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The UAE Search and Rescue Team is actively engaged in field missions within Nepal’s Rasuwa district following devastating floods that impacted the area. Their efforts involve supporting Nepali authorities in investigating damaged communities and navigating challenging terrain. The team employs drones, aerial imaging, and three-dimensional mapping technologies to assess the areas affected. These tools enable search teams to obtain detailed visuals of locations where floodwaters have compromised roads, structures, and other infrastructure.

The United Nations is requesting $49.6 million to support a four-month emergency response to Nepal’s August floods. This flash appeal aims to assist 84,270 people, nearly 40% of whom are children. It encompasses 19,284 households across 17 municipalities in six districts, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Chitwan, Gorkha, and Tanahu. Relief efforts prioritize shelter, food, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, protection, and winter assistance.

UN Resolution Promotes Adoption of Equal Earth Map Projection to Address Cartographic Biases. In a recorded vote that garnered support from 107 member states, the global body tackled cartographic distortions that significantly diminish the perceived size of Africa and other equatorial regions within the Global South. UN passes resolution to improve world map accuracy as diplomatic delegations take concrete steps to confront long-standing biases embedded in traditional cartographic practices. The measure primarily targets the widely used Mercator projection, which was created in the 16th century by Flemish mapmaker Gerardus Mercator for navigation at sea. Although effective for maritime navigation, the mathematical scaling inherent in the Mercator model gradually distorts landmass sizes, exaggerating regions farther from the equator while compressing those near it. As detailed in documentation released by the United Nations General Assembly, these technical inaccuracies continue to influence educational textbooks, media broadcasts, digital maps, and official government publications worldwide. During assembly sessions, international representatives recognized that cartographic distortions extend beyond technical issues, impacting socioeconomic and cultural perceptions. It was pointed out that visual misrepresentations shape public understanding of the economic, political, and cultural importance of entire continents. The UN resolution promotes the use of equal-area alternatives, such as the Equal Earth projection introduced in 2018, which accurately portrays continental sizes in proportion to one another. This decision follows an initiative led by a coalition of African nations, with backing from the African Union, which submitted the draft resolution in August. Supporters highlighted

International Fund for Houbara Conservation has unveiled a fresh support scheme for Emirati houbara breeders during ADIHEX 2026. The Houbara Breeders Support Initiative is designed to assist current houbara cultivation projects as well as those planning to launch new breeding facilities. It provides specialized training, technical support, and access to proven breeding expertise. Additionally, the program stipulates standards related to animal welfare, biosecurity, and responsible management of facilities.

ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani during their meeting in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. The discussions centered on the relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, with particular attention to cooperation with the Kurdistan Region. Both leaders explored avenues to enhance ties across various sectors and promote regional development. The meeting was also attended by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

The Egyptian Presidency announced that El-Sisi and Xi are expected to explore avenues for deepening their cooperation. Their discussions will encompass economic partnership, development initiatives, and political alignment. The leaders will also assess the progress of the Egypt-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which was initiated in 2014. Additionally, regional and international issues of mutual concern will feature prominently on their agenda.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Bishkek, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Their discussions on August 31 centered around political alliances, commerce, defense, energy, space exploration, mobility, and cultural exchanges. The leaders also considered regional conflicts and collaborative efforts in international platforms. This meeting continued the ongoing high-level dialogue between India and Russia, following their previous engagement during the India-Russia Annual Summit in New Delhi in December 2025.

Global efforts to eliminate violence against children remain off course for the 2030 deadline, according to a new United Nations assessment. The report reviews two decades of progress since the landmark UN study on violence against children. It says conflict, forced displacement, climate hazards and digital abuse continue to expose millions of children to harm. Najat Maalla M’jid, the UN Special Representative on Violence Against Children, prepared the latest review for the 81st UN General Assembly.

India-Uzbekistan ties enter a broader phase spanning trade, technology and security. Trade relations took center stage during the discussions between the two nations. Uzbekistan reported bilateral trade reaching $1.3 billion in 2025, representing a 33% yearly growth. Both countries established a target of increasing trade to $5 billion by 2030. In recent years, the count of joint ventures has increased sevenfold. Currently, there are 14 direct flights each week connecting the countries, and four Indian universities operate within Uzbekistan. An agreement was reached to establish a mechanism at the foreign ministers level to oversee bilateral commitments. A separate joint working group will focus on non-tariff measures and investment barriers. The two nations will revisit further steps after completing a feasibility study for a Preferential Trade Agreement. Key sectors include energy, metallurgy, electrical engineering, critical minerals, and agriculture. The economic agenda also encompasses healthcare, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, electronics, mechanical engineering, and jewelry.

Casualty and Missing Counts from Nepal-Tibet Floods Surpass 4,000 KATHMANDU, NEPAL / RankWire.AI / – The toll from flooding in Nepal and Tibet has climbed to at least 919 fatalities, with 4,793 individuals still unaccounted for. Nepal’s records show 903 deaths and 4,247 missing persons following the disaster that occurred on August 26. Meanwhile, authorities in Tibet have reported 16 deaths and 546 missing people in Gyirong County. Search and rescue teams continue their efforts across the damaged mountainous regions, river valleys, and hydroelectric sites. Officials have updated the casualty figures as rescue operations reach previously inaccessible areas and verify reports of missing persons. Thousands remain missing as Nepal and Tibet continue flood recovery efforts. (AI-generated image) Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority confirmed that rescue teams have evacuated 10,451 individuals to safety. This number includes 252 foreigners. Officials list 592 foreign nationals among those still missing in Nepal, and they also account for 933 missing workers associated with hydropower projects along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli corridors. A total of 267 injuries have been documented, with 156 people having been discharged after medical treatment. Over 20,000 security personnel are engaged in supporting rescue, recovery, and relief operations in affected regions. The floods struck the Bhote Koshi River basin in Rasuwa District early