News
Nepal has estimated a total need of approximately $4.78 billion to rebuild following the destructive floods along the Bhote Koshi River. The government released this figure through its Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment conducted after the disaster on August 26. According to the assessment, direct physical damages are valued at around $1.8 billion, while economic losses are estimated to be roughly $883 million. Officials explained that these numbers encompass impacts across social, productive, and infrastructure sectors. The floods affected communities and vital infrastructure across districts including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading.
Business
UAE and India deepen trade, investment and strategic cooperation through high-level talks. The leaders examined cooperation under the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, known as CEPA, while also discussing the enduring political, commercial, cultural, energy, and people-to-people ties between the countries. Both sides explored avenues to expand cooperation in areas that have become central to their bilateral relationship. The talks also covered mutual interests as the two governments maintained regular engagement in economic and strategic domains. Representing the UAE at the BRICS Summit, Sheikh Khaled led the delegation on behalf of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Modi expressed his welcome for the UAE’s participation during India’s 2026 BRICS chairmanship. Both leaders agreed to continue working through the group on shared priorities and collaborative efforts, recalling Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to India in January 2026 and Modi’s trip to the UAE in May 2026. New investment projects and strategic sectors on agenda The discussions underscored an increase in investment activity between the UAE and India. The leaders welcomed International Holding Company’s announced plan for an $11.5 billion integrated greenfield aluminium project in Odisha, which India has described as its largest integrated aluminium investment. They also considered the role of L’Imad, the UAE’s latest sovereign investment fund, in bolstering bilateral investment and economic cooperation in sectors identified by both governments. Opportunities in defence, space, nuclear energy, technology, and innovation were also reviewed, expanding an economic relationship already
Travel
Etihad adds Red Sea International Airport to its growing Saudi Arabia flight network. This route will be operated using an Airbus A320 configured with eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats. Etihad stated that travelers from across its network can reach the Red Sea with a single connection in Abu Dhabi, including those arriving from the Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent. Tickets are already available on Etihad’s booking platform for travel from the launch date. The route complements existing connections to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Al Qassim within Etihad’s Saudi network.
Sports
Spain sent Portugal out of the FIFA World Cup with a late 1-0 win, ending Ronaldo’s sixth tournament and long pursuit of the title.
Norway reached the FIFA World Cup last eight after a 2-1 win over Brazil, with Haaland scoring twice and Neymar netting late.
Australia exited the FIFA World Cup 2026 after Egypt won 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 Round of 32 draw in Arlington at Dallas Stadium.
Spain kept a clean sheet and advanced from the World Cup Round of 32 after goals by Oyarzabal and Porro ended Austria’s run in Los Angeles.
Mexico reached the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a 2-0 victory over Ecuador, keeping its unbeaten run and clean-sheet record intact.
Brazil booked a Round of 16 place at World Cup 2026 after Casemiro and Martinelli erased Japan’s first-half lead in Houston from the Round of 32.
Portugal moved to four points in Group K after a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, whose first World Cup campaign remained difficult.
Norway’s 3-2 victory over Senegal put Haaland on four World Cup 2026 goals and sent the team into the Round of 32 from Group I after two wins.
Health
An urgent shortage of trained healthcare workers, operational partners, and financial backing is causing significant delays in controlling the growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to technical reports from the World Health Organization, the epidemic has extended beyond its initial center in Bunia to six northeastern provinces. This outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, has recorded over 6,000 cases and 3,175 deaths, making it the deadliest Ebola epidemic in the country’s history. International agencies highlight that staffing shortages and insufficient funding hinder the Ebola response, urging donors worldwide to expedite financial support.
Technology
Apple has introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, both featuring significant upgrades in camera technology, performance, and battery life. These new devices showcase a 48-megapixel Fusion Main camera with a variable aperture, marking a first for the iPhone. Powered by the latest A20 Pro chip and equipped with a redesigned thermal system, they are available for pre-order starting September 12, with retail sales beginning September 18 across more than 65 countries and regions.