Liontown Expands Lithium Brine Operations in Argentina Through Farm-In Agreement Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) has announced a strategic farm-in agreement to acquire up to 100% of the Centenario lithium brine project in Salta, Argentina, marking a significant step in diversifying its battery minerals portfolio. The deal, structured as a staged investment, involves funding up to US$40 million (~A$56 million) over four years, with initial payments and milestone-based contributions. The agreement with NEXT Lithium Corp. positions Liontown to gain a foothold in a lithium brine district near established operations by major players like Lithium Argentina, Ganfeng, and Eramet. Under the terms of the agreement, Liontown will initially invest US$5 million (~A$7 million) in cash and US$10 million (~A$14 million) in shares to secure a stake in the project. A US$15 million work program is planned for the first 12–24 months, focusing on early-stage exploration and drilling. The staged structure allows the company to increase its ownership based on funding and exploration outcomes, ensuring capital discipline while aligning with its core focus on the Kathleen Valley operations. The Centenario project is located in a region known for its lithium brine deposits, a critical source of the world’s lithium. This move enables Liontown to access a low-cost entry into a globally significant lithium province, complementing its existing hard-rock lithium operations in Western Australia. The partnership with NEXT Lithium, a firm with expertise in Argentinian lithium brine assets, provides Liontown with technical know-how and regional experience, enhancing its capabilities in the sector.#liontown_ltd #next_lithium_corp #centenario_project #salta_argentina #lithium_argentina
Wintermute-Linked Wallets Transfer $399 Million in Bitcoin to Binance Wallets associated with Wintermute moved approximately 5,100 Bitcoin, valued at around $399 million, to Binance over a 48-hour period. The transfers were identified by blockchain analytics firm Onchain Lens during a period of heightened cryptocurrency market volatility. No formal sale has been confirmed, and Wintermute has not publicly stated the reason for the movement of the funds. The transfers involved multiple transactions, ranging from several hundred Bitcoin to over 1,000 Bitcoin in individual transfers. While large institutional deposits into exchanges like Binance can signal potential selling pressure, market makers often move funds for operational purposes such as liquidity management, arbitrage strategies, or over-the-counter settlement activities. The exact intent behind the Wintermute-linked transfers remains unclear. Wintermute, a privately held entity, has a history of making significant asset transfers. In early 2024, its wallets were linked to substantial Ethereum movements that were later associated with inventory management practices. This pattern suggests the recent Bitcoin transfer may also be part of routine operational activities rather than an indication of a direct sell-off. The movement of such a large amount of Bitcoin has raised questions among traders, though no definitive conclusions have been drawn. The price of Bitcoin at the time of reporting was $78,075.64. The article also highlights other notable Bitcoin transfers, including a dormant wallet that moved $188 million after seven years of inactivity and another that transferred $3.2 million from a wallet inactive since 2011, reportedly linked to FalconX.#bitcoin #binance #wintermute #onchain_lens #falconx

Wintermute-Linked Wallets Move $399M in Bitcoin to Binance, Fueling Sell-Off Speculation Wallets associated with the crypto market maker Wintermute have transferred approximately 5,100 Bitcoin—valued at around $399 million—to Binance over the past two days, according to blockchain analytics platform Onchain Lens. This significant movement of funds has sparked speculation among traders about potential market implications, though experts caution that such transfers may serve multiple operational purposes beyond signaling a sell-off. The transfers were identified by Onchain Lens, which flagged multiple wallet addresses linked to Wintermute. Over a 48-hour period, these addresses collectively sent the Bitcoin to Binance, marking one of the larger single-market-maker movements observed in the current quarter. The transactions were distributed across several transfers, with individual transfers ranging from hundreds to over a thousand Bitcoin. While the exact intent behind the transfers remains unconfirmed by Wintermute, the timing coincides with a period of heightened volatility in the crypto market. Bitcoin has been trading within a narrow range, and large inflows into exchanges are often interpreted as a sign of potential price movements as traders prepare to execute orders or hedge positions. Market makers like Wintermute frequently move assets between exchanges and their own wallets to support liquidity provision, arbitrage strategies, or over-the-counter (OTC) settlements. As such, the deposits to Binance do not definitively indicate an immediate sell-off. However, they contribute to the prevailing sentiment of caution among short-term traders. For everyday investors, such large transfers from major players can serve as a useful signal but are not conclusive.#crypto_market #bitcoin #binance #wintermute #onchain_lens

Bihar Weather Alert: Heavy Rainfall, Floods, and Crocodile Sightings Bihar is bracing for heavy rainfall and flood-like conditions as the state’s meteorological department has issued an orange alert for 11 districts, including Patna. The warning comes after significant rainfalls in several regions, with the monsoon season showing signs of intensifying. The alert is valid for September 1 and 2, with forecasts indicating continued rain and high humidity, though the likelihood of relief from the oppressive heat remains low. The situation has already caused severe disruptions. In Aurangabad, continuous rain over two days, combined with rising water levels from rivers in Jharkhand, has created flood-like conditions. The Adari and Punpun rivers are experiencing rapid rises, with water inundating parts of the city. In Supaul, the Kosi River has overflowed, submerging homes and leaving nearly 50,000 people affected. A six-foot crocodile was also spotted near the Kosi River in Supaul, prompting local authorities to capture it and hand it over to forest officials. In Begusarai, the Ganga’s water levels have dropped, but the region remains vulnerable. Central Water Commission data suggests that while the river level is currently lower, it could rise again in the next two days. The areas most affected include Bakhawada, Tehri, Barauni, Matihani, Baliya, Shamho, and Sahebpur Kamal Prakhand. The floodwaters have submerged entire villages, with over 50,000 residents trapped in the inundated zones. The rainfall has also caused localized flooding in Patna, Supaul, Jamui, and Rohtas, with waterlogging disrupting daily life. In Patna, heavy rains on Sunday afternoon led to sudden downpours, with thunderstorms and lightning reported. The city’s weather is expected to remain unstable for the next few days, with intermittent rain and high humidity.#bihar #patna #aurangabad #supaul #kosi_river

Hottest August in India Records 123-Year Temperature Record The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that August 2026 marked the hottest August in the country since 1901, breaking a 123-year-old temperature record. According to IMD data, the average minimum temperature across the nation reached 24.29°C, significantly higher than the normal average of 23.68°C. This unprecedented heatwave was particularly notable in Central India and the South Peninsula, where nighttime temperatures hit record highs, indicating a stark deviation from historical norms. The IMD attributed the unusually high temperatures to a combination of factors, including heavy rainfall and persistent low-pressure systems that disrupted typical weather patterns. Throughout August, six low-pressure zones formed over the country, with one particularly strong system evolving into Cyclone Asna in the Arabian Sea on August 30. These systems contributed to continuous rainfall, preventing nighttime cooling and leading to elevated temperatures. The month also saw a significant increase in rainfall compared to historical averages, with 15.3% more precipitation recorded than usual. This marked the second-highest rainfall for August since 2019, with regions like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Tripura experiencing record-breaking heavy downpours. While the increased rainfall provided relief to agricultural areas, it also raised concerns about the long-term implications of climate change. Experts warn that the persistent high temperatures and erratic weather patterns are clear indicators of climate change. The inability of nighttime temperatures to drop, due to cloud cover and rainfall, has led to prolonged heat stress, which could impact both public health and crop quality.#rajasthan #gujarat #indian_meteorological_department #tripura #cyclone_asna

India Experiences Hottest August Since 1901, September Rainfall Expected to Be Below Normal The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that August 2026 was the hottest August on record since 1901, with average temperatures surpassing historical norms. The month saw a significant rise in temperatures, with the national average reaching 28.01°C—well above the typical 27.34°C observed during the same period in previous years. This unprecedented heatwave has raised concerns about the impact on agriculture, water resources, and public health. The IMD’s analysis indicates that the extreme temperatures were exacerbated by the strengthening of the El Niño phenomenon, a climatic event characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. El Niño is known to disrupt global weather patterns, often leading to reduced monsoon rainfall in parts of South Asia. The department’s director general, Dr. Mritunjay Mahapatra, highlighted that the El Niño-driven warming of the Pacific has already begun to influence weather systems, with the potential to further intensify the heatwave in the coming weeks. The implications of this trend extend to the upcoming monsoon season. According to the IMD, September 2026 is expected to see below-normal rainfall across much of the country. The department’s forecast suggests that the long-period average (LPA) rainfall for September could be 9% lower than the historical norm. The LPA, which represents the average rainfall over a 30- to 50-year period, is a critical indicator for agricultural planning and water resource management. The connection between El Niño and the monsoon season is well-documented.#india #el_nio #bay_of_bengal #indian_meteorological_department #dr_mritunjay_mahapatra
Over 900 Trapped in Nepal’s Flood-Damaged Tunnels; Rescue Operations Continue Amid Hope and Desperation A catastrophic flood in Nepal has left over 900 people missing, with rescue teams working tirelessly to locate survivors trapped in hydroelectric project tunnels. The disaster, triggered by sudden monsoon rains, has devastated the Trishuli River region, submerging infrastructure and displacing thousands. As of now, more than 279 individuals have been rescued, but the search for the missing continues in the face of treacherous conditions. The Scale of the Crisis The flood, which struck on August 29, overwhelmed the Trishuli-3A hydroelectric project and other sites, trapping workers in underground tunnels. According to the Nepal Electricity Authority and the Independent Power Producers Association, at least 897 people are still unaccounted for, including engineers, laborers, and support staff. The disaster has also displaced hundreds of local residents, with many seeking shelter in makeshift camps. Rescue Efforts and Challenges Rescue operations have involved a mix of local and international teams, including the Nepali Army, helicopters, and technical experts. Teams have used air compressors to pump oxygen into tunnels, a critical step in sustaining trapped individuals. However, the process has been slow, with families pleading for faster action. One survivor, Shiva Giri, shared his harrowing escape. After the flood submerged the Malung hydroelectric project, Giri and his colleagues fled to higher ground, walking for 12 hours through dense forests before taking refuge in a cave. “We had no choice but to climb,” he told Nepal News. “Every second counted.” Eventually, a helicopter rescued the group, transporting them to Kathmandu for medical care.#nepal #trishuli_river #nepal_electricity_authority #independent_power_producers_association #ndrrma

Deadly Flash Floods in the Grand Canyon Linked to Climate Factors A deadly flash flood in the Grand Canyon over the weekend was likely driven by a combination of climate factors, including prolonged drought, wildfire damage, and warming temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. The event, which occurred during a severe storm, highlighted the risks posed by overlapping extreme weather conditions exacerbated by environmental changes. The Grand Canyon, a popular tourist destination, is particularly vulnerable to sudden flooding due to its steep, rocky terrain, which channels water rapidly into narrow channels. The flood struck as intense rains overwhelmed the region’s already fragile landscape, which had been shaped by years of drought and the aftermath of the Dragon Bravo wildfire. This blaze, which scorched nearly 150,000 acres in July 2025, left the area’s slopes barren and vulnerable to rapid runoff. Scientists warn that burned landscapes lose their ability to absorb water, turning even moderate rainfall into destructive flash floods. The Grand Canyon’s steep, rocky terrain further amplified the danger, funneling water into a powerful torrent that swept through the park. Federal models indicated that the fire’s impact significantly increased the risk of debris flows in Bright Angel Creek, a key waterway in the area. A report by the Department of Interior’s team assessing post-fire threats warned that runoff risks upstream of Phantom Creek could be two to eight times higher than normal. Hikers and visitors near the burned zones faced severe hazards, including unstable rockfalls and flooded trails. Some evacuees described the creek turning black as it swelled with runoff, swallowing bridges and other infrastructure.#grand_canyon #dragon_bravo_fire #department_of_interior #california_institute_for_water_resources #phantom_creek

Three Hikers Killed, Two Missing After Flash Floods in Grand Canyon Three friends who embarked on a hiking trip in the Grand Canyon faced a tragic fate when flash floods swept through the area over the weekend, resulting in the death of one hiker and the disappearance of two others. The incident has left families and rescue teams grappling with the aftermath of the natural disaster, which has also disrupted the park’s infrastructure and complicated search efforts. The victims, Dr. John Giusti, Brent Rosenkranz, and Timothy Allen Smith, were part of a group that entered the Grand Canyon on Friday, planning to spend two nights exploring trails near the bottom of the canyon. Their itinerary included fishing before heading to Havasupai Gardens, a popular stop for hikers on the Bright Angel Trail. However, heavy rainfall triggered sudden flash floods, which overwhelmed the area and led to the tragic loss of life. Giusti, a 46-year-old chiropractor from Granbury, Texas, was pronounced dead, while his companions, Rosenkranz and Smith, remain missing. Giust’s wife, Janet Giusti, described him as a devoted father, healer, and family man, emphasizing his impact on his three daughters and his community. Rosenkranz, a lifelong martial arts instructor and school owner, was noted for his dedication to mentoring young people, while Smith, a husband and father of three, was passionate about outdoor activities and family time. The families of the missing expressed gratitude for the search-and-rescue efforts and urged continued support for the victims and their loved ones. They highlighted the challenges faced by rescuers, including limited cellphone coverage and potential language barriers, as many of the missing are believed to be foreign tourists.#national_park_service #grand_canyon #john_giusti #brent_rosenkranz #timothy_allen_smith

Dismantling Of Amravati’s Heritage Railway Station Stopped After Controversy The demolition of Amravati’s historic railway station, a British-era structure declared a heritage site by the Maharashtra government, has been halted following public backlash and administrative review. The controversy erupted after the Central Railway’s Bhusawal Division ordered the dismantling of the old building, which was set to be replaced by a new facility for railway offices. The decision sparked widespread protests, with residents and officials condemning the move as a violation of conservation norms. The station, part of 55 heritage structures in Amravati and Badnera, was officially recognized as a protected monument by the state government. However, the administration reportedly proceeded with its demolition, prompting questions about the authorization process. A team led by the District Revenue Officer (DRM) of Bhusawal is now inspecting the site to verify the heritage status of the building and assess the extent of the dismantling work. A key point of contention emerged regarding the station’s age. While Google records list the structure as having been established in 1859, making it 167 years old, an inauguration board at the site claims the year 1953. This discrepancy has fueled debates about the historical significance of the building. The British-era station is celebrated as a fine example of colonial architecture and is prominently featured in the state’s heritage list. Residents and activists argue that heritage structures are vital to a city’s identity and that the government’s actions undermine conservation efforts. Former State Minister Dr.#maharashtra_government #amravati #central_railway #bhusawal_division #dr_sunil_deshmukh

Businessman Robbed of Cash and Gold Jewellery in Akola A daylight robbery occurred at the residence of a businessman in Akola’s Ramdas Peth police station limits on Monday morning, sparking panic in the area. The victim, Vijay Gupta, who runs Gupta Flower Oil Industries from his home, was allegedly assaulted, tied up, and confined while cash and gold jewellery were stolen. The incident took place around 7:30am in the Naya Jeen area near Mohta Mill Road. According to Gupta, a group of individuals who had come to visit him attacked him, bound his hands and legs, and took ₹2.5 lakh in cash from him and ₹1.5 lakh kept with his wife. He also estimated the stolen gold jewellery to be worth approximately ₹50 lakh. Ramdas Peth police station incharge Shirish Khandare confirmed that a complaint has been registered and the victim has been sent for a medical examination. The preliminary FIR records a loss of ₹25 lakh to ₹30 lakh in cash along with gold ornaments, though Khandare clarified that the exact amounts and the quantity of gold could not yet be confirmed. “The complainant has provided an estimate regarding the cash and gold. Until the accounts, cash, and gold are properly verified, it would not be appropriate to give a final figure,” Khandare stated. Gupta alleged that one of the suspected individuals had been working as a hamal (porter) with him for four to five years. The family claimed the employee had recently started bringing another person with him, raising suspicions about prior knowledge of the valuables stored at the residence. Police are investigating whether the suspected employee or his associates had planned the robbery in advance. No individual’s role has been conclusively established so far. Authorities arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and began collecting evidence.#robbery #vijay_gupta #gupta_flower_oil_industries #ramdas_peth #shirish_khandare
