India-US Trade Pact Near Finalisation, Tariff Demands Firm And Sensitive Domestic Sectors Protected

A massive flood disaster has struck the Nepal-Tibet border region, causing widespread destruction. China has officially released casualty figures for the first time following the catastrophe, confirming 31 recovered bodies and 531 people missing on its side. The devastation severely impacted the town of Gyarang, where an immigration building was destroyed. Around 2,500 to 3,000 individuals, including Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims, business travelers, and container drivers, were present in the area during the incident. Rescue operations remain ongoing on the Chinese side, with authorities stating that further information and updates will be shared as more bodies are recovered from the disaster zone.

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption has initiated searches at properties linked to a former Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam minister in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. Four DVAC units reached the residence, where cadre also gathered outside following the action. Officials stated that further details will be shared once the search operations conclude.

Sri Lankan opposition leader Namal Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, has been arrested following questioning by the Anti-Corruption Commission in connection with an alleged corruption case linked to a SriLankan Airlines Airbus purchase. A magistrate ordered his judicial remand until September 18. Investigators allege that Namal Rajapaksa benefited by $800,000 in the Airbus transaction. The arrest has triggered a political controversy in Sri Lanka, with his party, the SLPP, calling the move politically motivated and aimed at scuttling a major anti-government rally scheduled for September 12.

Eight people, suspected to be students from Tamil Nadu, were killed after their car collided with a parked stationary lorry in Kerala's Thrissur. All eight occupants inside the vehicle died on the spot. The car, bearing a Tamil Nadu registration number, was travelling from Guruvayur towards Kodungallur when the accident occurred. Local residents launched the initial rescue operations, after which police and fire personnel arrived at the scene. The bodies of the victims were shifted to the Thrissur Medical College mortuary.