The Economic Times
Elections 2026South Asia / 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.
Nepal flood fury: MEA MoS confirms 130+ Indians unaccounted for as IAF steps up relief
Nepal's hydropower generation capacity has been significantly reduced by recent flash floods. This disaster has damaged several key power plants, impacting electricity supply. The country may now turn to India for electricity to bridge the shortfall. Meanwhile, rescue operations continue for those missing after the devastating glacial collapse. Concerns are also resurfacing regarding hydropower development in the fragile Himalayan region.
Himalayan glaciers are receding due to rising temperatures, leaving unstable debris behind. Shifting precipitation patterns cause rainfall in areas previously receiving snow. Intense rainfall saturates loose debris, triggering landslides and debris flows. Blocked water flow by snow or debris creates temporary dams which then break. These combined factors intensify disaster severity in the geologically active Himalayas.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reviewed Indias response to devastating floods in Nepal with senior MEA officials and Indian ambassadors in Kathmandu and Beijing. India is working to locate Indian nationals, coordinating with Nepal on relief and dispatching 37.5 tonnes of humanitarian supplies after an initial 10-tonne consignment on Wednesday.
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.
More than 400 foreign tourists are missing following a catastrophic flood in Nepal. At least 130 Indians are among the missing, with other nationalities also affected. Australian and United States citizens are also reported missing in the disaster. British, Canadian, and Malaysian citizens have also been reported missing. South Korean and Japanese nationals were also unaccounted for after the event.
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 response to the horrific flash floods in Nepal that claimed 157 lives and left over 750 individuals unaccounted for, India swiftly dispatched initial relief materials. The disaster, which began in Tibet, wreaked havoc in central Nepal, demolishing entire villages and crucial infrastructure. Prime Minister Modi has pledged comprehensive humanitarian support, while numerous hydropower initiatives have suffered extensive damage from the raging waters.
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.
India is sending emergency relief materials to Nepal via air force planes. Medicines and rations are part of the government's humanitarian assistance initiative. National Disaster Response Force rescuers will also be dispatched to Nepal. Massive flash floods killed four people and left hundreds missing in northern Nepal. Many Indians and NRIs are among the missing individuals in Rasuwa district.
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.
In a recent blog post, digital creator Reema Mahajan shared her enlightening experience at a 7-day sattvic detox retreat in Bengaluru. She elaborated on the retreat's rigorous rules and specially curated menus, emphasizing the consumption of four wholesome juices each day to enhance gut health. The program's core principles revolved around oil-free, sugar-free, and caffeine-free meals aimed at holistic healing.
FSSAI said several food companies, including Mondelez India and Amway India, have withdrawn or revised misleading claims on product labels and advertisements after receiving notices from the regulator. Mondelez withdrew health and nutrient comparison claims from its products and removed related advertisements from e-commerce platforms. Sapiens Labs and Kerala-based Juza Foods also removed misleading claims.
India sugar price hike explained: Why prices rose and why India is importing sugar
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
Indian authorities are investigating global fragrance companies for alleged price collusion. This new case follows an ongoing probe into labor anti-poaching deals. The Competition Commission of India is examining cartelization in the fragrance sector. A previously drafted report was recalled due to commercial secret redaction issues. The market for flavors and fragrances in India is projected to grow significantly.
Air India is seeking around $1.5 billion in fresh equity from owners Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines to fund its turnaround, according to two people familiar with the matter. The funding could be provided in tranches, with Singapore Airlines expected to contribute according to its roughly 25% stake. Discussions are ongoing and no final decision has been taken.
On Tuesday, Indian government bonds experienced a positive turn as oil prices fell sharply, reducing inflation worries among investors. The successful state debt auction further bolstered market confidence. Despite new U.S. sanctions on Iran, traders stayed vigilant regarding potential supply issues in the oil sector. Throughout the day, strong liquidity levels contributed to resilience in the debt market.
Enterprise Voice AI is moving from pilots to production, helping businesses deliver faster, multilingual customer interactions at scale. The Economic Times AI Business Transformation Masterclass & Awards 2026 will explore how enterprises are deploying Voice AI across industries, with a live demonstration showcasing what production-ready technology looks like in practice.
Instamart reports a twenty-fold increase in premium rakhi demand this year. Searches for jewelry brands like Kalyan Jewellers and Palmonas have tripled. The platform offers a wider selection and additional incentives for customers. Lucknow and Ahmedabad are leading markets for these premium rakhi purchases. Customers are increasingly starting their Rakhi shopping several days ahead of the festival.
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.

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