Devastating flash floods in Nepal's Bhote Koshi River, triggered by a glacier or ice rock collapse, have resulted in 175 recovered bodies and hundreds missing, including tourists. India has promptly responded by providing 10 tons of humanitarian aid and medical supplies, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveying condolences and assuring full support to Nepal.
'When a glacier collapse or a major flood event does occur, the water will simply reclaim its original path, and anything built in that path will be swept away.'
The Indian contingent made a striking appearance at the Para Asian Games opening ceremony in Nagoya, Japan, on Sunday, wearing ceremonial blazers adorned with motifs inspired by 5,000 years of Indian civilisation, including Indus Valley seals and SaptSindhu. Led by Paralympic medallist Simran Sharma and top shuttler Pramod Bhagat, over 100 athletes proudly represented India, which has a 281-member contingent competing across 11 disciplines. The Games will conclude on October 24.
The Vande Bharat Express has successfully achieved a speed of 100 kmph over the world's highest Chenab Railway Bridge and India's first cable-stayed Anji Bridge. This significant speed enhancement on the 111-km Katra-Banihal section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link project will reduce travel time and improve rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
'This is no longer a single-hazard problem; it is a cascading, multi-hazard problem. A landslide never occurs in isolation. This entire chain is the cascading effect of what looks, at first, like a single disaster.'
The objective should be clear: Energy security without abandoning environmental responsibility; water security without ignoring local concerns; and strategic resilience without sacrificing public confidence, notes Varun Arya.
China has voiced strong opposition to India's recent decision to standardise names for 28 strategic locations and geographical features in Ladakh.
Five friends from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, narrowly escaped being swept away by flash floods in Nepal's Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river valleys thanks to an impromptu tea break. They endured two tense days on higher ground, witnessing devastation, before returning home safely, with a poignant Raksha Bandhan moment providing comfort.
At the border, places that you had just seen on a map, suddenly acquire a life. Looking at the vast expanse of quiet land, you realise an emotional connect, a sense of belonging binds you to a piece of land which is not merely territory, but a part of who you are.
New satellite images provide a stark visual of the devastating flash floods that have ravaged Nepal.
A senior Geological Survey of India official warns that the Himalayas are vulnerable to cascading disasters, where one high-altitude event can trigger a chain of destructive events downstream, as evidenced by Nepal's recent floods. He stresses the need for integrated monitoring using satellite data and ground investigations to identify high-risk areas and improve preparedness in the Indian Himalayas.
In recent years, China and Russia have pushed for de-dollarisation within BRICS, which India has resisted. One reason is that India does not want to hurt its relationship with the United States, and another is the fear of China controlling trade because the renminbi is considered the strongest currency in the bloc today.
'China wants to control and divert rivers.'
'It appears to be a combination: A glacier breaking away, and a dam-like formation downstream reaching capacity and releasing water suddenly.'
The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has surged to 1,252, with more bodies recovered and fresh flood risks emerging due to continuous rainfall in the Bhotekoshi River's upstream areas. The disaster, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche, has also left 4,875 people missing and prompted calls to address climate change's impact on the Himalayan region.
China on Friday said the collapse of a high-altitude glacier in Nepal may have triggered the massive flash flood disaster that engulfed the Tibet-Nepal border, killing hundreds and causing widespread damage.
A senior cryosphere specialist has warned of a potential secondary flash flood in Nepal due to debris from an ice-rock avalanche accumulating at a river confluence, creating a temporary dam that is collecting water.
A recent study by scientists indicates that the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region is experiencing increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to climate change, including rapid glacial melting and changing rainfall patterns. However, the research also cautions against solely blaming climate change, highlighting that human factors like population growth, commercial activities, and non-enforcement of regulations contribute significantly to the vulnerability and impact of these disasters. The study points out that many devastating floods originate from small glaciers and rain-fed streams, exacerbated by encroachment on unstable slopes and floodplains.
'The valley is around 16 km from the Nepal border, and it took just 8-10 minutes for the ice and rocks to reach the Nepal border. You can imagine how fast it must have travelled!'
On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, devastating flash floods in Nepal's Rasuwa district, bordering Tibet, left 105 Indian tourists among nearly 400 people missing.
Boleng in Arunachal Pradesh's Siang district will host the Asian Rafting Championships 2026 in October, boosting the state's adventure sports and tourism profile. Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Minister Ojing Tasing are reviewing preparations for the event, which will showcase the state's rivers and landscapes to an international audience.
The devastating floods in Nepal have brought back memories of two major disasters in Uttarakhand in recent years, the Rishiganga tragedy of February 2021 and the Dharali disaster of August 2025, which caused extensive loss of life and property and left thousands struggling to rebuild their lives.
'There needs to be a monitoring of glaciers in high altitude areas and one needs to check regularly how geological changes are taking place.' 'We can mitigate that by regular monitoring but unfortunately, hardly any monitoring is happening.' 'And without monitoring those higher altitudes of Himalayas, people are suffering.'
On India's 80th Independence Day, a photo feature by Pravin Talan and Rupali Talan offers a compelling look into the challenging lives and rigorous training of India's armed and security forces, from the snow-capped mountains of Kashmir to the dense forests of Gadchiroli.
'...in which our names are written with our phone numbers.'
India and China are in what experts call 'a cooperation-versus-competition situation'.
Following devastating flash floods in Nepal, experts are calling for systematic scientific assessments of glaciers to understand and mitigate hazards, alongside the development of a robust land use policy for the Himalayan region. The floods, which killed over 460 people and left thousands missing, are believed to be linked to climate change impacts on glaciers and permafrost.
'I know China will implode. It is scientifically impossible for China to control a nation through the barrel of a gun.'
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor faced significant backlash on social media for describing the Nepal flash floods as "drama." Despite expressing concern and detailing the devastation, his choice of words was widely criticised as insensitive, leading to questions about his vocabulary usage.
This might lead to a further outburst, flooding downstream if left unchecked.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor clarified his use of the word 'drama' in a social media post about the Nepal flash floods, stating he intended it to mean 'a state, situation or series of events involving intensely clashing forces' and regretting the misinterpretation.
It is very unfortunate that China has decided to proceed with the controversial mega hydropower plants(despite the apparent opposition of many scientists in China). Why is Delhi silent about the development? asks Claude Arpi.
Heavy monsoon rains have caused widespread havoc across Arunachal Pradesh, leading to floods, landslides, and significant damage to infrastructure. Rescue operations are underway in multiple districts, with casualties reported and many displaced. Connectivity remains severely disrupted, and authorities have issued warnings as more heavy rainfall is forecast.
Himachal Pradesh is on high alert with schools and colleges shut in several districts as heavy rainfall triggers landslides, flash floods, and road closures, prompting authorities to issue warnings and activate emergency centres.
Summer, no matter how hot, cannot slow down life in India. The season's rhythms must go on. There is great beauty to an Indian summer and these 10 pics tell that story...
The first thing you notice about Bhutan is not the mountains, but the silence.
Today's situation in the Shaksgam Valley is the consequence of what happened in Gilgit in 1947. But is India ready to militarily get back its territories? asks Claude Arpi.
June-July 1999 saw some of the most bitterly fought battles in the Kargil War. Colonel Gaurav Chaturvedi looks back on those days -- and the extraordinary saga of the men he fought alongside.
Discover the only way to travel, where fun meets fitness!
India and China held constructive talks on the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, emphasising that maintaining border peace and tranquillity enabled progress in normalising overall relations.
