News brief: Big stories of the day

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister and BJP stalwart, dies at 93

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee breathed his last today at Delhi's All India Institute Of Medical Science. He was 93. According to the official statement released by AIIMS, Vajpayee passed away at 5.05pm on Thursday, August 16.

Kerala's situation is 'grave', says Supreme Court Defence chiefs meet as death toll mounts to 79

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The Supreme Court on Thursday described Kerala's flood situation as "grave" and directed a high power committee to convene a meeting by Friday on the rising water level in the Mullaperiyar dam.

US tariffs on Turkey to stay even if pastor released: White House

The White House has asserted that the trade tariffs on Turkey would remain in place, even if American pastor Andrew Brunson, who is detained for terrorism charges, is freed.

Kabul suicide bombing: Islamic State claims responsibility

Islamic State on Thursday claimed responsibility for a deadly suicide bombing that rocked a Shi'ite area of Afghanistan's capital Kabul on Wednesday.

France is new No.1, previous champion Germany slumps to 15th in FIFA rankings

FIFA 2018 World champions France shot to the top of the FIFA rankings on Thursday, displacing previous leaders Germany to 15th after their humiliating first-round exit in Russia.