India on Wednesday rejected what it called “politically motivated” and “highly malicious” references in a UN committee’s report on racial discrimination. The Ministry of External Affairs said the observations contained sweeping generalisations and unsubstantiated allegations that went beyond the convention’s mandate. The response came after the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination raised concerns over alleged large-scale violations against ethnic, tribal, Dalit and other communities. India said its delegation, led by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, had already raised objections during the review and highlighted constitutional safeguards, legal protections and efforts to protect disadvantaged groups. (PC: HT)

At least 14 newborn babies were killed after a fire broke out in the maternity ward of a hospital in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad. The fire reportedly started in an air-conditioning unit at the mother and child unit of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and quickly spread after reaching oxygen connections. Fifteen babies were in the ward at the time, with one newborn rescued. Families gathered outside the hospital as officials confirmed the deaths. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow and ordered an immediate inquiry. A committee has been asked to submit its report within 24 hours. (PC: BBC)

At least eight people were killed and nine others reported missing after flash floods hit Nepal’s Rasuwa district near the Tibet border on Wednesday. The sudden surge in the Bhote Koshi river washed away villages, vehicles, bridges and infrastructure sites. Timure Bazaar and a newly rebuilt Friendship Bridge were among the structures damaged. Rescue teams, including the Nepal Army and police, were deployed, but high water levels hampered helicopter operations. The floods also disrupted hydropower supply and prompted alerts in downstream areas of Nepal and Bihar. Authorities are investigating whether the disaster was caused by heavy rainfall or a glacial lake outburst.  

The United States has sanctioned four India-based companies and three individuals for allegedly helping facilitate the sale and shipment of Iranian petroleum products worth more than $119 million. The action is part of Washington’s wider effort to curb Iran’s oil revenues and pressure Tehran over its policies. The US Treasury Department accused the sanctioned entities and individuals of operating through a network involved in trading Iranian oil and petrochemical products. The sanctions freeze any US-based assets and prohibit American individuals and companies from conducting business with those named, potentially exposing others to secondary sanctions. (PC: X)

The US Army is facing a leadership crisis after Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth fired or forced out several senior officers, leaving key posts vacant. The Army has had no permanent chief of staff since Hegseth removed General Randy George in April. At least six senior officers have reportedly been removed, while the number of active-duty four-star Army generals has fallen from 10 to five. The changes come as the Army supports US operations in the Middle East and Ukraine. General Christopher LaNeve is currently serving as acting Army chief while also holding the vice chief’s post. (PC: NDTV)

The Lok Sabha Secretariat has issued notices to 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs over petitions seeking their disqualification under the anti-defection law. The petitions were filed by TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee after the MPs joined the Nationalist Citizens Party of India. The MPs have been asked to submit their responses within seven days. The development comes after Banerjee approached the Supreme Court over the delay in deciding the disqualification petitions. The rebel MPs remain officially part of the TMC as their proposed merger with the NCPI is still under review. (PC: HT)

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday said the Congress would continue to sing only the first two stanzas of *Vande Mataram*, standing by the party's long-held position. His remarks came amid a political row over the national song and demands to sing all its stanzas. Shivakumar said the party respects *Vande Mataram* but would follow its established stand. The Congress traditionally sings the first two stanzas, which are widely recognised and have been adopted for official use. The issue has triggered fresh political debate, with the BJP questioning the Congress's position on the national song.  

Taylor Swift paid tribute to Dolly Parton following the country music legend’s death at 80, describing her as “truly the gift that kept on giving.” Swift praised Parton’s generosity, authenticity, humour and lasting influence, saying her legacy would remain everlasting because of the countless lives she changed. She also called Parton “true grace and true grit, all in one dazzling person” and highlighted her songwriting and philanthropic work, particularly the Imagination Library, which provides books to children. Swift concluded her tribute with a personal message: “Dolly, I’ll think of you each step of the way.” (PC: Getty Images)

Iran has blacklisted 45 vessels, including two ships owned or operated by India-based entities, for allegedly violating its rules while transiting the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The newly established Persian Gulf Strait Authority accused the vessels of non-compliance but did not provide detailed evidence for each case. The blacklist reportedly exposes affected ships to possible fines, detention or cargo confiscation. The development comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States and a sharp decline in maritime traffic through the strait. The move could increase risks for Indian shipping companies and further disrupt regional energy and commercial trade. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has ordered American flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide for one week following the death of country music legend Dolly Parton at 80. The presidential proclamation directs flags at federal buildings, military installations, naval vessels and US diplomatic facilities abroad to remain at half-staff until sunset on September 1, 2026. Trump described Parton’s death as a “true loss for millions” and praised her extraordinary contribution to music and culture. Parton, whose career spanned nearly seven decades, was celebrated for hits including “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You,” as well as her philanthropy. (PC: X)