India

SBI Calls 2.6% GDP Growth Claim Misleading, Cites Inconsistent Data Use

The State Bank of India has pushed back against claims that nominal GDP growth stands at just 2.6%, calling the assertion intellectually dishonest. The bank argued that the low figure resulted from inconsistent data comparisons rather than an accurate economic reading. SBI emphasized that India's official real GDP growth for Q1 FY27 remains strong at 7.8%. The bank also noted that quarterly GDP figures are routinely subject to adjustments and will continue to be revised until the data is fully finalized.

India mulls rules to let AI agents make UPI payments autonomously

India is considering regulations that would allow AI agents to carry out UPI payments on behalf of users without manual intervention. The proposed framework would enable users to set preset instructions and budget limits to guide these automated transactions. Safety measures such as identity verification and spending caps are being evaluated as part of the regulatory design. The move reflects a broader global shift toward automated and AI-driven payment systems.

Mumbai car crash at traffic signal kills woman, injures six; driver arrested

A car ploughed into motorcycles and auto-rickshaws at a Mumbai traffic signal on Sunday evening. The collision claimed the life of a 34-year-old woman and left six other people injured. The driver told authorities he accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. He was subsequently arrested, medically examined, and released on bail. The incident has triggered public calls for stricter legal action against the driver.

Nepal Flood Death Toll Hits 1,243 as Rescue Teams Battle Debris and Rain

Catastrophic flash floods across the Nepal-Tibet region have killed at least 1,243 people, with many more still missing. Rescue operations are severely hampered by ongoing heavy rainfall and large amounts of debris blocking access to affected areas. Authorities have begun conducting temporary burials for recovered victims while international assistance has been mobilized to aid identification and recovery efforts. Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah has publicly connected the scale of the disaster to the broader impacts of climate change. Families of the missing have held symbolic funeral rites as they await news of their loved ones.

NHRC Seeks Response Over Instagram Ads Allegedly Linked to Child Abuse Content

India's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of allegations that paid advertisements on Instagram were being used to facilitate access to Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). The bench, headed by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo, has sought responses from the concerned parties regarding the matter. The case raises serious concerns about the misuse of social media advertising infrastructure to distribute illegal content. The development signals growing regulatory scrutiny over Meta-owned Instagram's ad moderation practices in India.

Man Caught Secretly Filming Women Joggers at Bengaluru's Agara Lake

A man named Golden Kumar was allegedly caught secretly recording women joggers at Agara Lake in Bengaluru. Fellow joggers confronted him after discovering the videos on his mobile phone. Kumar reportedly apologized and asked for forgiveness following the confrontation. A formal complaint was subsequently filed against him at the HSR Layout police station. Authorities have announced plans to summon and question Kumar to investigate the circumstances of the recordings.

Nepal PM Thanks India and China for Swift Flood Relief Response

Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah has expressed gratitude to India and China for their prompt assistance following devastating floods in the country. Both nations were among the first to respond, dispatching relief supplies and specialised support teams to the affected region. The timely intervention highlighted the strong bilateral ties Nepal maintains with its two neighbouring countries. The floods have caused significant humanitarian distress, prompting an urgent international relief response.

Auto Driver Killed in Hyderabad in Second Murder Case This Week

An auto driver was murdered in Hyderabad, marking the second killing reported in the city in a short span of time. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident to establish the circumstances of the attack. Police are actively working to determine the motive behind the killing. The case has drawn attention given the pattern of violent incidents occurring in the city.

Bengaluru Weighs Tunnel Roads and Public Transport Fixes to Ease Traffic

Bengaluru is considering an ambitious tunnel road project as part of efforts to address its severe traffic congestion. However, experts suggest that large-scale infrastructure projects alone will not be enough to resolve the city's transport challenges. Improvements to existing public transport networks, including the Metro and bus services, are seen as equally critical to easing commuter burden. Optimising current road infrastructure through advanced technology is also proposed as a way to improve overall network efficiency. The broader goal is to develop a transport ecosystem that prioritises the needs of commuters rather than simply accommodating more vehicles.

Trump Says US Strikes on Iran Likely to Be Brief as Second Round Hits Southern Coast

The United States military conducted a second wave of strikes within three days, hitting radar systems and mine-laying infrastructure along Iran's southern coastline. President Donald Trump indicated that the military campaign against Iran is expected to be short in duration. The strikes targeted strategic coastal capabilities, suggesting a focus on degrading Iran's naval and defensive assets. Trump's remarks signal that Washington does not intend a prolonged military engagement with Tehran.

Rupee rises 47 paise on record FCNR inflows and RBI support

The Indian rupee strengthened by 47 paise on Thursday, driven by a surge in foreign-currency non-resident (FCNR) deposits that improved overall forex liquidity. The record inflows helped cushion the currency against prevailing global economic headwinds. The Reserve Bank of India also intervened in the market, further supporting the rupee's upward movement. Adding to the positive momentum, domestic equity markets opened on a strong note, reflecting broadly optimistic investor sentiment.

Thar crushes bike-borne man, woman in Delhi Cantt; both die

‘24 days, no FIR yet’: Kharge writes to JP Nadda over ‘Shuddhikaran’ row

Yasin Malik Drops Legal Defence, Plans to Divorce Pakistani Wife Mushaal Mullick

Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik has declared that he will not contest the ongoing trial against him in the nurse murder case. He also announced his intention to divorce his Pakistani wife, Mushaal Hussein Mullick, with whom he has a daughter. Malik, who is currently serving a life sentence in India's Tihar Jail, has previously refused legal representation in cases against him. His decision to forgo defence in the nurse murder case, which carries the death penalty, further signals his continued stance of non-participation in Indian judicial proceedings.

Apple CEO John Ternus joins X, keeps LinkedIn profile outdated

Apple's new CEO John Ternus has made his social media presence known by joining X, formerly Twitter, with a simple introductory post. His debut message attracted widespread attention and millions of views from users around the world. Elon Musk, who owns X, publicly acknowledged Ternus's arrival on the platform. Meanwhile, Ternus's LinkedIn profile remains largely neglected, still listing his previous role as vice president of hardware engineering rather than his current position.

West Virginia's 1923 Historic High School Reborn as 40-Room Boutique Hotel

A century-old high school in West Virginia, originally built in 1923, has been converted into a 40-room boutique hotel. The long-abandoned building sat unused for over a decade before undergoing the transformation. Former classrooms have been repurposed into guest rooms and lounge spaces for visitors. The renovation blends the building's historic character with modern interior design elements.

US reacts to PM Modi-Iran prez meet; issues warning to countries 'helping' Tehran

India News Live Updates, 3 September 2026: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay to move resolution urging Centre to recognise Tamil as principal language of Madras High Court

Pakistan cricket team and PCB chief meet King Charles III at Clarence House

Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam and PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi met King Charles III at Clarence House on September 2. The entire Pakistan cricket squad accompanied the two officials for the royal visit. As a gesture of goodwill, Babar presented the King with a bat signed by all the players. The meeting took place during Pakistan's ongoing tour of England.

Masked Men Ransack TMC's Kolkata Office; Abhishek Banerjee Blames BJP

Masked individuals allegedly attacked the Trinamool Congress office on Camac Street in Kolkata in the early hours of Thursday. Video footage showed electronics including televisions and a printer being removed from the premises, with at least one room visibly damaged. Senior TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee accused BJP workers of storming the office and assaulting those present inside. He also condemned Kolkata Police for what he described as a slow and inadequate response to the incident. The Trinamool Congress has since demanded immediate arrests and a thorough investigation into the attack.