KHATIMA NEWS
A report identifies 47 potentially dangerous glacial lakes across the Hindu Kush Himalaya, most of them in Nepal and Tibet. Their natural dams could release water, ice and debris into river systems linked to northern India, while 219 hanging glaciers have been identified in Uttarakhand’s Alaknanda basin.
CNG users in Delhi and adjoining cities will pay Rs 86.98 per kg from 6 am on August 29, according to Indraprastha Gas Limited. The current price is Rs 83.09 per kg, making the change relevant for motorists and other consumers using compressed natural gas in the affected areas.
Petrol sales have been suspended at 2,573 retail fuel outlets during a government-led investigation into suspected contamination and complaints of vehicle problems. Indian Oil Corporation accounts for the largest share of affected outlets, while testing has expanded from underground storage tanks to tankers, depots, terminals and ethanol storage across the distribution network.
A Namami Gange natural-farming guide explains how soil acidity or alkalinity affects nutrient access, lists pH-based treatments and highlights symptoms of imbalance. It recommends soil testing once every 3 years through a free government facility, consultation with a nearby agricultural science centre and the use of fully decomposed manure rather than raw material.
Authorities have urged people living along the Trishuli River, as far as Muglin, to remain highly alert and move to safe locations until further notice after receiving information that flooding in the Bhote Koshi River has increased again.
India’s foreign exchange reserves rose by USD 12.4 billion to a record USD 729.3 billion in the week ended August 21, according to Reserve Bank of India data. Foreign currency assets, the largest part of the reserves, increased by USD 9.4 billion during the week.
An Alliance Air flight from Delhi to Bilaspur suffered a tyre burst while landing, but the pilot stopped the aircraft safely on the runway. All 37 passengers and 4 crew members were evacuated safely and taken to the terminal. The Bilaspur-Prayagraj flight was later cancelled as airport authorities began inspecting the aircraft and runway.
Gold and silver prices declined around Raksha Bandhan, with domestic rates and MCX futures both moving lower. The reported fall includes a reduction in 24-carat and 22-carat gold prices, while silver also became cheaper in Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Global market factors were cited behind the pressure.
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal at the 24 July 2026 Cabinet meeting, 28 of 29 Union Cabinet ministers increased their Instagram activity by 24 August. Home Minister Amit Shah recorded the biggest follower gain, while ministers collectively published 1,179 s, a 48% increase over the previous month.
US Ambassador Sergio Gor says India is planning to buy the combat-tested Javelin anti-tank system, describing the move as a major step in bilateral defence ties. The announcement also raises the possibility of future co-production in India, although it does not confirm a final purchase contract or immediate domestic manufacturing.
Nepal’s flash floods have killed 469 people, left 977 missing and prompted questions about whether China shared timely information before the disaster. China’s embassy has rejected the allegations, while officials and international media reports say the flood’s origin, warning-system activity and cross-border communication remain unclear.
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since Iran’s war with the United States and Israel began, disrupting global energy markets. But Thomas O’Donnell of the Wilson Center says alternative pipelines, emergency oil releases and reduced Iranian capabilities are weakening the waterway’s leverage as an energy transit route.
