Video: Massive fire breaks out at Ghaziabad bag factory, firefighters battle blaze

Incessant heavy rains lashed Delhi NCR for a second straight day, bringing significant weather changes across North India. The India Meteorological Department issued alerts predicting continued cloud cover and widespread showers across the National Capital Region. While downpours led to waterlogging in some pockets, including previous disruptions near the airport, central Delhi and NDMC areas reported manageable conditions with steady rain. Traffic congestion on major routes saw partial respite owing to an ongoing long weekend, reducing commuter volumes on Saturday morning. However, with the monsoon reactivating and the weather department forecasting persistent rainfall over the next two to three days covering Sunday and Monday, concerns remain regarding civic readiness, water drainage, and potential traffic bottlenecks as the workweek resumes.

India and China are set to hold Corps Commander-level talks in the Northeast soon, amid reports of tension in Daksing. The Spear Corps Commander is likely to lead the Indian side in the discussions. The two countries are also planning new military hotlines to link the Indian Army's Eastern and Central Commands with China to prevent border escalations. This development follows boundary talks between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, where both sides agreed to strengthen mechanisms to ensure peace along the border regions.

A man named Arumugam was arrested in Erode, Tamil Nadu, after allegedly coercing a student to mix cow dung powder into sambar prepared at a government school. According to the police, the accused carried out the act to avenge the dismissal of his wife from the school. The incident occurred on August 29, when teachers tasted the sample portion before serving students and detected a bitter taste. Upon investigation, a schoolgirl confessed that she was pressured by Arumugam to add the substance. A complaint was lodged on September 1, leading to his arrest on September 2.

A free trade agreement between India and the United States is progressing towards finalisation following extensive bilateral negotiations. The trade pact is currently being reworked in the wake of a United States Supreme Court ruling on tariffs. Officials confirmed that an initial set of proposals has been agreed upon, with discussions focusing on mutually beneficial terms. India remains firm on securing preferential tariff rates lower than competing nations while safeguarding sensitive domestic sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, micro, small, and medium enterprises, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. The bilateral relationship continues to strengthen with expanding defence cooperation and upcoming leadership engagements.