Asianet Newsable

'Humanity Is Dying': Woman Throws Dog Into Seti River From Nepal Bridge, Video Sparks Outrage

Divya Danu — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 12:34:44 +0530

A viral video from Nepal's Bajhang district has sparked outrage after allegedly showing a woman throwing a dog into the Seti River from a bridge. The incident reportedly took place at Pankot Bridge in Chainpur Municipality. The footage appears to show the woman holding the dog and throwing it from the bridge, while several other women can be seen nearby. The video was reportedly recorded by a person present at the bridge on Wednesday morning. However, the circumstances surrounding the incident, including why the dog was thrown and whether it belonged to the woman, remain unclear.

Trigger Warning: Videos below contain disturbing visuals. Viewers' discretion is advised.

पहले जानवर पालते हैं जब मन भर जाता है तो नदी में फेंक देते हैंसेती नदी पनकोट ब्रिज से एक महिला ने जबरदस्ती एक प्यार से कुत्ते को नदी में फेंक दिया pic.twitter.com/GUTqmwFrOH

— Kavish aziz (@azizkavish) September 17, 2026

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Police search for dog and woman

Following the circulation of the footage on social media, the District Police Office, Bajhang, sent a team to inspect Pankot Bridge and the surrounding area.

Police said they could not locate the dog during their search. Its condition and whereabouts therefore remain unknown.

Authorities are also working to establish the identity of the woman seen in the footage and verify exactly what happened. Police have not yet independently confirmed all the details visible in the viral video.

The incident has prompted calls for an investigation into possible animal cruelty.

Social media users demand action

The video has drawn strong reactions online, with several users calling the alleged act cruel and demanding legal action.

This is in Nepal . This is rarest of the rare case in Nepal. Police are searching for this woman.Note : dogs are treated as family members in Nepal. We also have festivals dedicated for them. This woman is a psyco

— Nepali ( Gorkhali ) (@EnigmaNepali) September 17, 2026

Poor Dog She deserves to be thrown into that exact same current with her hands tied. Absolutely disgusting trash. Karma better find her fast.

— Kartik (@kartikgk07) September 17, 2026

Dog will survive but aurat ko keede padenge. She will burn in the deepest depths of hell.

— Sapna Madan (@sapnamadan) September 17, 2026

One user wrote that animals should not be treated as toys that can simply be abandoned when their owners no longer want them. Another called for the woman to be identified and prosecuted for alleged animal cruelty. Amid massive outrage, one X user wrote 'humanity is dying'.

Humanity is dying day by day...

— अंगद (@AngadVibes) September 17, 2026

Some comments also contained abusive language and calls for the woman to face violence. Others expressed sadness over the dog's fate and urged authorities to take action.

Police inquiries are continuing, while the fate of the dog remains unknown.

3.1kg Ostrich-Egg Sized Bladder Stone Removed From Sri Lankan Man

Divya Danu — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:25:11 +0530

Doctors in Sri Lanka have removed a 3.1kg (6.8lb) bladder stone from a 55-year-old man, with the surgical team saying it could be the largest bladder stone ever documented and removed through surgery. The unusually large stone was removed last week at a hospital in Trincomalee, in eastern Sri Lanka. It measured about 17cm in length and was described as roughly the size of an ostrich egg.

පුද්ගලයෙකුගේ මුත්‍රාශයෙන් 3.1kg විශාල ගලක් හමුවේ pic.twitter.com/IutGqhliAT

— BBC News Sinhala (@bbcsinhala) August 17, 2026

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Stone found while treating patient for stroke

The 55-year-old man had been admitted to hospital after suffering a stroke. During his treatment, doctors noticed that he was having difficulty passing urine.

Further examination revealed stones in his urinary bladder. Doctors then decided to operate and remove the unusually large stone.

Dr Prahalahan Balakrishnan, who led the operation, told BBC Sinhala that the patient was in “very good health” following the procedure. He remains in hospital while continuing treatment for his other medical conditions.

Dr Balakrishnan estimated that the stone had probably been developing in the man’s bladder for between five and 10 years.

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Stone was heavier than previous Guinness record

The reported weight of the Sri Lankan stone is considerably greater than the Guinness World Records entry for the largest bladder stone.

According to Guinness World Records, the current listed record is held by a 1.9kg bladder stone removed from a 62-year-old man in São Paulo, Brazil, on August 25, 2003. The stone measured 17.9cm long, 12.7cm thick and 9.55cm high.

That means the newly removed Sri Lankan stone, if officially verified, would be substantially heavier than the existing Guinness record. However, it should be described as a potential new record until the relevant record authorities independently verify the claim. Guinness World Records says records require evidence and verification before a new achievement is formally recognised.

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How do bladder stones form?

Bladder stones develop when minerals in concentrated urine crystallise and form hard masses. They are often associated with problems that prevent the bladder from emptying completely.

Small stones can sometimes pass naturally, while larger stones may obstruct urine flow and require medical treatment. Very large stones are uncommon and can remain undetected for years, particularly when symptoms are mild or attributed to another condition.

Difficulty urinating, pain while passing urine, frequent urination and blood in the urine can be among the warning signs.

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Patient continues treatment

The Trincomalee patient is still receiving care for his other health problems after the operation. Doctors said he was recovering well following removal of the stone.

The case is notable not only because of the stone’s extraordinary size, but also because it was discovered while the patient was being treated for another serious medical condition.

If the 3.1kg measurement is independently confirmed and accepted by the relevant record authority, the Sri Lankan case could replace the 2003 Brazilian case as the largest bladder stone recorded.

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Not Their Final Goodbye: Why Nepal Is Burying Flood Victims and Preserving Their DNA for Years

Divya Danu — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 21:25:56 +0530

Nepal is burying unidentified flood victims instead of cremating them because hundreds of bodies have overwhelmed morgues and many are too decomposed for identification. Before burial, authorities collect DNA, details and record each grave location.

The mass burial of hundreds of flood victims in Nepal has raised an emotional and difficult question: why are authorities burying bodies instead of cremating them according to traditional funeral practices?

The answer lies in identification.

Nepal is not treating the emergency burial of unidentified flood victims as their final religious last rites. Instead, authorities are using burial as a temporary and carefully documented way to preserve the possibility that families may identify and claim their relatives later.

Before each unidentified body is buried, forensic teams are collecting DNA samples and recording other details. If a future DNA match establishes the identity of a victim, the remains can be exhumed and handed over to the family for final rites according to their religious and cultural traditions.

The decision comes after the devastating Bhotekoshi-Trishuli flood disaster overwhelmed morgues and hospitals with hundreds of decomposing and unidentified bodies.

The flash floods struck Nepal's Rasuwa region near the Tibet border after a glacial collapse, sending a destructive surge of water, mud, rocks and debris downstream.

Bodies were swept far from the original disaster zone. Many were recovered days later from riverbanks and debris fields in districts downstream, making the identification process extremely difficult.

Some bodies had been submerged in water and buried under mud for several days. Others were badly damaged, mutilated or recovered only as partial remains.

As a result, visual identification became impossible in many cases.

The sheer number of bodies also created a major logistical crisis. In Chitwan alone, authorities recovered hundreds of remains, while hospitals and temporary holding centres had limited mortuary space.

As reported by local media outlets in Nepal, public and private hospitals in Chitwan could store only around 50 bodies, far below the number recovered after the disaster.

Normally, unidentified bodies can be kept in mortuaries while police and forensic teams attempt to establish their identity.

But this disaster created numbers far beyond the available storage capacity.

Mortuaries and temporary holding centres quickly became overcrowded. Authorities in some districts had to transfer bodies to hospitals in other parts of Nepal because local facilities were already full.

At the same time, many bodies were decomposing rapidly because they had spent days in floodwater, mud and debris before being recovered.

Keeping hundreds of decomposing bodies in overcrowded facilities for a prolonged period was becoming increasingly difficult. Officials also faced concerns about sanitation and the health risks associated with managing large numbers of badly decomposed remains.

Authorities therefore needed a solution that could safely manage the dead without destroying the possibility of identifying them later.

This is the most important part of Nepal's emergency response.

Cremation permanently destroys most of the physical remains that could later be used for identification or returned to families.

Burial, however, preserves the body or remains underground and allows authorities to exhume them later if forensic evidence establishes the person's identity.

This means the burial is not necessarily the final stage of the funeral process.

Authorities are effectively creating a documented system of temporary burial for unidentified victims. Once a body is identified through DNA or other evidence, officials can locate the exact burial site, exhume the remains and hand them over to the family.

The family can then conduct the final rites according to their religious beliefs and customs.

Nepal's government has stressed that bodies already identified by relatives are being handed over to their families. The emergency burial procedure applies to victims whose identities cannot currently be established.

The burial process is not simply about placing unidentified bodies in a mass grave and closing the case.

Before burial, forensic teams collect DNA samples from the remains. Each body is assigned a unique and permanent identification number.

Officials also record as much information as possible, including:

Photographs of the body and visible features
Physical descriptions
Clothing and footwear
Jewellery and other personal belongings
Identity documents, if found
Tattoos or distinctive marks
Forensic and post-mortem records
DNA samples
The date and location of burial

The exact plot where each body is buried is also recorded.

This documentation is crucial because many families are still searching for relatives who remain missing.

If a family later provides a DNA sample and it matches one of the preserved profiles, authorities can establish the identity of the victim and locate the burial site.

Nepal's forensic system is relying on a combination of scientific and physical evidence.

Families searching for missing relatives can provide DNA samples. These can later be compared with samples collected from unidentified bodies.

Authorities may also use photographs, dental records, fingerprints where available, distinctive marks and personal belongings to help establish identity.

In some cases, bodies cannot be identified visually because of severe decomposition or injuries caused by the flood. This is where DNA testing becomes particularly important.

However, the process may take months because hundreds of samples need to be processed and compared.

For grieving families, this means the search for a missing relative may continue even after the emergency recovery operation ends.

The purpose of preserving DNA and burial records is to ensure that families do not permanently lose the chance to know what happened to their loved ones.

One of the main emergency burial sites is in the Devghat area of Bharatpur Metropolitan City in Chitwan.

Authorities selected an open site where unidentified bodies could be buried in a documented manner after forensic evidence had been collected.

By August 31, Nepal's state broadcaster reported that 199 unidentified flood victims recovered in Chitwan had been buried after their DNA samples and identifying details were preserved.

Officials said that if relatives later establish a DNA match, the corresponding remains can be exhumed and handed over to the family for final rites.

Technically, the emergency burial should not be viewed in the same way as a traditional final funeral.

For families whose relatives have been identified, authorities are handing over the bodies so that the families can conduct cremation, burial or other rituals according to their faith.

For unidentified victims, the government is taking responsibility for the immediate management of the remains.

The priority is to handle the bodies with dignity while keeping open the possibility of future identification.

This approach attempts to balance two urgent needs: preventing a public health and storage crisis caused by hundreds of decomposing bodies, while ensuring that families are not permanently deprived of the opportunity to identify and claim their relatives.

A difficult balance between science, dignity and tradition

The disaster has placed Nepal in an extremely difficult situation.

Authorities cannot keep an unlimited number of bodies indefinitely when morgues are full and remains are decomposing. But cremating unidentified victims would make future identification and the return of remains far more difficult.

Burial provides a practical middle path.

By preserving DNA samples, assigning identification numbers and recording the precise burial location, authorities are trying to ensure that the emergency does not erase the identity of those who died.

The images of mass burials are deeply disturbing, particularly in a country where funeral traditions carry enormous cultural and religious importance.

But the decision is not about denying victims their final rites.

It is about buying time.

The bodies are being buried because Nepal's overwhelmed authorities need to manage the immediate humanitarian crisis. At the same time, forensic evidence is being preserved so that months or even years later, a family may still receive an answer, identify a loved one and perform the final rites they were unable to give during the disaster.

'The Entire Building Was Washed Away': Sadhguru Breaks Down, Seeks Permission to Find 80 Missing Isha Pilgrims

Divya Danu — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 17:28:59 +0530

Sadness and gloom descended on the Isha Foundation camp in Tibet after spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev broke down while speaking about members of an Isha Foundation Kailash pilgrimage group who remain missing after the devastating flash floods near the Nepal-Tibet border.

pic.twitter.com/joD3wYdAsc

— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) August 27, 2026

Sadhguru, who is currently in Tibet's Saga, made an emotional appeal for permission to travel to Gyirong in Tibet and join search and rescue efforts. He said the group had been at an immigration facility when the flood struck, washing away the building within seconds.

Isha group was at immigration centre when flood struck

Sadhguru said the group had been returning from the Kailash pilgrimage and had reached the immigration centre at Gyirong shortly before disaster struck.

According to his account, the group leader, Ishanga Praveen, had sent a message at around 9.05 am confirming that the group had reached the centre. Minutes later, at around 9.14 am, a massive surge of water and debris swept through the area.

During his address, he said, "An international group of 80 pilgrims, along with three volunteers and a doctor, remain unaccounted for after a sudden flood destroyed an immigration building where they were staying. The group comprised 46 women and 34 men from 19 different countries, including 22 from the United States, 12 from Canada, 11 from Australia, 9 from the United Kingdom, 4 from Germany, and 3 each from France and Nepal. Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, and Spain each had 2 citizens in the group, while Finland, Hungary, Israel, Lithuania, the Philippines, Portugal, Russia, and South Africa each had 1 participant."

Sadhguru makes emotional appeal

Visibly shaken, Sadhguru said he had been at the same immigration centre just a week earlier.

He said there had been no official confirmation about the fate of the missing group and that communication from the disaster-hit area had been severely disrupted.

The spiritual leader said he had tried to reach Gyirong but roads and other access routes had been cut off by the disaster. He appealed to the Indian and Chinese authorities for permission to enter the affected area with a small team and assist in the search effort.

Death toll rises as hundreds remain missing

The wider Nepal-Tibet disaster has left at least 289 people dead, according to the latest reports available on Thursday, though casualty figures remain fluid as rescue teams continue recovering bodies. More than 1,300 people were reported missing across Nepal and Tibet in the latest updates.

The toll is expected to change as rescue operations continue.

Flood triggered by Himalayan collapse

Authorities and scientists are investigating the disaster, which is believed to have been triggered by a major collapse of ice, mud and rock in the Himalayas, sending a destructive torrent through valleys and settlements near the Nepal-China border.

Homes, roads, bridges and border infrastructure were swept away, while communications were disrupted across several affected areas. Hundreds of foreign tourists and pilgrims, including Indians travelling on the Kailash route, remain among those unaccounted for.

Viral videos showing the moment the immigration facility was engulfed by floodwaters have added to the horror surrounding the disaster. As search operations continue, the fate of the missing Isha Foundation pilgrims remains unknown.

Rescue operations stepped up

All Nepal government agencies, including the Army, Police and Armed Police Force, are working together to rescue people stranded after devastating flash floods along the Tibet-Nepal border, Nepal Deputy Consul General at the Consulate General of Nepal in Kolkata, Deepesh Lekhak, said on Thursday.

Speaking to ANI, Lekhak said rescue operations have been given top priority, with helicopters being used to evacuate people from badly affected areas.

“Helicopter-based rescue efforts are currently underway. So far, 239 people have been rescued by helicopter, and the operation is ongoing,” he said.

644 travellers reported missing

Lekhak said the Nepal Tourism Board is collecting information about tourists reported missing after the floods. Information from Chinese immigration points along the Tibet border is also being checked, as several tourists, including people from West Bengal and Kolkata, were in the region.

According to a preliminary record received by the Nepal Tourism Board from trekking and travel companies, 644 travellers, including 127 Nepali nationals, have been reported missing from the affected areas. Their details are being verified with travel agencies, guides, local authorities and security agencies.

People from several other countries are also among those reported missing. The preliminary figures include 53 Ukrainian nationals, 35 Australians and 25 Canadians.

Nepal Embassy sources said that over 280 bodies have so far been recovered, while many locals and tourists remain missing. Another assessment put the number of people reported missing at 476 from 28 countries. Officials stressed that the figures are still being verified as search and rescue operations continue.

Jaishankar reviews India's response

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a review meeting on Thursday with senior Ministry of External Affairs officials, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and India's ambassadors in Kathmandu and Beijing.

Jaishankar said urgent efforts were being made to establish the whereabouts and safety of Indians in the flood-hit areas.

The MEA is coordinating with various ministries, state governments, tour operators and project authorities. It is also working closely with Nepal on both the welfare of Indians and wider relief operations.

India keeps border areas under watch

India is also monitoring the situation along its border following the floods in Nepal.

NDRF Inspector General Narendra Singh Bundela said no adverse flood impact had so far been reported in Indian border areas. However, agencies are closely monitoring water discharge levels in sensitive districts, including Kushinagar and West Champaran.

Bundela said state governments and the Central Water Commission are maintaining a continuous watch, while field-level preparedness and sensitisation have already been completed.

Roads and bridges damaged

The floods have caused extensive damage to roads and bridges in the affected region, making several areas difficult to reach. Nepal's security forces are using helicopters and ground teams to intensify rescue and relief work.

Medical aid, temporary shelters, food, drinking water and medicines are being provided to people affected by the disaster.

The Embassy of India in Nepal has also issued helpline numbers for people seeking assistance: +977 985 131 6807, +977 970 910 7500 and +977 981 032 6117. The numbers are also available on WhatsApp.

(With ANI inputs)

'Miracles Do Happen': Two Nepal Hydropower Workers Pulled Alive From Buried Tunnel After 9 Days

Divya Danu — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 12:32:43 +0530

Two hydropower workers were rescued alive from the debris-filled Trishuli 3A tunnel in Nepal on September 4, nine days after catastrophic Himalayan floods struck the region. Their survival has renewed hopes for hundreds still missing.

Two hydropower workers were pulled alive from a debris-filled tunnel in Nepal on Friday, September 4, in an extraordinary rescue that has brought fresh hope to families still waiting for news of their missing loved ones.

The workers, identified as 30-year-old Sanjay Sah and 45-year-old Kabir Maharjan, were rescued from the Trishuli 3A Hydropower Project in Rasuwa district. Their rescue came on the ninth day after the devastating August 26 floods and debris flow that swept through the Himalayan region.

Video released by Nepal's energy ministry showed rescuers cheering as one of the workers emerged through a muddy opening. He was helped to his feet before being carried on rescuers' backs towards a waiting helicopter.

Images from the operation showed the second worker covered in mud, with his hands pressed together in prayer. One of the rescued men was also seen folding his hands in gratitude, a deeply emotional moment that has resonated with viewers as the rescue video spreads online.

After 9 days trapped inside a flooded hydropower tunnel, 2 workers have been pulled out ALIVE in Nepal.Rescue crews are pumping air into the tunnels and racing to reach at least 42 more at this site, with hundreds feared trapped elsewhere.A tiny piece of good news in a…

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 4, 2026

The Nepal Army said both workers were receiving medical treatment, while rescue operations were continuing.

Home Minister Sudan Gurung identified Sah as a mechanical foreman and Maharjan as a mechanical supervisor.

Maharjan's brother, Amir Maharjan, told AFP that the news had brought immense relief to the family. He said: "I am so happy, my heart is lighter."

নেপালে ত্রিশূলী-3A জলবিদ্যুৎ প্রকল্পের সুড়ঙ্গের ভিতর থেকে উদ্ধারকর্মীরা একজনকে নিরাপদে উদ্ধার করেছেন। চলমান উদ্ধার অভিযানের মধ্যে এই সাফল্য স্বস্তির খবর।#Nepalpic.twitter.com/FAJrt6UWbU

— Smita Patil (@patil45802) September 4, 2026

Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Mechanical Foreman Sanjay Shah has been successfully rescued from the Trishuli 3A tunnel.The news of his safe rescue brings immense joy and relief. ❤️जय जय नेपाल pic.twitter.com/ZnxVgzUWLI

— Kumar Bhaskar (@kumarbhaskar2_) September 4, 2026

The rescue was particularly significant because no hydropower workers trapped underground had been confirmed alive during the earlier days of the search.

Rescuers had been working around the clock to clear thick layers of mud and debris blocking the tunnel. Reports said teams had dug through around 50 to 60 metres of debris before reaching the trapped workers.

The workers became trapped after a massive wall of mud, rock and debris swept through the region on August 26.

The disaster followed a huge glacial and rock collapse near the China-Nepal border, triggering a destructive debris flow through Himalayan valleys. The torrent destroyed roads, bridges, settlements and hydropower infrastructure.

At least 12 hydropower projects were damaged or destroyed, with hundreds of workers feared missing from several project sites. Officials had earlier believed that more than 100 people could potentially be alive inside tunnels.

The breakthrough at Trishuli 3A has given rescuers renewed hope that others could still be alive inside tunnels across the disaster-hit region.

Rescue teams, including soldiers and specialist personnel, have continued searching despite extremely difficult conditions. Hard-packed debris, damaged infrastructure and the destruction of roads have made access to several locations exceptionally difficult.

The United Nations has warned that reaching isolated communities remains a major challenge, with cargo drones and porters being considered to deliver aid where roads have been destroyed.

The rescue also came at a crucial moment for families. Some relatives of missing people had begun performing symbolic funeral rites after days without information, reflecting the growing fear that many victims would never be found.

The scale of the disaster remains enormous.

Nepal's disaster authority reported 1,259 bodies recovered and 5,083 people missing. Across the border in Tibet, Chinese state media reported 21 deaths and 541 missing.

Together, the reported toll stands at 1,280 dead and 5,624 missing. More than 800 foreigners from at least 34 countries are reportedly among those missing in Nepal and Tibet, including tourists and pilgrims.

The disaster has been described by Nepal's foreign minister as a "Himalayan tsunami", highlighting the extraordinary force of the ice, rock, mud and floodwater that tore through the valleys.

However, the rescue of Sah and Maharjan has provided a rare moment of hope amid the devastation and is also a powerful reminder that even after days beneath tonnes of debris, survival is still possible.

(With inputs from agencies)

8 Of The World's Most Colourful Buildings And The Stories Behind Them | SEE Pics

Divya Danu — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 20:40:44 +0530

From a centuries-old temple in Tamil Nadu to a colourful waste plant in Osaka, 8 buildings show how architects have used colour to transform architecture. Featured in Chromatic Architecture, the structures use vivid pigments, ceramics and mosaics.

Colour has been part of architecture for thousands of years. From painted temples and ancient mosaics to stained-glass windows and bold modern buildings, architects have repeatedly used colour to make spaces more memorable, dramatic and joyful.

A new book, Chromatic Architecture - the Craft of Colour in Design, as mentioned in a report by BBC explores this relationship between buildings and colour. Designer Adam Nathaniel Furman and author Kate Mazade argue that colour can do much more than decorate a structure. Used well, it can change how people experience a building and even give an ordinary place a strong identity.

The book brings together striking examples from around the world. They range from a huge temple complex in Tamil Nadu to a waste incinerator in Osaka and a public library in Spain.

Here are eight buildings where colour is not an afterthought but a central part of the architecture.

Tamil Nadu has a long tradition of using vivid colours in religious architecture. One of its best-known examples is the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam.

The Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam in Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Lord Ranganathar, a form of Vishnu. Built in Tamil architectural style, it is the world’s largest functioning religious complex. The temple has been expanded over centuries and features 21 gateways. It received a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Merit in 2017.

Construction of the temple complex began in the 1st Century AD and continued under several dynasties for centuries. Later additions continued into modern times. Today, the complex covers more than 150 acres and is among the world's largest functioning Hindu temple complexes.

Its 21 towering gateways, known as gopurams, are covered with brightly painted sculptures. Gods, mythical figures, animals and other decorative forms fill the gateways, creating a striking wall of colour.

For Furman, the use of pigment is closely linked to the spiritual experience of the place. The intense colours help separate the temple from the ordinary world and create an atmosphere of wonder for visitors and worshippers.

Barcelona's Palau de la Música Catalana opened in 1908 and quickly became a symbol of Catalonia's cultural confidence.

Designed by architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner, the concert hall combines elements of Art Nouveau, Gothic Revival and Romanesque architecture, along with Moorish and Valencian influences.

Colour appears almost everywhere. Decorative tiles, stained glass, mosaics, columns, sculptures and intricate stonework work together to create an interior that feels closer to a fairytale than a conventional concert hall.

Furman describes the building as a place where every architectural detail contributes to the overall effect. Rather than being applied simply as decoration, colour becomes part of the building's identity.

The Guardian Building in Detroit was completed in 1929 and is one of the city's best-known Art Deco landmarks. Designed by Wirt C. Rowland, it became known locally as the "Cathedral of Finance".

The building's exterior is covered with nearly two million orange-toned bricks and terracotta tiles. Inside, the main lobby is even more dramatic, with a three-storey vaulted ceiling and a rich arrangement of tiles in strong primary colours.

The colourful interiors also reflect the craftsmanship of the Great Lakes region during the early 20th Century.

At a time when Detroit was becoming a major centre of American industry and commerce, the building made a confident statement. Its colours and decoration still communicate that sense of ambition today.

The large, windowless building could easily have become another dull concrete structure. Ponti took a very different approach.

He covered the exterior with a striking geometric pattern of green tiles. Reports suggest that the design was inspired by the patchwork appearance of Dutch farmland when seen from above.

The result was a building that stood out strongly from its surroundings.

Furman sees the project as an example of how colour can rescue an otherwise plain modernist structure. Instead of hiding its large concrete form, Ponti turned the building into something closer to a giant piece of public art.

The Reversible Destiny Lofts in Tokyo were completed in 2005 by artist-architect Shusaku Arakawa and poet Madeline Gins.

The unusual residential complex was created as a tribute to American disability rights advocate and writer Helen Keller. Its nine apartments contain brightly coloured cylinders, spheres, cuboids and uneven surfaces.

The unusual design was intentional. Arakawa and Gins believed that an environment that challenged the body and senses could encourage people to remain active.

Colour plays an important part in that idea. Strong shades cover different surfaces, while uneven floors and unusual room shapes prevent the apartments from feeling like conventional homes.

The result is deliberately intense. Rather than allowing residents to disappear into a predictable domestic routine, the designers wanted the building to keep them alert and engaged with their surroundings.

Perhaps the most surprising building on the list is the Maishima Waste Incineration Plant in Osaka.

Designed by Austrian artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser, the plant looks more like a colourful fantasy castle than an industrial facility.

Hundertwasser strongly opposed the rigid lines and uniform appearance associated with much of modern architecture. He believed buildings should feel more like living organisms.

That philosophy is clearly visible at Maishima. Yellow stripes appear to drip down parts of the building, while red stripes decorate its tall cylindrical tower. Rounded structures, colourful walls and unusual shapes make the plant look remarkably playful.

The building's appearance also challenges the usual image of waste facilities as purely functional spaces. Its bright colours turn an essential but often overlooked public service into a visual landmark.

Completed in 2019, the Leganés Central Library was designed by BN Asociados Arquitectos.

The building uses colour to reflect what is inside it. Large pastel ceramic panels cover its rounded exterior, creating a soft and unusual appearance.

The architects were also responding to the character of the surrounding neighbourhood, which lacked major cultural landmarks. The library was designed to become a visible public destination.

As sunlight moves across the curved ceramic surface, the colours and textures change during the day. The pale tones can resemble sheets of paper, creating a visual connection between the building and the books housed within it.

Here, colour helps the library communicate its purpose before a visitor even enters.

The Croydon Colonnade in East Croydon was completed in 2003. Designed by Adam Nathaniel Furman, it creates a colourful pedestrian space near the railway station.

The 50-metre structure consists of 16 large columns and two walls covered with thousands of handmade porcelain tiles.

The tiles are coated in thick, translucent glaze. The colour begins with a deep blue near the bottom and gradually changes to creamy white towards the top.

The effect is designed to surround pedestrians with colour rather than simply present it as a distant feature.

Furman drew inspiration from the long history of blue-and-white architectural ceramics used across different civilisations and regions, including ancient Egypt, Portugal, Turkey, Iran and Babylon.

The result gives an otherwise ordinary transport setting a more memorable character.

These eight buildings show that colour can serve very different purposes.

It can express religious devotion, as seen at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. It can represent cultural identity, as at the Palau de la Música Catalana. It can celebrate commercial success, as in Detroit's Guardian Building.

In other cases, colour can make an industrial building more welcoming, give a new neighbourhood a landmark or turn a transport route into an experience.

That is why colour remains such a powerful architectural tool. It can change how people feel about a building before they have even understood its design.

For Furman and Mazade, that is precisely the point. Architecture does not have to be grey, restrained or purely functional. Colour can give buildings personality, create memories and connect them with the communities around them.

From an ancient temple in southern India to a futuristic apartment complex in Tokyo, these examples make one thing clear: when architects use colour boldly, a building can become much more than a structure. It can become an experience.

Viral Video: Dhaka-Bound Bus Loses Control And Overturns, Eight Injured in Padma Bridge Horror

Divya Danu — Wed, 02 Sep 2026 18:07:58 +0530

Eight passengers were seriously injured after a Dhaka-bound passenger bus overturned on the Mawa-end slope of the Padma Bridge in Munshiganj, Bangladesh, on Monday afternoon. The New Green Line Express bus was travelling from Magura to Dhaka when it lost control while descending the bridge, according to Muhammad Shofiqul Islam, deputy assistant director of Munshiganj Fire Service and Civil Defence, reported Dhaka Tribune.

Horrific Accident on Padma Bridge in Munshiganj, Bangladesh. Due to Race Between Two BusesInformation suggests that a horrific accident occurred when two buses, racing on a road that had turned slippery due to rain, attempted to overtake each other.They noted that the death… pic.twitter.com/AtIQMy8L7G

— Siraj Noorani (@sirajnoorani) September 2, 2026

SHOCKING | Bus overturns on a slippery bridge amid heavy rain near Munshiganj in Bangladesh; several passengers injured pic.twitter.com/S3g6Ro3YJt

— The Tatva (@thetatvaindia) September 2, 2026

The bus hit the roadside railing before overturning. Fire Service officials said excessive speed was the preliminary reason for the driver losing control. The crash left several passengers trapped inside the vehicle. Two rescue teams from Sreenagar Fire Station rushed to the spot after receiving information about the accident.

Eight passengers seriously injured

Rescuers pulled the injured passengers from the overturned bus and took them to Sreenagar Upazila Health Complex in Fire Service ambulances.

The injured were identified as Saifullah, 80; Md Lutfar, 63; Rebeka Khatun, 40; Nur Islam, 46; Rashida, 40; Fatema, 7; Saif, 23; and Arafat, 13.

The accident also affected traffic on the Dhaka-bound side of the route. Movement was disrupted for around 45 minutes while the overturned bus was removed and the road was cleared.

CCTV captures crash

CCTV footage of the incident has also emerged, showing the bus losing control as it travelled down the approach road at the Mawa end. Reports said the vehicle struck railings before overturning.

The crash has drawn attention online, with footage of the overturned bus prompting social media users to express concern for the injured passengers and call for better road safety.

the bus met with an accident while coming down from the bridge.hoping everyone is safe and praying for those affected. pic.twitter.com/e4PaFR67Sb

— MD Mannan (@mannan25195) September 1, 2026

Authorities are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Preliminary findings point to excessive speed, but a detailed assessment is expected to establish the exact sequence of events.

Japan's Brilliant Answer To Extreme Heat: A Giant Retractable Roof For Children's Playground | WATCH Viral Video

Divya Danu — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 14:24:52 +0530

A Japanese kindergarten has gone viral for installing a retractable roof over its outdoor play area to protect children from intense summer heat. The movable shade allows youngsters to continue playing without direct exposure to harsh sunlight.

A video showing a kindergarten in Japan using a large retractable roof to protect children from intense summer heat has gone viral, leaving social media users impressed by the simple but practical idea.

The video shows a massive shade structure being extended over an outdoor play area, allowing children to continue playing without being directly exposed to the harsh sun.

Japan experiences extremely hot and humid summers, with heatwaves becoming an increasing concern. For young children, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can make outdoor activities uncomfortable and, in some cases, dangerous.

In Japan, due to the unbearable and sometimes dangerous heat during the summer, this kindergarten has installed a retractable roof so that the children can play in the shade. pic.twitter.com/3kCUXpCibN

— Massimo (@Rainmaker1973) August 29, 2026

The kindergarten's retractable roof provides shade when temperatures become unbearable. Instead of cancelling outdoor play altogether, staff can extend the covering over the playground and give children a cooler space to run and play.

The structure can reportedly be opened and closed when needed, making it a flexible solution for changing weather conditions.

The idea has caught the attention of viewers around the world, particularly those living in regions that experience severe summer heat.

The viral video sparked a flood of positive reactions on X, with many users praising Japan's practical approach to children's wellbeing.

"Simple but effective logic in operation," one user wrote.

Another commented, "They live years ahead from all of us. I am always amazed how they think. Very practical."

One person said they wished their old daycare had something similar, while another suggested such structures could also be useful in hot desert regions.

Several users also raised questions about whether smaller versions of the retractable roof could be installed in homes, schools and other public spaces.

The video also started a wider discussion about how cities and schools respond to rising temperatures.

One commenter noted that extreme heat is becoming common across the world, but outdoor play is often treated as something that can simply be cancelled rather than something worth protecting through better infrastructure.

Others suggested that similar shade systems could be installed in playgrounds, sports grounds and other open spaces.

While some pointed out that trees remain one of the best natural ways to provide shade, many viewers agreed that the retractable roof was an innovative solution for places where permanent tree cover is not possible.

'This Is A Sacred Site': Tourists' Viral 'Anxiety' Dance At Kyoto Shrine Sparks Debate (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 15:27:01 +0530

A group of tourists has drawn criticism after a video showed them performing the viral ‘Anxiety’ TikTok dance beneath the famous torii gates of Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine in Japan. The tourists were filmed rocking from side to side, waving their arms and jumping as they copied moves from the popular social media dance. Other visitors could be seen in the background, with some appearing to join in.

The video was shared on X by user Kunoichi, who criticised the group for turning the centuries-old religious site into what appeared to be a dance floor and social-media backdrop. The incident also caught the attention of American guitarist Marty Friedman, who has lived in Japan for more than two decades and has a strong connection with the country.

Japan, Senbon Torii is not a nightclub dance floor!!Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto is not a backdrop for social media content. It is sacred ground that has been a place of worship for hundreds of years.There seems to be no end to disruptive videos of people blocking the path…

— KUNOICHI _可愛くノ一 (@hokkori_buzz) September 5, 2026

Tourists dance beneath iconic red torii gates

The video was recorded at Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of Kyoto’s best-known Shinto shrines.

The site is instantly recognisable for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which form long pathways leading up Mount Inari. The gates have become one of the most famous images associated with Kyoto and are a major attraction for visitors from around the world.

In the video shared online, the tourists can be seen dancing beneath the rows of gates while other visitors walk through the area.

Their movements appear to follow the viral ‘Anxiety’ dance, which has circulated widely across TikTok and other social media platforms.

The group continued dancing, waving their arms and jumping around, apparently using the striking rows of torii gates as the setting for their video.

The footage quickly sparked criticism over whether such behaviour was appropriate at a religious site.

X user criticises tourists for dancing at shrine

Sharing the clip, X user Kunoichi objected to the tourists' behaviour and stressed that Fushimi Inari Taisha is a sacred place of worship.

The criticism centred on the contrast between the religious importance of the shrine and the tourists' decision to perform a social-media dance there.

The incident has also raised a familiar question surrounding tourism in Japan: where should visitors draw the line between taking photographs and videos at famous attractions and behaving in ways that may be considered disrespectful?

Fushimi Inari Taisha is a cultural landmark as well as a popular tourist destination. However, it remains an active Shinto religious site.

Marty Friedman calls out the behaviour

American guitarist Marty Friedman also reacted to the video. Friedman is particularly familiar with Japanese culture. The former Megadeth lead guitarist moved to Japan in 2003 because of his love for Japanese music and his ambition to perform it at the highest level.

He has since developed a long career in Japan and become closely associated with J-pop and Japanese popular culture.

Friedman has performed with Japanese musicians, released albums influenced by J-pop and made regular appearances on Japanese television.

Reacting to the tourists’ behaviour, Friedman urged foreigners visiting Japan to stop such conduct. He pointed out that Japan had traditionally been known for welcoming foreigners but warned that continued disrespectful behaviour could affect that attitude.

He also criticised the tourists for creating what he described as a shameful impression of their country.

His reaction added a prominent Japanese-culture voice to the criticism already surrounding the video.

Dear tourists: PLEASE STOP DOING THIS. Japan is known for gracefully welcoming foreigners, but those days will end if you continue this disrespect. You are leaving an extremely shameful impression of your entire country. Who raised you to act this way? Just stop. Thank you. https://t.co/zV7OBXlI50

— Marty Friedman (@marty_friedman) September 6, 2026

Why is Fushimi Inari Taisha important?

Fushimi Inari Taisha is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity associated with rice, agriculture and prosperity.

The shrine is particularly famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. These gates create long, striking pathways through the wooded slopes of Mount Inari. The rows of gates have made Fushimi Inari one of Kyoto’s most recognisable landmarks and one of the city's most visited religious sites.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is a place of worship, meaning visitors are entering a functioning religious environment rather than simply a tourist attraction.

That distinction has become central to the criticism of the dance video.

'Maa Kasam' To 'Mera Bharat Mahaan': German Tourist's Hindi Leaves Indians Amazed (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:19:25 +0530

A German tourist’s love for India has caught the internet’s attention after he surprised a group of Indian travellers by speaking fluent Hindi and even switching to Bhojpuri during a conversation. The man, identified as Rainer Krack, appeared in a video shared on Instagram by Shubham Jain. In the clip, a woman named Tanya can be seen speaking to Krack, who responded to her questions in Hindi despite being from Germany.

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Krack spoke warmly about his connection with India and said he has travelled to the country around 150 times. He also used the phrase 'Maa kasam' while speaking, a moment that particularly amused the Indian viewers.

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German tourist's 'fluent' Hindi and Bhojpuri

The conversation became even more surprising when another woman nearby asked Krack if he could speak Marathi. Rather than responding in Marathi, he answered in Bhojpuri, leaving those around him visibly surprised.

Krack also spoke about his experiences travelling across India and his familiarity with the country’s languages and culture. He said he reads books in Hindi, suggesting that his interest in India goes well beyond visiting the country as a tourist.

According to information shared by the people who appeared in the video, Krack is a German national currently living in Bangkok, Thailand. He reportedly learnt several languages during his university years and has continued travelling frequently to India.

One detail that particularly stood out was Krack’s explanation of why he likes India. He said the country is especially appealing to him because of the wide range of vegetarian food available.

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‘Mera Bharat Mahaan’ wins hearts online

The interaction ended on a cheerful note when Krack enthusiastically said, 'Mera Bharat Mahaan', expressing his affection for the country.

The video quickly attracted attention on Instagram, with many viewers praising Krack’s command of Hindi and his willingness to learn and use Indian languages.

Several users jokingly said that his Hindi sounded better than that of many young Indians. Others focused on the warmth and enthusiasm he showed while talking about India.

One commenter wrote that the most striking part was not Krack being a foreigner, but “the loveliness and spark in his eyes” while he spoke about the country.

Another user joked that saying “Maa kasam” was enough to prove that Krack had become “Indian”. Others playfully asked for him to be given an Aadhaar card.

Krack’s unexpected Bhojpuri response, his use of “Maa kasam” and his final “Mera Bharat Mahaan” have turned an ordinary conversation into a widely shared celebration of his affection for India.

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'Fear Cannot Decide Duty': Sheikh Hasina Breaks Silence After 2 Years, Vows To Return To Bangladesh

Divya Danu — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:51:32 +0530

Ex-Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina spoke for the first time in live conference in nearly two years, virtually, from India about the violent 2024 protests that ended her 15-year rule. Hasina said Muhammad Yunus’s remarks pointed to a planned campaign.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made her first live public media appearance in nearly two years on Wednesday, August 5, speaking virtually from India about the events that forced her to leave the country in August 2024. She vowed to return to the country despite expressing that she might be detained amid the multiple criminal cases against her. The ex-Bangladesh PM asserted that 'fear cannot decide her duty to people of Bangladesh'.

The virtual interaction was organised by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club (FCC) South Asia in New Delhi. The appearance came on the second anniversary of Hasina’s departure from Dhaka after a student-led uprising brought an end to her 15-year rule.

#LISTEN | In a virtual interaction with the media in Delhi, former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina says, "...I speak as someone who has spent her life with the people of Bangladesh and was forced away from my country, but I was never separated from my people..."(Source:… pic.twitter.com/R3kL0mXKgB

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2026

Former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina, speaking virtually to media in Delhi:“ I speak as someone who has spent her life with the people of Bangladesh. I was forced away from my country,…”Her voice broke as she became emotional and teared up.#SheikhHasina #Bangladesh #Delhi pic.twitter.com/enCVJFg0by

— Prashant Shekhar Mishra (@SrPsm007) August 5, 2026

Speaking about the protests, Hasina rejected the description of the movement as a peaceful student uprising. She said that organised groups had used student demands to create a wider political campaign against her government.

Hasina also referred to remarks made by Muhammad Yunus, who later became the head of Bangladesh’s interim government.

“His own words expose the truth,” Hasina said, referring to Yunus’s description of the movement as “meticulously designed”.

She claimed the protests were not simply spontaneous and alleged that there was no clear public leadership, with instructions being given secretly.

#LISTEN | In a virtual interaction with the media in Delhi, while speaking on 2 years of 2024 violent protest in the country - former Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina says, "Muhammad Yunus himself said this was a meticulously designed movement, led by a mastermind. His own words… pic.twitter.com/b26cDRnExO

— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2026

According to Hasina, the movement was organised and directed in a way that created a route to political power outside the ballot box.

She also defended her government’s response, saying authorities had initially tried to address the students’ demands through dialogue, legal procedures and patience.

Hasina spoke emotionally about Bangladesh and the changes she had witnessed since leaving the country.

“For the last two years, I watched my beloved Bangladesh suffer,” she said, adding that the country she sees today is not the Bangladesh she helped build.

She also referred to the 1971 Liberation War and the millions who, she said, sacrificed their lives for the country.

At another point, Hasina became visibly emotional and her voice broke as she spoke about being forced to leave Bangladesh.

“I speak as someone who has spent her life with the people of Bangladesh,” she said, adding that although she had been forced away from the country, she had never been separated from its people.

Bangladesh government had warned media

Hasina’s appearance came despite a warning issued by Bangladesh’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry on August 4.

The ministry urged television channels, newspapers, online news portals and social media platforms in Bangladesh not to broadcast or publish statements or press releases issued by Hasina.

It said there were legal obligations preventing such broadcasts and referred to an earlier order by Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT).

According to the ministry, the ICT had instructed relevant authorities, including the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, the ICT Division and the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission, to prevent the broadcast of Hasina’s statements.

The National Cyber Security Agency had also cited legal provisions and asked media organisations to refrain from carrying her statements, the ministry said.

The government said the restrictions were linked to national security and called on media organisations to act responsibly.

Hasina has remained in India since leaving Bangladesh in August 2024 following the protests.

Her latest media appearance gives her an opportunity to directly address international journalists about the events that ended her long rule.

Her comments are likely to add to the continuing political debate over the 2024 protests, her government's response and the direction Bangladesh has taken since her departure.

They Were Hugging And Kissing, Then Tragedy Struck: New Details Revealed In NYC Subway Train Deaths

Divya Danu — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 21:07:57 +0530

New details have emerged about the deaths of Malaika Chitre and Navam Kaul, two 24-year-old friends fatally struck by a No. 4 subway train in New York. Law-enforcement sources say they were seen hugging and kissing before Kaul fell onto the tracks.

New details have emerged about the final moments of Malaika Chitre and Navam Kaul, the two 24-year-old longtime friends who were fatally struck by a subway train in New York City.

According to a New York Post report citing law-enforcement sources, Chitre, an Indian-origin woman from New Jersey, and Kaul, who was of Nepali descent, were seen hugging and kissing on the platform shortly before they ended up on the tracks. What happened in the moments that followed remains under investigation.

SAD: Investigators say man and woman, Navam Kaul and Malaika Chitre, both 24, killed by subway in lower Manhattan on September 13, 2026, were hugging and kissing before falling to tracks. pic.twitter.com/1KPW4D5nGV

— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) September 18, 2026

The pair were hit by a southbound No. 4 train at Spring Street station in Lower Manhattan at about 3:15am on Sunday. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Law-enforcement sources told the New York Post that Chitre and Kaul were together on the platform before the tragedy. They were reportedly seen hugging and kissing.

#BREAKING A couple sitting on the Manhattan subway tracks was tragically struck and killed by a southbound 4 train early Sunday. #NewYork #Subway #NYC #BreakingNews @NYPDNews @MTA pic.twitter.com/NCFr8RYDTv

— jarvis ☠️ (@Vishii14) September 14, 2026

Kaul then appeared to lose his balance and fall onto the tracks, hitting his head, according to the sources. Chitre subsequently went down onto the tracks, apparently trying to help her friend.

However, authorities have not publicly confirmed that this was exactly how the two ended up on the tracks. Available surveillance footage shows the pair on the tracks shortly before the train arrived, but it does not establish what happened immediately before that.

The No. 4 train was carrying around 100 passengers when it entered the station. According to an incident report cited by US media, the train operator told supervisors that she saw a man and woman sitting on the tracks and tried to stop.

Emergency braking could not prevent the collision. Four cars of the 10-car train entered the station before it stopped, according to the New York Post. Passengers were later evacuated onto the platform.

Victims Malaika Chitre and Navam Kaul were found beneath the third and fourth cars.

The train operator’s account has added another detail. The New York Post reported that she said the woman appeared to be laughing and pulling the man towards her shortly before the train struck them.

The footage also appears to show the two sitting on the tracks shortly before the train arrived. But it does not explain how they reached the tracks or why they remained there.

Investigators are also examining whether alcohol or drugs may have played a role.

Police sources told the New York Post that they were looking into whether the pair could have been intoxicated and therefore failed to understand the danger of remaining on an active subway track.

There is no established finding that alcohol or drugs caused the deaths. Authorities have not publicly confirmed intoxication as the reason for the incident.

Sources also told the New York Post that they do not believe the deaths were a double suicide. Earlier reports had said investigators had not determined whether the incident was accidental or intentional.

The NYPD investigation remains ongoing.

Chitre and Kaul were longtime friends from neighbouring communities in New Jersey and both attended Rutgers University.

Chitre, from Dayton, New Jersey, graduated from Rutgers-New Brunswick in 2024. Her LinkedIn profile and media reports said she earned a Bachelor of Science degree and later worked as a quality operations specialist at Acadia Pharmaceuticals.

She had recently begun a four-year Doctor of Pharmacy programme at Temple University.

Kaul, from Sayreville, New Jersey, attended Rutgers. Reports said he studied at Rutgers Business School between 2020 and 2024 and later worked as a financial data analyst at Bloomberg.

The two remained part of the same South Asian social circle, according to people who knew them. A family friend told the New York Post that they had grown up in similar communities, shared friends and took part in the same festivals.

Rajnikant Pipalia, whose son was a close friend of Kaul, told the New York Post that the two had grown up in the same social environment.

“They grew up in the same world,” Pipalia said, describing them as part of the same group of South Asian friends who spent time together and celebrated festivals.

Speaking about Kaul, Pipalia also said there was nothing in his life that, in his view, would have suggested he would deliberately do something reckless.

A former school friend described Kaul as down-to-earth, goofy, funny and charismatic. A neighbour who knew Chitre’s family remembered her as a bright and smart young woman.

Rutgers University also expressed sadness over the deaths of the two former students.

The video that has circulated widely online shows Chitre and Kaul on the subway tracks shortly before the No. 4 train approached.

The footage captures their final moments, but it does not provide a complete explanation. It does not show conclusively whether Kaul fell first, whether either person deliberately entered the tracks, or whether Chitre went down after him in an attempt to help.

New York City subway train- Indian origin Malaika Chitre & Navam Kaul were sitting on the tracks.Malaika Chitre(24), and her Nepali-American friend, Navam Kaul, were killed after a subway train struck them at Manhattan's Spring Street station on Sunday. The train operator… pic.twitter.com/gioI31STFu

— SK Chakraborty (@sanjoychakra) September 19, 2026

The latest account from law-enforcement sources suggests Kaul may have fallen and Chitre may have followed him. That remains an investigative account rather than a final determination by authorities.

Investigators are still trying to establish why the two friends were on the tracks, whether intoxication was involved and what happened between their time on the platform and the arrival of the train.

The NYPD investigation remains ongoing.

'I Chanted Sri Krishna Mahamantra': Nepal Flood Survivor Reveals How He Survived 9 Days In Darkness

Divya Danu — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 14:23:47 +0530

Nine days after devastating floods hit Nepal, hydropower worker Sanjay Sah was rescued alive from the Trishuli-3A tunnel. Trapped in darkness, Sah said he kept chanting the Krishna Mahamantra while waiting for help.

For nearly 10 days, Sanjay Sah was trapped inside a dark tunnel in Nepal, unsure whether he would ever see daylight again. As rescue teams worked to reach him, Sah said he held on to hope by chanting the Krishna Mahamantra.

Sah, a mechanical foreman from Saptari, was among two workers pulled alive from the debris-filled Trishuli-3A Hydropower Project tunnel on Friday, nearly 10 days after devastating floods and debris swept through the region.

His account of those days has emerged as one of the most emotional stories from the Nepal disaster, not only because he survived, but because he said his first instinct during the disaster was to try to save others.

After being rescued, Sah told the Nepal Army's medical team about the ordeal he faced inside the tunnel, reported Aaj Tak.

He said that during the most difficult moments, he kept chanting the Krishna Mahamantra and what makes this even more miraculous is that today happens to be Janmashtami. With darkness around him and no certainty about when help would arrive, the chanting became a source of hope as he waited for rescuers.

Sah also said he believed that a rescue team would eventually reach him.

His survival came after days of uncertainty, with rescuers battling huge amounts of mud and debris to reach workers trapped inside the hydropower tunnel.

Sah was working inside the project's control room when the disaster struck.

According to his account, around 40 to 45 people were present there at the time. Normally, the control room would have only one operator and four or five other people, but a large number of people had gathered there when the disaster hit.

Sah said he immediately told everyone to get out.

His responsibility at the control room was to ensure people's safety, and he focused on helping others escape first. By the time he tried to make his own way out, the situation had changed and it was too late.

The floodwater and debris had entered the tunnel, leaving him trapped inside.

Inside the tunnel, Sah said he was able to communicate with only three or four people nearby, either by speaking to them directly or by calling out and hearing their voices.

But he feared there could have been more people trapped deeper inside the long tunnel.

Sah said the tunnel extended a considerable distance and that some workers may have been carried further inside by the force of the water. He also expressed concern that not everyone might have managed to escape.

His comments could add to the questions surrounding the fate of other workers still unaccounted for following the disaster.

Sah was not the only worker to emerge alive from the tunnel.

Kabir Maharjan, who was from Kathmandu and had worked at the Trishuli-3A project for around seven years, was also rescued on Friday.

His wife, Heera Shobha, described his return as getting a 'second life'.

For days, the family had been waiting anxiously for news. She said the uncertainty had made it difficult for them to eat or sleep properly, but they continued to believe that Maharjan was alive and would eventually return.

She last spoke to her husband at around 7:30 am on the morning of the disaster. Soon afterwards, the floods changed everything.

The two men were rescued by the Nepali Army and Armed Police Force, with assistance from foreign rescue teams.

Their survival came after days of intensive search operations at the hydropower project, one of several sites badly hit by the floods and massive debris flows.

The rescue has provided a rare moment of hope amid a disaster that has left thousands dead or missing across Nepal and Tibet.

For Sah, however, the story is also about what happened before rescuers reached him.

He first tried to get others out of danger. Then, trapped in darkness for days, he waited for his own chance to be saved, keeping himself going by chanting the Mahamantra.

The scale of the disaster remains enormous.

Nepal's disaster authority has reported 1,259 bodies recovered and 5,083 people missing. Across the border in Tibet, Chinese state media has reported 21 deaths and 541 missing.

The combined reported toll is therefore 1,280 dead and 5,624 missing.

More than 800 foreigners from at least 34 countries are also reportedly among those missing in Nepal and Tibet, including tourists and pilgrims.

Against that backdrop, the rescue of Sah and Maharjan has offered families and rescuers a powerful reminder that hope can survive even in the most desperate conditions.

'Free Tibet': Woman Shaves Her Head In Tribute To Lobga Rangzen, Viral Video Draws Emotional Reactions

Divya Danu — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 20:40:35 +0530

A video of a woman, Jampa Lhatso, shaving her head while chanting slogans for a free Tibet has gone viral on social media, drawing emotional reactions from viewers. In the video, the woman is seen removing her hair as she chants slogans including “Free Tibet”, “Tibet is not a part of China” and “We want freedom”. She also pays tribute to Tibetan activist Lobga Rangzen, wiping away tears during the emotional act, which reportedly took place in association with Students for a Free Tibet in France.

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The video has been shared with messages calling for freedom for Tibet and opposition to Chinese rule.

Why did the woman shave her head?

The head-shaving was presented as an act of solidarity with Lobga Rangzen and other Tibetans who have sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan cause.

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A post shared by Students for a Free Tibet - France (@sft_france)

The woman said in a social media post that it had been one month since Rangzen died after setting himself on fire outside the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Rangzen, also known as Lobsang Palden, was identified by Tibetan organisations as a Tibetan activist. He died on July 2 after suffering severe burns following the self-immolation. The incident took place outside the UN headquarters, where he was reportedly protesting over Tibet and calling for its independence.

The self-immolation happened one day after China's new Ethnic Unity Law came into effect. Human rights groups and Tibetan organisations have raised concerns about its impact on Tibetan identity, culture and rights, while Beijing maintains that Tibet is part of China.

Head-shaving used as a symbol of solidarity

According to the woman's post, the head-shaving ceremony was intended to honour Rangzen's sacrifice and show solidarity with the Tibetan community.

She said the Tibetan community in France would hold a peaceful memorial event involving remembrance, calls for justice and voluntary head-shaving.

The symbolism of giving up one's hair has also appeared in earlier Tibetan solidarity campaigns. In one such campaign in the US in 2008, Tibetan supporters shaved their heads to show solidarity with people who had sacrificed their lives for the Tibetan cause.

For the woman featured in the latest video, the act appears deeply personal. She is visibly emotional as her hair is shaved, and at one point she wipes tears from her face while continuing to chant.

‘Free Tibet’ slogans in viral video

The woman can be heard repeatedly raising slogans for Tibet.

Along with “Free Tibet”, she calls for freedom and says Tibet is not part of China. She also invokes Rangzen's name as she pays tribute to him.

The video has attracted attention because of the emotional way in which she expresses her support. Rather than simply holding a placard or sharing a message online, she takes part in a symbolic act that involves cutting off her hair.

Her post described the ceremony as a way of remembering Rangzen and calling for justice.

How people reacted to the video

The response online has largely been supportive and emotional. One user said watching the woman give up something as personal as her hair was deeply moving and praised her bravery.

Another commenter wrote that the Garo people stood with Tibet, while several others posted messages supporting the Free Tibet movement.

Comments included messages such as “Free Tibet”, hearts, folded-hands emojis and words of encouragement.

Some users called the woman brave and thanked her for showing solidarity. Others said they hoped Tibetans would one day achieve freedom.

One commenter described the act as a powerful sacrifice, while another wrote that the woman's emotions could be clearly felt through the video.

There were also comments calling for peace and justice rather than hatred.

Who was Lobga Rangzen?

Lobga Rangzen, also known as Lobsang Palden, was a Tibetan activist living in New York. According to the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, he was born in eastern Tibet in 1974 and had been involved in activism for the Tibetan cause.

On July 2, he reportedly carried a Tibetan flag outside the UN headquarters and set himself on fire. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital but later died from his injuries. Amnesty International said the incident highlighted concerns about the human rights situation in Tibet and called for greater international scrutiny, The Tibet Post report added.

His death led to vigils and protests among Tibetan communities in different places.

A wider campaign of remembrance

The head-shaving video comes amid a wider campaign by Tibetan activists to remember Rangzen and draw attention to their demands. According to the material shared by organisers, Tibetans gathered outside the UN headquarters in New York for a head-shaving event and raised slogans including “Justice for Lobga Rangzen” and “Free Tibet”.

The campaign has sought to keep attention on Rangzen's death and the wider Tibetan political struggle.

For those taking part, the act of shaving their heads is being used as a visible sign of mourning, respect and solidarity.

The woman in the viral video has brought that message to a much wider online audience, with thousands of reactions and comments focusing on her emotional tribute and the meaning behind her decision to shave her head.

Thai Weightlifter's 124kg Lift Goes Viral After Sassy Celebration Steals Show (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:25:14 +0530

A Thai weightlifter has become an unexpected social media star after completing a 124-kilogram clean and jerk at a student sports competition. The athlete competed in the men’s 71kg division at the Nakhon Si Khwae Games, held in Thailand in July. His impressive lift was enough to attract attention, but it was what happened immediately afterwards that made the video go viral. After successfully completing the lift and lowering the bar, the weightlifter appeared to loosen up and confidently walk away. His relaxed, playful movement quickly became the main talking point online.

eu não tava esperando esse final kjkkkkdiva pic.twitter.com/GrnX1U0v6j

— cleytu (@cleytu) July 28, 2026

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The celebration steals the show

The video shows the athlete maintaining focus while lifting the heavy bar. He then switches from a serious competition mode to a much more playful celebration.

That sudden change caught viewers off guard and gave the clip a funny ending. On social media, users praised his strength while also enjoying the confident way he celebrated the achievement.

The original post on X reportedly received more than 2.3 million views, with the clip spreading across other social media platforms.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by NextShark (@nextshark)

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‘Diva’ reactions flood social media

Many viewers jokingly described the weightlifter as a “diva” and “queen”, with comments praising his confidence and style.

One person wrote that they knew a “diva” when they saw one, while another simply commented, “Clean and werk.” Others called him a “strong Queen” and praised him for showing personality after completing such a demanding lift.

Several users said they did not understand why the video was going viral at first, only to realise that the celebration was the reason.

Another viewer compared his movement to the “bend and snap”, while others joked about his unexpected change in mood.

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Strength behind the fun

Amid the jokes, viewers also pointed out the serious achievement behind the viral moment. Lifting 124kg is no small feat, especially during a competitive clean and jerk.

The Nakhon Si Khwae Games bring together student-athletes from across Thailand, giving young competitors an opportunity to compete in various sports.

While the weightlifter may have entered the competition focused on his performance, his memorable celebration has now given him a much wider audience.

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'Quiet, Under Stress': What We Know About Thailand's 14-Year-Old Shooter

Divya Danu — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 18:20:26 +0530

A 14-year-old Thai student, described by relatives as quiet and good at studies, has been identified as shooting suspect in Nonthaburi. He killed his grandparents at home before opening fire at his school, killing five staff members and later himself

Thailand is facing a fresh shock after a 14-year-old student allegedly carried out a shooting spree that began at his home and ended at his school in Nonthaburi province.

The teenager is accused of shooting dead his grandparents before travelling to Debsirin Nonthaburi School, where he opened fire on teachers and other staff. Five school staff members were killed, according to later official accounts. The teenager then shot himself and died.

8 killed in Thailand school shooting near BangkokA teenage student shot dead his grandparents at home before opening fire at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, killing three students and three teachersHe later died by suicide at the scene. The firearm is believed to have been taken… pic.twitter.com/T1bYHP924Y

— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) August 7, 2026

DEADLY SCHOOL SHOOTING IN THAILANDA 14-year-old student opened fire at Debsirin Nonthaburi School near BangkokPolice say he killed his grandparents before entering the school & firing 26+ roundsAt least 8 people were killed#กราดยิง #This_And_That #ข่าวด่วน #ThepSirin pic.twitter.com/WdUgckEz8i

— GlobeUpdate (@Globupdate) August 7, 2026

TRAGEDY IN THAILANDA horrifying school shooting has left 8 people dead near Bangkok.A teenage student allegedly shot his own grandparents at home before storming Debsirin Nonthaburi School, where he opened fire, killing three students and three teachers.The attacker… pic.twitter.com/OqvdtGNVey

— Oxomiya Jiyori (@SouleFacts) August 7, 2026

The incident happened on Friday morning, August 7, in Nonthaburi, north-west of Bangkok. The sudden gunfire sent students and teachers into panic, with children hiding inside classrooms as police rushed to the school.

The teenager's profile has added another disturbing layer to the tragedy.

People who knew him described him as a generally quiet boy who was doing well in his studies. His family reportedly had no knowledge of any major dispute at home or school that could explain what happened.

However, the picture emerging from the investigation is not completely clear. The prime minister said the boy appeared to have been under stress linked to school, based partly on information from a close friend. Officials have also said the attack appeared to have been planned.

That does not establish why he carried out the attack. Police have not found a clear motive or suicide note, and investigators are looking into his school life, behaviour and other possible factors.

Police say the teenager first went to his home, where he allegedly shot his grandfather and grandmother.

When officers later went to the house after learning about the school shooting, they found the door locked from inside. Police forced their way in and found both elderly victims dead from gunshot wounds.

The weapon used in the attack was reportedly a handgun legally registered to the teenager's grandfather. Police said the suspect fired at least 26 rounds and that 34 additional rounds were found at the scene.

Teacher recalls hiding with students during shooting

According to the Guardian report, English teacher Prompong Namwong, the school day had started like any other. He was teaching his class when a frightened student from another classroom suddenly rushed through the door, desperately looking for somewhere to hide.

Confused by what was happening, Namwong stepped into the corridor. He then heard other teachers shouting that there was a mass shooting.

Realising the danger, he quickly told his students to hide underneath their tables. The teacher said he then saw the teenage attacker running past his classroom.

For the next 20 to 30 minutes, Namwong and his students remained inside the classroom in fear, unsure of what would happen next.

When someone eventually knocked on the classroom door, Namwong feared the worst. However, it was police officers who had arrived to rescue them.

Only after the students were brought to safety did he learn through the school's group chat that some of his fellow teachers had been killed.

Namwong described them as good teachers and said he struggled to find words to describe the shock of losing them.

He also said he had never imagined that a shooting could happen at his own school. Now, despite the trauma, he knows he has to continue with his life, but said the incident had left him deeply shaken.

The teenager then went to his school and began firing.

Students heard repeated gunshots coming from another building. Some rushed into classrooms and hid while teachers tried to keep them safe. Police later entered the school and helped evacuate the children.

The attack left dozens of people injured. Thailand's health authorities initially reported 22 injured people being treated at several hospitals, with nine in critical condition. Other updates put the number of injured at more than 30 as officials continued to assess the victims.

The school had around 3,100 students and 147 teachers in the 2025 academic year, according to district authorities.

That remains the biggest unanswered question.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the student appeared to have been under stress connected with school. But officials have not said that this was the definite reason for the shooting.

Investigators are now examining his behaviour, school records and other information to understand what may have led to the attack.

A 17-year-old student who knew the suspect told AFP that he believed the boy had been troubled and that some students said he had been bullied. However, these claims have not been established as the motive and should not be treated as confirmed.

The case has also renewed concern about access to firearms in Thailand.

The gun allegedly used in the attack belonged legally to the teenager's grandfather, raising questions about how the child was able to obtain it.

Thailand has one of the highest levels of civilian gun ownership in the region, and the country has faced several deadly shootings in recent years. In February, a 17-year-old allegedly stole a police firearm and opened fire at a school in southern Thailand, killing one person.

The latest attack has therefore raised concerns not only about school safety but also about young people's access to guns and the pressure they may face.

Investigators are still trying to answer the central question: how did a teenager described by people around him as quiet and good at studies reach the point where he allegedly carried out such a deadly attack?

House Surrounded by Raging Floods, Family Holds On in Terrifying Nepal Video (WATCH)

Divya Danu — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:54:26 +0530

A terrifying video from flood-hit Nepal shows a family clinging to one another inside a two-storey house as raging water, mud and debris tear through the area. Homes, vehicles and roads were swept away in the disaster.

A terrifying video emerging from Nepal’s devastating floods has captured the desperate moments of a family trapped inside a two-storey house as raging floodwater surged around the building, carrying debris, vehicles and parts of destroyed homes.

The more than two-minute video, which has gone viral on social media, shows the family members holding on to one another as powerful currents roar past their house. The water appears to have swallowed much of the surrounding area, leaving the family stranded in the middle of a scene of widespread destruction.

That family in the green house. I hope they are alive and safe. what a nightmare. pic.twitter.com/t2tVR2cFD7

— Pooja Shali (@PoojaShali) August 28, 2026

The footage has prompted hundreds of reactions online, with many viewers expressing fear for the people seen inside the house and praying for their safety.

Later posts circulating on social media claimed that the family survived. Images shared after the floodwater receded appeared to show the same building still standing amid extensive destruction. However, the identity of the family and their condition could not be independently verified from the viral posts alone.

One of the most striking parts of the viral footage is the apparent survival of the two-storey building despite the enormous force of the flood.

As the water raced around the structure, viewers could see debris floating past and nearby areas being battered by the current. Several social media users later shared photographs of the house after the water level came down. The images showed the building still standing while much of the surrounding area appeared badly damaged.

They are alive pic.twitter.com/jqZPFPb32n

— vipin (@vpndotcom) August 28, 2026

The pictures led many users to speculate that the strength of the building’s foundation may have helped it withstand the flood.

“The fact this house managed to hold grip under THAT force, is a reminder of good construction and God’s blessing,” one user wrote.

ये घर सुरक्षित है, ऐसा लग रहा है, घर के लोग भी सुरक्षित है। https://t.co/2GnQRu41qp

— Dilip Jain (दिलीप जैन) (@dilipjain1979) August 28, 2026

Another person commented that the family members were alive, prompting messages of relief from others who had watched the frightening video.

The video triggered an emotional response, with many users describing the scene as a nightmare.

One person wrote, “That family in the green house. I hope they are alive and safe. What a nightmare.”

Others called the building’s survival “mind-blowing” and praised what they believed was strong construction. One user said people should “call the civil contractor and thank him”, while another joked that they wanted the engineer’s contact.

Many comments, however, focused on the human tragedy unfolding around the family.

“Prayers for safety of everyone in the region,” one user wrote. Another said the footage was a reminder that “humans are powerless in the face of nature”.

Some also questioned whether people living in highly flood-prone regions should have emergency equipment, including life jackets, stored at home.

Other users blamed unchecked construction and environmental damage in the Himalayan region, arguing that poor planning and development could worsen the impact of natural disasters. These views were personal reactions on social media and should not be treated as an established explanation for the disaster.

The viral video has emerged as Nepal battles one of its worst recent disasters.

Flash floods triggered after an ice-rock avalanche and glacial collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border tore through parts of central Nepal, sending huge volumes of water, mud and debris downstream.

Homes, roads, bridges and vehicles were swept away, while entire settlements were left damaged or buried.

According to the Nepal Police figures cited in the background information, authorities involved in rescue operations had recovered hundreds of bodies by Friday. The reported death toll has risen above 500, while nearly 1,000 people were reported missing across the Nepal and Tibet sides of the border.

The disaster has also left a large number of people injured and displaced.

Tourists and travellers were among those affected. Nepal Tourism Board figures cited in the background information said hundreds of tourists and travellers remained missing in flood-hit areas, including Nepali residents.

The rapidly changing situation has made rescue operations extremely difficult, with damaged roads, dangerous terrain and continuing concerns about further flooding hampering access to affected communities.

Even as rescuers searched for survivors, authorities faced the threat of another possible surge.

A newly formed lake near the Nepal-Tibet border reportedly began overflowing, raising fears that another large volume of water could move downstream.

People in vulnerable areas were placed on alert as authorities monitored the situation.

An earthquake of magnitude 5.1 was also reported in Sichuan, China, prompting fresh concern in Nepal about possible changes in water flow and the risk of further flooding in downstream areas.

Residents in the Trishuli region were reportedly evacuated again after authorities warned of a possible rise in the river level.

Nepal Police also issued an alert after receiving information that a water-control structure or dam on the Tibet side had suffered another failure. Security personnel, rescue workers and residents were urged to remain alert and move to safer locations where necessary.

The situation highlighted the continuing uncertainty facing communities living downstream of the disaster zone.

Nepal's security forces and rescue agencies have intensified their operations despite hazardous weather and difficult terrain.

The Nepali Army has been involved in efforts to evacuate people trapped in affected areas. In one operation, rescue teams worked to reach workers trapped inside a tunnel linked to a hydropower project in Rasuwa after flooding.

The challenging terrain has made such operations slow and dangerous.

According to the information provided, at least two workers were safely rescued from the tunnel as the operation continued.

The scale of the disaster has also prompted a high-level response from the Nepal government. A Cabinet meeting was convened by Prime Minister Balendra Shah at Singha Durbar as authorities assessed the crisis and coordinated rescue and relief efforts.

The floods have affected Indian travellers as well.

According to information shared by India's Ministry of External Affairs, 21 residents of Tamil Nadu who were rescued from flood-hit areas reached Kathmandu.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava met the rescued travellers and enquired about their well-being before their planned return to India.

The wider disaster has also raised concerns about other Indian nationals and tourists who may have been travelling through areas affected by the floods.

With roads and communication networks damaged in several places, locating stranded people remains a major challenge.

BRICS Brings Rivals Together Over Shared Economic Interests

Asianet Newsable English — Sun, 13 Sep 2026 12:45:20 +0530

By Ann Elsa Monica

New Delhi: BRICS brings together some of the world’s biggest emerging economies. However, behind the meetings on trade, investment and development between these nations lie some very complex relationships with one another. BRICS is composed of 11 member states – Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Indonesia. While the inclusion of new members has increased its economic importance, it has added many disputes and conflicting interests among the member nations.

BRICS and India-China Diplomacy

India-China is perhaps the most obvious example of such relationship. The two countries not only have unresolved disputes on borders, but also were at war in 1962. Moreover, there were confrontations between their troops in Galwan Valley back in 2020. Simultaneously, both the nations are competing for influence in Asia and developing world. Yet, the two nations are taking part in the BRICS discussions and are cooperating in various spheres of mutual interest like trade, development, and institutional reform.

The West Asia Conflict

The same can be observed in West Asia, where the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia has been going on for many years. It is determined by ideological factors (Sunni-Shia Conflict), but has also been demonstrated by countries' confrontations within other states. Yemen is considered one of the best examples. On the one side, Iran has been backing the Houthis. At the same time, Saudi Arabia has been backing the Yemeni government recognized internationally. Therefore, Yemen has become one of the most crucial areas of clash for these two countries. The Syrian civil war can be considered yet another example where the rivalry of the two countries made them participants of the war. Iran backed the government of Bashar al-Assad, providing it with military, financial and political support. At the same time, Saudi Arabia backed the groups opposing Assad. The Syrian civil war is another case when the rivalry of the two countries led to the proxy conflict. Iran had supported the government of Bashar al-Assad and supplied it with military, and financial support. Whereas, Saudi Arabia supported the opposition groups that opposed Assad.

Economies and Resources

Political and security challenges in the relation of Iran and the UAE are also very similar. The matter was aggravated by the recent conflict related to Iran because of the impact of attacks by Iran on Gulf countries. Nevertheless, Iran and the UAE are still members of BRICS and they share common economic interests that make them negotiate and deliberate at the same table. There is another dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia regarding the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam . Ethiopia claims that building the dam is crucial for developing its energy sector. However, Egypt claims that the construction is threatening its water resources that are provided by the Nile.

The BRICS Paradox

This means that there are countries that do not share the same national interests. There are several areas where there are tensions between BRICS countries. China and Indonesia have disagreements over maritime claims in the South China Sea. The countries have had a different stand with regard to several international issues such as the Ukraine-Russia war and Iran issues. This means that it is not easy for BRICS to adopt a similar position regarding geopolitical issues. Disagreement about Iran crisis has again revealed the weakness of political unity. However, It is clear that political unity is not what BRICS seeks. In contrast to a military alliance, it does not need to help each other in all the cases of conflicts. It serves as a platform for collaboration of states whose interests coincide in certain issues, particularly in economics.

The growth of BRICS has brought additional challenges to this balancing act. As the number of members increases, the number of disputes increases as well as the number of markets, resources and economic interests. So, in the case of BRICS, it is more important whether its members are able to prevent their mutual disagreements from influencing cooperation than how much they agree on some issues. Those very states which could have conflicts or disagreements with each other beyond the organization cooperate within it not because there were no disagreements at all, but due to enough coinciding interests.

Nepal on Alert for Next 72 Hours as China Warns of Possible New Flooding Amid Dammed Lake Risk

Divya Danu — Thu, 27 Aug 2026 20:56:40 +0530

The deadly floods along the Nepal-Tibet border may be far from over. Experts and authorities have warned of the risk of further flooding after debris from the Himalayan disaster blocked rivers and created unstable lakes upstream. China has issued a fresh warning over a dammed lake in the affected region, with officials concerned that rising water levels could create another dangerous flood situation.

Authorities said more than three million cubic metres of water could flow into the lake over the next three days, while heavy rain may further increase the risk. Nepal has also warned people and rescue teams to stay away from riverbanks and low-lying areas.

What is dammed lake risk?

The major concern after the Nepal-Tibet floods is the dammed lake, formed when landslides, ice, rocks and debris block a river and trap water behind the natural barrier. As more water flows into the lake, pressure on the unstable blockage increases. Experts say if it suddenly breaks or water flows over it, a powerful flash flood could surge downstream, putting villages, roads, bridges and rescue teams at risk.

What triggered Nepal floods?

Scientists are still examining the full chain of events behind Wednesday's disaster. However, the evidence available so far points strongly towards a major collapse of ice, rock and debris high in the Himalayas.

Satellite imagery and preliminary assessments indicate that a large section of glacier and surrounding material collapsed into the river valley, triggering an ice-and-rock avalanche. The debris temporarily blocked the river, forming a natural dam. When the blockage failed, a huge volume of water, mud, rocks and sediment surged downstream through the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems.

The exact scientific explanation is still being investigated, and experts say it could take more detailed field studies and satellite analysis to establish the complete sequence of events.

Was a 4.4 magnitude earthquake responsible?

Early reports suggested that a magnitude 4.4 earthquake recorded shortly before the flood may have triggered the collapse. However, this explanation has since been challenged by the United States Geological Survey.

The USGS said the seismic signal initially identified as an earthquake was generated by the massive glacial collapse and debris flow itself, rather than by a separate tectonic earthquake. Later assessments linked the event to a much larger collapse signal. Therefore, it would be inaccurate to state that a confirmed 4.4 magnitude earthquake caused the floods.

Why the next 72 hours are a major concern

The immediate danger now is linked to water building up behind debris blockages in the mountains.

Reuters reported that Chinese authorities are concerned about a dammed lake in the border region and expect millions of cubic metres of additional water to enter it within three days. If the natural barrier fails or water overtops the blockage, communities downstream could face another sudden flood.

The warning does not mean another flood is certain. However, authorities have made it clear that the risk remains serious enough to require continuous monitoring and precautionary measures.

Early warning has limits in such disasters

Dr Neera Shrestha Pradhan, a Water and Disaster Risk Reduction expert at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), has stressed the need for better cross-border information sharing and stronger understanding of cascading mountain hazards.

Such events can be especially difficult to predict because a glacier or mountainside collapse may trigger a chain reaction involving ice, rock, debris, river blockages and a sudden release of water. Unlike a flood caused directly by prolonged rainfall, the warning time can be extremely short.

The disaster has also exposed the vulnerability of roads, bridges, hydropower projects and settlements in the Hindu Kush Himalayas. With rivers still carrying heavy sediment and unstable slopes remaining a concern, experts say the focus must now be on immediate rescue work as well as stronger disaster preparedness.

For Nepal and Tibet, the crisis is therefore not over. Rescue teams are continuing their work, but attention has now also turned upstream, to the unstable lakes and river blockages that could determine what happens next.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japan Floods: Nagoya Issues Highest-Level Warning As Heavy Rain Submerges Roads, Cars

Divya Danu — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 20:32:06 +0530

Heavy rain caused the Ueda River in Japan’s Nagoya city to overflow on Tuesday, flooding roads and forcing people to abandon vehicles as water spread across several parts of the city. Videos and images shared online showed roads covered in deep water, with some cars struggling to move as floodwater rose around them. In some areas, the water reached the doors of vehicles.

Ueda River in Japan's Nagoya city overflows after heavy rain, submerging roads and sweeping away cars pic.twitter.com/eNuSyfXzNi

— The Tatva (@thetatvaindia) September 8, 2026

indonesian athletes had to travel for 24h just to get to nagoya bc flights from jakarta were affected by volcanic ash, so they had to fly from surabaya instead then only 2h after arriving, they had to evacuate cause of the flooding warningthey must be so exhausted pic.twitter.com/HkWBxb9ER2

— ken (@grizzlyawn) September 8, 2026

BREAKING: Dramatic footage from Nagoya, Japan shows cars being swept away like toys amid torrential rainfallNature's fury at its peak!#JapanFloods #Nagoya pic.twitter.com/eBQm2pXr37

— Shaham Aligarian (@shahamalig) September 8, 2026

筋トレしてたら死にかけた pic.twitter.com/bwBrGS37NU

— 編集中...... (@kamf2290) September 8, 2026

Severe flooding is affecting areas of Nagoya city in Japan pic.twitter.com/ZglqFyGeZP

— Surajit (@surajit_ghosh2) September 8, 2026

BREAKING: Record rain hammers Nagoya.Linear rain bands dump ~100-104.5mm/hr (all-time record) in Nagoya area. Ueda River rises; Level 5 emergency issued. Roads flood, cars stranded/abandoned. Stay safe! #NagoyaRain #AichiFlood pic.twitter.com/bFJwkRLQ9m

— JAS (@JasADRxquisites) September 8, 2026

Nagoya issues highest-level flood warning

Nagoya issued its highest-level emergency warning for heavy rain and flooding on Tuesday evening, according to a report by the Japan Times. The warning covered parts of Chikusa Ward, Moriyama Ward and Meito Ward, where authorities said the risk of river flooding had risen sharply.

A level 5 emergency warning tells residents to take immediate action to protect themselves. People were advised to assess their surroundings and move to the safest available place, such as a nearby tall building or a higher floor of their home.

The warning came as torrential rain continued to affect the city.

HOLY SH*T: Nagoya, Japan right now... 104.5 mm of rain was unleashed in ONE HOUR, the highest total since records began being kept in 1890.Subways have been shut down, commuters have been stranded, and streets are absolutely flooded.Nagoya authorities have issued the…

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 8, 2026

Record rainfall hits Nagoya

The Japan Meteorological Agency said 104.5 millimetres of rain fell in one hour up to 4:53pm, marking a record hourly rainfall for the city.

The intense downpour overwhelmed drainage systems in several areas. Authorities warned people against staying in underground spaces because water could quickly enter underpasses, underground shopping areas and underground car parks.

Such locations can become dangerous during sudden flooding, particularly when drainage systems are unable to cope with large volumes of rain.

Cars swept away and roads submerged

Images posted on social media showed vehicles travelling through flooded streets, with water rising to their doors.

Japan's public broadcaster NHK reported that underpasses and other locations in Minato Ward were also flooded. Some people were forced to leave their vehicles as the water levels rose.

Authorities told NHK that everyone inside the affected vehicles managed to escape without assistance. No one was reported to be trapped inside the vehicles.

The flooding nevertheless caused disruption across the city, with authorities urging residents to remain alert and avoid dangerous areas.

Residents urged to move to safer places

With rivers at risk of overflowing and more rain possible, authorities urged people in the affected areas to follow evacuation and safety instructions.

Residents were particularly warned to stay away from underground areas and flooded roads. Authorities also stressed the importance of moving to higher ground or safer elevated locations if water levels continued to rise.

The heavy rainfall has left parts of Nagoya dealing with significant flooding, while officials continue to monitor river levels and weather conditions.