Rescue operations have resumed in parts of Nepal and China affected by the devastating flash floods after officials said the immediate threat from a newly formed barrier lake had reduced.

Operations had been paused over concerns that the swollen lake could trigger another sudden deluge. Residents in vulnerable areas were moved to higher ground as authorities monitored the situation. Officials have now said the danger is easing as water from the barrier lake begins to drain.

Scientists are continuing to study the exact cause of the disaster. Newly released video footage showed a large portion of a glacier breaking away and plunging into the river below. The August 26 disaster along the Nepal-Tibet border is believed to have been linked to a massive glacial collapse that sent ice, rock, mud and water through mountain river systems.

The flooding destroyed villages and damaged roads, bridges and other infrastructure across the affected areas. Satellite imagery and geological assessments have provided more information about how the disaster unfolded, although scientists are still examining the exact cause.

India has continued to support Nepal's relief and rescue operations, with aid being delivered quickly after the disaster. On Thursday, India sent its second consignment of relief supplies, including medicines and food packets, taking the total material delivered by air to 47.5 tonnes. By Friday afternoon, India's total relief material sent to Nepal had reached 62 tonnes.

While several countries, including the US and China, have also pledged support, India's rapid relief response has stood out as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

India has also been working to bring back its citizens affected by the floods. External affairs minister S Jaishankar received 21 Indian nationals from Tamil Nadu at Delhi airport after they were rescued from flood-hit areas of Nepal.

In a social media post, EAM Dr S Jaishankar said, "Received a group of 21 pilgrims from Tamil Nadu who were rescued from the floods in Nepal.Was moved to hear their experience first hand. Thank the Nepali Army and Government for this rescue effort. Appreciate Embassy of India, Kathmandu’s facilitation of their smooth return to India."

The Ministry of External Affairs also confirmed that 96 Indians stranded on the Chinese side had safely crossed into Nepal by land route.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "First good news, 21 Indian nationals who had arrived yesterday in Kathmandu from the area that was affected by this flood have today landed in Delhi. These 21 Indian nationals are from Tamil Nadu. Yesterday, our ambassador met them in Kathmandu and inquired about their well-being. In addition to these 21 Indian nationals, yesterday we gave you an update about 63 Indian nationals who are working at the Trishuli One hydropower project. They were also rescued yesterday."

However, the situation remains serious, with the MEA also updating that 320 Indians are still missing following the Nepal floods. As rescue teams return to the affected areas, authorities in Nepal and China continue to monitor water levels and assess the damage caused by the flash floods and suspected glacial collapse.

Sterling Holiday Resorts has expanded its presence in Uttarakhand with the launch of Sterling Lake View Sattal, adding another destination to its growing Kumaon circuit.  The new 24-room resort brings Sterling's portfolio to 12 resorts in Uttarakhand and 80 resorts across India. Located close to Sattal Lake, the property is set within the quieter lake-and-forest landscape of Kumaon.

Sattal is known for its cluster of seven freshwater lakes, surrounded by forested hills and rich biodiversity. The destination is also popular for its birdlife and offers a slower and more peaceful travel experience compared with some of the region's better-known hill destinations.

Designed around its surroundings, Sterling Lake View Sattal features lake-facing rooms and an intimate setting suited to families, couples and nature enthusiasts. Guests can explore the area through birdwatching, forest walks and other outdoor experiences connected to the landscape.

The resort's location also makes it a convenient base for exploring Bhimtal, Nainital, Kainchi Dham and Naukuchiatal, allowing travellers to discover several parts of the Kumaon region from one stay.

Building a Connected Kumaon Circuit

The Sattal launch reflects Sterling's Destination Architect philosophy, which focuses on understanding what makes each destination special and developing experiences around it, rather than simply adding individual properties.

Speaking on the launch, Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts, said:

"We increasingly look at expansion through the lens of a Destination Architect. The question is not simply where we can add another hotel, but what is distinctive about a destination, what experiences can be built around it, and how it connects with the larger journeys of our guests.

Sattal is a good example. Its seven lakes, forests and rich biodiversity give it an identity quite different from the more established hill destinations of Kumaon. Sterling Lake View Sattal allows us to bring that character alive through nature, birding and slower travel, while connecting it naturally with Bhimtal, Nainital, Kainchi Dham and the wider Kumaon region.

A resort gives us presence in a destination; a connected circuit gives us relevance across a region. Our ambition is to keep connecting established destinations with emerging micro-markets and give travellers more compelling ways to discover India."

Sterling's network in Uttarakhand already covers destinations linked to mountains, forests, wildlife, rivers, wellness, pilgrimage, adventure and lakes. With Sattal, the company adds another lake-and-forest destination to this network.

The wider Kumaon circuit brings together the hill appeal of Nainital, the lakes of Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal, the spiritual importance of Kainchi Dham and the surrounding forests and mountain landscapes.

A Stay Built Around Sattal

Sterling's approach at the property is centred on making the destination itself an important part of the guest experience. Its lakes, forests, birdlife, local culture and slower pace form the backdrop for the stay.

Guests can take part in nature-led experiences around the resort, while Sattal Bistro, the in-house restaurant, adds to the experience with Sterling's signature warmth and hospitality.

Commenting on the association, Abhijit Agrawal, Partner, Arthouse Hotels LLP, said:

"Sattal has retained a sense of tranquillity that is increasingly rare in the more established hill destinations, and that is precisely what we wanted this resort to preserve. Our association with Sterling brings together the property's unique lake-side setting with the reach and operating expertise of an established hospitality brand. We believe this partnership will help introduce more travellers to Sattal while building the resort as a distinctive nature-led stay in the Kumaon region."

The launch of Sterling Lake View Sattal marks another step in the company's expansion strategy, moving from individual properties towards a network of connected destinations that can offer travellers more ways to explore a region.

DBS Bank India has committed ₹10 crore to support the expansion of MITTI Café across India, strengthening employment, vocational training and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities. The partnership was marked by the inauguration of a new MITTI Café at 1 MG Mall, Bengaluru, by the Hon'ble Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot.

The three-year partnership between DBS Bank India and MITTI Café will support the establishment of nine cafés across India, creating employment opportunities for more than 100 persons with disabilities, providing vocational training to approximately 470 individuals, and supporting around 300 people in accessing employment opportunities.

The new café at 1 MG Mall offers customers a mainstream café experience while creating opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in day-to-day hospitality and customer-facing operations.

Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot, Governor of Karnataka, highlighted the importance of creating opportunities that promote dignity, independence and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities.

"MITTI Café shows us that inclusion is not only a social responsibility; it can also be a successful and sustainable economic model. Give people an opportunity, and their abilities will find their own way forward," he said.

Gaurav Rajput, Head of Group Marketing & Communications, DBS Bank India, said the partnership reflects the bank's commitment to creating impact beyond banking by supporting purpose-driven organisations.

"By expanding access to livelihoods for persons with disabilities, we aim to support greater economic participation and contribute to more inclusive communities," he said.

Alina Alam, Founder & CEO, MITTI Café, said the Bengaluru opening was particularly meaningful as the organisation's journey began in Karnataka.

"This café represents much more than employment; it represents dignity, independence and the power of opportunity," she said.

MITTI Café is a not-for-profit organisation focused on creating livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities and individuals from vulnerable communities. Its cafés operate across public institutions, transport hubs, commercial locations, universities, hospitals and corporate campuses.

The organisation has served more than 22 million meals and beverages and created over 6,500 livelihood opportunities. Its network includes prominent locations such as Rashtrapati Bhavan, Rashtrapati Nilayam, the Supreme Court of India, airports and educational institutions.

The initiative follows an inclusive employment model that integrates persons with disabilities into mainstream commercial environments. Through customer-facing roles, employees gain workplace experience, professional skills and opportunities to build sustainable livelihoods.

The partnership also aligns with the broader social impact efforts of DBS Foundation, which supports initiatives aimed at improving the lives and livelihoods of vulnerable communities through financial inclusion, essential needs and purpose-driven solutions.

With the new café at 1 MG Mall and the planned expansion across India, DBS Bank India and MITTI Café aim to create more accessible pathways to employment while demonstrating how inclusive business models can contribute to sustainable social impact.