US-Iran Conflict: Wedding Gathering Hit in Southern Iran as Fresh Strikes Deepen Regional Crisis

South African envoy to India cleared of protocol breach after row over temple visit by ex-president

PTI — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 03:30:10 +0530

Johannesburg, Sep 3 (PTI): The South African government has cleared its High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, of any breaches of protocol following a controversy over his appearance at a temple in India alongside former president Jacob Zuma and a businessman facing corruption charges in the African country.

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) on Wednesday also said the government’s position on private visits by former heads of state remains that “routine assistance” to them by the High Commission does not constitute authorisation “to represent the government of the republic or advance official interests”.

“DIRCO has recommended a mechanism that will enable the state to ensure that engagements of this nature are assessed for potential reputational, political, diplomatic or security risks,” it said.

In a statement, DIRCO said it had completed its internal consultations with Sooklal, explaining that the envoy had extended customary protocol support to the former president and did not facilitate any substantive engagement between Zuma and Ajay Gupta.

Sooklal who had earlier been recalled for “consultations” is reported to be back at his post in India.

DIRCO minister Ronald Lamola had earlier demanded an explanation after images of Sooklal and Zuma with controversial businessman Gupta attending a temple function in Haridwar in June surfaced online, triggering an outcry in the African nation.

Gupta, along with his brothers, Anil and Rajesh, fled South Africa on the eve of Zuma’s ousting by his own African National Congress (ANC) party in 2018 following allegations of corruption.

Members of the Gupta family stand accused of “state capture”, including fleecing South African parastatals of billions of rands, allegedly through their close association with Zuma.

South Africa is still attempting to get Dubai to extradite some members of the Gupta family after they were reported to be living there with their families, although authorities confirmed that there was no extradition order for Ajay Gupta.

“Whilst Mr (Ajay) Gupta is not subject to an extradition request by South Africa, DIRCO continues to facilitate cooperation between South African law enforcement authorities and the Indian authorities in respect of mutual legal assistance requests and other ongoing legal processes involving members of the Gupta family,” it said.

In its statement, DIRCO explained the reasons for Sooklal meeting Zuma and attending the temple function.

“On June 19, 2026, the Presidency informed DIRCO of the forthcoming private visit by former president Jacob Zuma to the Republic of India and requested assistance with the necessary protocol and logistical arrangements.

"In accordance with the established practice applicable to all former presidents, DIRCO subsequently notified the South African High Commission in New Delhi and requested that the customary protocol support be provided.

“Information provided by the South African High Commission in New Delhi indicates that the Mission did not facilitate any substantive engagement between former president Jacob Zuma and Mr Ajay Gupta during the visit.

"The assistance rendered formed part of the established protocol, administrative and logistical support ordinarily extended to former presidents through official channels, including ceremonial lounge arrangements, airport courtesies, liaison with host government authorities, and related travel facilitation,” the statement said.

Upon arrival, the former president was received by the South African high commissioner and a designated Mission official in accordance with established protocol, with similar assistance provided upon departure.

Regarding the religious event attended in Haridwar, DIRCO said the high commissioner attended in his capacity as Head of Mission following a separate invitation from the host organisers. He did not accompany Zuma or Gupta, and although Gupta was present among approximately 1,000 invited guests, the high commissioner reported no direct interaction with him, it said.

“The department’s assessment is that the Mission’s role was confined to ceremonial reception and departure arrangements, as well as attendance at a public religious event for which the high commissioner had been independently invited in his official capacity.

“The information available indicates that the Mission did not arrange, facilitate or participate in any private meetings involving former president Zuma and Mr Gupta,” it said.

The Gupta brothers, who are from Uttar Pradesh, built a business empire spanning IT, mining and media after moving to South Africa in the early 1990s.

Around a decade ago, they were accused of using their close ties with then-president Zuma to influence government decisions and profit from the relationship in what later became known as the "state capture" scandal. The brothers and Zuma denied any wrongdoing. PTI FH SKY SKY

(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

Iran, India not talking trade: Rubio on Modi-Pezeshkian meet

PTI — Thu, 3 Sep 2026 00:30:06 +0530

Washington, Sep 2 (PTI): US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday said he did not think India and Iran were talking of a trade deal, and many countries around the world talk to the regime in Tehran.

Rubio’s remarks came during an interview on The Brian Kilmeade Show on Fox News Radio in response to a question on the meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi had with Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Bishkek. “Well, I don’t think there’s a trade deal between India and Iran. Obviously, there are – countries all develop their own foreign policy, and many countries around the world talk to the Iranian regime,” Rubio said in response to a remark by Kilmeade that Modi and Pezeshkian appeared to set up a trade deal.

“I mean, we’ve met with elements of the Iranian regime as well, in terms of some of these discussions that have occurred and there’s been contact with them,” Rubio said.

The US Secretary of State said President Donald Trump has made it clear that no country should help Iran evade sanctions.

“No country should be out there helping them create mechanisms by which they can generate revenue that they will then use to sponsor terrorism and try to build a nuclear weapon. And if countries decide to do that, then we’re going to have to sanction them too,” Rubio said. PTI SKU SKS SKS

(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

Bayeux Tapestry Comes To London As Macron Begins UK Visit

Deutsche Welle — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 23:37:16 +0530

Edited by: Elizabeth Schumacher

French President Emmanuel Macron will begin a two-day trip to the UK by visiting another famous new arrival from France, the Bayeux Tapestry, with King Charles III and Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

Macron and his wife Brigitte, and Burnham and his wife Marie-France van Heel will join King Charles and Queen Camilla to walk the length of the 70-meter tapestry in the British Museum.

Why is the Bayeux Tapestry in London?

The tapestry, which depicts the momentous events of 1066 culminating in William the Conqueror of Normandy claiming the English throne, is on temporary loan from its usual home in France. It's the first time it's touched British soil since its creation in the 11th century.

The embroidery is on loan for a 10-month exhibiton opening to the public next week, on September 10. The exchange was first announced during Macron's state visit last year.

Though it's thought to have been made in the British Isles, it had been on French soil ever since the 11th century. It's usually on show in Bayeux in Normandy in northern France, hence the name. The effectively priceless artefact was transited across the Channel in secret in July.

Prime Minister Burnham, who took office six weeks ago, called the tapestry's return "a landmark moment" in the history of the two countries.

He also hailed ties with Macron's French government more generally in the House of Commons on Wednesday, alluding to reduced illegal migration crossings of the English Channel — a bid to counter one of Reform UK's favorite summer talking points.

"The loaning of the tapestry is a great example of French-British cooperation — the same cooperation that has helped us reduce summer small boat crossings to a seven-year low," Burnham said.

It's Macron's first UK visit since Burnham took office and their first in-person meeting as leaders.

What is the Bayeux Tapestry?

The Bayeux Tapestry is a 70-meter long artwork, which is thought to be incomplete, depicting the Norman conquest of England in 1066.

Norman forces led by William the Conqueror were able to defeat and dethrone King Harold Godwinson in a campaign culminating in victory at the Battle of Hastings. The tapestry famously depicts Harold being shot in the eye with an arrow, as he is said to have died — admittedly in what modern historians believe is likely a myth or artistic exaggeration.

This conquest was a crucial contributing moment in the establishment of what would become England and later the British Empire and the UK. It was the last of several successful foreign invasions of England in a millenium, and turned out to be the last one for a millenium.

The conquest also added the final core ingredient, French, to the linguistic melting pot that produced the modern English language.

The embroidered cloth, which has brief Latin titles captioning its 58 scenes, is widely accepted to have been made in England as a tribute to William after his victory. It was then transported to his family home in Normandy.

Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.

‘Trump Strait’ Instead Of Strait Of Hormuz? Donald Trump Floats New Name

Sagarika Chakraborty — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 22:49:06 +0530

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday floated the idea of renaming the Strait of Hormuz after himself, suggesting that the strategically important waterway could be called “Trump Strait”.

The proposal came in a post on Truth Social, amid the ongoing war against Iran that the US and Israel started. The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a central point of contention in the conflict.

“Now that we have it under U.S.A. control, should we change the name Hormuz Strait to TRUMP STRAIT???” Trump wrote on Wednesday morning.

“Like America itself, it would be ‘hotter’ than ever before! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he added.

Trump’s Latest Naming Proposal

Trump's suggestion comes less than a week after he signed an executive order to change the name of Lake Ontario to “Lake America”.

It remains unclear how Trump would seek to implement a name change for the Strait of Hormuz, which is not near the US.

The order concerning Lake Ontario directed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and his department to update the Geographic Names Information System with the new name.

Canada rejected the proposed change, although Google and Apple have recently updated their maps.

Earlier in his second presidential term, Trump also declared that the Gulf of Mexico would be renamed the Gulf of America. Mexico and other international counterparts rejected that change.

Unlike the Strait of Hormuz, the US borders both Lake Ontario and the Gulf of Mexico, which have carried their names for centuries.

US Says Iran Has Lost Control Of Strait

Trump and his administration have repeatedly maintained that Iran has lost control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Before the war began in late February, the waterway carried around one-fifth of the world's oil trade.

However, transit through the strait remains well below prewar levels. Ship-trackers have reported that traffic has declined further in recent days as military strikes in the region resumed following a weekslong pause.

The Trump administration has said total oil exports from the region are now higher than before the war when Saudi Arabia's and the United Arab Emirates' pipelines that bypass the Strait of Hormuz are included.

Oil Shipments Through Hormuz

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNBC on Wednesday that more than 17 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, describing it as a new wartime record.

Before the war began on February 28, around 20 million barrels per day of crude and petroleum products were transported through the strait.

US May Require Parents To Prove Citizenship When Applying For Their Children’s Passports

ABP Live News — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 21:51:20 +0530

The US State Department has proposed requiring parents applying for passports for their children to provide proof of their own citizenship or immigration status as President Donald Trump moves to restrict birthright citizenship. The guidance offers the first view of how the administration could implement Trump's August 6 executive order targeting what it calls “birth tourism”.

Under the proposal, parents or legal guardians would have to submit documents showing their citizenship or immigration status when applying for a US passport for their children. The policy could face further legal challenges.

Passport Checks

The proposal would require parents to provide documents such as a US passport or birth certificate to prove citizenship. Non-US citizens could submit evidence of their immigration status, including an I-94 form or permanent residency card.

The proposed process is linked to Trump's August 6 directive, which narrowed his earlier attempt to curb birthright citizenship. That earlier order sought to deny automatic citizenship to children born in the US unless at least one parent was a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.

The US Supreme Court ruled in June that the earlier order violated the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment.

Also Read: EU Summons Russian Envoy Over Reported Drone Attack At Airport In Eastern Germany

Birthright Curbs

Trump's latest order focuses on “birth tourism”, where women travel to the US to give birth so their children can obtain citizenship. It would also deny citizenship to children whose parents work for foreign governments in the US, engage in fraud or commercial transactions to obtain citizenship, or are classified as “alien enemies”.

A federal judge in Maryland recently questioned the order's legality while declining to immediately halt implementation. The Justice Department has said agencies are expected to issue guidance on implementing the directive by September 5.

The department has defended the approach. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the administration would ensure that the passport process reflects Trump's position on the “meaning and value” of American citizenship.

The proposal could therefore bring parents' own immigration status into the passport application process, adding another administrative check for families seeking US passports for children born in the country.

The move comes as Trump's administration continues efforts to narrow birthright citizenship, despite ongoing legal challenges. Courts are still weighing whether his latest order can withstand constitutional scrutiny.

Also Read: Iranian Red Crescent Turns To ICC After Reported US Strike On Wedding In Southern Iran

EU Summons Russian Envoy Over Reported Drone Attack At Airport In Eastern Germany

Deutsche Welle — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 18:19:28 +0530

Edited by: Zac Crellin

The European Unions's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Wednesday that she summoned Russia's envoy in Brussels over the alleged attempted hybrid attack involving an explosives-laden drone at Leipzig/Halle Airport last month.

Germany's foreign and interior ministers said in a joint press conference on Tuesday that the government in Berlin had concluded that Russia was responsible for the failed attack, reinforcing suspicions that arose as soon as the news broke in August.

Kallas says incident has 'all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism'

"We are discussing the Leipzig attacks, and also it is clear that it has all the hallmarks of state-sponsored terrorism," Kallas said ahead of an informal gathering of EU foreign ministers in Ireland.

"The question is, what do we do about this? We have already summoned the Russian ambassador," she said.

The former Estonian prime minister also said that the EU was continuing its work on its next package of some 1,600 sanctions listings related to Russia's war in Ukraine and said "maybe there is more to be added."

France takes similar step, summoning charge d'affaires

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot also told reporters in Dublin that Paris was summoning a Russian ambassador in response.

"I have summoned the Russian charge d'affaires in Paris to protest," Barrot said, adding that sanctions should be taken at a European level, notably against Russia's so-called shadow fleet of ships.

Non-EU foreign ministers from Ukraine, the UK, Canada, Norway, Iceland and Switzerland also traveled to Ireland to attend Wednesday's informal talks.

Germany's Wadephul says 'pressure on Russia is being stepped up'

German Foreign Minsiter Johann Wadephul told reporters that the EU would continue to work on additional sanctions "in the coming weeks."

"Pressure on Russia is being stepped up and support for Urkaine also remains at a high level. That is the unity we are demonstrating at this time," he said.

The Christian Democrat politician said that Russia had chosen to escalate, and "must now live with these consequences."

He also defended Tuesday's announcement in Berlin, calling the government's response a "necessary and proportionate" one based on a "well-founded opinion and verdict."

What did Germany say about its investigations?

Wadephul and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced in a joint press conference on Tuesday that the federal government in Berlin held Russia responsible for the failed attack.

"Taken together, police investigations, patterns of the crime and intelligence findings substantiate Russian responsibility for the attempted attack at Leipzig Airport," Dobrindt said on Tuesday, without going into specifics.

Wadephul said that the "means used — drone configuration, components, explosives and detonation systems — are known to us from other hybrid operations by Russia and its war against Ukraine."

Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, have rejected the allegations and accused Germany of fabricating its version of events.

Leipzig/Halle Airport is a key freight hub. Ukrainian airline and aircraft manufacturer Antonov uses the airport as a base of operations, frequently transiting material to Ukraine via the the eastern German city.

Iranian Red Crescent Turns To ICC After Reported US Strike On Wedding In Southern Iran

Sagarika Chakraborty — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 17:33:27 +0530

Tehran has stepped up its response after reports that a US strike hit a wedding ceremony in southern Iran, with the Iranian Red Crescent calling for an International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation and warning that the incident could constitute a war crime.

The humanitarian organisation said the reported attack in Sirik, Hormozgan province, killed four people, including two children, and injured dozens of others.

In a letter to the ICC published on its X account, the Iranian Red Crescent called for an independent investigation into the incident.

Iranian Red Crescent Seeks ICC Action

The organisation said the reported civilian nature of the location, which was hosting a family wedding, and the presence of civilians raised serious concerns under international humanitarian law.

“Given the reported civilian character of the location as the venue of a family wedding ceremony, as well as the presence of civilians at the site, the incident raises serious concerns under international humanitarian law and warrants an independent, impartial, thorough, and effective investigation.”

The Red Crescent said an independent investigation should establish whether the wedding venue and people present were civilian in character, whether there was any lawful military objective at the location and whether the attack complied with the requirements of distinction, proportionality and precautions.

It added that if those conditions were established, the incident “may constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law and, where the requisite elements are established, a war crime.”

US Has Not Officially Responded To Wedding Strike Reports

Washington has not officially responded to reports that the US military struck a wedding ceremony in southern Iran during a wave of attacks.

The Associated Press reported that the US military was aware of the allegations but said it “never targets civilians”.

The US Central Command (Centcom) said its strikes targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) positions, including “air defence sites, radar systems, maritime assets and facilities, mine laying capabilities, and communications sites”.

“The strikes follow recent attempted attacks by the IRGC against commercial shipping in the strait of Hormuz and against American service members,” Centcom said in a statement.

Centcom also published footage purportedly showing the attacks.

Israel Warns Iran Of ‘Great Force’ Response

Amid the renewed US-Iran fighting, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has warned that Israel is prepared to respond with “great force” if Iran attacks the country.

Speaking at a conference hosted by Israeli news outlet Ynet, Katz said the Israeli military was prepared to act independently.

“We do not want to be caught off guard; we are prepared. It must be understood: the IDF [Israel Defense Forces], including the air force, is prepared to strike in Iran.

“If they attack us, we will respond with great force, without relying on anyone.”

Katz said Israel was currently allowing the US to carry out attacks because of Washington's interests in the Hormuz energy corridor.

“At the moment, we are allowing the Americans [to attack] because of their interests in the Hormuz energy corridor.

“In the meantime, they [Iran] are striking the entire region except for us. But there is a likelihood that they will indeed attack. We are prepared for this defensively.”

The latest developments come as the US and Iran exchange attacks amid renewed fighting in the Middle East.

Nepal Floods Day 7: Death Toll Crosses 1,100, Nearly 4,900 Still Missing — 10 Key Updates

Sagarika Chakraborty — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 16:38:13 +0530

Seven days have passed since devastating floods struck the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river valley on August 26, but the full scale of the tragedy in Nepal is still emerging.

As of September 2, the death toll has surpassed 1,127, while another 16 fatalities have been recorded on the Tibetan side of the border, taking the total number of deaths to 1,143. Around 4,858 people remain missing, including 583 foreign nationals and 83 Nepali security personnel.

More than 12,000 people have been rescued, while approximately 84,270 people across 17 municipalities have been affected by the disaster.

Here is a 10-point look at the situation so far.

1. What are the official death and missing figures?

As of September 2, Nepal has reported more than 1,127 deaths. Including the 16 deaths on the Tibetan side of China, the overall fatalities have reached 1,143.

Around 4,858 people are still missing. This includes 583 foreign nationals and 83 Nepali security personnel.

More than 12,000 people have been rescued, while approximately 84,270 people across 17 municipalities have been affected.

2. Which areas suffered the most destruction?

Chitwan district recorded the highest number of deaths at 321, followed by Nawalparasi (East) with 216 and Nawalparasi (West) with 170.

In Nuwakot district, 24 bodies were recovered from Uttargaya Mini Mart, a shopping arcade in Betawati. The bodies included 13 women, 10 men and a child.

The Rasuwagadhi immigration office on the route to Bhotekoshi was completely swept away. Around 300-400 people were present there at the time. Four immigration employees, including the head of the office, went missing, while the body of one employee was later recovered far downstream.

3. How is the rescue operation progressing?

The Nepali Army has continued its search and rescue operation for the seventh consecutive day.

One of the biggest challenges is reaching people trapped inside hydropower project tunnels along the Trishuli River. Around 639 workers are estimated to be trapped in various tunnels after water and debris blocked the passages.

The government has brought in expert teams from India, China and South Korea to assist with blasting operations.

However, continuous rainfall and fresh landslides are hampering rescue and relief efforts, with many remote villages remaining inaccessible.

4. Why did Nepal resort to mass burials?

The scale of the devastation overwhelmed hospitals and morgues. Many bodies had also decayed beyond recognition after prolonged exposure to water and mud.

The government therefore decided to temporarily bury unidentified bodies.

Kathmandu's Gokarna Forest Resort, formerly the royal family's hunting ground, was designated as one of the burial sites. Large pits were dug in the muddy embankment using JCB excavators, with around 75 bodies buried there.

Each body was tagged with a batch number, while DNA samples, photographs and identification details were preserved so families can identify their loved ones.

A day earlier, more than 200 bodies had been buried at four different locations.

5. What is the situation of foreign nationals?

Of the 583 foreign nationals reported missing, 275 are Indians. The list also includes 32 Chinese nationals and nine Americans, along with citizens of countries including Britain, Canada, Australia and Italy.

Most of those missing were tourists, businessmen, or engineers and labourers working on hydropower projects.

The last entry at the Rasuwagadhi immigration office was recorded at 8:35:03 a.m. Just 10 minutes later, the avalanche struck, sweeping away all the foreigners present.

6. Does the flood threat still remain?

Yes. A serious flood threat remains in Nepal.

The Nepal Meteorological Department (DHM) has issued a fresh alert, with river levels rising again in eastern, central and western parts of the country.

Small rivers and streams in Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts are particularly vulnerable to flash floods.

Authorities have urged people to remain vigilant and avoid going near river banks.

A temporary dam on the Chinese side was also reported to have breached, raising concerns about a possible further rise in water levels.

7. What pressure is Prime Minister Balendra Shah facing?

Prime Minister Balendra Shah is facing intense pressure from within his government and the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party to attend the UN General Assembly (UNGA).

The government wants Shah to use the UNGA platform to demand climate justice, arguing that Nepal contributes only a small amount to greenhouse gas emissions but suffers the most from their impact.

Nepal is also expected to appeal to the international community for assistance with rehabilitation and reconstruction.

There were earlier plans to send Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal to the UNGA, but that decision may now change.

8. What international aid and relief has arrived?

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) estimates that the floods have left 2.2 million tonnes of debris, including 550,000 tonnes of building debris, rocks, sediment and household items.

The Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal for 25 million Swiss francs, while Jersey, a British Crown Dependency, has announced 200,000 euros in aid.

Expert teams from India, China and South Korea are already involved in tunnel blasting operations.

The UN has also warned that the disaster comes at a particularly difficult time for families dependent on agriculture. The main monsoon sowing season is underway, while crops have been completely destroyed.

9. What assistance has India provided?

India has taken several steps to assist Nepal in the aftermath of the floods.

India has so far delivered more than 68.5 tonnes of relief material, including tents, blankets, medicines, solar lamps and hygiene kits, through five relief aircraft.
India's Specialized Tunnel Rescue Team and a 19-member forensic-DNA team are involved in rescuing people trapped inside hydropower tunnels and identifying decomposed bodies.
The Indian Embassy has issued an emergency helpline number, +977 9851316807, along with an email.
So far, 163 Indian citizens have been safely rescued as part of the operation.
India has provided Bailey bridges to create pathways through the debris and experts to assist with blasting operations, helping relief reach remote areas.
Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has publicly expressed gratitude for India's quick and comprehensive assistance, calling it an example of friendship.

10. What are the biggest challenges ahead?

Nepal is facing five major challenges in the days ahead:

Reaching and safely rescuing the more than 639 workers trapped inside hydropower tunnels.
Clearing 22 lakh tonnes of debris that is blocking routes needed to deliver relief supplies.
Preventing the spread of diseases such as cholera, typhoid and diarrhoea due to rotting carcasses and contaminated water.
Managing the situation as continued rainfall could worsen conditions and put new relief teams at risk.
Providing accurate information and mental support to the families of more than 4,000 missing people.

With every passing day, the hope of finding those missing alive diminishes. Hundreds of relatives are arriving each day at Kathmandu's Teaching Medical College in search of their loved ones.

Nepal Flood: Rescue Race Continues as Missing Families Wait, India Joins Tunnel Search Efforts

ABP News Bureau — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 13:09:08 +0530

Nepal is still struggling with the devastating aftermath of a major natural disaster, with rescue teams continuing to search through debris, flooded areas and damaged infrastructure for survivors and missing people. Eight days after the disaster, the death toll has crossed 1,100, while thousands of families are still waiting for information about their loved ones. Difficult terrain, washed-out roads, damaged bridges and renewed rainfall are making rescue operations increasingly challenging. Authorities have issued fresh flood warnings as several rivers begin rising again, while weather information is being shared with China to improve monitoring and preparedness. Rescue teams are also using drones to search difficult mountain areas, tunnels and inaccessible locations. One of the biggest challenges is at a hydropower project where a tunnel has reportedly been blocked by floodwater, mud and huge rocks. Hundreds of workers who were inside during the disaster are feared trapped, prompting teams to work through the debris in a race against time. At morgues and hospitals, families continue searching for missing relatives, with many now providing DNA samples because the condition of recovered bodies is making visual identification difficult. India and Nepal have also joined forces for the rescue mission, with a specialised Indian technical team working alongside the Nepal Army in the Rasuwa and Langtang areas. Rescue personnel are entering dangerous tunnel sections using safety ropes, drones and other equipment while efforts are underway to remove water and clear heavy debris. Despite the enormous challenges, teams continue their search with one priority — finding survivors and bringing hope to families still waiting for answers.

US-Iran Conflict: Wedding Gathering Hit in Southern Iran as Fresh Strikes Deepen Regional Crisis

ABP News Bureau — Wed, 2 Sep 2026 12:59:03 +0530

A fresh wave of violence has intensified the confrontation between Washington and Tehran, with a strike in southern Iran reportedly hitting a house where a wedding celebration was underway. Iranian officials said the incident in Kuhestak, Sirik County, left several people dead, including a child, while dozens more were injured and taken for medical treatment. The incident has added a deeply disturbing civilian dimension to the latest escalation, as military exchanges between the two countries continue across strategic locations near the Gulf. Iranian authorities have condemned the strike and warned that continued attacks could bring a strong response, while the United States has maintained that its military operations are aimed at Iranian military capabilities and threats to American personnel and shipping. The renewed confrontation comes after a period of relative calm and has quickly raised concerns about a wider conflict. The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the crisis because of its importance to global energy shipments and regional trade. Any prolonged disruption could have consequences for crude oil prices, shipping costs and economies far beyond West Asia. With both sides issuing increasingly strong warnings and military activity continuing, international attention is now focused on whether diplomatic efforts can prevent another major escalation. The reported civilian casualties have also intensified concerns over the humanitarian cost of the conflict as fighting continues in and around southern Iran