The Economic Times

The Delhi government has temporarily suspended the Indo-Nepal bus service. This precautionary measure follows massive flash floods in Nepal which disrupted road connectivity. Road transportation on the Delhi-Kathmandu route in Nepal has been completely shut. The suspension covers bus trips scheduled for August 28 and August 29. Rescue and relief operations continue in Nepal after the widespread destruction.

Odisha has established a 24x7 control room to assist its residents affected by flash floods in Nepal. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed rescuing twenty-one Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu. These pilgrims were undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra when the disaster struck. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is ensuring their safety and facilitating their return home.

In the wake of devastating floods in Nepal, at least 114 tourists from Maharashtra are currently stranded. Fortunately, reports confirm that 53 individuals in the Saga Mansarovar area are safe, while others remain unaccounted for. State officials are actively working with national contacts and tour agencies to gather information. An online portal and helpline numbers have been established to facilitate information sharing and support.

Twenty-one Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu have been rescued in Nepal. These individuals were participating in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra when floods struck. Devastating flash floods originating from Tibet swept through central Nepal on Wednesday. The floods destroyed several towns and villages, washing away critical bridges.

Many Indian nationals, including pilgrims, are reportedly missing after the devastating Nepal flooding. The West Bengal government has established an emergency control room and helpline numbers for assistance. Officials are coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Nepal to track the missing individuals.

Nepal's former minister expressed concern over delayed information exchange with China. A glacier collapse in Tibet caused catastrophic flash floods in border areas. Nepal reported 270 deaths, with the overall toll exceeding 500. Thousands remain missing, including nearly 300 Indian tourists. The disaster's scale surpassed preparedness and early warning systems.

No adverse impact from Nepal flash floods has been observed in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The National Disaster Response Force is continuously monitoring the border areas and coordinating with state governments. Twenty NDRF teams are deployed on the ground for potential relief and rescue operations. India has already sent humanitarian aid and disaster relief cargo to Nepal. Additional NDRF rescuers are on standby for deployment if requested by Nepal.

Nepal flash floods swept five wild elephants, including two young calves, into powerful currents before they reached Girijapuri Barrage in Uttar Pradesh. IAS officer Supriya Sahu said three adult elephants stayed with the struggling calves and fought the rushing water to protect them. Forest and Irrigation Department teams reduced the water force and safely guided the herd back into the forest.

Massive flash floods and mudslides in Nepal and Tibet have claimed over 160 lives. Hundreds of people, including many foreigners, remain missing after the devastating events. Communities were swept away by torrents of water and debris, destroying roads and buildings. Survivors described little time to escape the sudden and powerful natural disaster. Rescue efforts are underway in the affected border regions.

Over 130 Indians are missing and many others are stranded in Nepal. Many pilgrims on the Mansarovar Yatra are among those affected by the floods. Several Indian states have launched helplines to assist affected citizens and their families. Communication links are disrupted, making details about missing individuals scarce. Authorities are working to account for all stranded and missing Indian nationals.

In the wake of severe flash floods affecting various districts in Nepal, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have entered a state of high alert. Authorities are taking swift action, including relocating residents from at-risk zones. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has promised comprehensive central support, while teams from the National Disaster Response Force are being dispatched for critical relief and rescue efforts.

The National Disaster Response Force is on high alert after a glacial lake outburst flood occurred. This event near the Tibet-Nepal border has caused water levels to rise in Nepal. The resulting flood wave is expected to travel downstream through the Gandak River. NDRF teams have been deployed in vulnerable areas of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and issuing advisories to state governments.

Flash floods in Nepal's Bhotekoshi River have caused significant devastation and missing tourists. India's Union Home Minister spoke with state leaders about border area preparedness. The National Disaster Response Force has been placed on high alert in vulnerable regions. Over 100 Indian tourists are among the 384 reported missing in Nepal. Indian states are taking measures and monitoring the evolving situation closely.

Prime Minister Modi spoke with Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed condolences. India stands in solidarity with Nepal during this difficult time. The nation is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance. Indian teams are coordinating closely on rescue and relief efforts. This support demonstrates strong bilateral ties and mutual aid.

Nepal flash flood News: A massive flash flood struck Nepals Rasuwa district near the Tibet border, sweeping away villages and infrastructure sites along the Bhote Koshi river. Dramatic videos show powerful currents carrying debris through the region. Authorities have launched rescue operations and urged people living near the river to move to safer areas.

Vehicle owners in India cannot alter a car's appearance or specifications without prior permission, according to Delhi Traffic Police, which flagged common violations including tinted glass, loud aftermarket exhausts, pressure horns, unauthorised lights and fake Press stickers as offences under the Motor Vehicles Act. The rules came into focus after a Gwalior man was fined Rs 5,500 when his girlfriend covered his car in roughly 3,400 lipstick kiss marks, sparking viral attention and a police cra

A low-pressure area is expected to form over the Bay of Bengal soon. This system will bring very heavy rain to several south Bengal districts. Coastal districts like North and South 24 Parganas will see significant showers. Heavy rain is forecast for other districts until August fifteenth. North Bengal will also experience heavy rain from August fourteenth to seventeenth.

The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India to furnish data. This data concerns the number of appeals disposed of by tribunals in West Bengal. The court emphasized the importance of seeing the progress of appeals filed. Grievances about denial of public distribution system benefits must go to the high court. The primary issue for the court remains the quantum of disposals by tribunals.

India faces Sri Lanka in a Test series with no current player knowing defeat. The team's bowling attack shows significant inexperience in Jasprit Bumrah's absence. Batting also appears shaky despite Shubman Gill's recovery and Yashasvi Jaiswal's hunger. This series is crucial for India's World Test Championship qualification hopes. Victory is not guaranteed, and defeat remains a distinct possibility.

Tamil Nadu's assembly passed a resolution against the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test. The state reiterated its long-held stance against the examination, citing its negative impact. This test has diverted students' focus from school curriculum to coaching centers. The resolution urges the central government to abolish NEET for undergraduate medical admissions. Tamil Nadu proposes admissions based on Class 12 examination marks.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services exam. He assured that two other JPSC examinations would also be cancelled by the government. Protesting students had demanded the cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination for some time. The Chief Minister accused the BJP of instigating students and spreading conspiracies. Student protests continued in Ranchi while the government promised reforms.

NDA MPs and Union ministers welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi with waving national flags and energetic slogans. Subsequently, they gathered to protest outside Parliament's main gate against police actions in Jharkhand. Accusations flew towards Rahul Gandhi for sidestepping debates concerning student protests, while opposition INDIA bloc MPs organized a separate rally on the same grounds.

Social and welfare ministries have seen many secretary changes over five years. Strategic and security portfolios like home and defence show greater continuity. The education ministry has had three secretaries since 2021. Minority affairs ministry is now with its sixth secretary since 2021. Health and family welfare ministry has seen four different secretaries.

Indigenous unmanned systems will be showcased for the Indian Air Force next month. Long-range systems and swarm drones are a special focus for this event. The air force leadership will examine drones with over 1,000 km range capabilities. Expendable drones for surveillance and intelligence gathering will also be displayed. Logistics drones for casualty evacuation and cargo delivery are also expected.

Churches in Mizoram held a rally in Aizawl opposing the proposed FCRA bill. Supporters carried banners and placards against the amendments during the protest. CCM president R Lalbiakliana stated churches and NGOs could face asset seizure. He mentioned the Centre claims amendments strengthen safeguards and are not targeting Christians. The proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, is currently under consideration.

Textiles and apparel exports are projected to reach 3.3 lakh crore by FY26. Tobacco product exports saw significant growth in quantity and value over ten years. Oil palm cultivation has achieved 42% of its mission target, with states showing varied performance. Negotiations for an interim trade pact with the US are currently ongoing. India is also working to diversify supply chains in critical sectors like energy and electronics.

The Union government may send the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill to a joint parliamentary committee. Opposition parties have demanded the bill's withdrawal, citing concerns over its provisions. BJD MP Sasmit Patra personally requested the bill be sent for larger scrutiny. Several Christian community leaders and Mizoram CM also sought changes. The bill's retrospective application is a significant concern for various groups.

The Tamil Nadu assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Centre to withdraw the Foreign Contribution Amendment Bill. This proposed legislation raises concerns over the government's power to seize assets of charitable organizations. The bill's provisions could significantly impact educational and healthcare institutions run by minority groups. The Tamil Nadu government stated its objection to the bill's current form and provisions.

The government plans a substantial compensation hike for atrocity victims under the SC/ST Act. Financial assistance will also be provided to states for special police stations. This move aims to strengthen the enforcement of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The proposal seeks to address concerns over inadequate institutional infrastructure for handling such cases. Compensation for victims is expected to rise significantly after a decade.

The Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court's decision on Tuesday. This decision denied interim relief to a Trinamool Congress faction. The court noted the party has sufficient funds for daily operations. Discussions on the merits were deemed inappropriate as the matter is pending. The bench stated it was not inclined to interfere in these matters.

Afghanistan Cricket Board will host India for a three-match T20I series. These matches are scheduled to take place in New Delhi during September. This confirmation casts doubt on India's proposed tour of Bangladesh. The Afghanistan Cricket Board has officially confirmed the dates and venues. An official public announcement regarding this event is still pending.

The Supreme Court has requested responses from the central government and the Bar Council of India. A plea seeks an investigation into fake advocates and fraudulent law degrees. The court also asked for a response regarding the Cockroach Janta Party. This action follows concerns raised about procedural misuse and professional standards. The bench issued a notice on a lawyer's plea for action.

Indian business families are increasingly adding fluidity clauses to family settlement deeds, allowing succession, ownership and management arrangements to be revisited as circumstances change. Advisers say structured flexibility can accommodate generational, business and regulatory changes while reducing future disputes.

Quote of the day by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Do not judge, and you will never be mistaken, explains why quick judgments can lead to wrong conclusions. The saying asks people to pause before forming opinions about others. It highlights incomplete information, humility, open-mindedness, self-awareness, empathy, human relationships, clarity and inner peace while showing how restraint can prevent errors.

Hundreds of trucks are stranded on National Highway 202 due to group blockades. Essential commodity prices have increased by 140 percent in Manipur. Drivers have been stranded for over twenty days, appealing for safe passage. Initial talks between the government and the United Naga Council were cordial. The Naga group will continue blockades until their demands are met.

Youth unemployment in India remains a significant concern, with joblessness rates increasing. Female youth unemployment has sharply risen to 19.6 percent, indicating a growing disparity. The gender gap in labour force participation has also widened considerably across many states. Twelve states and union territories are reporting unemployment rates above the national average. Overall labour force participation has slipped to 40.7 percent as female engagement declines.

Spanish proverb of the day: A Spanish saying highlights observing rain while staying dry. This saying reflects on viewing others' difficulties from a safe distance. It suggests that problems appear simpler when one is not directly involved. The proverb encourages pausing before judging others' challenging situations.

The Supreme Court ruled insider trading laws are breached even with minimal profit. It overturned a tribunal order exonerating Tara Jewels chairman and daughters. The court stated possession of unpublished price sensitive information is sufficient for violation. Trades made while possessing such information are presumed motivated by it. SEBI's penalties were upheld, though one was reduced.

India's net direct tax collections surged 23.09 percent to 8.11 lakh crore as of August 10. Non-corporate tax collections rose significantly, reaching 5.07 lakh crore from 4.11 lakh crore a year ago. Corporate tax collections also climbed to 2.70 lakh crore, showing a 19.83 percent increase. Securities transaction tax collections delivered a strong performance, rising by 51 percent to 33,823.74 crore. Gross direct tax collections increased by 19.

In 2017, a woman suffered severe vision impairment after gazing at a partial solar eclipse without protective eyewear. This led to solar retinopathy, manifesting as a crescent-shaped blind spot. Intense sunlight damaged her retina's photoreceptors, prompting doctors to utilize advanced imaging techniques to assess her eye condition. This case serves as a critical reminder of the hazards associated with direct solar observation.

Today's Quote of the Day by Seneca: The famous quote by Seneca, Its not because things are difficult that we dare not venture. Its because we dare not venture that they are difficult, explains how human fear amplifies hardship. Seneca asserts that most obstacles appear insurmountable only because we hesitate to confront them directly. By shifting our perspective from passive avoidance to active engagement, we dismantle artificial psychological barriers.

Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata has told the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner that the 1989 transfer of 833 Tata Sons shares from the Navajbai Ratan Tata Trust complied with prevailing laws. The regulator will examine his response before deciding on an inquiry.

India's External Affairs Ministry stated border issues reflect larger bilateral ties with China. The ministry cautioned that maintaining peace in border areas is of utmost importance. Reports of Chinese troops crossing the Line of Actual Control were addressed by officials. Beijing's criticism of naming places in Arunachal Pradesh was dismissed by the MEA. Sources denied any slow encroachment by China in Arunachal Pradesh.

Fitch Ratings kept India's sovereign credit rating at BBB- with a stable outlook. Robust growth and solid external finances balance fiscal weaknesses and energy shocks. India's macroeconomic stability and policy credibility could underpin continued robust growth. High deficits and debt constrain the rating, despite recent fiscal consolidation efforts. The agency forecasts 6.4% GDP growth for India over the medium term.

The Delhi High Court seeks to bring sanity to personality rights, noting the issue is escalating. Justice Anup Jairam Bhambani heard Jahnvi Kapoor's plea for protection against online content. The court protected Kapoor from obscene material while questioning broad restrictions on fan clubs. It stressed personality rights should not impede legitimate speech and criticism. The court was disinclined to grant blanket orders on personality rights.