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China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday (August 19) concluded his visit to India, as he met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The officials discussed several key issues, including cross-border terrorism, Brahmaputra dam construction and Taiwan.&nbsp;The Chinese foreign minister visited India at the invitation of National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Yi paid an official visit to India on August 18-19.&nbsp;Yi co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives' (SRs) Dialogue on the Boundary Question between India and China with India's NSA Ajit Doval.&nbsp;China's foreign minister also held bilateral talks with Jaishankar and PM Modi.<h2>Here's what they discussed - 5 points</h2><h3>Boundary issues</h3>Wang Yi, during the Special Representatives' (SRs) Dialogue, discussed issues related to de-escalation, delimitation, and boundary affairs.&nbsp;"Discussions between the Foreign Ministers covered bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest," India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.<h3>Cross-border terrorism</h3>India strongly raised the issue of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. It further recalled that one of the original objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was to counter the evil of terrorism.&nbsp;"Minister Wang Yi concurred that countering terrorism should be given the highest priority," the MEA said in the statement. &nbsp;<h3>PM Modi to attend SCO Summit</h3>The SCO is scheduled to be held later this month in China. PM Modi will also be visiting Beijing to attend the SCO Summit, signalling positive ties between the two countries.&nbsp;PM Modi thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for the invitation to the SCO Summit, as he conveyed his acceptance. He expressed support for China's Presidency of the SCO Summit and said that he looked forward to meeting President Xi in Tianjin.<h3>Brahmaputra dam construction</h3>During the discussions with Wang Yi, EAM Jaishankar underlined India's concerns regarding the mega dam construction being undertaken by China in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra River).&nbsp;Jaishankar stressed that it will have implications for lower riparian states. "The need for utmost transparency in this regard was strongly underlined," the statement read.<h3>Taiwan</h3>Further, the Chinese foreign minister also raised the issue of Taiwan. The Indian officials stressed that there was no change in their position on this issue.&nbsp;They further noted that India had a relationship with Taiwan that focuses on economic, technological and cultural ties and that this would continue.&nbsp;"The Indian side noted that China also cooperates with Taiwan in these very domains," the statement read.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Chinese foreign minister met with India's EAM Jaishankar and PM Modi on Tuesday. Wang Yi discussed several key issues with the officials, including the construction of Brahmaputra dam, issue of Taiwan and countering terrorism. 

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday (August 19) concluded his visit to India, as he met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The officials discussed several key issues, including cross-border terrorism, Brahmaputra dam construction and Taiwan. The Chinese foreign minister visited India at the invitation of National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Yi paid an official visit to India on August 18-19. Yi co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives' (SRs) Dialogue on the Boundary Question between India and China with India's NSA Ajit Doval. China's foreign minister also held bilateral talks with Jaishankar and PM Modi. Here's what they discussed - 5 points Boundary issues Wang Yi, during the Special Representatives' (SRs) Dialogue, discussed issues related to de-escalation, delimitation, and boundary affairs. "Discussions between the Foreign Ministers covered bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest," India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. Cross-border terrorism India strongly raised the issue of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism. It further recalled that one of the original objectives of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was to counter the evil of terrorism. "Minister Wang Yi concurred that countering terrorism should be given the highest priority," the MEA said in the statement. PM Modi to attend SCO Summit The SCO is scheduled to be held later this month in China. PM Modi will also be visiting Beijing to attend the SCO Summit, signalling positive ties between the two countries. PM Modi thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for the invitation to the SCO Summit, as he conveyed his acceptance. He expressed support for China's Presidency of the SCO Summit and said that he looked forward to meeting President Xi in Tianjin. Brahmaputra dam construction During the discussions with Wang Yi, EAM Jaishankar underlined India's concerns regarding the mega dam construction being undertaken by China in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra River). Jaishankar stressed that it will have implications for lower riparian states. "The need for utmost transparency in this regard was strongly underlined," the statement read. Taiwan Further, the Chinese foreign minister also raised the issue of Taiwan. The Indian officials stressed that there was no change in their position on this issue. They further noted that India had a relationship with Taiwan that focuses on economic, technological and cultural ties and that this would continue. "The Indian side noted that China also cooperates with Taiwan in these very domains," the statement read.

The Chinese foreign minister met with India's EAM Jaishankar and PM Modi on Tuesday. Wang Yi discussed several key issues with the officials, including the construction of Brahmaputra dam, issue of Taiwan and countering terrorism.&nbsp;

Brahmaputra dam, terrorism and Taiwan: Here's what Chinese FM Wang Yi discussed during his visit to India | 5 points

As heavy rain batters Mumbai, a video of an Air India plane making a safe landing at the city’s airport amid severe weather conditions and low visibility has gone viral on social media. This comes as a red warning was issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as incessant and persistent rain disrupts normal life in Mumbai. Several areas experienced a flood-like situation, affecting daily life and causing inconvenience for the residents.&nbsp;In the video, recorded and posted by a passenger on Tuesday (Aug 19), the plane can be seen making a smooth landing despite low visibility and heavy rainfall. “Mumbai airport landing in the midst of heavy rains,” the user wrote. Praising the pilot of the plane, the caption added, “Hats off to Captain Neeraj Sethi for landing safely with less visibility.”&nbsp;The video showed the aircraft’s wing as it descended towards the runway at Mumbai airport. The plane showed minimal turbulence and made a steady descent despite strong winds and heavy downpours before safely touching down on the tarmac.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a> airport landing in midst of heavy rains. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiRains</a> Hats off to Captain Mr. Neeraj Sethi for landing safely with less visibility. <a href="https://twitter.com/airindia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindia</a> VT-TNC <a href="https://t.co/khvJTSWnv7">pic.twitter.com/khvJTSWnv7</a>&mdash; 🇮🇳 Vidyasagar Jagadeesan🇮🇳 (@jvidyasagar) <a href="https://twitter.com/jvidyasagar/status/1957666203939533009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Several social media users hailed the pilot’s skilful landing despite adverse weather conditions. “Hats off for the landing,” a person said. Another said, “Full Marks to the Captain!! The True Heroes of Indian Skies!!” A third said, “Very skilful Pilot. Well done.” One user wrote, “Big Salute.”&nbsp;A person stated, “The weather conditions in Mumbai would make the best of Pilots feel relieved on safely reaching their destination. Needless to mention, a Pilot’s job is not everyone’s cup of tea.”&nbsp;While one said, “Real problem will start when u get out of the airport … all roads are waterlogged.” Replying to this comment, the original poster wrote, “It was,” while sharing images of the waterlogged streets of Mumbai due to heavy rains.&nbsp;On Tuesday (Aug 19) morning, more than 250 flights were affected due to the severe weather conditions in the city.&nbsp; Several other residents took to X to share clips of submerged roads, local train tracks, underpasses, and other areas. The disruptions resulted in inconvenience to commuters, bringing the city to a standstill.&nbsp;According to the IMD data, several parts of the city received 200 mm of rain, with Vikhroli in the eastern suburbs recording the highest at 255.5 mm. &nbsp;

An Air India pilot was praised for safely landing the plane amid heavy downpours and strong winds in Mumbai. A video, captured by the passenger, of the smooth landing amid stormy weather has gone viral on social media.

As heavy rain batters Mumbai, a video of an Air India plane making a safe landing at the city’s airport amid severe weather conditions and low visibility has gone viral on social media. This comes as a red warning was issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as incessant and persistent rain disrupts normal life in Mumbai. Several areas experienced a flood-like situation, affecting daily life and causing inconvenience for the residents. In the video, recorded and posted by a passenger on Tuesday (Aug 19), the plane can be seen making a smooth landing despite low visibility and heavy rainfall. “Mumbai airport landing in the midst of heavy rains,” the user wrote. Praising the pilot of the plane, the caption added, “Hats off to Captain Neeraj Sethi for landing safely with less visibility.” The video showed the aircraft’s wing as it descended towards the runway at Mumbai airport. The plane showed minimal turbulence and made a steady descent despite strong winds and heavy downpours before safely touching down on the tarmac.

An Air India pilot was praised for safely landing the plane amid heavy downpours and strong winds in Mumbai. A video, captured by the passenger, of the smooth landing amid stormy weather has gone viral on social media.

‘Hats off’: Air India pilot earns praises for safely landing plane despite heavy rains in Mumbai | WATCH

The India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has warned people about a fake claim on social media asking for “donations” to help Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, who is facing the death penalty in Yemen. On Tuesday (August 19), the department's fact check unit clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that no government-backed donation drive exists for this case and this case is totally false. The misleading post was shared by a blue-tick X account of evangelist KA Paul, asking people to donate ₹8.3 crore to a Government of India account to save the nurse, Nimisha.&nbsp;"We have seen claims being made on social media seeking monetary contributions into a GoI designated bank account in the Nimisha Priya case. This is a fake claim," said MEA. The fake account on X post wrote, “Donate directly to Save Nimisha to the Government of India account designate. We need 8.3 crore rupees.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Donate directly to Save Nimisha to the Government of India account designate . We need 8.3 crore rupees . <a href="https://t.co/6tKTr7n3HH">pic.twitter.com/6tKTr7n3HH</a>&mdash; Dr KA Paul (@KAPaulOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/KAPaulOfficial/status/1957691794012987581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

In July, Paul had also released a video on social media appealing to Yemen’s Houthi authorities. The video featured Nimisha’s 13-year-old daughter Mishel and her husband Thomas.&nbsp;Nimisha Priya, a 38-year-old nurse from Kerala, has been on death row in Yemen since 2020. She was convicted of killing a Yemeni man in July 2017. Her execution was originally set for July 16 this year, but was postponed after Indian authorities intervened. She remains in a prison, which is controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi group.&nbsp;Also Check - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nimisha-priya-case-victim-s-kin-demand-new-date-for-execution-1754305132353">Nimisha Priya Case: Victim's Kin Demand New Date For Execution</a>&nbsp;The MEA has recently said that it is closely monitoring the case and is working with other friendly countries while continuing to extend all possible support. During his weekly press briefings, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said that India continues to closely follow the matter and render all possible help. “We are also in touch with some 'friendly governments' on the matter, ” he said.&nbsp;

Nimisha Priya was convicted of killing a Yemeni man in July 2017. Her execution was originally set for July 16 this year, but was postponed after Indian authorities intervened. 

The India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has warned people about a fake claim on social media asking for “donations” to help Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, who is facing the death penalty in Yemen. On Tuesday (August 19), the department's fact check unit clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that no government-backed donation drive exists for this case and this case is totally false. The misleading post was shared by a blue-tick X account of evangelist KA Paul, asking people to donate ₹8.3 crore to a Government of India account to save the nurse, Nimisha. "We have seen claims being made on social media seeking monetary contributions into a GoI designated bank account in the Nimisha Priya case. This is a fake claim," said MEA. The fake account on X post wrote, “Donate directly to Save Nimisha to the Government of India account designate. We need 8.3 crore rupees.”

Nimisha Priya was convicted of killing a Yemeni man in July 2017. Her execution was originally set for July 16 this year, but was postponed after Indian authorities intervened

FACTCHECK | Social media post seeking donation to save Indian nurse Nimisha Priya goes viral - Here's the truth

A new report from IMPACT-se, which stands for the Institute for Monitoring Peace and Culture Tolerance in School Education, accused the Pakistani school curriculum of promoting Jihadist ideology and fueling antisemitic narratives. The study by IMPACT-se shows that children are exposed to lessons showing jihad as a religious and moral duty; Pakistan's ideological rivalries with India and Israel are mentioned in detail. India, is described literally as ‘the enemy country.’&nbsp;The study explored 86 government-approved textbooks across disciplines such as Islamic education, history, social sciences, English, and Urdu. It reveals findings that are concerning on multiple levels.&nbsp;<h2>Portrayal of India&nbsp;</h2>The textbooks are marred with historical distortions, cultural biases, and political agendas. The two-nation theory of Sir Seyed Ahmed Khan, and propagated by Muhammad Ali Jinnah as an antithesis to Mahatma Gandhi and unified India, had been glorified. The textbooks portray a selective history showing Hindus and India as oppressors of Muslims, justifying partition and Pakistan's creation. Hinduism is portrayed in a negative light, a narrative of the civilizational and religious incompatibility with India. It is shown as a threat to Pakistan's survival, to reinforce Pakistan's national identity. Jihad, as a physical struggle or armed defence, is glorified as a legitimate form of resistance with a broader obligation to religious and noble purposes without shedding light on the violence and negative consequences.<h2>Portrayal of Pakistan</h2>Pakistan is portrayed as a vanguard of the Islamic world. Its involvement in supporting Middle Eastern countries against Israel is presented as an attempt to create a unified Muslim front. Israel is depicted as a sole aggressor in the Middle East, a treacherous country. No mentions of the holocaust or Judaism in comparative religion studies. Jews are held responsible for the crucifixion of Prophet Isa (Jesus Christ) and the suffering of his mother. The textbooks portray Jews through the lens of interaction between the Prophet Muhammad and the Jewish tribes of Medina.&nbsp;

A recent report published on August 18, by IMPACT-se, shows Pakistani textbooks' depiction of India, Hinduism, Pakistan, its role in global politics, Israel and Jews.

A new report from IMPACT-se, which stands for the Institute for Monitoring Peace and Culture Tolerance in School Education, accused the Pakistani school curriculum of promoting Jihadist ideology and fueling antisemitic narratives. The study by IMPACT-se shows that children are exposed to lessons showing jihad as a religious and moral duty; Pakistan's ideological rivalries with India and Israel are mentioned in detail. India, is described literally as ‘the enemy country.’ The study explored 86 government-approved textbooks across disciplines such as Islamic education, history, social sciences, English, and Urdu. It reveals findings that are concerning on multiple levels. Portrayal of India The textbooks are marred with historical distortions, cultural biases, and political agendas. The two-nation theory of Sir Seyed Ahmed Khan, and propagated by Muhammad Ali Jinnah as an antithesis to Mahatma Gandhi and unified India, had been glorified. The textbooks portray a selective history showing Hindus and India as oppressors of Muslims, justifying partition and Pakistan's creation. Hinduism is portrayed in a negative light, a narrative of the civilizational and religious incompatibility with India. It is shown as a threat to Pakistan's survival, to reinforce Pakistan's national identity. Jihad, as a physical struggle or armed defence, is glorified as a legitimate form of resistance with a broader obligation to religious and noble purposes without shedding light on the violence and negative consequences. Portrayal of Pakistan Pakistan is portrayed as a vanguard of the Islamic world. Its involvement in supporting Middle Eastern countries against Israel is presented as an attempt to create a unified Muslim front. Israel is depicted as a sole aggressor in the Middle East, a treacherous country. No mentions of the holocaust or Judaism in comparative religion studies. Jews are held responsible for the crucifixion of Prophet Isa (Jesus Christ) and the suffering of his mother. The textbooks portray Jews through the lens of interaction between the Prophet Muhammad and the Jewish tribes of Medina.

A recent report published on August 18, by IMPACT-se, shows Pakistani textbooks' depiction of India, Hinduism, Pakistan, its role in global politics, Israel and Jews.

Pakistani 9th grade Islamic education textbook portrays jihad as a moral duty, India as enemy country

Recent heavy downpour, continuous red alert and high tides in Mumbai have evoked memories of the devastating 2005 deluge flood that claimed the lives of 1,094 people. Currently, Mumbai is experiencing severe waterlogging due to heavy rain, prompting officials to close government, semi-government offices, schools, colleges, and transport activities.&nbsp;The ongoing rain has claimed 8 lives as of now and received a record rainfall of around 300 mm, which is considered the third heaviest rainfall in 24 hours in Mumbai after the 2005 deluge, devastating flood triggered by heavy rain of 944 mm in 20 years, and the 2017 floods due to rain of about 468 mm in 12 hours. The 2005 rain was the eighth heaviest rainfall ever recorded in 24 hours across the world, and within a 12-hour window from 8 am to 8 pm, the city was submerged with 644 mm (25.35 inches) of rain, according to a report in Firstpost.&nbsp;Currently, the trauma of that event was brought back after the Mithi River began rising to a dangerous level, and the BMC evacuated citizens from Kranti Magar in Mumbai. More than 10 lakh acres of cropland have been submerged under water.<h3>The unforgettable saga of 2005 Mumbai's 26/7 deluge</h3>July 26, 2005, stands out as one of the darkest and most devastating days in the history of Mumbai. Dubbed as ‘26/7’, Mumbai came halt on this day due to floods triggered by heavy rains, which paralysed the entire city. Due to unprecedented 944 mm (37.17 inches) of rain pouring down, nearly half of the city's annual average rainfall in just 24 hours, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life, according to a report by CNBC.&nbsp;Between 8 am and 8 pm, 644 mm of rain lashed the city in a single day, claiming over 1,000 lives due to drowning, electrocution, and landslides across several parts of the city. In addition, more than 14,000 homes were destroyed, making them less sheltered, without food, or access to clean water.&nbsp;Over 37,000 auto-rickshaws, 900 BEST buses, 4,000 taxis, and 10,000 trucks and tempos were either damaged or immobilised, resulting in estimated economic losses of around ₹ 5.5 billion (approximately $100 million).&nbsp;The lifeline of the city, local trains, were stopped completely with damaged trains and tracks. The Mumbai airport was also shut down for more than 30 hours, resulting in the cancellation of 700 flights. Additionally, the communication system was also disrupted, with approximately 5 million mobile users and 2.3 million landline users losing connection for several hours.<h3>The 2017 floods</h3>Similarly, heavy rainfall, about 468 mm in 12 hours, led to widespread flooding on August 29, 2017, marking the third such rain in the 20 years of Mumbai's history. During the incident, the city faced major disruptions: trains ceased operations, power shutdowns were implemented to prevent electrocutions, roads flooded, and schools were closed. However, the death toll was comparatively low, but it was one of the most monsoon-related chasms in Mumbai.&nbsp;Mumbai has been experiencing such floods due to heavy rain as the drainage system of the city couldn't handle the heavy showers, as it was designed in colonial times, and it remains unchecked for years.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/imd-issues-red-alert-for-mumbai-for-second-consecutive-day-as-heavy-rains-lash-city-1755577521680">IMD issues 'Red Alert' for Mumbai for second consecutive day as heavy rains lash city</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

The 2005 Mumbai 26/7 deluge and 2017 floods due to heavy rain within 24 hours have led to widespread infrastructure destruction and loss of life. These incidents persisted due to the drainage system of the city that couldn't handle the heavy showers, as it was designed in colonial times.

Recent heavy downpour, continuous red alert and high tides in Mumbai have evoked memories of the devastating 2005 deluge flood that claimed the lives of 1,094 people. Currently, Mumbai is experiencing severe waterlogging due to heavy rain, prompting officials to close government, semi-government offices, schools, colleges, and transport activities. The ongoing rain has claimed 8 lives as of now and received a record rainfall of around 300 mm, which is considered the third heaviest rainfall in 24 hours in Mumbai after the 2005 deluge, devastating flood triggered by heavy rain of 944 mm in 20 years, and the 2017 floods due to rain of about 468 mm in 12 hours. The 2005 rain was the eighth heaviest rainfall ever recorded in 24 hours across the world, and within a 12-hour window from 8 am to 8 pm, the city was submerged with 644 mm (25.35 inches) of rain, according to a report in Firstpost. Currently, the trauma of that event was brought back after the Mithi River began rising to a dangerous level, and the BMC evacuated citizens from Kranti Magar in Mumbai. More than 10 lakh acres of cropland have been submerged under water. The unforgettable saga of 2005 Mumbai's 26/7 deluge July 26, 2005, stands out as one of the darkest and most devastating days in the history of Mumbai. Dubbed as ‘26/7’, Mumbai came halt on this day due to floods triggered by heavy rains, which paralysed the entire city. Due to unprecedented 944 mm (37.17 inches) of rain pouring down, nearly half of the city's annual average rainfall in just 24 hours, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life, according to a report by CNBC. Between 8 am and 8 pm, 644 mm of rain lashed the city in a single day, claiming over 1,000 lives due to drowning, electrocution, and landslides across several parts of the city. In addition, more than 14,000 homes were destroyed, making them less sheltered, without food, or access to clean water. Over 37,000 auto-rickshaws, 900 BEST buses, 4,000 taxis, and 10,000 trucks and tempos were either damaged or immobilised, resulting in estimated economic losses of around ₹ 5.5 billion (approximately $100 million). The lifeline of the city, local trains, were stopped completely with damaged trains and tracks. The Mumbai airport was also shut down for more than 30 hours, resulting in the cancellation of 700 flights. Additionally, the communication system was also disrupted, with approximately 5 million mobile users and 2.3 million landline users losing connection for several hours. The 2017 floods Similarly, heavy rainfall, about 468 mm in 12 hours, led to widespread flooding on August 29, 2017, marking the third such rain in the 20 years of Mumbai's history. During the incident, the city faced major disruptions: trains ceased operations, power shutdowns were implemented to prevent electrocutions, roads flooded, and schools were closed. However, the death toll was comparatively low, but it was one of the most monsoon-related chasms in Mumbai. Mumbai has been experiencing such floods due to heavy rain as the drainage system of the city couldn't handle the heavy showers, as it was designed in colonial times, and it remains unchecked for years. Also read: IMD issues 'Red Alert' for Mumbai for second consecutive day as heavy rains lash city

The 2005 Mumbai 26/7 deluge and 2017 floods due to heavy rain within 24 hours have led to widespread infrastructure destruction and loss of life. These incidents persisted due to the drainage system of the city that couldn't handle the heavy showers, as it was designed in colonial times.

Mumbai floods déjà vu: Red alerts, heaviest rains on record bring back fears of 2005, 2017 deluge

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, in New Delhi on Tuesday during his India visit as the two neighbouring nations seek to reset their relations after having strained ties following the violent clashes between troops of the two nations along the border in 2020. The Chinese FM’s visit is being seen as an effort to put the relationship back on track at a time of global economic turmoil amid the threat of tariff wars.The efforts to reset ties become vital since US President Donald Trump’s recent moves to impose tariffs on both China and India. By imposing tariffs, Trump may have inadvertently set the stage for an unlikely improvement in India-China relations due to economic compulsions.&nbsp;Wang Yi handed over a message and invitation from President Xi to the Prime Minister for the SCO Summit being held in Tianjin. He also shared his positive assessment of his bilateral meeting with EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar and the 24th Meeting of the Special Representatives, which he co-chaired with NSA Ajit Doval.&nbsp;PM Modi emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity on the border and reiterated India's commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Glad to meet Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, India-China relations have made steady progress guided by respect for each other&#39;s interests and sensitivities. I look forward to our next meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO… <a href="https://t.co/FyQI6GqYKC">pic.twitter.com/FyQI6GqYKC</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1957806973120065968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The PM also welcomed the steady and positive progress in bilateral ties since his meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, guided by mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual sensitivity, including the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. PM Modi thanked President Xi for the invitation to the SCO Summit and conveyed his acceptance. He expressed support for China’s presidency of the SCO Summit and said that he looked forward to meeting President Xi in Tianjin. The PM underlined that stable, predictable, and constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional and global peace and prosperity. Before calling on Prime Minister Modi, Wang held talks with the National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on a range of issues, including the border situation, trade, and resumption of flight services. During the meeting with Wang Yi on Monday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that “having seen a difficult period in our relationship… our two nations now seek to move ahead.” Wang Yi’s visit comes ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s expected trip to Tianjin, China, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit from August 31 to September 1.

The two nations started the de-escalation process with the dismantling of military infrastructure at the Line of Actual Control after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at his official residence, 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, in New Delhi on Tuesday during his India visit as the two neighbouring nations seek to reset their relations after having strained ties following the violent clashes between troops of the two nations along the border in 2020. The Chinese FM’s visit is being seen as an effort to put the relationship back on track at a time of global economic turmoil amid the threat of tariff wars. The efforts to reset ties become vital since US President Donald Trump’s recent moves to impose tariffs on both China and India. By imposing tariffs, Trump may have inadvertently set the stage for an unlikely improvement in India-China relations due to economic compulsions. Wang Yi handed over a message and invitation from President Xi to the Prime Minister for the SCO Summit being held in Tianjin. He also shared his positive assessment of his bilateral meeting with EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar and the 24th Meeting of the Special Representatives, which he co-chaired with NSA Ajit Doval. PM Modi emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity on the border and reiterated India's commitment to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question.

The two nations started the de-escalation process with the dismantling of military infrastructure at the Line of Actual Control after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping.

China’s FM Wang Yi meets PM Modi as Delhi, Beijing seek to reset ties

In another shocking racist attack, two elderly Sikh men were brutally assaulted outside Wolverhampton Railway Station in the United Kingdom. The incident, which happened on Friday (Aug 15), is being seen as a racially aggravated hate crime. The police have confirmed that three men have been arrested for being involved in the attack. The video of the incident has gone viral on social media, sparking outrage.&nbsp;In the video that is being widely shared on social media, one of the victims can be seen lying on the side of the road with his turban removed, while the other is being kicked and punched by a man.&nbsp;In the video, a woman, who was likely filming the attack, is heard saying, “These two men have just gotten beaten up by these white men.” She then shouts at the attackers, “What are you doing!”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I strongly condemn the horrific attack on two elderly Sikh men in Wolverhampton, UK, during the course of which one Sikh’s turban was removed forcibly. ▪️This racist hate crime targets the Sikh community, which always seeks Sarbat Da Bhala (the well-being of all). ▪️Known for… <a href="https://t.co/5G0DJbZbBs">pic.twitter.com/5G0DJbZbBs</a>&mdash; Sukhbir Singh Badal (@officeofssbadal) <a href="https://twitter.com/officeofssbadal/status/1957425901190136166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Reportedly, the incident took place around 1:45 pm BST on Friday (Aug 15). The victims were taken to a hospital for treatment and were later discharged.&nbsp;The BBC reported that the arrested suspects are aged 17, 19, and 25. They were bailed pending further inquiries.The incident sparked outrage from Sikh leaders in India and the Sikh Federation in the UK, who condemned the racist attack.&nbsp;Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal took to X, posting the video and strongly condemning the attack.&nbsp;“I strongly condemn the horrific attack on two elderly Sikh men in Wolverhampton, UK, during the course of which one Sikh’s turban was removed forcibly,” he wrote. This racist hate crime targets the Sikh community, which always seeks Sarbat Da Bhala (the well-being of all). Known for its benevolence and compassion, the Sikh community deserves safety and respect worldwide.”&nbsp;He further added, “I urge West Midlands Police and the UK Home Office to act swiftly &amp; deliver justice the victims. I also urge Union External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to raise this issue with the UK government to ensure the safety of the Sikh diaspora.”&nbsp;“Meanwhile, I appeal to all Sikh brethren settled abroad to support each other in this hour of need,” he said.

Two elderly Sikh men brutally attacked outside Wolverhampton Railway Station in the United Kingdom. The UK police have arrested three men following the incident.

In another shocking racist attack, two elderly Sikh men were brutally assaulted outside Wolverhampton Railway Station in the United Kingdom. The incident, which happened on Friday (Aug 15), is being seen as a racially aggravated hate crime. The police have confirmed that three men have been arrested for being involved in the attack. The video of the incident has gone viral on social media, sparking outrage. In the video that is being widely shared on social media, one of the victims can be seen lying on the side of the road with his turban removed, while the other is being kicked and punched by a man. In the video, a woman, who was likely filming the attack, is heard saying, “These two men have just gotten beaten up by these white men.” She then shouts at the attackers, “What are you doing!”

Two elderly Sikh men brutally attacked outside Wolverhampton Railway Station in the United Kingdom. The UK police have arrested three men following the incident.

Two elderly Sikh men brutally attacked in Wolverhampton; UK police arrests 3

In a shocking Incident in Central Kashmir's Ganderbal district, an elder sister has been arrested for murdering her younger sister. The body of the 14-year-old girl was discovered on the Batsar-Sephora road by Jammu and Kashmir police. And within 48 hours of the incident, the Jammu and Kashmir Police solved the mystery behind the murder.While speaking to the Media, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, Khalil Poswal, said that after a quick investigation into the case, it was revealed that the elder sister was involved in the killing incident.&nbsp;"A case was registered immediately after the discovery of the body, and our investigation quickly pointed to the role of the deceased's sister. An altercation between the two sisters escalated into violence, &nbsp;the elder sister struck the younger sibling with a rod, resulting in the tragic fatality, '' said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, Khalil Poswal.&nbsp;The shocking incident had drawn widespread condemnation, including from the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah. Omar has described the murder as "heinous" and expressed deep anguish over the loss of such a young life.&nbsp;The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had called for stringent punishment for those responsible for the crime, emphasizing that justice must be served.&nbsp;More to follow…

The shocking incident had drawn widespread condemnation, including from the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah. 

In a shocking Incident in Central Kashmir's Ganderbal district, an elder sister has been arrested for murdering her younger sister. The body of the 14-year-old girl was discovered on the Batsar-Sephora road by Jammu and Kashmir police. And within 48 hours of the incident, the Jammu and Kashmir Police solved the mystery behind the murder. While speaking to the Media, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, Khalil Poswal, said that after a quick investigation into the case, it was revealed that the elder sister was involved in the killing incident. "A case was registered immediately after the discovery of the body, and our investigation quickly pointed to the role of the deceased's sister. An altercation between the two sisters escalated into violence, the elder sister struck the younger sibling with a rod, resulting in the tragic fatality, '' said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ganderbal, Khalil Poswal. The shocking incident had drawn widespread condemnation, including from the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah. Omar has described the murder as "heinous" and expressed deep anguish over the loss of such a young life. The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had called for stringent punishment for those responsible for the crime, emphasizing that justice must be served. More to follow…

The shocking incident had drawn widespread condemnation, including from the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah.&nbsp;

Elder sister kills younger sister in Kashmir; Police solve case within 48 hours

Psephologist Sanjay Kumar of the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), who had alleged a significant dip in the number of voters in several assembly constituencies of Maharashtra compared to the Lok Sabha election held months earlier, apologised on Tuesday for the ‘error’ and deleted the posts, prompting a huge political slugfest, with the BJP going on an offensive against the Congress. Kumar, who is a professor and co-director of Lokniti, a research programme at the CSDS, had flagged significant voter additions and deletions in the Maharashtra Assembly election.&nbsp;The BJP has accused the research body of putting out unverified data to feed the “fake narrative” of Congress.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘I sincerely apologize for the tweets‘</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">I sincerely apologize for the tweets posted regarding Maharashtra elections. Error occurred while comparing data of 2024 LS and 2024 AS. The data in row was misread by our Data team. The tweet has since been removed. I had no intention of dispersing any form of misinformation.&mdash; Sanjay Kumar (@sanjaycsds) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanjaycsds/status/1957654145344892931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;“I sincerely apologize for the tweets posted regarding Maharashtra elections. Error occurred while comparing data of 2024 LS and 2024 AS. The data in row was misread by our data team. The tweet has since been removed. I had no intention of dispersing any form of misinformation,” Kumar said in a post on X.&nbsp;He had claimed that the number of voters in the Nashik West and Hingna Assembly constituencies went up by 47 per cent and 43 per cent respectively, between the Lok Sabha elections and Maharashtra assembly polls held this year. He also claimed that the number of voters sharply fell in Ramtek and Devlali seats by 38 per cent and 36 per cent respectively.&nbsp;Congress leaders had used Kumar’s claims in its ‘vote chori’ charge against the Election Commission of India and accused it of colluding with the BJP.&nbsp;<h2>BJP demands apology from Rahul Gandhi</h2>&nbsp;Senior BJP leader Amit Malviya, who is also the party’s IT head, slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying the psephologist whose data was used to level ‘vote chori’ allegations has now admitted that his figures were wrong.Malviya said Rahul Gandhi and the Congress brazenly targeted the Election Commission and went so far as to brand genuine voters as fake and demanded an apology from the Congress leader.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The very institution whose data Rahul Gandhi leaned on to defame the voters of Maharashtra has now admitted that its figures were wrong — not just on Maharashtra, but even on SIR. Where does this leave Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, which brazenly targeted the Election… <a href="https://t.co/4o99YDvsMx">pic.twitter.com/4o99YDvsMx</a>&mdash; Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitmalviya/status/1957708368589607221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Malviya also slammed CSDS and psephologist Sanjay Kumar in hard-hitting separate tweets.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The apology is in, and Sanjay Kumar is out. Incidentally, when was the last time this protégé of Yogendra Yadav ever got anything right? In all his projections in the run-up to every single election, the BJP is supposedly losing—and when the reverse happens, he turns up on TV… <a href="https://t.co/QXJvUi6d3B">https://t.co/QXJvUi6d3B</a>&mdash; Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitmalviya/status/1957674029327769974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Election Commission has already trashed the allegations of Rahul Gandhi and asked him to submit an affidavit on the issue or apologise. <h2>CSDS psephologist alleged over 38% dip in voters </h2> In his now-deleted post on Maharashtra elections, Kumar had claimed that in the assembly constituency 59 (Ramtek) number of voters in 2024 stood at 4,66,203 in the Lok Sabha polls and 2,86,931 in the assembly polls, claiming a “-38.45% decrease” in voters.Similarly, Kumar claimed that the number of voters in the assembly constituency (Devlali) in Lok Sabha election was 4,56,072, but came down to 2,88,141 in assembly elections, a “36.82% decrease”. Gandhi alleged ‘vote theft’ in polls by using the Mahadevapura Assembly constituency in Karnataka as a case study. He said the Opposition sensed a problem during the Maharashtra election and started a probe. The INDIA bloc, which won 30 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra last year, could not even cross the 50 mark in assembly polls five months later. Despite Kumar’s admission of error and apology, the Congress is sticking to its allegations. The party said that it might have taken up Kumar’s data, but also corroborated it with evidence it collected from its own sources in Maharashtra.

The faceoff between the INDIA bloc and ECI intensified on August 7 when Rahul Gandhi levelled a "vote chori" charge against the poll body. Rahul also called the ECI's Special Intensive Revision in the poll-bound Bihar a "conspiracy to steal" the upcoming assembly elections.

Psephologist Sanjay Kumar of the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), who had alleged a significant dip in the number of voters in several assembly constituencies of Maharashtra compared to the Lok Sabha election held months earlier, apologised on Tuesday for the ‘error’ and deleted the posts, prompting a huge political slugfest, with the BJP going on an offensive against the Congress. Kumar, who is a professor and co-director of Lokniti, a research programme at the CSDS, had flagged significant voter additions and deletions in the Maharashtra Assembly election. The BJP has accused the research body of putting out unverified data to feed the “fake narrative” of Congress. ‘I sincerely apologize for the tweets‘

The faceoff between the INDIA bloc and ECI intensified on August 7 when Rahul Gandhi levelled a "vote chori" charge against the poll body. Rahul also called the ECI's Special Intensive Revision in the poll-bound Bihar a "conspiracy to steal" the upcoming assembly elections.

BJP targets Congress’s ‘vote chori’ allegations after psephologist deletes tweets, apologises for ‘error’

Incessant rains have battered Mumbai, resulting in a flood-like situation in many parts of the city. The waterlogging has brought the city to a standstill, disrupting traffic on roads, affecting local train operations, and leading to flight delays on Tuesday (Aug 19). While the current situation in India’s financial capital has caused inconvenience for residents, some have found joy in swimming in the waterlogged streets.&nbsp;A video surfaced on social media showing a young boy swimming on a flooded road in Mumbai. The incident was captured outside a mall in the city. Some other kids were also seen sitting and wading in the water, turning the chaos into laughter. The clip was widely shared on social media.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Kids enjoying the swimming 🥽 outside oberoi mall. Massive Mumbai Rains 😨 but let&#39;s thank our municipality for the year to year hardwork they do so you can enjoy swimming on the roads and make it a mumbai Waterpark<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiRains</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiRain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiRain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rain</a> <a href="https://t.co/skFiSYevMr">pic.twitter.com/skFiSYevMr</a>&mdash; Vishvendra (@AbsoluteVish) <a href="https://twitter.com/AbsoluteVish/status/1957703050845388827?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Several other videos also surfaced on social media. Another video showed a car stuck in a flooded underpass in Thane, the a city adjoining Mumbai. Two people were stuck in the car and were reportedly rescued by locals.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Car stuck in underpass in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/thane?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#thane</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiRains</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Waterlogging?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Waterlogging</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flood?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Flood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rain</a> <a href="https://t.co/oEMYfam2NC">pic.twitter.com/oEMYfam2NC</a>&mdash; Saurabh Yadav (@saurabhydv676) <a href="https://twitter.com/saurabhydv676/status/1957725905742119366?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The tracks of Mumbai’s local train were also seen waterlogged amid extreme rainfall.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VIDEO | Maharashtra: Incessant rain has caused waterlogging in several parts of Mumbai, including railway tracks, affecting local train services. Visuals from Wadala. (Full video available on PTI Videos – <a href="https://t.co/n147TvrpG7">https://t.co/n147TvrpG7</a>) <a href="https://t.co/u4x0qTifkw">pic.twitter.com/u4x0qTifkw</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1957688296022364633?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

High tide was also seen at the Gateway of India.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Breaking?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Breaking</a> Mumbai has come to a standstill Look at the condition of Gate Bay of India <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbai</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BigNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BigNews</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rain</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flood?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Flood</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sea?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sea</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/viral?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#viral</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/gatewayofindia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#gatewayofindia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mumbaiairport?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mumbaiairport</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Trending?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Trending</a> <a href="https://t.co/1oUf3FMZUv">pic.twitter.com/1oUf3FMZUv</a>&mdash; Mukund Shahi (@Mukundshahi73) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mukundshahi73/status/1957762572926550410?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Flight operations were also disrupted at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, leading to over 250 flights delays.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Condition of Mumbai Airport now. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MumbaiRains?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MumbaiRains</a> <a href="https://t.co/BKJb0LRL6j">pic.twitter.com/BKJb0LRL6j</a>&mdash; United India360 (@UnitedIndia360) <a href="https://twitter.com/UnitedIndia360/status/1957732424693215476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and the Ghats of Pune. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday declared a holiday for all government and semi-government offices in the city and urged private organisations to allow employees to work from home. Schools and colleges remained were also closed as extremely heavy showers were predicted in the city and adjoining districts on Tuesday. The authorities have advised resident not to step out of their homes unless necessary. According to the weather department, several parts of the city recorded over 200 mm of rain in the last 24 hours. Vikhroli in the eastern suburbs observed the highest at 255.5 mm as per data from IMD. &nbsp;

People took to social media to capture normal life being disrupted amid heavy rainfall in Mumbai, which has resulted in flood-like situation in the city and adjoining areas.

Incessant rains have battered Mumbai, resulting in a flood-like situation in many parts of the city. The waterlogging has brought the city to a standstill, disrupting traffic on roads, affecting local train operations, and leading to flight delays on Tuesday (Aug 19). While the current situation in India’s financial capital has caused inconvenience for residents, some have found joy in swimming in the waterlogged streets. A video surfaced on social media showing a young boy swimming on a flooded road in Mumbai. The incident was captured outside a mall in the city. Some other kids were also seen sitting and wading in the water, turning the chaos into laughter. The clip was widely shared on social media.

People took to social media to capture normal life being disrupted amid heavy rainfall in Mumbai, which has resulted in flood-like situation in the city and adjoining areas.

WATCH | Boy swims on road, car stuck in underpass: Flood-like situation in Mumbai amid heavy rainfall

A teen girl from Bharat Nagar of Delhi was rescued almost a month later after being trafficked and forcibly married off in Uttar Pradesh. She was trafficked after leaving home following a dispute with her father, who later boarded a train that escorted her to Meerut. After the girl reached the station, two men lured her with false promises and took her to Shamli, where she was illegally married to a 40-year-old man, with creating fake Aadhaar card showing her age as 19 years.&nbsp;According to a report by TOI, the 13-year-old girl was rescued after she managed to give a missed call to her grandmother, resulting arrest of three men in connection with the case. In response to the act, police filed a case under Section 137 (kidnapping) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-man-60-raped-outside-church-by-man-without-fixed-address-1753436977737">UK man, 60, raped outside church by man ‘without fixed address’</a>&nbsp;Police sources indicated that they received a complaint about a missing girl on July 22. But even after continuous effort by the family and the police, she was untraceable at first. "While we were searching for the girl, her family informed us that they had received a missed call from an unknown number. When they called back, a woman answered and said her daughter-in-law might have made the call, then abruptly disconnected it. The number provided by the family had one incorrect digit, and when a police team followed that lead to Mathura, it turned out to be false," a police source said.&nbsp;After procuring the correct phone number, the team of police traced the location to Shamli and rescued the girl from a home. Surprisingly, from the investigation, police later discovered that the teen girl had left her home and boarded a bus to a railway station and then randomly taken a train that led her to Meerut.<h3>Girl married in exchange for Rs 15,000-20,000</h3>After reaching the station, she began wandering in the station where she encountered a 20-year-old man, who promised her to settle down, but it turned out to be a trap for the girl. Later, the man from Hapur and a 55-year-old associate from Meerut carried the girl to Shamli, where they forcefully married the girl to a 40-year-old man in exchange for Rs 15,000-20,000 on July 24 after making a fake Aadhaar card to show her age as 19 years. Four days after the forced marriage, the teen was reportedly sexually assaulted at the residence of the man with whom she was forcefully married.&nbsp;In response to it, the Bharat Nagar police booked the duo along with the man who married the girl under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges of human trafficking, forgery of official documents, and exploitation of a trafficked person.&nbsp;In addition, all three were also charged under Sections 6 and 21 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act as well as Sections 9 and 10 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. And a further probe into the incident is underway.

A 13-year-old girl was rescued after almost a month have being trafficked and forcibly married off in Uttar Pradesh to a 40-year-old man, with creating fake Aadhaar card showing her age as 19 years.

A teen girl from Bharat Nagar of Delhi was rescued almost a month later after being trafficked and forcibly married off in Uttar Pradesh. She was trafficked after leaving home following a dispute with her father, who later boarded a train that escorted her to Meerut. After the girl reached the station, two men lured her with false promises and took her to Shamli, where she was illegally married to a 40-year-old man, with creating fake Aadhaar card showing her age as 19 years. According to a report by TOI, the 13-year-old girl was rescued after she managed to give a missed call to her grandmother, resulting arrest of three men in connection with the case. In response to the act, police filed a case under Section 137 (kidnapping) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Also read: UK man, 60, raped outside church by man ‘without fixed address’ Police sources indicated that they received a complaint about a missing girl on July 22. But even after continuous effort by the family and the police, she was untraceable at first. "While we were searching for the girl, her family informed us that they had received a missed call from an unknown number. When they called back, a woman answered and said her daughter-in-law might have made the call, then abruptly disconnected it. The number provided by the family had one incorrect digit, and when a police team followed that lead to Mathura, it turned out to be false," a police source said. After procuring the correct phone number, the team of police traced the location to Shamli and rescued the girl from a home. Surprisingly, from the investigation, police later discovered that the teen girl had left her home and boarded a bus to a railway station and then randomly taken a train that led her to Meerut. Girl married in exchange for Rs 15,000-20,000 After reaching the station, she began wandering in the station where she encountered a 20-year-old man, who promised her to settle down, but it turned out to be a trap for the girl. Later, the man from Hapur and a 55-year-old associate from Meerut carried the girl to Shamli, where they forcefully married the girl to a 40-year-old man in exchange for Rs 15,000-20,000 on July 24 after making a fake Aadhaar card to show her age as 19 years. Four days after the forced marriage, the teen was reportedly sexually assaulted at the residence of the man with whom she was forcefully married. In response to it, the Bharat Nagar police booked the duo along with the man who married the girl under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges of human trafficking, forgery of official documents, and exploitation of a trafficked person. In addition, all three were also charged under Sections 6 and 21 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act as well as Sections 9 and 10 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006. And a further probe into the incident is underway.

A 13-year-old girl was rescued after almost a month have being trafficked and forcibly married off in Uttar Pradesh to a 40-year-old man, with creating fake Aadhaar card showing her age as 19 years.

Delhi teen rescued a month after being sold for Rs 15-20k, forced to marry 40-yr-old in UP

Over 100 crew members of Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh's upcoming film Dhurandhar suffered from food poisoning incident in Leh district of Ladakh. All the crew members were shifted to Leh Hospital where the doctors said it was a case of mass food poisoning.The whole crew was busy shooting the movie when all of them suddenly felt stomach pain, vomiting, and headache. All the crew members were shifted to the Sajal Narboo Memorial (SNM) Hospital in Leh.The cast of the film includes Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, &nbsp;Akshaye Khanna, Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi. The film is being directed by Aditya Dhar.The authorities later took the food samples from the same place to ascertain the cause. Hospital officials said that the situation was brought under control by immediately calling staff from all departments."We effectively controlled the rush of patients. Police also stepped in to control the crowded emergency ward and prevent chaos, '' said a local doctor.The administration confirmed to WION that all the patients are stable and most of them were discharged after the treatment. The authorities are now eagerly waiting for the laboratory reports of the food samples. According to the officials, to fix accountability, such incidents also raise questions over safety standards at large-scale shooting locations in sensitive areas like Leh. Most of the crew that was taken to the hospital was local crew from Leh district.&nbsp;

Over 100 crew members of Ranveer Singh's upcoming movie Dhurandhar had to be taken to the hospital due to food poisoning. Here's what happened.

Over 100 crew members of Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh's upcoming film Dhurandhar suffered from food poisoning incident in Leh district of Ladakh. All the crew members were shifted to Leh Hospital where the doctors said it was a case of mass food poisoning. The whole crew was busy shooting the movie when all of them suddenly felt stomach pain, vomiting, and headache. All the crew members were shifted to the Sajal Narboo Memorial (SNM) Hospital in Leh. The cast of the film includes Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, R. Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, Akshaye Khanna, Sara Arjun and Rakesh Bedi. The film is being directed by Aditya Dhar. The authorities later took the food samples from the same place to ascertain the cause. Hospital officials said that the situation was brought under control by immediately calling staff from all departments. "We effectively controlled the rush of patients. Police also stepped in to control the crowded emergency ward and prevent chaos, '' said a local doctor. The administration confirmed to WION that all the patients are stable and most of them were discharged after the treatment. The authorities are now eagerly waiting for the laboratory reports of the food samples. According to the officials, to fix accountability, such incidents also raise questions over safety standards at large-scale shooting locations in sensitive areas like Leh. Most of the crew that was taken to the hospital was local crew from Leh district.

Over 100 crew members of Ranveer Singh's upcoming movie Dhurandhar had to be taken to the hospital due to food poisoning. Here's what happened.

Over 100 crew members of Ranveer Singh starrer Dhurandar land in hospital after mass food poisoning

The INDIA bloc, on Tuesday (Aug 19) named former Supreme Court judge Justice B Sudershan Reddy as its joint candidate for the Vice Presidential election scheduled for September 9. The announcement was made by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi after a meeting of the opposition bloc. Calling the contest an "ideological battle," Kharge said that Reddy will file his nomination on August 21. "Tomorrow, all opposition parties' MPs are meeting in the central hall at 1 o'clock," he added.<h2>Who is Justice Reddy?</h2>Born on July 8, 1946, in Andhra Pradesh, B Sudershan Reddy built his career as a lawyer before rising to the highest court in the country. He enrolled with the Bar Council of Andhra Pradesh in December 1971 and went on to practice in writ and civil matters at the High Court. Between 1988 and 1990, he served as the government pleader in the Andhra Pradesh High Court, and in 1990 briefly worked as Additional Standing Counsel for the central government. He also advised Osmania University in his early career.Justice Reddy was appointed as a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in May 1995, and later became Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court in December 2005. In 2008, he was elevated to the Supreme Court of India, where he served until his retirement in July 2011.Throughout his judicial career, Reddy was known for rulings that often focused on social and economic justice, reports ANI.<h2>A 'champion of the poor'</h2>Kharge described him as a "most distinguished and progressive jurists" and said that he considered the retired judge a consistent and courageous champion of social, economic and political justice."B. Sudershan Reddy is one of India's most distinguished and progressive jurists. He has had a long and eminent legal career, including as judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court and Judge of the Supreme Court. He has been a consistent and courageous champion of social, economic and political justice. He is a poor man and many judgments if you read, will know that how he favoured the poor people and also protected the Constitution and fundamental rights," said the Congress chief.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This Vice Presidential contest is an ideological battle. All Opposition parties have nominated Shri B. Sudershan Reddy garu as their joint candidate for the position of the Vice President of India. Shri B. Sudershan Reddy garu is one of India’s most distinguished and… <a href="https://t.co/FD98YJhJMA">pic.twitter.com/FD98YJhJMA</a>&mdash; Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/1957711440753668598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Justice Reddy will face off with the ruling NDA's candidate, CP Radhakrishnan, in the September 9 election. The result will be decided by MPs of both Houses of Parliament, who make up the Vice Presidential electoral college. The deadline for filing nominations is August 21, while candidates can withdraw by August 25.

Who is Justice B Sudershan Reddy? Here's everything you need to know about the opposition INDIA bloc's candidate for the nation's vice presidential post.

The INDIA bloc, on Tuesday (Aug 19) named former Supreme Court judge Justice B Sudershan Reddy as its joint candidate for the Vice Presidential election scheduled for September 9. The announcement was made by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi after a meeting of the opposition bloc. Calling the contest an "ideological battle," Kharge said that Reddy will file his nomination on August 21. "Tomorrow, all opposition parties' MPs are meeting in the central hall at 1 o'clock," he added. Who is Justice Reddy? Born on July 8, 1946, in Andhra Pradesh, B Sudershan Reddy built his career as a lawyer before rising to the highest court in the country. He enrolled with the Bar Council of Andhra Pradesh in December 1971 and went on to practice in writ and civil matters at the High Court. Between 1988 and 1990, he served as the government pleader in the Andhra Pradesh High Court, and in 1990 briefly worked as Additional Standing Counsel for the central government. He also advised Osmania University in his early career. Justice Reddy was appointed as a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in May 1995, and later became Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court in December 2005. In 2008, he was elevated to the Supreme Court of India, where he served until his retirement in July 2011. Throughout his judicial career, Reddy was known for rulings that often focused on social and economic justice, reports ANI. A 'champion of the poor' Kharge described him as a "most distinguished and progressive jurists" and said that he considered the retired judge a consistent and courageous champion of social, economic and political justice. "B. Sudershan Reddy is one of India's most distinguished and progressive jurists. He has had a long and eminent legal career, including as judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, Chief Justice of Guwahati High Court and Judge of the Supreme Court. He has been a consistent and courageous champion of social, economic and political justice. He is a poor man and many judgments if you read, will know that how he favoured the poor people and also protected the Constitution and fundamental rights," said the Congress chief.

Who is Justice B Sudershan Reddy? Here's everything you need to know about the opposition INDIA bloc's candidate for the nation's vice presidential post.

Who is B Sudershan Reddy? All about INDIA bloc's candidate for Vice Presidential post

Scientists in California have found one of the earliest proofs that the Vedic culture was not limited to India. The evidence lies in music, as a study has pointed out that a hymn written on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean 3,000 years ago shares striking similarities with the Rig Veda, one of the oldest Indian sacred texts. Dan C. Baciu, of the University of California, Santa Barbara, published his comparative analysis on the Preprints.org server. He says that the Hymn to Nikkal, written in Ugarit and the Rig Veda verses shared the same cadence, or repeated melodic or rhythmic units. The researcher used computer-assisted rhythm and melody mapping to draw parallels between the two bodies of work. He wrote in his study that one in five Rig Veda verses ends with the same cadence as the Hymn to Nikkal. What makes it intriguing is that, according to him, the odds of this occurring by accident are less than one in a million. In the one written in the Mediterranean, there are two cadences - one simple and heartbeat-like, and one more intricate. Baciu says that both models are also present in the Rig Veda verses, "with one most frequently ending verses and the other linked closely to the Triṣṭubh meter," according to Baciu. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/unknown-harappan-settlement-discovered-in-thar-desert-for-the-first-time-1753948649708">Unknown Harappan settlement discovered in Thar desert for the first time</a><h2>Music connected kingdoms, lived on even after civilisations ended</h2>While one of them is simpler, the other is complex, and Baciu says this was done deliberately. Besides the shared rhythm, there is also the echoed melodic tendencies, which "ancient commentators on the Rig Veda described as mounting upon accented syllables and falling thereafter." A digital reconstruction revealed how shockingly similar the two pieces were. Baciu's discovery shows that music was shared across different cultures and spread faster than royal decrees and political alliances. In fact, even after the kingdoms vanished, music sustained. Ugarit connected Mesopotamian and Anatolian cultures, and historians say the Mitanni kingdom served as a cultural bridge between Ugarit and India. This Bronze Age state is believed to have acted as the channel through which Vedic traditions and musical forms were exchanged. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/110-years-after-maski-inscription-4-000-year-old-human-settlement-found-in-karnataka-town-1752742129490">110 years after Maski inscription, 4,000-year-old human settlement found in Karnataka town</a>&nbsp;<h2>Rig Veda musical cadence reached Greek poetry</h2>Baciu wrote in his paper, "The Mitanni left us two gifts. One is the earliest evidence of Vedic culture outside India. The other is this hymn, which demonstrates how music was able to unite civilisations." He says that the musical cadence continued to spread, with similar patterns being seen in Greek lyric poetry after hundreds of years. Sappho’s works, pieces of European literature, and the verses of German poet Friedrich Hölderlin in 1801 all carry the same music pattern. Baciu's research shows that music was the first global language, and challenges notions that civilisation existed in isolation.

Rig Veda and its verses, its musical notes and cadence, reached other civilisations and were shared across other Bronze Age cultures. A scientist has found proof that a 3,000-year-old hymn written in the Mediterranean has striking similarities with the Vedic verses.

Scientists in California have found one of the earliest proofs that the Vedic culture was not limited to India. The evidence lies in music, as a study has pointed out that a hymn written on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean 3,000 years ago shares striking similarities with the Rig Veda, one of the oldest Indian sacred texts. Dan C. Baciu, of the University of California, Santa Barbara, published his comparative analysis on the Preprints.org server. He says that the Hymn to Nikkal, written in Ugarit and the Rig Veda verses shared the same cadence, or repeated melodic or rhythmic units. The researcher used computer-assisted rhythm and melody mapping to draw parallels between the two bodies of work. He wrote in his study that one in five Rig Veda verses ends with the same cadence as the Hymn to Nikkal. What makes it intriguing is that, according to him, the odds of this occurring by accident are less than one in a million. In the one written in the Mediterranean, there are two cadences - one simple and heartbeat-like, and one more intricate. Baciu says that both models are also present in the Rig Veda verses, "with one most frequently ending verses and the other linked closely to the Triṣṭubh meter," according to Baciu. Also Read: Unknown Harappan settlement discovered in Thar desert for the first time Music connected kingdoms, lived on even after civilisations ended While one of them is simpler, the other is complex, and Baciu says this was done deliberately. Besides the shared rhythm, there is also the echoed melodic tendencies, which "ancient commentators on the Rig Veda described as mounting upon accented syllables and falling thereafter." A digital reconstruction revealed how shockingly similar the two pieces were. Baciu's discovery shows that music was shared across different cultures and spread faster than royal decrees and political alliances. In fact, even after the kingdoms vanished, music sustained. Ugarit connected Mesopotamian and Anatolian cultures, and historians say the Mitanni kingdom served as a cultural bridge between Ugarit and India. This Bronze Age state is believed to have acted as the channel through which Vedic traditions and musical forms were exchanged. Also Read: 110 years after Maski inscription, 4,000-year-old human settlement found in Karnataka town Rig Veda musical cadence reached Greek poetry Baciu wrote in his paper, "The Mitanni left us two gifts. One is the earliest evidence of Vedic culture outside India. The other is this hymn, which demonstrates how music was able to unite civilisations." He says that the musical cadence continued to spread, with similar patterns being seen in Greek lyric poetry after hundreds of years. Sappho’s works, pieces of European literature, and the verses of German poet Friedrich Hölderlin in 1801 all carry the same music pattern. Baciu's research shows that music was the first global language, and challenges notions that civilisation existed in isolation.

Rig Veda and its verses, its musical notes and cadence, reached other civilisations and were shared across other Bronze Age cultures. A scientist has found proof that a 3,000-year-old hymn written in the Mediterranean has striking similarities with the Vedic verses.

Scientist finds earliest evidence that Rig Veda verses influenced civilisations outside India

Faced with massive uproar from animal lovers and activists over the Supreme Court's "unscientific" stray dog ban order, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has now instructed officials in Delhi-NCR to refrain from taking any harsh actions. Reports suggest that Gupta, in a recent meeting, has issued strict instructions for all stakeholders to stay on "watch and ward" mode and, instead of relocating dogs, focus on sterilisation efforts. This comes as in Delhi and around India, animal activists took to the streets in large numbers protesting against the August 11 order by a two-member Supreme Court bench ordering the relocation of stray canines from Delhi-NCR streets to shelters. These shelters do not exist at the moment and need to be constructed. &nbsp;<h2>Rekha Gupta's latest order on street dogs</h2>Citing a senior Delhi government official, the Indian Express reported, "A meeting was held recently, and the Chief Minister has strictly issued directions to all officers concerned to not take any kind of harsh action that may hurt the sentiments of dog lovers or harm the dogs."According to the report, the Delhi government has decided to pick up any stray dogs for now. "Until the Supreme Court delivers a final decision, the government will stay on ‘watch and ward’ mode," said the official.&nbsp;Instead of the original relocation efforts, now the government will focus on mega sterilisation efforts. A campaign is being planned towards that end, and a firm will be hired to carry it out. “Tenders will be floated soon, and the selected firm will conduct the campaign, sterilising dogs on a daily basis. The number of dogs to be picked up per day and other modalities will be decided soon,” said an official, as cited by the report. According to the last dog population census conducted in 2016, the Indian capital has approximately eight lakh dogs.&nbsp;

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta has reportedly told officials not to take harsh actions while acting on the Supreme Court’s stray dog relocation order. This comes after massive protests by animal activists. 

Faced with massive uproar from animal lovers and activists over the Supreme Court's "unscientific" stray dog ban order, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has now instructed officials in Delhi-NCR to refrain from taking any harsh actions. Reports suggest that Gupta, in a recent meeting, has issued strict instructions for all stakeholders to stay on "watch and ward" mode and, instead of relocating dogs, focus on sterilisation efforts. This comes as in Delhi and around India, animal activists took to the streets in large numbers protesting against the August 11 order by a two-member Supreme Court bench ordering the relocation of stray canines from Delhi-NCR streets to shelters. These shelters do not exist at the moment and need to be constructed. Rekha Gupta's latest order on street dogs Citing a senior Delhi government official, the Indian Express reported, "A meeting was held recently, and the Chief Minister has strictly issued directions to all officers concerned to not take any kind of harsh action that may hurt the sentiments of dog lovers or harm the dogs." According to the report, the Delhi government has decided to pick up any stray dogs for now. "Until the Supreme Court delivers a final decision, the government will stay on ‘watch and ward’ mode," said the official. Instead of the original relocation efforts, now the government will focus on mega sterilisation efforts. A campaign is being planned towards that end, and a firm will be hired to carry it out. “Tenders will be floated soon, and the selected firm will conduct the campaign, sterilising dogs on a daily basis. The number of dogs to be picked up per day and other modalities will be decided soon,” said an official, as cited by the report. According to the last dog population census conducted in 2016, the Indian capital has approximately eight lakh dogs.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta has reportedly told officials not to take harsh actions while acting on the Supreme Court’s stray dog relocation order. This comes after massive protests by animal activists.&nbsp;

SC vs strays: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta caves to animal lovers' pressure, stops 'harsh action' on street dogs

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have announced the closure of the schools, both government and Private, in the Jammu division for the second consecutive day. The authorities issued an order stating that, in the Jammu division, because of the inclement and bad weather conditions, ordered that All Government as well as Private Schools of the Jammu Division shall remain closed on Tuesday.However, after the closure of the National Highway on Monday, traffic was allowed to ply on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on Tuesday. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was closed to all vehicular traffic due to heavy rainfall and shooting stones at multiple locations on Monday.More than 70 people have died in the two Cloudburst Incidents in Kishtwar and Kathua districts of the Jammu Division. According to officials, the relief and rescue operation by the NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, Jammu, and Kashmir Police and Civil Administration is still being carried out in the Kishtwar region, with three new dead bodies recovered from the incident site.On Sunday, a massive Cloud Burst in Kathua district caused major landslides and mudslides, leading to the deaths of seven people and injuries to six. A massive rescue and relief operation was carried out by NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and civil administration.The Indian Army swiftly mounted large-scale rescue and relief operations to support the distressed population. The sudden deluge triggered massive landslides and flooding, causing tragic loss of lives and extensive damage to infrastructure. Army relief columns, with an Engineer detachment, were immediately pressed into action in the worst-affected regions.The MeT Department in Jammu and Kashmir has predicted more rain for the next 12 hours, which could lead to cloudbursts and landslides , and mudslides in various areas. MeT says that Light to moderate Rain/Thunder at many places with intense showers/heavy Rain at a few places of Jammu Division including Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba &amp; Kathua, with moderate to intense showers over Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban. However, from tomorrow onwards, the weather is likely to improve. &nbsp;

Schools across Jammu division will remain shut for a second day Tuesday due to bad weather, officials said. The Jammu-Srinagar highway reopened after Monday’s closure, but over 70 people have died in recent cloudbursts in Kishtwar and Kathua. 

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have announced the closure of the schools, both government and Private, in the Jammu division for the second consecutive day. The authorities issued an order stating that, in the Jammu division, because of the inclement and bad weather conditions, ordered that All Government as well as Private Schools of the Jammu Division shall remain closed on Tuesday. However, after the closure of the National Highway on Monday, traffic was allowed to ply on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on Tuesday. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) was closed to all vehicular traffic due to heavy rainfall and shooting stones at multiple locations on Monday. More than 70 people have died in the two Cloudburst Incidents in Kishtwar and Kathua districts of the Jammu Division. According to officials, the relief and rescue operation by the NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, Jammu, and Kashmir Police and Civil Administration is still being carried out in the Kishtwar region, with three new dead bodies recovered from the incident site. On Sunday, a massive Cloud Burst in Kathua district caused major landslides and mudslides, leading to the deaths of seven people and injuries to six. A massive rescue and relief operation was carried out by NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and civil administration. The Indian Army swiftly mounted large-scale rescue and relief operations to support the distressed population. The sudden deluge triggered massive landslides and flooding, causing tragic loss of lives and extensive damage to infrastructure. Army relief columns, with an Engineer detachment, were immediately pressed into action in the worst-affected regions. The MeT Department in Jammu and Kashmir has predicted more rain for the next 12 hours, which could lead to cloudbursts and landslides , and mudslides in various areas. MeT says that Light to moderate Rain/Thunder at many places with intense showers/heavy Rain at a few places of Jammu Division including Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba & Kathua, with moderate to intense showers over Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban. However, from tomorrow onwards, the weather is likely to improve.

Schools across Jammu division will remain shut for a second day Tuesday due to bad weather, officials said. The Jammu-Srinagar highway reopened after Monday’s closure, but over 70 people have died in recent cloudbursts in Kishtwar and Kathua.&nbsp;

Jammu & Kashmir rains: Schools shut in Jammu for second consecutive day, MeT says weather to improve tomorrow onwards

Mumbai witnessed the first high tide at 9:17 AM on Tuesday amid intense and non-stop rainfall that triggered waterlogging and flooded streets. The second highest tide was witnessed at 10:07 AM and upcoming high tide is likely at 9:41 PM. Following the heavy downpour, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red alert for Mumbai and Raigad for Tuesday, predicting heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds reaching up to 65 kmph.&nbsp;For the upcoming week, the Mumbai tide chart indicate multiple peaks in the first half of the day till Saturday, August 23. The highest tide is likely to reach 4.5m, which is nearly 15 feet. The high tide in Mumbai is also set to hit at 10:19 AM tomorrow with the possibility to go as high as 13 feet. But, the high tide will come back at 9:55 PM on August 20.&nbsp;Since early Monday, the city has been experiencing intense monsoon showers, recording over 500 mm of rainfall within 84 hours. Rain triggered waterlogging in multiple areas which includes Chembur, Andheri, Dadar, Hindmata, and King’s Circle, disrupting normal activities and raising another concerns about the flood preparedness of the city.<h3>Water level of Mithi river rises</h3>Maharashtra Chief Minister office confirmed that 350 persons from the Kurla area of the Mumbai were relocated to a safe place as the Mithi river in the city on Tuesday. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that more than 10 lakh acres of cropland have been submerged under water, according to a report by the Hindu.&nbsp;He also stated the situation in Mumbai is under surveillance of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) as the water level in Mithi river has been rising.&nbsp;The Central Railway on Tuesday also suspended local train services on the harbour line between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Kurla stations after a section of tracks submerged after heavy downpour, officials said. In addition, IndiGo Airlines on Tuesday issued a travel guidelines for traveler flying out of Mumbai due to incessant rain causing waterlogging in the city.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/imd-issues-red-alert-for-mumbai-for-second-consecutive-day-as-heavy-rains-lash-city-1755577521680">IMD issues 'Red Alert' for Mumbai for second consecutive day as heavy rains lash city</a><h3>Heavy rain disrupts life in Mumbai</h3>Meanwhile, seven people have lost their lives so far in Maharashtra due to rain-related incidents, including three in Nanded, one in Hingoli, and two in Beed, according to ET. Following the heavy rain and waterlogging, road traffic slowed in several parts of the city, and train services across the Central, Harbour, and Western lines also suffered delays. Due to poor visibility triggered by rain prompted to at least 10 flights executing go-arounds and one being diverted.&nbsp;Mumbai University has postponed 32 examination slated for today, moving them to August 23. And, the red alert’s impact has extended beyond Mumbai, as civic authorities in Navi Mumbai, Thane, Mira Bhayandar, and Palghar have also declared school and college closures.&nbsp;

The coastal areas of Mumbai witnessed high tide amid intense and incessant rainfall on Tuesday. Following the continuous rain, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) also issued red alert for Tuesday, predicting heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds reaching up to 65 kmph.

Mumbai witnessed the first high tide at 9:17 AM on Tuesday amid intense and non-stop rainfall that triggered waterlogging and flooded streets. The second highest tide was witnessed at 10:07 AM and upcoming high tide is likely at 9:41 PM. Following the heavy downpour, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued red alert for Mumbai and Raigad for Tuesday, predicting heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds reaching up to 65 kmph. For the upcoming week, the Mumbai tide chart indicate multiple peaks in the first half of the day till Saturday, August 23. The highest tide is likely to reach 4.5m, which is nearly 15 feet. The high tide in Mumbai is also set to hit at 10:19 AM tomorrow with the possibility to go as high as 13 feet. But, the high tide will come back at 9:55 PM on August 20. Since early Monday, the city has been experiencing intense monsoon showers, recording over 500 mm of rainfall within 84 hours. Rain triggered waterlogging in multiple areas which includes Chembur, Andheri, Dadar, Hindmata, and King’s Circle, disrupting normal activities and raising another concerns about the flood preparedness of the city. Water level of Mithi river rises Maharashtra Chief Minister office confirmed that 350 persons from the Kurla area of the Mumbai were relocated to a safe place as the Mithi river in the city on Tuesday. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that more than 10 lakh acres of cropland have been submerged under water, according to a report by the Hindu. He also stated the situation in Mumbai is under surveillance of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) as the water level in Mithi river has been rising. The Central Railway on Tuesday also suspended local train services on the harbour line between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Kurla stations after a section of tracks submerged after heavy downpour, officials said. In addition, IndiGo Airlines on Tuesday issued a travel guidelines for traveler flying out of Mumbai due to incessant rain causing waterlogging in the city. Also read: IMD issues 'Red Alert' for Mumbai for second consecutive day as heavy rains lash city Heavy rain disrupts life in Mumbai Meanwhile, seven people have lost their lives so far in Maharashtra due to rain-related incidents, including three in Nanded, one in Hingoli, and two in Beed, according to ET. Following the heavy rain and waterlogging, road traffic slowed in several parts of the city, and train services across the Central, Harbour, and Western lines also suffered delays. Due to poor visibility triggered by rain prompted to at least 10 flights executing go-arounds and one being diverted. Mumbai University has postponed 32 examination slated for today, moving them to August 23. And, the red alert’s impact has extended beyond Mumbai, as civic authorities in Navi Mumbai, Thane, Mira Bhayandar, and Palghar have also declared school and college closures.

The coastal areas of Mumbai witnessed high tide amid intense and incessant rainfall on Tuesday. Following the continuous rain, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) also issued red alert for Tuesday, predicting heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds reaching up to 65 kmph.

Beware! Met department warns next high tide will hit Mumbai at THIS time

Heavy rainfall in Mumbai severely disrupted flight operations at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Tuesday (Aug 19) morning. More than 250 flights were affected due to the severe weather conditions in the city. Eight flights were diverted between 9 am and 9:50 am, while departures and arrivals were delayed by about 45 minutes on average.&nbsp;According to flight tracking data from Flightradar, 155 departures were delayed on Tuesday, while 102 arrivals were affected at the airport due to heavy rains.&nbsp;In an advisory issued by IndiGo on Tuesday morning, the airline alerted passengers of possible delays and waterlogged routes. “With Mumbai drenched in heavy showers, several routes to the airport are witnessing waterlogging and sluggish traffic. This has, in turn, led to operational challenges, with delays in both departures and arrivals, and we truly regret the inconvenience this may cause. If you’re scheduled to travel, we recommend leaving a little earlier and keeping an eye on your flight status via our app or website,” it said.&nbsp;Similar advisories were issued by SpiceJet, Air India, Akasa Air, and other airlines operating at the airport.&nbsp;<h2>Heavy rains bring Mumbai to standstill</h2>&nbsp;The heavy downpour also resulted in disruption in traffic in he city. Several low-lying areas were waterlogged, slowing the traffic and resulting in delays of local trains, causing inconvenience to commuters across Mumbai and nearby areas.&nbsp;The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and the Ghats of Pune. Schools and colleges remained closed as extremely heavy showers were predicted in the city and adjoining districts on Tuesday. Authorities have urged residents to only step out of their homes if necessary and requested private offices to facilitate work from home.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced that government and semi-government offices would remain closed on Tuesday, urging private organisations to allow employees to work from home.&nbsp;Over the last 24 hours, several parts of the city recorded over 200 mm of rain. Vikhroli in the eastern suburbs observed the highest at 255.5 mm as per data from IMD.&nbsp;

More than 250 flights were affected on Tuesday (Aug 19) as heavy rains disrupted flight operations at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.

Heavy rainfall in Mumbai severely disrupted flight operations at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Tuesday (Aug 19) morning. More than 250 flights were affected due to the severe weather conditions in the city. Eight flights were diverted between 9 am and 9:50 am, while departures and arrivals were delayed by about 45 minutes on average. According to flight tracking data from Flightradar, 155 departures were delayed on Tuesday, while 102 arrivals were affected at the airport due to heavy rains. In an advisory issued by IndiGo on Tuesday morning, the airline alerted passengers of possible delays and waterlogged routes. “With Mumbai drenched in heavy showers, several routes to the airport are witnessing waterlogging and sluggish traffic. This has, in turn, led to operational challenges, with delays in both departures and arrivals, and we truly regret the inconvenience this may cause. If you’re scheduled to travel, we recommend leaving a little earlier and keeping an eye on your flight status via our app or website,” it said. Similar advisories were issued by SpiceJet, Air India, Akasa Air, and other airlines operating at the airport. Heavy rains bring Mumbai to standstill The heavy downpour also resulted in disruption in traffic in he city. Several low-lying areas were waterlogged, slowing the traffic and resulting in delays of local trains, causing inconvenience to commuters across Mumbai and nearby areas. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert in Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, and the Ghats of Pune. Schools and colleges remained closed as extremely heavy showers were predicted in the city and adjoining districts on Tuesday. Authorities have urged residents to only step out of their homes if necessary and requested private offices to facilitate work from home. Meanwhile, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced that government and semi-government offices would remain closed on Tuesday, urging private organisations to allow employees to work from home. Over the last 24 hours, several parts of the city recorded over 200 mm of rain. Vikhroli in the eastern suburbs observed the highest at 255.5 mm as per data from IMD.

More than 250 flights were affected on Tuesday (Aug 19) as heavy rains disrupted flight operations at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.

Mumbai monsoon: Over 250 flights delayed as heavy rains disrupt airport operations

Days after the exit of Jagdeep Dhankhar, India's Opposition, the INDIA bloc, has picked Justice (retired) B Sudershan Reddy, former Supreme Court judge and the first Lokayukta of Goa, as its candidate for the Vice Presidential election. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has scheduled the Vice Presidential polls for September 9. The announcement by the Opposition bloc came two days after India's ruling NDA chose Maharashtra Governor and BJP veteran CP Radhakrishnan as its Vice Presidential nominee.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">This Vice Presidential contest is an ideological battle. All Opposition parties have nominated Shri B. Sudershan Reddy garu as their joint candidate for the position of the Vice President of India. Shri B. Sudershan Reddy garu is one of India’s most distinguished and… <a href="https://t.co/FD98YJhJMA">pic.twitter.com/FD98YJhJMA</a>&mdash; Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) <a href="https://twitter.com/kharge/status/1957711440753668598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 19, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

While making the announcement, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called the Vice Presidential election an ideological battle, announcing that all Opposition parties have jointly nominated retired Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy as their candidate. Kharge described Reddy as a progressive and respected jurist, with a distinguished legal career spanning roles in the Andhra Pradesh High Court, Gauhati High Court, and Supreme Court. He praised Reddy's commitment to social, economic, and political justice, saying he embodies the values of India’s Freedom Movement and Constitution. Kharge emphasised that these core values are currently under threat, and the Opposition is united in its resolve to contest this election.

<h2>Who is Justice (retired) B Sudershan Reddy?</h2>B Sudershan Reddy, born on July 8, 1946, began his legal career in December 1971 after enrolling with the Bar Council of Andhra Pradesh. He practiced primarily in writ and civil cases at the Andhra Pradesh High Court. Between 1988 and 1990, he served as the government pleader in the same court and briefly acted as additional standing counsel for the central government in 1990. He also held the position of legal adviser and standing counsel for Osmania University. In May 1995, he was appointed as a permanent judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court. A decade later, in December 2005, he was elevated to Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court. On January 12, 2007, Reddy was appointed to the Supreme Court of India, where he served until retiring on his 65th birthday, July 8, 2011.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-vice-presidential-election-on-september-9-who-will-succeed-dhankhar-1755369864973/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-vice-presidential-election-on-september-9-who-will-succeed-dhankhar-1755369864973/embed</a><h2>BJP picks Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as NDA Veep candidate</h2>The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday announced Maharashtra Governor and senior BJP leader CP Radhakrishnan as the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) candidate for the Vice President of India. The decision was made during a BJP Parliamentary Board meeting convened to finalise the candidate for the upcoming Vice Presidential election. If elected, Radhakrishnan will replace Jagdeep Dhankar, who resigned from the post last month due to health reasons. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Radhakrishnan on social media platform X, praising his long-standing public service, grassroots work in Tamil Nadu, and commitment to empowering the marginalised. The PM called him a leader known for dedication, humility, and intellect. In response, Radhakrishnan expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister, thanking him for the nomination and the opportunity to serve the nation in a new role. His selection has been widely seen as a strategic and symbolic move by the BJP-led NDA. &nbsp;

India's Vice Presidential election on September 9 will be fought between NDA's pick CP Radhakrishnan and the Opposition's candidate Justice (retired) B Sudershan Reddy. Whosoever wins the polls will be the successor of Jagdeep Dhankhar

Days after the exit of Jagdeep Dhankhar, India's Opposition, the INDIA bloc, has picked Justice (retired) B Sudershan Reddy, former Supreme Court judge and the first Lokayukta of Goa, as its candidate for the Vice Presidential election. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has scheduled the Vice Presidential polls for September 9. The announcement by the Opposition bloc came two days after India's ruling NDA chose Maharashtra Governor and BJP veteran CP Radhakrishnan as its Vice Presidential nominee.

India's Vice Presidential election on September 9 will be fought between NDA's pick CP Radhakrishnan and the Opposition's candidate Justice (retired) B Sudershan Reddy. Whosoever wins the polls will be the successor of Jagdeep Dhankhar

B Sudershan Reddy picked as India's Opposition's Vice President nominee

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba is likely to visit New Delhi by the end of August to lay the groundwork for Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s official visit to India in September. Sources said Foreign Minister Rana will travel to Delhi for a routine health check-up, but her trip is also expected to include official meetings. She is likely to meet Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar as part of the preparations for PM Oli’s visit.&nbsp;Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to travel to Bodh Gaya in Bihar next month, where he will hold bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Breaking tradition, India will host Oli in Bodh Gaya instead of New Delhi. The Buddhist pilgrimage site, where Lord Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment, carries deep cultural and spiritual significance for both nations.&nbsp;This will mark Oli’s first trip to India since assuming office in July last year.&nbsp;Both sides are planning delegation-level talks, luncheon meetings between Oli and Modi, and a joint press conference at the International Convention Centre in Bodh Gaya.&nbsp;The first official confirmation of Oli’s visit came during Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s recent trip to Nepal. During the August 17–18 visit, Misri formally handed over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to Oli, according to a statement from the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.&nbsp;While in Kathmandu, Misri met with President Ramchandra Poudel, Prime Minister Oli, Foreign Minister Rana, and other dignitaries.&nbsp;He also held wide-ranging discussions with his Nepali counterpart, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, and reviewed progress in bilateral initiatives and explored opportunities for further cooperation, including possible outcomes of Oli’s forthcoming visit.

The first official confirmation of Oli’s visit came during Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s recent trip to Nepal. While in Kathmandu, Misri met with President Ramchandra Poudel, Prime Minister Oli, Foreign Minister Rana, and other dignitaries.

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba is likely to visit New Delhi by the end of August to lay the groundwork for Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s official visit to India in September. Sources said Foreign Minister Rana will travel to Delhi for a routine health check-up, but her trip is also expected to include official meetings. She is likely to meet Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar as part of the preparations for PM Oli’s visit. Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to travel to Bodh Gaya in Bihar next month, where he will hold bilateral talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Breaking tradition, India will host Oli in Bodh Gaya instead of New Delhi. The Buddhist pilgrimage site, where Lord Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment, carries deep cultural and spiritual significance for both nations. This will mark Oli’s first trip to India since assuming office in July last year. Both sides are planning delegation-level talks, luncheon meetings between Oli and Modi, and a joint press conference at the International Convention Centre in Bodh Gaya. The first official confirmation of Oli’s visit came during Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s recent trip to Nepal. During the August 17–18 visit, Misri formally handed over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s invitation to Oli, according to a statement from the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. While in Kathmandu, Misri met with President Ramchandra Poudel, Prime Minister Oli, Foreign Minister Rana, and other dignitaries. He also held wide-ranging discussions with his Nepali counterpart, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, and reviewed progress in bilateral initiatives and explored opportunities for further cooperation, including possible outcomes of Oli’s forthcoming visit.

The first official confirmation of Oli’s visit came during Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s recent trip to Nepal. While in Kathmandu, Misri met with President Ramchandra Poudel, Prime Minister Oli, Foreign Minister Rana, and other dignitaries.

Nepal Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba to visit India ahead of PM Oli’s trip

As skirmishes and turmoil across the world are on the rise, countries are viewing defence equipment used as though it’s a defence expo of sorts. Modern warfare is changing the dynamics; apart from military advancements, there are cyber actors carrying out sabotage. This phenomenon was reported by WION, where activists were working to find vulnerabilities in the system in both countries in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Gazprom, prominent Russian banks were attacked by hackers aiding Ukraine’s cause to disrupt usual operations. Former principal adviser to the Ministry of Defence, Lieutenant General (R) Vinod Khandare, recently pointed out how the international community focused on selling defence equipment instead of promoting peace. This, he said, citing the Russia-Ukraine war. He said,&nbsp;“This is why Atmanirbharta, or self-reliance, is critical.” &nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-brings-european-reinforcements-to-white-house-1755574160321/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-brings-european-reinforcements-to-white-house-1755574160321/embed</a> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;Talking about Operation Sindoor, launched by India after Pakistan’s inaction to stop terrorist activity fostering on its soil, after the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 innocent people on April 22. "We have hard choices at times, to indulge in war with a nonsensical country like Pakistan or teach them a lesson and get back to our work. We have to avoid the mistake that took place in Russia-Ukraine war," Lt Gen Khandare was quoted by news agency PTI.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/independence-day-2025-from-1971-indo-pak-war-to-operation-sindoor-most-audacious-operations-of-indian-armed-forces-kargil-surgical-strikes-1755198029329">From 1971 Indo-Pak war to Operation Sindoor: Most audacious operations of Indian Armed Forces</a>&nbsp;“The aim of our government was to damage or destroy terrorism...we had to teach a lesson to the terrorist organisations. We succeeded in that but they (Pakistan) targeted civilian areas which was unacceptable, so we targeted their military establishments. Some people think we would have gone for PoK. But it is a costly, deliberate operation and needs preparations," he added.

 Former principal adviser to the Ministry of Defence, Lieutenant General (R) Vinod Khandare, recently pointed out how the international community focused on selling defence equipment instead of promoting peace. 

As skirmishes and turmoil across the world are on the rise, countries are viewing defence equipment used as though it’s a defence expo of sorts. Modern warfare is changing the dynamics; apart from military advancements, there are cyber actors carrying out sabotage. This phenomenon was reported by WION, where activists were working to find vulnerabilities in the system in both countries in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Gazprom, prominent Russian banks were attacked by hackers aiding Ukraine’s cause to disrupt usual operations. Former principal adviser to the Ministry of Defence, Lieutenant General (R) Vinod Khandare, recently pointed out how the international community focused on selling defence equipment instead of promoting peace. This, he said, citing the Russia-Ukraine war. He said, “This is why Atmanirbharta, or self-reliance, is critical.” https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-brings-european-reinforcements-to-white-house-1755574160321/embed Talking about Operation Sindoor, launched by India after Pakistan’s inaction to stop terrorist activity fostering on its soil, after the dastardly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 innocent people on April 22. "We have hard choices at times, to indulge in war with a nonsensical country like Pakistan or teach them a lesson and get back to our work. We have to avoid the mistake that took place in Russia-Ukraine war," Lt Gen Khandare was quoted by news agency PTI. Also read: From 1971 Indo-Pak war to Operation Sindoor: Most audacious operations of Indian Armed Forces “The aim of our government was to damage or destroy terrorism...we had to teach a lesson to the terrorist organisations. We succeeded in that but they (Pakistan) targeted civilian areas which was unacceptable, so we targeted their military establishments. Some people think we would have gone for PoK. But it is a costly, deliberate operation and needs preparations," he added.

&nbsp;Former principal adviser to the Ministry of Defence, Lieutenant General (R) Vinod Khandare, recently pointed out how the international community focused on selling defence equipment instead of promoting peace.&nbsp;

Why did India halt Operation Sindoor against Pakistan? Former defence adviser reveals the reason

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a fresh red alert for Mumbai and Raigad for Tuesday, predicting heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds reaching up to 65 kmph. This is the second continuous red alert for Mumbai. Following the alert, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced a holiday for all schools and colleges across the city and its suburbs.&nbsp;Since early Monday, the city has been experiencing intense monsoon showers, recording over 500 mm of rainfall within 84 hours. Rain triggered waterlogging in multiple areas, including Chembur, Andheri, Dadar, Hindmata, and King’s Circle, disrupting normal activities and raising concerns about the city's flood preparedness.&nbsp;Surprisingly, crores of rupees were spent on upgraded drainage systems and underground stormwater tanks; however, chronic flooding points remained submerged for hours, according to a report by TOI.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-braces-for-more-heavy-rains-red-alert-sounded-in-pune-1755491008492">Red alert sounded in Mumbai after heavy rains lash city, schools asked to close</a><h3>Waterlogging slows the road traffic amid heavy rain</h3>Meanwhile, two deaths were reported on Monday, one died after a compound wall collapsed at Napean Sea Road and another by electrocution in Kanjurmarg. In addition, a man who went missing after entering the Mithi River has still not been found. While, other people got injured after a tree fell in Sahar.&nbsp;Following the heavy rain and waterlogging, road traffic slowed in several parts of the city, and train services across the Central, Harbour, and Western lines also suffered delays. Due to poor visibility triggered by rain prompted to at least 10 flights executed go-arounds, and one was diverted.&nbsp;Mumbai University has postponed 32 examinations slated for today, moving them to August 23. And, the red alert’s impact has extended beyond Mumbai, as civic authorities in Navi Mumbai, Thane, Mira Bhayandar, and Palghar have also declared school and college closures.&nbsp;Residents have also been requested to remain indoors until essential travel is required. Currently, emergency services are on hold, and the civic helpline 1916 has been activated to assist citizens.

A fresh red alert for Mumbai and Raigad has been issued by IMD on Tuesday for the second continous day. In response to the alert, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced a holiday for all schools and colleges across the city and its suburbs.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a fresh red alert for Mumbai and Raigad for Tuesday, predicting heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds reaching up to 65 kmph. This is the second continuous red alert for Mumbai. Following the alert, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced a holiday for all schools and colleges across the city and its suburbs. Since early Monday, the city has been experiencing intense monsoon showers, recording over 500 mm of rainfall within 84 hours. Rain triggered waterlogging in multiple areas, including Chembur, Andheri, Dadar, Hindmata, and King’s Circle, disrupting normal activities and raising concerns about the city's flood preparedness. Surprisingly, crores of rupees were spent on upgraded drainage systems and underground stormwater tanks; however, chronic flooding points remained submerged for hours, according to a report by TOI. Also read: Red alert sounded in Mumbai after heavy rains lash city, schools asked to close Waterlogging slows the road traffic amid heavy rain Meanwhile, two deaths were reported on Monday, one died after a compound wall collapsed at Napean Sea Road and another by electrocution in Kanjurmarg. In addition, a man who went missing after entering the Mithi River has still not been found. While, other people got injured after a tree fell in Sahar. Following the heavy rain and waterlogging, road traffic slowed in several parts of the city, and train services across the Central, Harbour, and Western lines also suffered delays. Due to poor visibility triggered by rain prompted to at least 10 flights executed go-arounds, and one was diverted. Mumbai University has postponed 32 examinations slated for today, moving them to August 23. And, the red alert’s impact has extended beyond Mumbai, as civic authorities in Navi Mumbai, Thane, Mira Bhayandar, and Palghar have also declared school and college closures. Residents have also been requested to remain indoors until essential travel is required. Currently, emergency services are on hold, and the civic helpline 1916 has been activated to assist citizens.

A fresh red alert for Mumbai and Raigad has been issued by IMD on Tuesday for the second continous day. In response to the alert, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced a holiday for all schools and colleges across the city and its suburbs.

IMD issues 'Red Alert' for Mumbai for second consecutive day as heavy rains lash city

Gujarat’s Kandla is set to become the first port to set up an Anti-Drone Surveillance and Neutralisation System, which can detect enemy drones from a distance and “soft-kill” them. The port, which is located in the Gulf of Kutch, is in close proximity to the country’s border with its neighbour, Pakistan.&nbsp;Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman of Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) at Kandla, told businessline, “Kandla will be the first port to set up an anti-drone system that will have the ability to soft kill or neutralise (enemy) drones.”&nbsp;The anti-drone systems are set to be procured months after Operation Sindoor, the military action carried out by the Indian Armed Forces on May 7, targetting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was launched in response to the deadly April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians.Singh added that the system will safeguard the vital port installations, workers, and cargo during high alerts or situations of conflict.&nbsp;“We have one of the biggest tank farms consisting of 1,200 storage tanks that hold hazardous and toxic chemicals like acids and ammonia, edible oil. Any leakage in these tanks can cause a dangerous situation. Last time drones were spotted in this region and so the plan is to install a system that can detect enemy drones from far and jam its signals thus ensuring a soft kill,” Singh added.&nbsp;The project, worth about Rs 580 million ($6.6 million), includes four anti-drone surveillance and neutralisation systems that will be installed in an area covering 200 acres of Kandla port and the tank farms. Along with stationary radars and other drone detection equipment, these four stations will also have control rooms for conducting operations.&nbsp;The anti-drone system has the ability to spot and neutralise enemy drones from a distance of about 15 kilometres. The DPA had floated an Expression of Interest (EoI) to procure the system, following which five companies showed interest. The companies include those who tried out their anti-drone systems during Operation Sindoor.

Kandla port in Gujarat is set to become the first port to deploy anti-drone system with the ability to spot and neutralise enemy drones from a distance of about 15 kilometres. 

Gujarat’s Kandla is set to become the first port to set up an Anti-Drone Surveillance and Neutralisation System, which can detect enemy drones from a distance and “soft-kill” them. The port, which is located in the Gulf of Kutch, is in close proximity to the country’s border with its neighbour, Pakistan. Sushil Kumar Singh, Chairman of Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) at Kandla, told businessline, “Kandla will be the first port to set up an anti-drone system that will have the ability to soft kill or neutralise (enemy) drones.” The anti-drone systems are set to be procured months after Operation Sindoor, the military action carried out by the Indian Armed Forces on May 7, targetting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was launched in response to the deadly April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians. Singh added that the system will safeguard the vital port installations, workers, and cargo during high alerts or situations of conflict. “We have one of the biggest tank farms consisting of 1,200 storage tanks that hold hazardous and toxic chemicals like acids and ammonia, edible oil. Any leakage in these tanks can cause a dangerous situation. Last time drones were spotted in this region and so the plan is to install a system that can detect enemy drones from far and jam its signals thus ensuring a soft kill,” Singh added. The project, worth about Rs 580 million ($6.6 million), includes four anti-drone surveillance and neutralisation systems that will be installed in an area covering 200 acres of Kandla port and the tank farms. Along with stationary radars and other drone detection equipment, these four stations will also have control rooms for conducting operations. The anti-drone system has the ability to spot and neutralise enemy drones from a distance of about 15 kilometres. The DPA had floated an Expression of Interest (EoI) to procure the system, following which five companies showed interest. The companies include those who tried out their anti-drone systems during Operation Sindoor.

Kandla port in Gujarat is set to become the first port to deploy anti-drone system with the ability to spot and neutralise enemy drones from a distance of about 15 kilometres.&nbsp;

Gujarat’s Kandla set to become first Indian port to get anti-drone system

Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor’s ex-husband, Sunjay Kapur, passed away in England on June 12 this year due to a cardiac arrest after accidentally swallowing a bee. The late industrialist’s tragic death left most in shock.

However, post his death, his family- wife Priya Kapoor and mother Rani Kapur’s bitter public feud over inheritance, has dominated the headlines. Now, his sister Mandhira has spoken up about the family feud and even praised Karisma Kapoor for being a good mother.&nbsp;For the uninitiated, Karisma and Sunjay were married from 2003 to 2016 and shared daughter Samaira Kapoor and son Kian Raj Kapur.<h2>Sunjay Kapoor’s sister praises Karisma</h2>Amid all the family feud, Mandhira Kapur, sister of Sunjay Kapur, has praised Karisma Kapoor in an interview and said, “She is a mother. She is a very good mother, I have to give her that. She has done a very good job of letting the family be one, which is…you know..I commend her in that.”&nbsp;She added, “I think the kids have been close, and they’ve had a great relationship. Hopefully, somehow, we can carry that on and let the family be one again because she is looking out for her kids like any mother would, and that’s what she is doing.”&nbsp;Mandhira also hoped that the family could put differences aside and become a big unit again. “My father and mother have been obsessed with their grandchildren. Samaira and Kiaan are always a big part of this family. We are very proud of them and have a lot of love for them. Dad used to dote on them; my mom dotes on them. They are a part of our family and will always be, there’s no question about it. My brother doted on them. They come over, they have come and met mom. We are all together.”&nbsp;After divorcing Karisma, Sunjay married Priya Sachdeva, and the couple shared a son together. Priya also has a daughter from her previous marriage to hotelier Vikram Chatwal.&nbsp;<h2>Mandhira on family feud</h2>In an interview with ANI earlier, Mandhira Kapur claimed that the family has been treated like strangers. “Within days, everything has been taken away from the family. There should have been some respect given to my mother, who is one of the founders with my father. Sona Comstar was built because of my father,” Mandhira said.&nbsp;Earlier, in a letter to the board of Sona Group, Rani Kapur, the mother of Sunjay and Mandhira Kapur, alleged that she is the sole beneficiary of Surinder Kapur’s (her husband) empire and the majority shareholder of the group, including Sona Comstar.&nbsp;Rani also claimed that she was forced to sign documents to appoint her daughter-in-law, Priya Sachdev Kapur, as the non-executive director on the board. Later, the company issued a cease-and-desist notice to Rani Kapur, claiming that she has not had any role in the company since 2019.

Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor’s ex-husband, Sunjay Kapur, passed away in England on June 12 this year due to a cardiac arrest after accidentally swallowing a bee.  Now, his sister Mandhira has spoken up about the family feud that has followed. 

Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor’s ex-husband, Sunjay Kapur, passed away in England on June 12 this year due to a cardiac arrest after accidentally swallowing a bee. The late industrialist’s tragic death left most in shock.

Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor’s ex-husband, Sunjay Kapur, passed away in England on June 12 this year due to a cardiac arrest after accidentally swallowing a bee. &nbsp;Now, his sister Mandhira has spoken up about the family feud that has followed.&nbsp;

Sunjay Kapur’s sister Mandhira praises Karisma Kapoor amid family feud over Rs 300 billion fortune: She is a very good mother

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (August 18) met Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who was the pilot of Axiom-4 Space Mission to the International Space Station (ISS), in Delhi. During the meeting, Shukla presented a Axiom-4 mission patch to PM Modi and shared pictures of the Earth taken from International Space Station.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who was the pilot of Axiom-4 Space Mission to the International Space Station (ISS), meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi. <a href="https://t.co/0uvclu9V2b">pic.twitter.com/0uvclu9V2b</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1957440038230278298?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Earlier in the day, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla praised Captain Shubhanshu Shukla for completing his space mission on the International Space Station (ISS). He said Shukla’s success is not just a scientific achievement but also a proud moment for India and a big inspiration for the youth.&nbsp;&nbsp;"On this occasion, the (lower) house welcomes Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to India. His space mission and successful return are not merely about the success of the mission, but a matter of pride and inspiration for Indian citizens. Shukla's achievement is an inspiration for the youth," Birla was quoted saying in the Upper House.&nbsp;Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, also spoke about the achievement and criticised the Opposition. He said it was very unfortunate that the Opposition did not congratulate the scientist. "The opposition has failed to congratulate the space experts and scientists for our space achievements. Your anger can be with the government. Your anger can be with the BJP and the NDA. But it is surprising that you can be angry with an astronaut. And that astronaut who, apart from being an astronaut, is also a disciplined soldier of the Indian Air Force. He does not belong to any political party," Singh said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, Shukla’s hometown Lucknow is preparing for a grand welcome of for Shukla. Mayor Sushma Kharakwal on Monday (August 18) said that the administration has proposed to name a road leading to his house after him. Shukla returned to Earth on July 15 after completing NASA’s Axiom-4 space mission. The mission was launched from Kennedy Space Center (NASA) in Florida on June 25. Shukla is the first Indian in 41 years to travel to space.

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian to undertake a spaceflight as part of the Axiom-4 mission, returned to India on Sunday (August 17).

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (August 18) met Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who was the pilot of Axiom-4 Space Mission to the International Space Station (ISS), in Delhi. During the meeting, Shukla presented a Axiom-4 mission patch to PM Modi and shared pictures of the Earth taken from International Space Station.

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian to undertake a spaceflight as part of the Axiom-4 mission, returned to India on Sunday (August 17).

Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla meets PM Modi, presents Axiom-4 mission patch - WATCH

Major network providers, including Airtel, Jio and Vodafone-Idea, on Monday (Aug 18) experienced widespread outages across India. According to DownDetector, which provides user-submitted reports of outages and problems of various online services, more than 3,650 people reported issues with Airtel, over 200 reported outages of Jio, and about 50 reported Vodafone-Idea outages around 5 pm.The outage was reported in several cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna, Ahmedabad and many others.&nbsp;The issue was first reported by several Airtel users in Delhi-NCR, who experienced issues while making calls and using mobile internet. It was later reported in Mumbai and Bengaluru. Hours later, Jio and Vodafone-Idea users also reported similar issues.&nbsp;Social media users took to X to complain about the problems they were facing. Responding to a user on X, Airtel said that they were experiencing network outages and were working to restore the services.&nbsp;“We are currently experiencing a network outage, our team is actively working to resolve the issue and restore services promptly. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused. Thanks, Team Airtel,” said the company.<h2>Social media reacts</h2>A user wrote on X, “Seems like authorities have put a jammer on the whole network in my area, Airtel Jio Voda all are blocked..”&nbsp;“I am facing frequent issues with falling/disconnected calls, which is causing disruption. Despite multiple attempts, the problem continues. Please resolve the issue on SOS,” another person reported.&nbsp;“My Airtel WiFi is still down since today morning,” said another. While a person said, “My Airtel network is down. Are you facing this issue too? Thought it would be a productive day, but no luck.”&nbsp;“My phone was down for around 50 minutes. @airtelindia what was the reason,” one person asked.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Thousands of people on Monday (Aug 18) reported widespread outages of network providers in India, including Airtel, Jio and Vodafone-Idea.

Major network providers, including Airtel, Jio and Vodafone-Idea, on Monday (Aug 18) experienced widespread outages across India. According to DownDetector, which provides user-submitted reports of outages and problems of various online services, more than 3,650 people reported issues with Airtel, over 200 reported outages of Jio, and about 50 reported Vodafone-Idea outages around 5 pm. The outage was reported in several cities like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna, Ahmedabad and many others. The issue was first reported by several Airtel users in Delhi-NCR, who experienced issues while making calls and using mobile internet. It was later reported in Mumbai and Bengaluru. Hours later, Jio and Vodafone-Idea users also reported similar issues. Social media users took to X to complain about the problems they were facing. Responding to a user on X, Airtel said that they were experiencing network outages and were working to restore the services. “We are currently experiencing a network outage, our team is actively working to resolve the issue and restore services promptly. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused. Thanks, Team Airtel,” said the company. Social media reacts A user wrote on X, “Seems like authorities have put a jammer on the whole network in my area, Airtel Jio Voda all are blocked..” “I am facing frequent issues with falling/disconnected calls, which is causing disruption. Despite multiple attempts, the problem continues. Please resolve the issue on SOS,” another person reported. “My Airtel WiFi is still down since today morning,” said another. While a person said, “My Airtel network is down. Are you facing this issue too? Thought it would be a productive day, but no luck.” “My phone was down for around 50 minutes. @airtelindia what was the reason,” one person asked.

Thousands of people on Monday (Aug 18) reported widespread outages of network providers in India, including Airtel, Jio and Vodafone-Idea.

Massive mobile network outage in India? Airtel, Jio, Vi users report calling and internet issues – What you need to know

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Brahmaputra dam, terrorism and Taiwan: Here's what Chinese FM Wang Yi discussed during his visit to India | 5 points

Air India pilot earns praises for safely landing plane in Mumbai's heavy rains

Post seeking donation to save Nimisha Priya goes viral - But what's the truth?

Pakistani textbook portrays jihad as a moral duty, India as enemy country

Mumbai floods déjà vu: Red alert, record rains revive fears of 2005, 2017 deluge

China’s FM Wang Yi meets PM Modi as Delhi, Beijing seek to reset ties

Two elderly Sikh men brutally attacked in Wolverhampton; UK police arrests 3

Elder sister kills younger sister in Kashmir; Police solve case within 48 hours

BJP targets Cong’s ‘vote chori’ charge after psephologist apologises for ‘error’

WATCH | Boy swims on road, car stuck in underpass amid heavy rains in Mumbai

Delhi teen rescued a month after sold for Rs 15-20k, forced to marry 40-yr-old

Over 100 crew members of Ranveer Singh starrer Dhurandar land in hospital

Who is B Sudershan Reddy? All about INDIA bloc's candidate for Vice President

Scientist finds earliest evidence that Rig Veda verses influenced civilisations outside India

Delhi CM caves to animal lovers' pressure, stops 'harsh action' on street dogs

Jammu & Kashmir rains: Schools shut in Jammu for second consecutive day

Beware! Met department warns next high tide will hit Mumbai at THIS time

Over 250 flights delayed as heavy rains disrupt Mumbai airport operations

India's Opposition picks ex-SC judge B Sudershan Reddy as Vice President nominee

Nepal Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba to visit India ahead of PM Oli’s trip

Why did India halt Operation Sindoor? Former defence adviser reveals the reason

IMD issues red alert for Mumbai for 2nd consecutive day as heavy rains lash city

Gujarat’s Kandla set to become first Indian port to get anti-drone system

Sunjay Kapur’s sister breaks silence over Rs 300 billion inheritance feud

Shubhanshu Shukla meets PM Modi, presents Axiom-4 mission patch - WATCH

Massive mobile network outage in India? Airtel, Jio, Voda users report issues