Experts have determined that “the disaster has been triggered by the collapse of a high-altitude glacier in Nepal,” Guo Jiakun, a spokesman for China’s Foreign Ministry, said in response to a question at a daily briefing in Beijing on Monday. “In the face of major disasters, we firmly oppose such groundless and malicious speculation.”
Monday, August 31, 2026
#China Slams ‘Malicious’ Indian Media Accusations on Deadly Flood in #Nepal
China pushed back against claims by some Indian commentators who debated whether Beijing was to blame for last week’s deadly landslide along the Nepal-Tibet border.
#Iran, #India Can Work Together To ‘Neutralize’ Sanctions: #Pezeshkian
During his meeting with PM Modi, Pezeshkian said the two countries could deepen cooperation across multiple sectors.
The two leaders also discussed the Strait of Hormuz, Chabahar Port and expanding economic and strategic cooperation.
Iran’s President also said he had sought PM Modi’s help to “move away from the path of war and bloodshed”, thanking India for its support and cooperation during the recent conflict.
Pezeshkian also emphasized the need to strengthen communications and consultations between officials of the two countries, stating: “With Your Excellency’s attention and support, we can further deepen relations between the two countries and create new areas for cooperation.”
The Prime Minister of India, for his part, expressed his pleasure at meeting with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, stating: “During the difficult period we have recently experienced, we sought to maintain and preserve our cooperation and communications with Iran.”
Referring to Dr. Pezeshkian’s experience and views on peace and security, Narendra Modi added: “From what I have come to know of your personality, you are a peace-loving person, and I believe that you can play an effective role in advancing the cause of peace. I am confident that your efforts will ultimately lead to positive results.”
The Indian Prime Minister, agreeing with the President’s view regarding the existence of groups that see their interests in the continuation of war, said: “I agree with you that there are those who see their interests in war, but we must intensify our efforts to establish peace. My belief and conviction is that, ultimately, peace and security will prevail.”
Narendra Modi also referred to the historical and civilizational background of relations between Iran and India, stating: “Iran and India have ancient and deep-rooted relations, and the civilizations of the two countries have been connected with one another for centuries. This historical and cultural heritage can serve as a valuable foundation for expanding cooperation between the two countries in various fields.”
The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Prime Minister of India also discussed the latest state of bilateral cooperation in various areas during the meeting.
Cooperation in the fields of transportation and maritime affairs, developments related to the Strait of Hormuz, and the progress of cooperation at Chabahar Port were among the most important issues discussed by the two sides.
The two sides emphasized the importance of making use of existing capacities to expand economic and trade relations and strengthen strategic cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of India.
Indian MP links PM' #Modi's visit to #Uzbekistan with forwarding business interests of #Adani Group
TMC MP Mahua Moitra criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his visit to Uzbekistan while linking it to the Adani Group.
The Adani Group is aggressively expanding its footprint in Uzbekistan, focusing heavily on hydropower, strategic mining, and green energy infrastructure.
These business moves directly parallel broader diplomatic advancements, highlighted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official state visit to Tashkent on August 29–30, 2026.
During this visit, a long-term uranium and critical minerals supply framework was signed between the two nations.
On August 18, 2026, Adani representatives held core talks at the headquarters of the Uzbekistan Technological Metals Complex (TMK).
Sardor Rustambaev, Ambassador of Uzbekistan, met Mr. Gautam Adani, Chairperson of the Adani Group, on 26th April 2026 to present various investment opportunities in Uzbekistan.
The groups are reviewing extensive geological and technical data to launch joint exploration and progress projects to the industrial development stage. TMK manages strategic deposits, including copper, tungsten, molybdenum, and uranium.
This overseas mining push directly aligns with Adani Power’s domestic trajectory, where it is aggressively targeting 10 GW of nuclear power capacity in India by 2035.
#India to buy #uranium from #Uzbekistan
Both countries have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in geology and mineral resources in the presence of Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan is the world's fifth-largest uranium producer, producing 7,000 metric tons of uranium in 2025. Its Annual production reached 7,000 tonnes in 2025, up from around 4,000 tonnes in previous years, driven by rapid growth from state-owned producer Navoiyuran. It holds approximately 139,000 to 185,000 tonnes of estimated and identified uranium resources.
New Delhi and Tashkent, according to sources, are exploring the possibility of India joining uranium exploration and mining operations in Uzbekistan, potentially taking the relationship beyond a conventional buyer–seller arrangement.
India has limited uranium resources and vast thorium reserves, and its long-term nuclear programme has been designed to make optimum use of the former while eventually enabling large-scale utilisation of the latter.
In March, Cameco of Canada signed a nine-year agreement to supply India with nearly 22 million pounds of uranium ore concentrate between 2027 and 2035.
Tashkent has already opened its uranium sector to international partnerships, with state-owned Navoiyuran collaborating with France’s Orano and Japan’s ITOCHU in the development of the South Djengeldi deposit in Uzbekistan.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
#China didn't inform #Nepal in time; rerun of #COVID outbreak memories in China 2021
Nepali media reports, citing Chinese media, say the flood hit Tibet’s Kerung County around 10:30 AM local time - more than two hours before the devastating flood reached Nepal.
But if Chinese authorities were monitoring the glacier collapse by helicopter, how the hell did they fail to warn the communities downstream? People were living directly in the potential path of a catastrophic flash flood, yet somehow no warning reached them in time. What exactly was the point of monitoring it from the air if that information wasn’t passed on to the people whose lives were at risk? This wasn’t an unforeseeable event. A timely warning could have meant the difference between life and death.
Local authorities have confirmed that at least three people are dead and 265 others remain missing after a mudslide in #Nepal hit border port of #Gyirong in southwest #China's Xizang Autonomous Region. The exact casualty toll is still being verified, while rescue operations are underway.
China's Ministry of Emergency Management dispatched a working team to assist rescue efforts and sent 249 firefighters from national comprehensive fire and rescue teams, along with 325 personnel from engineering rescue teams.
China's National Commission for Disaster Reduction, the Ministry of Emergency Management and the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, have allocated 30,000 pieces of relief supplies, including tents, heating equipment, clothing, quilts, folding beds and moisture-proof mats, to support the relocation and assistance of affected residents.
A total of 145 personnel from the Xigaze detachment of the People's Armed Police have been sent to the mudslide-hit border port to assist with emergency response operations after a mudslide struck near Gyirong Port in SW.China's Xizang Autonomous Region on Wednesday. The mudslide on the Nepali side of the border disrupted a road leading to the Gyirong Port. Drone footage showed that some buildings at the port had been buried by debris.
China’s Ministry of Natural Resources activated a Level-II emergency response for geological disasters, the second-highest in China's four-tier emergency response system, and dispatched a working team to the stricken site to guide rescue operations and prevent secondary disasters, sources with the ministry said.
China’s National Commission for Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief, together with the Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM), activated a Level-II emergency response for disaster relief, and helped allocate 30,000 central relief supplies including tents, stoves, clothing and quilts, folding beds and moisture-proof mats to support the evacuation, resettlement and relief work.
China’s Ministry of Finance and the MEM also allocated 120 million yuan (about 17.69 million U.S. dollars) in central natural disaster relief funds to support Xizang in carrying out emergency rescue and disaster relief work.
Meanwhile, China’s National Development and Reform Commission earmarked 100 million yuan in central budget investment to support the post-disaster emergency recovery and reconstruction efforts.
The disaster has cut off roads leading to the port on the Chinese side, as well as communications and power supplies, according to the emergency management bureau of Gyirong County in the city of Xigaze.
Gyirong Port is a major land port connecting China and Nepal.
#Tibet and #Nepal border post destroyed in flash ₹flood in #Nepal
Local authorities have confirmed that axt least three people are dead and 265 others remain missing after a mudslide in #Nepal hit border port of #Gyirong in southwest #China's Xizang Autonomous Region. The exact casualty toll is still being verified, while rescue operations are underway.
China's Ministry of Emergency Management dispatched a working team to assist rescue efforts and sent 249 firefighters from national comprehensive fire and rescue teams, along with 325 personnel from engineering rescue teams.
China's National Commission for Disaster Reduction, the Ministry of Emergency Management and the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, have allocated 30,000 pieces of relief supplies, including tents, heating equipment, clothing, quilts, folding beds and moisture-proof mats, to support the relocation and assistance of affected residents.
A total of 145 personnel from the Xigaze detachment of the People's Armed Police have been sent to the mudslide-hit border port to assist with emergency response operations after a mudslide struck near Gyirong Port in SW.China's Xizang Autonomous Region on Wednesday. The mudslide on the Nepali side of the border disrupted a road leading to the Gyirong Port. Drone footage showed that some buildings at the port had been buried by debris.
China’s Ministry of Natural Resources activated a Level-II emergency response for geological disasters, the second-highest in China's four-tier emergency response system, and dispatched a working team to the stricken site to guide rescue operations and prevent secondary disasters, sources with the ministry said.
China’s National Commission for Disaster Prevention, Reduction and Relief, together with the Ministry of Emergency Management (MEM), activated a Level-II emergency response for disaster relief, and helped allocate 30,000 central relief supplies including tents, stoves, clothing and quilts, folding beds and moisture-proof mats to support the evacuation, resettlement and relief work.
China’s Ministry of Finance and the MEM also allocated 120 million yuan (about 17.69 million U.S. dollars) in central natural disaster relief funds to support Xizang in carrying out emergency rescue and disaster relief work.
Meanwhile, China’s National Development and Reform Commission earmarked 100 million yuan in central budget investment to support the post-disaster emergency recovery and reconstruction efforts.
The disaster has cut off roads leading to the port on the Chinese side, as well as communications and power supplies, according to the emergency management bureau of Gyirong County in the city of Xigaze.
Gyirong Port is a major land port connecting China and Nepal.
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
#US Country singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress Dolly Parton passed away at 80
Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.
Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000).
A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.
At her request, a small, private service will be held for her immediate family members.
#US Ambassador visits #Tata #Lockheed Martin 's C-130J Super Hercules aircraft factory in #Hyderabad
Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Lockheed Martin are looking to expand their aerospace and defence partnership as India moves ahead with its recently released Medium Transport Aircraft requirement. The development was highlighted during a visit by US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor to Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) in Hyderabad on August 24.
C-130J production supports MTA opportunity
During the visit, Gor toured TLMAL’s production line for empennages for the C-130J Super Hercules. The Hyderabad facility forms part of the companies’ established manufacturing partnership and supports the integration of Indian aerospace production into the global C-130J supply chain.
Electric joins Databricks to bring WASM Postgres to #AI agent sandboxes
Electric, the maker of PGlite, is joining Databricks to bring WASM Postgres to AI agent sandboxes.
Electric is leading the way in pioneering backend technology purpose-built for agents. With PGlite, every agent gets its own WASM Postgres build right inside the sandbox where it runs. And Electric’s real-time sync engine synchronizes distributed state back to a central Lakebase, enabling teams of agents to collaborate without losing track of shared context.
Lakebase delivers Postgres at production scale. PGlite brings WASM Postgres into the agent's own sandbox. Sync keeps the two consistent. By combining the power of Lakebase Postgres with the local execution of PGlite, agents get the lightweight databases they need to move fast and the infrastructure required to deploy at any scale.
For developers, this means:
Building collaborative, agentic applications on a single Postgres standard.
Running Postgres directly inside the agent sandbox, giving each agent a lightweight database it needs to move fast.
Keeping teams of agents in sync to instantly share context and act on fresh data, while centralizing control in Lakebase Postgres on cheap, durable object storage.
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Shrinking open space in #Kolkata
Kolkata has a critically low per capita green space of approximately 0.67 square meters, falling significantly short of the World Health Organization's recommendation of at least 9 square meters per person.
Planned global cities average around 80 sqm per resident, Bengaluru records 17 sqm, and Gandhinagar reaches a high of 162 sqm per dweller.
Kolkata's green cover stands at a low 5.5%, significantly trailing behind the national average of 19.49% and major metropolitan areas like Delhi (19.09%) and Mumbai (18%). This decline poses severe environmental and ecological challenges for the city.
World Wetlands Day occurs on February 2 every year to mark the date of adoption of Convention of Wetlands on the same day in 1971. But what are wetlands? According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), the Ramsar Convention technically defines a wetland as the “areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters”.
The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance is a treaty which aims to conserve and sustainable use of wetlands. There are 2242 Ramsar sites which have been identified for protection. East Kolkata Wetlands is the largest resource ecosystem which helps in treating 600 million litres of wastewater and sewage on a regular basis. Natural and man-made canals and creeks which were made during the colonial era used to bring sewage which would flow through this wetland. East Kolkata Wetlands cover 125 square kilometers and consist of salt meadows, settling ponds and sewage farms. These act as a natural flood control system for the city. Located away from river Hooghly, the drainage and sewage system of the city has a design which gets benefitted from the East Kolkata Wetlands. These wetlands serve as a gigantic spill basin which becomes highly advantageous during the monsoons when the flooding is common through the Gangetic delta for the low-lying city of Kolkata.
We cannot afford to undermine the significance of East Kolkata Wetlands as they are indispensable when it comes to human survival. These are the most productive environments of the world that provide various ecosystem services ranging from supply of fresh water, food that attract animals, stores flood water, maintains water flow and mitigation of climatic change, offers habitat to fish, maintains diversity, haven for flora and fauna. The benefits are simply countless but how much do we acknowledge and decipher the significance?
The lust for land has created a huge impact on East Kolkata Wetlands. The relentless pressure of the real estate industry for land has choked the unique wetlands known for its sustainable symbiosis. Illegal landfills and construction have given rise to usurpation of the wetlands over the years. Since the colonial times, the area of wetland has shrunk unimaginably. Even after being recognized as a Ramsar site in 2002, the encroachment of the fertile wetlands has only increased with each passing day. No wonder, flooding in certain areas of Kolkata have become a common phenomenon during monsoons. The unique and precious wetlands of Kolkata might soon turn into a long-forgotten history if more buildings are constructed in this region in days to come.
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