India

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat has urged Indian couples to have three children, citing the need to maintain a sustainable fertility rate to ensure demographic stability and national strength. Speaking at the “100 Varsh ki Sangh Yatra” event, Bhagwat warned of potential community decline due to falling birth rates, especially among Hindus.

The CBI has arrested Airtel’s territory sales manager and two middlemen in Assam for illegally selling ghost SIM cards used in cyber frauds, including digital arrest scams. The arrests followed raids that uncovered incriminating evidence and KYC misuse

A Dubai-bound IndiGo flight from Surat carrying 150 passengers was diverted to Ahmedabad due to a mid-air technical issue. The flight landed safely, and IndiGo arranged another aircraft, which departed for Dubai later the same day

Mumbai police deployed over 1,500 personnel at Azad Maidan as activist Manoj Jarange launches an indefinite fast demanding Maratha reservation. Authorities expect thousands of protesters, with central forces diverted to ensure law and order during the demonstration

A Vaishno Devi pilgrimage turned tragic for two families from Uttar Pradesh after a landslide and lightning strike claimed five lives. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced Rs 4 lakh aid for the families and ordered quick repatriation of the bodies

Karnataka BJP has demanded a time-bound SIT investigation into allegations of multiple murders, rapes, and burials in Dharmasthala. Party leader B Y Vijayendra criticized the Congress government for inaction and announced a large rally on September 1 to raise public awareness

Maruti Suzuki India Chairman R C Bhargava called for a united Indian response to 50 per cent US tariffs and welcomed GST restructuring. He expects small car sales to revive with proposed tax cuts and highlighted the need for cleaner, affordable vehicle alternatives

Apple and Samsung have sent cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi over advertisements mocking their premium smartphones, including the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy models. The companies argue Xiaomi’s campaigns risk damaging brand reputation in India’s fiercely competitive premium market

Airbus Helicopters has awarded Mahindra Aerostructures a contract to manufacture the main fuselage of its H125 helicopter in Bengaluru, with first delivery in 2027. The deal strengthens Airbus’s ‘Make in India’ plans and expands Mahindra’s aerospace role

Seventeen people, including a child, died after an allegedly illegal four-storey building collapsed in Virar, Palghar district. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis announced Rs 5 lakh assistance to families of the deceased, while NDRF-led rescue operations continue in the congested locality

Maruti Suzuki has rolled out its first Made-in-India electric SUV, the e-Vitara, from its Gujarat plant, now a global EV hub. Backed by government schemes, India targets 30 per cent EV penetration by 2030 and reduced carbon emissions by one billion tonnes

The Trump administration has proposed limiting visa durations for foreign students and media personnel, ending the long-standing “duration of status” system. Plans also include changes to the H1B and Green Card processes, amid rising tensions in US-India trade relations.

The Global Chess League (GCL), a joint venture between Tech Mahindra and FIDE, has launched “GCL Contenders 2025,” offering amateurs and professionals worldwide a chance to compete with Grandmasters. Winners will enter Season 3, beginning December 13, as league ambassadors.

Filmmaker-choreographer Farah Khan announced her YouTube talent show “Aunty Kisko Bola”, featuring Sajid Khan and Sunita Ahuja as the first judges. The show will spotlight women’s talents, with weekly guest judges. Farah also teased special appearances in upcoming episodes.

India’s junior boys and girls put up a stellar performance at the 3rd Belt and Road International Youth Boxing Gala in Xinjiang, China, securing 26 semifinal spots and confirming as many medals. The contingent aims to extend its medal tally further.

Flash floods in Himachal Pradesh’s Kangra district washed away schools, a panchayat office, dispensary, and ration store in Bada Bangal village, which remains cut off. Across the state, 536 roads were blocked, thousands faced power and water disruptions, and rescues continued

Maruti Suzuki Chairman R C Bhargava urged Indians to stand united against the US’s 50% tariffs on Indian goods, calling it economic bullying. He also welcomed proposed GST restructuring, expressing hope for reduced tax on small cars to boost consumers

The Centre told the Supreme Court that states cannot file writ petitions under Article 32 against the President or Governors over delays in bill assent. The Constitution Bench is hearing a Presidential reference on judicial timelines for such discretion

Former US Charge d’Affaires to India Donald Heflin warned that Washington’s broken diplomatic norms and loss of career diplomats are complicating trade talks with New Delhi. While cautiously optimistic about incoming envoy Sergio Gor, he cautioned US unpredictability may strain ties

Heavy floods in Punjab left thousands stranded on rooftops as swollen rivers breached embankments, damaging crops and homes. NDRF, Army, BSF and IAF stepped up rescue and relief missions in districts including Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Amritsar and Ferozepur.

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro controversially labeled the Ukraine conflict as “Modi’s war,” alleging India fuels Russia’s war machine by buying discounted oil. Navarro defended Trump’s 50% tariffs on India, insisting peace “runs through New Delhi,” drawing criticism for targeting India

BRO Chief Engineer S C Looniya said the double-laning of the 32-km Pene-Tato stretch on the strategic Aalo-Mechuka road in Arunachal Pradesh will be completed by March 2026. Delays were caused by land acquisition, though all-weather connectivity remains a priority

A school bus carrying 40 children overturned into a gorge in Haldwani’s Jaipur Bisa village after the driver lost control while giving way to another bus. Over a dozen children and staff were injured, prompting locals to rescue them

Textile, leather, gems, and jewellery stocks fell in Thursday morning trade after the US imposed a steep 50% tariff on Indian goods from August 27, impacting exports worth over USD 48 billion. Broader markets also declined sharply in response