HP monsoon mayhem: Toll climbs to 310 — 158 rain deaths, 152 in road mishaps

Himachal Pradesh has faced a severe monsoon season. It has led to 310 deaths since June 20. Rain-related incidents and road accidents are the major causes. Extensive damage to public and private property has occurred. Mandi is the worst-hit district. Connectivity, power, and water supply are disrupted. Authorities are working to restore essential services.

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Chris Froome, the celebrated four-time Tour de France champion, is hospitalized after a serious training crash in Toulon, southern France. The 40-year-old cyclist suffered a pneumothorax, five broken ribs, and a lumbar vertebrae fracture, necessitating surgery. His future in cycling is now uncertain as he recovers from the injuries sustained during the accident.

Tour de France champion Chris Froome suffers serious crash and undergoes surgery

Chris Froome, the celebrated four-time Tour de France champion, is hospitalized after a serious training crash in Toulon, southern France. The 40-year-old cyclist suffered a pneumothorax, five broken ribs, and a lumbar vertebrae fracture, necessitating surgery. His future in cycling is now uncertain as he recovers from the injuries sustained during the accident.

India has crossed a historic milestone, with over one crore school teachers in 2024–25, marking a significant step toward improved pupil-teacher ratios and higher student retention. Yet, persistent learning gaps and the under-representation of women in leadership, highlighted by the UNESCO GEM Report 2024–25, reveal that numerical growth alone cannot guarantee equitable, high-quality education across the nation.

India’s school teachers surpass one crore for the first time

India has crossed a historic milestone, with over one crore school teachers in 2024–25, marking a significant step toward improved pupil-teacher ratios and higher student retention. Yet, persistent learning gaps and the under-representation of women in leadership, highlighted by the UNESCO GEM Report 2024–25, reveal that numerical growth alone cannot guarantee equitable, high-quality education across the nation.

Amid strained diplomatic relations, India has appointed Dinesh K Patnaik, a seasoned diplomat from the 1990 IFS batch, as the new High Commissioner to Canada. Patnaik, currently serving as India’s Ambassador to Spain, brings over 30 years of experience from various international missions. This appointment comes after India withdrew its High Commissioner and other diplomats following actions by Canada.

India-Canada ties on the mend? New envoy named - who is Dinesh Patnaik

Amid strained diplomatic relations, India has appointed Dinesh K Patnaik, a seasoned diplomat from the 1990 IFS batch, as the new High Commissioner to Canada. Patnaik, currently serving as India’s Ambassador to Spain, brings over 30 years of experience from various international missions. This appointment comes after India withdrew its High Commissioner and other diplomats following actions by Canada.

Ukraine is easing wartime travel restrictions, allowing men aged 18-22 to travel abroad until 23, effective August 29, 2025. This reverses the blanket ban imposed in 2022. Kyiv aims to provide educational and employment opportunities, addressing demographic challenges worsened by the war.

Ukraine allows young men to leave the country: Why Kyiv is suddenly easing its wartime travel ban

Ukraine is easing wartime travel restrictions, allowing men aged 18-22 to travel abroad until 23, effective August 29, 2025. This reverses the blanket ban imposed in 2022. Kyiv aims to provide educational and employment opportunities, addressing demographic challenges worsened by the war.

100 years of Sangh: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat briefs media - live updates

Sheikha Mahra, a Dubai princess known for her entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropy, divorced Sheikh Mana Al Maktoum in July 2024 and launched a perfume brand, with her first fragrance named "Divorce". In June 2025, she got engaged to rapper French Montana, confirmed after sightings at events in Dubai, Paris, and Morocco. She continues to be a prominent figure in Dubai.

Dubai Princess Sheikha Mahra gets engaged to rapper French Montana

Sheikha Mahra, a Dubai princess known for her entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropy, divorced Sheikh Mana Al Maktoum in July 2024 and launched a perfume brand, with her first fragrance named "Divorce". In June 2025, she got engaged to rapper French Montana, confirmed after sightings at events in Dubai, Paris, and Morocco. She continues to be a prominent figure in Dubai.

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, tanked in opening trade on Thursday a day after 50% US tariffs came into effect on India. While Nifty50 was below 24,550 BSE Sensex was over 700 points down.

Stock market: Nifty50 below 24,550; BSE Sensex drops over 700 points

Stock market today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, tanked in opening trade on Thursday a day after 50% US tariffs came into effect on India. While Nifty50 was below 24,550 BSE Sensex was over 700 points down.

Massive sunspots were spotted over Arar this week, including spots 4195, 4197, and 4199, some among the largest seen in 2025. Astronomers explained these are cooler, magnetically active regions on the Sun, often linked to solar flares and geomagnetic storms. Experts stressed their study is crucial, warning of possible communication and satellite disruptions, while encouraging public observation.

Saudi Arabia: Massive sunspots spotted over Arar, astronomers explain their effects

Massive sunspots were spotted over Arar this week, including spots 4195, 4197, and 4199, some among the largest seen in 2025. Astronomers explained these are cooler, magnetically active regions on the Sun, often linked to solar flares and geomagnetic storms. Experts stressed their study is crucial, warning of possible communication and satellite disruptions, while encouraging public observation.

Stock market today: Indian stock markets witnessed a significant downturn, with the Nifty50 closing at 24,500.90 and the BSE Sensex at 80,080.57. The decline was primarily attributed to newly imposed 50% US tariffs on Indian goods, triggering uncertainty among exporters.

Trump tariffs: Why Nifty50, BSE Sensex tanked in trade - Top reasons

Stock market today: Indian stock markets witnessed a significant downturn, with the Nifty50 closing at 24,500.90 and the BSE Sensex at 80,080.57. The decline was primarily attributed to newly imposed 50% US tariffs on Indian goods, triggering uncertainty among exporters.

Intelligence agencies alerted Bihar authorities about three Pakistani terrorists entering through Nepal. Vehicle checks are underway in border areas. Police stations are on high alert. A reward of Rs 50,000 is offered for information. The terrorists, identified as Hasnain, Adil, and Usman, arrived in Kathmandu in August. They are suspected to have entered Bihar through Araria district.

3 Pak terrorists in Bihar: Cops announce Rs 50k reward; share passport details

Intelligence agencies alerted Bihar authorities about three Pakistani terrorists entering through Nepal. Vehicle checks are underway in border areas. Police stations are on high alert. A reward of Rs 50,000 is offered for information. The terrorists, identified as Hasnain, Adil, and Usman, arrived in Kathmandu in August. They are suspected to have entered Bihar through Araria district.

Watch: Sparks fly in Mexican parliament as senate debate turns violent

Japan has released an AI-generated video simulating a Mount Fuji eruption to warn Tokyo residents about potential hazards. The simulation depicts ash plumes spreading towards the city, highlighting risks to health, transportation, and power. While no eruption is imminent, the video aims to enhance public awareness and encourage emergency preparedness in the high-risk seismic zone.

WARNING! Japan issues AI video: Mount Fuji eruption risks; Tokyo residents on alert

Japan has released an AI-generated video simulating a Mount Fuji eruption to warn Tokyo residents about potential hazards. The simulation depicts ash plumes spreading towards the city, highlighting risks to health, transportation, and power. While no eruption is imminent, the video aims to enhance public awareness and encourage emergency preparedness in the high-risk seismic zone.

Satish Sarawagi in Noida found a plastic glove in his sandwich. He ordered it through Zomato. The sandwich had broccoli, corn, and basil pesto. Sarawagi posted images on X. He tagged Zomato and the restaurant. He also tagged India’s food regulator. Zomato responded, expressing shock. They contacted the customer. They said they would discuss it with the restaurant.

Noida man orders sandwich online, finds plastic glove inside

Satish Sarawagi in Noida found a plastic glove in his sandwich. He ordered it through Zomato. The sandwich had broccoli, corn, and basil pesto. Sarawagi posted images on X. He tagged Zomato and the restaurant. He also tagged India’s food regulator. Zomato responded, expressing shock. They contacted the customer. They said they would discuss it with the restaurant.

Pulwama, once marred by violence and the site of the tragic 2019 terror attack, is now witnessing a remarkable transformation. The district is hosting its first-ever night cricket tournament, drawing large crowds and fostering a sense of community.

Pulwama: Thousands attend day-night cricket match - watch video

Pulwama, once marred by violence and the site of the tragic 2019 terror attack, is now witnessing a remarkable transformation. The district is hosting its first-ever night cricket tournament, drawing large crowds and fostering a sense of community.

The death of Nikki Bhati in Noida is under intense scrutiny as conflicting accounts emerge. While Nikki told doctors she suffered burns in a gas cylinder blast, her sister alleges she was set on fire by her husband due to dowry harassment.

Big twist in Noida case: Nikki Bhati told doctors her burns were from cylinder blast

The death of Nikki Bhati in Noida is under intense scrutiny as conflicting accounts emerge. While Nikki told doctors she suffered burns in a gas cylinder blast, her sister alleges she was set on fire by her husband due to dowry harassment.