Budhi Gandaki River Flash Flood, Nepal: Sudden flash flood struck Gorkha district on October 11, 2026, sweeping away homes, bridges and infrastructure + Cause – Landslide blocked a stream or river channel near Chumchet/Chumchure, forming a temporary natural dam + Flood Mechanism – Sudden breach of the landslide dam released water, mud and boulders downstream + Rainfall – No significant rainfall reported near the source, indicating a landslide-dam outburst rather than a rain-fed flood + Impact – At least five people reported missing; Nepali Army and rescue teams deployed helicopters and ground personnel for evacuation and rescue

1st BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting: Hosted by India in New Delhi on October 13, 2026, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah + Member Nations – Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand (7 members) + Core Agenda – Strengthening regional security cooperation and addressing cross-border challenges + Key Issues – Terrorism, transnational organised crime, drug and human trafficking, narcotics, radicalisation, illicit financial flows and cyber threats.

Sunil Bharti Mittal – France’s Highest Civilian Distinction: Bharti Enterprises founder and chairman awarded the Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour (Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur) by French President Emmanuel Macron + Significance – Recognised for strengthening India-France economic ties and contributions to telecommunications, digital infrastructure and satellite projects such as Eutelsat + Established – Legion of Honour instituted by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 + India-France Partnership – Mittal’s engagement with France dates back over 30 years, beginning with a 1992 collaboration to introduce mobile telephony in India + Other Honours – Padma Bhushan (2007) and honorary KBE from King Charles III (2024).