Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Nepal Flood Deaths, US Visa Pause and India Disputes
A flash flood and mudslide in Nepal killed at least 95 people.
Many others are still missing, including more than 100 Indian tourists.
The flood also damaged villages, roads, and bridges, and officials have not yet determined its cause.
The United States temporarily stopped immigrant visa appointments around the world.
Officials said they need training to review whether applicants might depend on public benefits.
In India, a judge accused a senior Rajasthan High Court judge of using his administrative powers improperly.
A jewellery company removed an advertisement after people said it was not respectful enough for the Raksha Bandhan festival.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he opposed an event involving RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, although he said the city might not be allowed to cancel a private event.
At least 95 people died after a flash flood and mudslide in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, while 291 foreign citizens remain untraced.
The United States paused immigrant visa appointments worldwide while consular officials train to assess applicants’ potential reliance on public benefits.
Justice Sandeep Mehta accused Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma of administrative misconduct and sought his replacement.
Jewellery company Giva withdrew a Raksha Bandhan advertisement featuring Kriti Sanon after social media criticism of her outfit.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani opposed an event featuring Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat but questioned whether the city could cancel it.
- Who
- The reports involve Nepalese rescue authorities, the United States administration and consular officials, Indian judges, jewellery company Giva and actor Kriti Sanon, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.
- What
- The roundup covers a deadly Nepal flood, a worldwide pause in US immigrant visa appointments, allegations involving a Rajasthan High Court acting chief justice, a withdrawn Indian advertisement, and a dispute over an RSS event in New York City.
- When
- The articles refer to events occurring recently; the Bhagwat event was scheduled for Saturday, and Sharma was expected to retire the following month.
- Where
- The incidents occurred in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, at US consulates worldwide, in the Rajasthan High Court, in India’s advertising and social-media sphere, and in New York City.
- Why
- The flood’s cause was not established; the US cited consular training; the judge sought action over alleged administrative misuse; Giva cited concern about hurt cultural sentiments; and Mamdani opposed the RSS event’s stated vision.
Criticism and objections
Responses and stated constraints
Raksha Bandhan advertisement
Criticism and objections
Some social media users criticized Kriti Sanon’s outfit as inappropriate for the Hindu festival and insensitive to its religious significance.
Responses and stated constraints
Giva said it had the highest regard and deep respect for Indian culture, traditions, and festivals, and withdrew the advertisement after saying it may have hurt some people’s sentiments unintentionally.
RSS event in New York City
Criticism and objections
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was deeply opposed to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, describing it as based on an exclusionary vision of any country.
Responses and stated constraints
Mamdani also said New York City might not have jurisdiction to cancel a private event, while the event featuring Mohan Bhagwat remained scheduled.
- Nepal deaths
- At least 95 people were reported dead in the flash flood and mudslide.
- Foreign citizens missing
- 291 foreign citizens had not been traced, including more than 100 Indian tourists.
- Flood location
- The disaster struck Rasuwa district along Nepal’s border with China, about 120 kilometers north of Kathmandu.
- US visa action
- Immigrant visa appointments were paused globally and scheduled interviews were to be rescheduled.
- Judicial allegation
- Justice Sandeep Mehta asked Chief Justice of India Surya Kant to replace Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma immediately.
- Advertisement response
- Giva withdrew its Raksha Bandhan advertisement featuring Kriti Sanon after social-media backlash.
- New York event
- Mohan Bhagwat was expected to address about 5,000 Hindu-Americans and Hindu non-resident Indians at Madison Square Garden.