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News This Week: From the escalating Iran-US war and India’s 7.8% GDP growth to Nepal floods, Mirzapur’s big-screen debut and Mandhana’s record, here are this week’s top stories.
Here’s a look at the biggest stories that made headlines this week.
News This Week: From the Iran-US conflict intensifying to India’s economy growing faster than expected, this week brought major developments across geopolitics, the economy, disasters, entertainment and sports. Here are the stories you should know about.
Iran-US War Escalates
The conflict between Iran and the United States is showing no signs of cooling down. The latest clashes began with US raids on Sunday, deepening the standoff as Iran continues to maintain a stranglehold over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, while the US pushes ahead with its counter-blockade of Iranian ports.
On Tuesday, US forces launched what President Donald Trump described as a “very heavy attack” on Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded on Thursday by targeting US bases in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, despite Trump’s warnings that Washington could launch further strikes.
With the Strait of Hormuz remaining at the centre of the confrontation, the conflict continues to raise concerns over global energy supplies, shipping and the wider economic impact of the war.
India’s Economy Grows 7.8%
Amid global uncertainty and the economic fallout from the West Asia conflict, India delivered a surprisingly strong growth number.
India’s economy grew 7.8% in the April-June quarter, beating expectations and signalling resilience despite concerns over a potential slowdown.
Growth was slower than the 8.6% recorded in the previous quarter, but the latest numbers remained significantly stronger than many had expected after the conflict disrupted energy markets.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the figures, saying the growth was particularly impressive given global turmoil, geopolitical tensions and supply-chain disruptions.
In a video message on Instagram, Modi also took a swipe at critics spreading what he called “jhooth ki goonj”, arguing that the latest numbers had challenged the narrative of pessimism surrounding India’s economy.
The Congress, however, questioned whether the strong headline GDP figure was translating into jobs and better living standards. It argued that 7.8% growth should not be mistaken for an “economic spring”.
Former Finance Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg also raised questions about the figures, claiming nominal GDP growth during the quarter should have been around 2.6% and real growth “close to 0″.
Nepal Floods: Death Toll Crosses 1,300
The scale of the disaster along the China-Nepal border has been devastating. Floods and related disasters in Nepal have killed at least 1,287 people, according to the country’s disaster authority, while 5,083 remain missing.
In Tibet, Chinese state media reported 21 deaths and 541 people missing. Together, the figures put the toll from the August 26 glacial and mountain collapse at at least 1,308 deaths, with 5,624 people still missing across Nepal and Tibet.
The disaster has also left hundreds of foreigners unaccounted for. More than 800 people are reportedly missing, including trekkers in the Himalayas and pilgrims who had travelled to Mount Kailash.
India, too, has seen the impact, with at least 17 bodies recovered from rivers. Officials believe the bodies may have been swept downstream from Nepal, though they are not included in Nepal’s official death toll.
But on the tenth day of rescue operations, there was finally a rare ray of hope.
Two hydropower workers were pulled alive from a tunnel buried under debris in Nepal on Friday, days after catastrophic Himalayan flooding struck the region.
Rescuers cheered as one of the men was pulled through a muddy opening, according to a video released by Nepal’s energy ministry.
Mirzapur Is Coming to the Big Screen
For fans who have followed the chaos, crime and power struggles of Mirzapur, the story finally moved from the streaming screen to the big screen this Friday.
Mirzapur: The Movie expands the world of the hit series and is set between Episodes 6 and 7 of Season 1.
This time, the spotlight turns towards Babban Babua Yadav, played by Ravi Kishan. Babban moves closer to Kaleen Bhaiya, played by Pankaj Tripathi, using a business deal as cover while harbouring ambitions to claim the gaddi of Mirzapur for himself.
For fans of the series, the film promises another dose of the power games, rivalries and ambition that made Mirzapur a hit.
Smriti Mandhana Becomes Women’s Cricket’s Top Run-Scorer
And finally, Indian cricket fans had plenty to celebrate.
Smriti Mandhana has become the leading run-scorer in women’s international cricket after hitting a stunning 124 off just 64 balls in India’s Women’s Asia Cup match against Hong Kong in Dubai.
The innings took Mandhana past former India captain Mithali Raj, who previously held the record with 10,868 international runs. Her knock also helped India secure a place in the semi-finals of the T20 tournament.
But Mandhana wasn’t done breaking records.
The 30-year-old also became the leading century-maker in women’s international cricket, taking her tally to 18 centuries across formats. She moved ahead of Australia’s Meg Lanning and South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt, who both have 17 international hundreds.
From escalating tensions in West Asia and a stronger-than-expected Indian economy to a devastating disaster, a major movie release and another record for Indian cricket — that was your week in news.
Quick Answers
Ask News18The US launched raids on Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, followed by a “very heavy attack” on Tuesday, as described by President Donald Trump. These actions were in response to Iran’s continued control over the Strait and attempts to target commercial vessels and US troops.
Ask News18About the Author
Saurabh Verma is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, specializing in Indian politics, national current affairs, and breaking global news. With years of experience tracking power shifts, election strateg…Read More
September 04, 2026, 17:06 IST
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