- Bilkul Online | Sunday Special
- The Week It Was | Aug 29 – Sept 05 2026
🔶⚪🟢 National News Highlights
1. ISRO successfully launches EOS-05 on GSLV-F17
India’s GSLV-F17 successfully placed the EOS-05 Earth-observation satellite into its intended orbit on August 29. The mission adds another important capability to India’s space-based observation programme. ISRO also successfully carried out EOS-05’s first orbit manoeuvre on September 5.
2. Nepal floods: India steps up rescue and relief efforts
The devastating flash floods in Nepal continued to have a major impact on India-Nepal relations and humanitarian operations. India remained in close contact with Nepal and continued relief and rescue assistance, while hundreds of Indians were reported missing or awaiting evacuation.
3. Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma makes history
Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma became the first non-medical woman officer in India’s defence services to reach the rank of Air Vice Marshal, taking charge as Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education).
4. Delhi-NCR battles heavy rain and waterlogging
Heavy rainfall caused waterlogging and traffic disruption across Delhi-NCR, with authorities issuing weather alerts as more intense showers and thunderstorms were forecast.
5. Bihar faces renewed flood threat
The Ganga rose above its recorded highest flood level at a number of locations, increasing concern over flooding in Bihar. Authorities remained on alert as heavy rainfall continued in parts of the region.
6. Supreme Court declines to stop September 5 Delhi march
The Supreme Court declined to impose restrictions on the September 5 march in Delhi, observing that there were no compelling circumstances at that stage to presume that the event would turn disorderly.
7. 13 years later, 10 Maoists convicted in Jhiram Ghati case
A special NIA court convicted 10 Maoists in connection with the 2013 Jhiram Ghati massacre in Chhattisgarh, one of India’s most significant Maoist attacks. Sentencing is scheduled for September 16.
8. India-China military communication gets a fresh push
Following recent talks between National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, further military-level engagement is being planned, including meetings between commanders and possible new communication arrangements.
9. New Vande Bharat service moves closer to launch in Karnataka
Trial runs began on the proposed Yesvantpur–Mangaluru Central Vande Bharat route, marking another step towards expanding India’s semi-high-speed rail network.
10. Teachers’ Day highlights the changing role of educators
India observed Teachers’ Day on September 5, commemorating Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on teachers to play a stronger role in guiding children, including helping them deal with increasing screen exposure.
🌍 Weekly International News Highlights
1. US-Iran conflict flares up again
The United States and Iran exchanged attacks during the week, with tensions particularly focused on shipping around the Strait of Hormuz. On September 5, US and Iranian forces exchanged fire involving vessels in waters near Iran.
2. Reported US strike on Iranian wedding raises civilian-casualty concerns
A US strike that reportedly hit a wedding gathering in Iran became a major international controversy. Iran reported civilian deaths, while US officials said the incident was under investigation.
3. US envoys meet Putin as Ukraine peace efforts continue
US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner travelled to Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, in an effort to revive diplomatic efforts over the Ukraine war.
4. Yemen sees fresh escalation in fighting
Fighting between Houthi forces and Yemen’s government forces intensified around Taiz, triggering a new displacement wave and raising concerns about wider instability in the region.
5. Nepal flood disaster becomes a wider Himalayan crisis
The catastrophic flooding affecting Nepal and areas around the China border continued into its second week, with the death toll and number of missing people climbing sharply as rescue teams searched for survivors.
Quote of the Week
“The end-product of education should be a free creative man, who can battle against historical circumstances and adversities of nature.”
— Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
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