Five friends from Chhattisgarh narrowly escaped the devastating Nepal flash floods on August 26, crediting a spontaneous tea break with saving their lives. Stranded for two days, they witnessed the tragedy unfold before returning home, sharing a tale of survival and unexpected kindness amidst the disaster.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, speaking in New York, reiterated his vision of an inclusive Hindu Rashtra, emphasizing that true Hindutva embraces all faiths and does not exclude Muslims. His remarks addressed long-standing questions about the organization’s stance on minorities amidst protests against his US visit, advocating for unity in diversity.

The controversy surrounding an alleged purification ritual at a Congress rally venue in Haldwani has escalated into a major political battle. Rahul Gandhi demands an FIR under the SC/ST Act, accusing the BJP-RSS of an anti-Dalit mindset. The BJP vehemently denies the allegations, countering that the Congress exploits Dalit issues for political gain.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, for a state visit, receiving a special welcome from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The leaders will discuss deepening cooperation in trade, defence, and digital connectivity, aiming to strengthen India’s strategic partnership with the Central Asian nation before Modi attends the SCO summit.

Three Delhi Lok Sabha MPs from the Bharatiya Janata Party have faced a stern reprimand from party president Nitin Nabin for visiting the family of former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, who was convicted in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The visit sparked widespread criticism, particularly from BJP leader HS Phoolka, highlighting the party’s delicate stance on historical justice.

Union Minister Chirag Paswan has publicly called for the resignation of fellow minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, escalating a dispute over the review of reservation policy. The disagreement, rooted in demands for sub-quotas within SC/ST categories, highlights a potential rift within the NDA, particularly concerning Bihar’s political landscape.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has temporarily banned Everest and Laljee Godhoo’s hing for being substandard. Tests revealed low active ingredient content and excessive starch. This action, alongside non-compliance in other Everest masalas, underscores FSSAI’s intensified focus on food safety and consumer protection.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has appointed two new directors and a joint director, signaling a significant leadership reshuffle amidst a comprehensive government overhaul of the examination system. These appointments follow intense scrutiny and controversies, including the NEET paper leak, aiming to restore public trust and enhance the integrity of national entrance exams.

The Centre has established three new special NIA courts in Visakhapatnam, Jaipur, and Patna to accelerate the disposal of anti-terror cases. This move, part of a broader national strategy, aims to strengthen the legal framework against terrorism by providing dedicated judicial infrastructure and resources for Unlawful Activities Prevention Act matters across these states.

Penguin Random House India has issued a statement clarifying that it never refused to publish Sonia Gandhi’s memoir, ‘Belonging: A Journey of Love,’ despite media reports. The publisher asserted its willingness and keenness to publish the book, dismissing suggestions of editorial disagreements as the reason for the project not proceeding with them. The memoir is now set for release by William Collins.