RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, speaking at the Universal Oneness Celebration in New York, urged Indian-Americans to remain loyal to the country where they live and work. Calling India their “janma bhumi” and America their “karma bhumi,” he said the diaspora should first fulfil its responsibilities to American society before voluntarily contributing to India. Bhagwat also emphasised India’s tradition of unity in diversity, saying different identities should be respected and protected. Addressing concerns about minorities, he said Hinduism does not support excluding Muslims or other communities. His remarks came amid opposition to his US visit from some groups. (PC: PTI)

Rescue teams in Nepal are battling mud, debris and difficult weather as they search for survivors after devastating flash floods killed 675 people and left nearly 3,000 missing. Triggered by a glacier collapse, torrents of water, ice and debris swept through rivers, destroying homes, bridges and infrastructure. Operations resumed after rain and fog disrupted searches, with helicopters and ground teams focusing on Rasuwa and Nuwakot. More than 3,700 people have been rescued. India has sent rescue specialists, forensic experts, equipment and 68.5 tonnes of relief supplies. Nepal has also sought international assistance for tunnel rescues and reconstruction. (PC: India Today)

India has rescued 108 nationals from flood-hit Nepal and re-established contact with 50 others who were earlier untraceable, the Ministry of External Affairs said. However, more than 275 Indian nationals and 128 persons of Indian origin remain missing. The MEA said 598 Indians had safely crossed into Nepal from China over the past two days, while around 900 others stranded in China were safe and contactable. India is coordinating rescue and relief operations with Nepal and China, with round-the-clock control rooms and emergency helplines operating. Authorities are also facilitating the return of Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims.  

Indian trans athlete Anaya Bangar has responded to criticism over her pathway into women’s cricket, saying critics should “educate themselves” about the issue. Bangar’s remarks came after South Africa all-rounder Marizanne Kapp called Cricket Australia’s decision “absolutely ridiculous”. Bangar said she has provided the necessary information to show she has no unfair advantage and is following Cricket Australia’s eligibility guidelines. She has been cleared to play women’s community cricket in Australia and could become eligible for elite competitions, including the Women’s Big Bash League, after March 2027 if she meets the required testosterone-related criteria.  

Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra has accused Mukesh Ambani of using Reliance-linked media outlets to spread “wrong propaganda” about his personal insolvency proceedings, an allegation Reliance has strongly rejected as “baseless”. In a video message, Chandra questioned reports highlighting Rs 22,006 crore in admitted claims against him, saying the amount relates to personal guarantees for Essel Group loans and not money he personally borrowed. He also revisited the Zee-Invesco dispute and Reliance’s past interest in Zee. Reliance said its media brands have never been used to attack anyone and expressed high regard for Chandra. (PC: India Today)

NASA’s Curiosity rover has reached a new milestone on Mars, gaining one kilometre in elevation during its 14-year journey across the Red Planet. The rover has climbed from Gale Crater up the slopes of Mount Sharp, reaching its highest point so far. NASA also shared a recent panorama showing the distant crater floor and northern rim of Gale Crater through Mars’ dusty summer atmosphere. Curiosity’s latest images offer one of the clearest views of the Martian surface, revealing a cold, rocky and dusty landscape shaped by billions of years of geological history.  

Nepal Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India’s support after devastating floods killed more than 600 people in Nepal. Calling Modi “exceptionally generous”, Wagle said New Delhi had indicated it would provide substantial assistance for Nepal’s reconstruction. Since Wednesday, India has sent 57.6 tonnes of relief supplies and deployed an 11-member team of medical and tunnel rescue experts following a request from Kathmandu. Nepal has also mobilised more than 11,000 security personnel for rescue operations. Authorities are now focusing on saving stranded people, restoring connectivity and delivering relief to areas cut off by damaged roads. (PC: NDTV)

7 tourists from Odisha’s Bhadrak district were among 51 people rescued in southern Nepal after flash floods and landslides disrupted their journey. The group, travelling with a Kolkata-based tour operator, was forced to take shelter near Manakamana Temple as the Trishuli River swelled and roads became impassable. Nepal police and local authorities later evacuated them using a ropeway and shifted them to Bhairahawa, where they are safe. However, 5 people from Odisha remain missing in Nepal, including a couple and their two-year-old daughter from Bargarh, and another couple from Khordha. Authorities are working to trace them. (PC: X)

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that a Hindu Rashtra does not mean excluding Muslims from India, adding that a Hindu who believes Muslims should have no place in the country may not truly understand Hindutva. Speaking at the One World, One Humanity event in New York, Bhagwat recalled a 2018 conversation with members of the Muslim community, who asked whether Hindus wanted to drive Muslims out of India. He said his answer was no, calling such an idea contrary to Hindutva. Bhagwat had made similar remarks earlier, saying a Hindu Rashtra could not exist without Muslims. (PC: India Today)

Nepal has called for a global effort to tackle climate change after devastating flash floods killed at least 675 people and left more than 2,400 missing.   Foreign Minister Ramesh Lekhak said Nepal is among the countries most vulnerable to rising temperatures and urged stronger international action. The floods struck the Nepal-Tibet border region on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction.   A glacier collapse is believed to have triggered the disaster, with one aid worker comparing the devastation to a “tsunami”. Families, including those of hundreds of foreign nationals, continue to wait for news as rescue teams search flood-hit areas. (PC: BBC)