Streets and shops in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh, covered in mud and sludge after the Mandakini river flooded the area, as flood-like conditions persist following heavy rains, August 31, 2026. Follow The Indian Express for breaking news and live news updates from India and around the world. | ANI PhotoRising water levels of the Mandakini river have created flood-like conditions in Chitrakoot and nearby areas in Madhya Pradesh’s Satna district. In the aftermath of the deluge, homes and shops in Chitrakoot remain in disarray, with streets and businesses covered in mud and sludge as residents begin the grim process of assessing the damage.If you are just joining us, this is The Indian Express Realtime breaking news blog – where we bring you the latest news updates of the day in real time. Scan the top headlines of the day here, or keep scrolling to see the latest updates stream in.Nepal toll rises to 788, 933 feared trapped in hydropower tunnelsNepal’s flash flood death toll has climbed to 788, with 933 people still feared trapped inside hydropower tunnels as rescuers work around the clock. Families have launched their own search missions across the disaster zone, with many saying they cannot rest until they recover their loved ones’ bodies for last rites. India has sent a forensics team to begin work on DNA samples, and 403 Indian nationals have crossed from China into Nepal as the evacuation effort continues on multiple fronts.Story continues below this adRahul Gandhi booked — a day after calling for FIR in Kharge purification rowRahul Gandhi has been booked in Uttarakhand, a day after he called for an FIR over the alleged “purification” of a venue visited by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge — the same act he had demanded legal action over has now been turned into a case against him, in a political reversal that has drawn sharp reactions from the Opposition.3-year-old boy assaulted at Delhi play school: Eyes swollen, eardrums damagedA three-year-old boy suffered swollen eyes and damaged eardrums after being assaulted at a play school in Delhi’s Maujpur — a case that has alarmed parents across the capital and brought questions of child safety in early education institutions back into sharp focus.Railways to build six freight lines with private firms in a firstIndian Railways will for the first time build six freight lines in partnership with private companies under a hybrid annuity funding model — a structural shift in how India’s rail infrastructure is financed and built, and a significant test of the government’s public-private partnership framework in a sector long considered a state monopoly.Minor raped and killed in Greater Noida: ‘She went because she knew him’The father of a minor raped and killed in Greater Noida says his daughter went with the accused because she recognised him — a detail that has added a dimension of betrayal of trust to a case that has already shocked the community.Live UpdatesAug 31, 2026 10:13 AM ISTNepal flash floods: Death toll reaches 903The death toll from flash floods in Nepal has reached 903, according to Nepalese authorities, with rescue and relief operations continuing in affected areas.Aug 31, 2026 10:12 AM ISTRSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat says Bharat gave asylum to persecuted, guidance to worldRSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said Hindus respect and accept all, adding that Bharat has given asylum to persecuted people and welcomed many who came as aggressors."Hindus respect and accept all. Bharat has always given asylum to the persecuted and provided guidance to the world. Many came to India as aggressors but are now Bharatiya citizens," he said.He further urged people to make small improvements over time and become more enlightened and selfless."Before leaving this place, you should take some resolve in your mind. You cannot become Bhagwan Ram overnight. You cannot become like our ancestors overnight. But you can take two small steps. Per week, per month, per year, whatever time you want to take, make some small improvements, so that you become a more enlightened human being and a more selfless, serving being. There are many people enlightening society and doing this. Sangha is also one of them," he added.VIDEO | Toronto, Canada: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat says, "Hindus respect and accept all. Bharat has always given asylum to the persecuted and provided guidance to the world. Many came to India as aggressors but are now Bharatiya citizens."(Source: Chord Canada)(Full video… pic.twitter.com/NEelMwgLzq— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 31, 2026Aug 31, 2026 10:03 AM ISTMandakini river swells, creates flood-like conditions in Chitrakoot | VIDEORising water levels of the Mandakini River create flood-like conditions in Chitrakoot and nearby areas.#watch | Satna, Madhya Pradesh: Rising water levels of the Mandakini River create flood-like conditions in Chitrakoot and nearby areas. pic.twitter.com/3pka1eEFJ8— ANI (@ANI) August 31, 2026© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd