powerful flash flood struck Nepal’s Rasuwa area on Wednesday, with 133 Indian tourists among 291 foreign nationals reported missing, according to the Nepal Tourism Board. Scary CCTV footage from China’s Gyirong Port in Tibet, directly opposite Nepal’s Rasuwa district, captured the moment floodwater suddenly burst through the immigration office at the Rasuwagadhi border crossing. The footage shows water pouring from the building, rapidly inundating the surrounding area and sweeping across the road as people rushed to safety. The flash flood hit the Chinese side first before causing widespread destruction in Nepal’s Rasuwa region. The visuals highlight the sheer force of the sudden torrent as infrastructure was overwhelmed by the floodwaters.