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External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, visiting India for bilateral talks, and said in his opening remarks that both nations now seek to move ahead after a “difficult period” in the bilateral ties. While emphasising that differences must not become disputes, Jaishankar said, “Having seen a difficult period in our relationship, our two nations now seek to move ahead. This requires a candid and constructive approach from both sides.”&nbsp;The EAM also highlighted the need for enhancing stability in the global economy in the current environment.&nbsp;“You are visiting India shortly before the SCO Summit that China is hosting in Tianjin. We have worked closely with the Chinese side during its presidency. We wish you a successful Summit with strong outcomes and decisions,” the EAM said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Opening remarks at my meeting with FM Wang Yi in New Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/ZbLrgSW9tK">https://t.co/ZbLrgSW9tK</a>&mdash; Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1957425657358512639?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>‘We seek a fair, balanced, and multipolar world order’: Jaishankar</h2>&nbsp;“When the world’s two largest nations meet, it is natural that the international situation will be discussed. We seek a fair, balanced, and multipolar world order, including a multipolar Asia. Reform multilateralism is also the call of the day. In the current environment, there is clearly an imperative of maintaining and enhancing stability in the global economy as well,” the minister added.&nbsp;Jaishankar also brought up the issue of terrorism with his Chinese counterpart and said, “The fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is another major priority. I look forward to our exchange of views. Overall, it is our expectation that our discussions would contribute to building a stable, cooperative, and forward-looking relationship between India and China, one that serves both our interests and addresses our concerns.”&nbsp;He added that the Chinese foreign minister will be discussing border issues with India’s Special Representative NSA Ajit Doval on Tuesday and said, “This is very important because the basis for any positive momentum in our ties is the ability to jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas. It is also essential that the de-escalation process move forward.”&nbsp;<h2>‘Differences must not become disputes’</h2>&nbsp;“Having seen a difficult period in our relationship, our two nations now seek to move ahead. This requires a candid and constructive approach from both sides. In that endeavour, we must be guided by the three mutuals—mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interest. Differences must not become disputes, nor competition a conflict,” Jaishankar added.&nbsp;Earler, the EAM welcomed Wang Yi and said, “I welcome you and your delegation to India at the start of your visit for the 24th round of talks between the Special Representatives of India and China. This is also the first visit by a Chinese Minister since our leaders met in Kazan in October 2024. This occasion provides us with an opportunity to meet and review our bilateral ties. It is also an approrpriate time to exchange views on the global situation and some issues of mutual interest.”&nbsp;<h2>‘China and India can provide most needed certainty to world,’ says Wang Yi</h2>&nbsp;Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in his opening statement that China and India can contribute to each other’s success and provide the most needed certainty to Asia and the world.&nbsp;“We maintained peace and tranquillity in the border areas and resumed the Indian pilgrimage to Mount Gang Renpoche and Lake Mapam Yun Tso in the Xijang Autonomous Region. We shared confidence to dispel interference, expand cooperation, and to further consolidate the momentum of improvement development of China-India relations so that while pursuing our respective rejuvenation, we can contribute to each other's success and provide the most needed certainty to Asia and the world,” Wang Yi said.&nbsp;Wang began a two-day visit to India on Monday to attend the 24th round of Special Representatives (SRs) talks on the border issue with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. The meeting follows Doval’s December trip to Beijing for the 23rd round of talks, held weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed in Kazan to revive dialogue mechanisms during the BRICS summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Wang’s visit reflects Beijing’s intent to maintain high-level exchanges, deepen political trust, expand cooperation, and properly manage differences to ensure stable development of bilateral ties.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar met the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, visiting India for bilateral talks, and said in his opening remarks that both nations now seek to move ahead after a “difficult period” in the bilateral ties. While emphasising that differences must not become disputes, Jaishankar said, “Having seen a difficult period in our relationship, our two nations now seek to move ahead. This requires a candid and constructive approach from both sides.” The EAM also highlighted the need for enhancing stability in the global economy in the current environment. “You are visiting India shortly before the SCO Summit that China is hosting in Tianjin. We have worked closely with the Chinese side during its presidency. We wish you a successful Summit with strong outcomes and decisions,” the EAM said.

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Wang’s visit reflects Beijing’s intent to maintain high-level exchanges, deepen political trust, expand cooperation, and properly manage differences to ensure stable development of bilateral ties.

‘India and China need to move ahead after ‘difficult period’ in bilateral ties’: Jaishankar

The Ministry of Railways has installed the first solar panels between railway tracks at Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi. As per the reports, this is the country’s first removable solar panel system placed between railway tracks. Officials say it could become a model for generating renewable power without acquiring additional land. The Ministry of Railways shared this update on X on Monday.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚆 Indian Railways marks a historic first! Banaras Locomotive Works, Varanasi commissioned India’s first 70m removable solar panel system (28 panels, 15KWp) between railway tracks—a step towards green and sustainable rail transport. <a href="https://t.co/BCm2GTjk7O">pic.twitter.com/BCm2GTjk7O</a>&mdash; Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/RailMinIndia/status/1957332886756946250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;<h2>The solar track system&nbsp;</h2>As per the Railway Ministry, the pilot project involves 70 metres of solar panels (28 panels, 15 KWp) placed between tracks inside Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW). These panels are designed to be removable, allowing maintenance, etc., to be easy when needed.&nbsp;Reports says If this model is expanded, it could generate about 3.21 lakh units (kWh) of electricity per kilometre every year. This can be enough to power station operations, signalling, or even feeding into the grid.&nbsp;<h2>Indian Railways’ clean energy push</h2>This solar project is part of Indian Railways’ net-zero emissions target by 2030. Over the past few years, the Railways has commissioned rooftop solar plants at stations and depots and invested in large-scale renewable projects.&nbsp;In another milestone, Western Railway recently commissioned India’s first 2×25 kV electric traction system on the Nagda–Khachrod section of Ratlam Division. The system, powered by two Scott-connected 100 MVA transformers, promises more efficient electricity delivery for trains.&nbsp;<h2>Using Solar Energy in Railways</h2>Rail transport medium is one of India’s largest consumers of electricity and diesel. By using solar energy in underutilised spaces like track gaps, the Railways could cut costs and emissions at the same time. As per the officials&nbsp;The BLW project was developed by local engineers. If scaled across the network, officials believe it can play a big role in meeting India’s renewable energy and climate goals.

Railways install the first removable solar panel system between tracks at Banaras Locomotive Works, Varanasi. This innovation could generate enough solar energy without land acquisition and support station power needs. 

The Ministry of Railways has installed the first solar panels between railway tracks at Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW), Varanasi. As per the reports, this is the country’s first removable solar panel system placed between railway tracks. Officials say it could become a model for generating renewable power without acquiring additional land. The Ministry of Railways shared this update on X on Monday.

Railways installed the first removable solar panel system between tracks at Banaras Locomotive Works, Varanasi. This innovation could generate enough solar energy without land acquisition and support station power needs.&nbsp;

Indian Railways install first solar panels between tracks at BLW Varanasi

A bomb blast outside Madhyamgram High School in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district claimed one life on Monday (August 18), the police said. The explosion happened in the Madhyamgram police station area and the injured person was rushed to Barasat Medical College and Hospital, but could not survive till then. Superintendent of Police of Barasat police district, Pratiksha Jharkhariya said that the further investigation is underway. &nbsp;According to the police, the victim (Sachchidananda Mishra) was from another state (Uttar Pradesh). State Food and Supplies Minister Rathin Ghosh also visited the site and confirmed that the police are looking into the matter.&nbsp;"He was injured and admitted to Barasat Medical College and Hospital. After a surgery, he was taken to a hospital in Kolkata, where he breathed his last this morning," a senior police officer of Barasat Police District said, according to Deccan Herald.&nbsp;Forensic experts reached the spot and collected the important evidences, while a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) also visited the spot and had a check on the matter. &nbsp;According to the preliminary investigation, the deceased was carrying a black bagpack, which exploded near the school.&nbsp;"We have seized torn pieces of the bag. Some wire, two mobile phone numbers, and photocopies of two Aadhaar cards were also found. The mobile phone numbers were of his family members in Uttar Pradesh," &nbsp;the official said. &nbsp;According to the police, the family members of the deceased said that he was working in a glass factory in Haryana and was not in touch with them for a while now. &nbsp;"We are trying to find out whether he was a part of any gang that had planned to carry out any terror attack or not. We are investigating to find out the purpose of his visit to West Bengal. Forensic experts have taken the bag for chemical examination, and that will help us to ascertain the type of explosives that were in it," he told PTI.&nbsp;Investigators have also examine the CCTV footage from the near locality and were questioning a local businessman, who had interacted with the deceased few minutes before the blast. The blast occurred early in the morning and the officials are continuing their probe.

West Bengal Food and Supplies Minister Rathin Ghosh also visited the site and confirmed that the police are looking into the matter. The police also confirmed from the CCTV footage that the bag the deceased was carrying exploded as he was walking in front of the High School.

A bomb blast outside Madhyamgram High School in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district claimed one life on Monday (August 18), the police said. The explosion happened in the Madhyamgram police station area and the injured person was rushed to Barasat Medical College and Hospital, but could not survive till then. Superintendent of Police of Barasat police district, Pratiksha Jharkhariya said that the further investigation is underway. According to the police, the victim (Sachchidananda Mishra) was from another state (Uttar Pradesh). State Food and Supplies Minister Rathin Ghosh also visited the site and confirmed that the police are looking into the matter. "He was injured and admitted to Barasat Medical College and Hospital. After a surgery, he was taken to a hospital in Kolkata, where he breathed his last this morning," a senior police officer of Barasat Police District said, according to Deccan Herald. Forensic experts reached the spot and collected the important evidences, while a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) also visited the spot and had a check on the matter. According to the preliminary investigation, the deceased was carrying a black bagpack, which exploded near the school. "We have seized torn pieces of the bag. Some wire, two mobile phone numbers, and photocopies of two Aadhaar cards were also found. The mobile phone numbers were of his family members in Uttar Pradesh," the official said. According to the police, the family members of the deceased said that he was working in a glass factory in Haryana and was not in touch with them for a while now. "We are trying to find out whether he was a part of any gang that had planned to carry out any terror attack or not. We are investigating to find out the purpose of his visit to West Bengal. Forensic experts have taken the bag for chemical examination, and that will help us to ascertain the type of explosives that were in it," he told PTI. Investigators have also examine the CCTV footage from the near locality and were questioning a local businessman, who had interacted with the deceased few minutes before the blast. The blast occurred early in the morning and the officials are continuing their probe.

West Bengal Food and Supplies Minister Rathin Ghosh also visited the site and confirmed that the police are looking into the matter. The police also confirmed from the CCTV footage that the bag the deceased was carrying exploded as he was walking in front of the High School.

West Bengal bomb blast: One killed near school, probe underway

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (Aug 18) called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to share insights on his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska on the Ukraine conflict. This comes of the meeting between the US president and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Washington on Monday. In a post on X, PM Modi affirmed India’s stance, calling for a peaceful resolution of the war between Russia and Ukraine. He also expressed his support and said that he looks forward to continued exchanges with Putin in the future.&nbsp;“Thank my friend, President Putin, for his phone call and for sharing insights on his recent meeting with President Trump in Alaska. India has consistently called for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and supports all efforts in this regard. I look forward to our continued exchanges in the days to come,” PM Modi wrote on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thank my friend, President Putin, for his phone call and for sharing insights on his recent meeting with President Trump in Alaska. India has consistently called for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and supports all efforts in this regard. I look forward to our…&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1957410517053477314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;This comes hours before Zelensky is set to meet with Trump in Washington, marking his second visit to the Oval Office, where he engaged in a shouting match with the US president on his last visit. The meeting is part of the next step to reach an agreement to end the war in Ukraine, which is currently in its fourth year.&nbsp;&nbsp;European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Finnish President Alexander Stubb, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte will also join the meeting.&nbsp;Earlier on Friday (Aug 15), Trump held talks with Putin in Alaska. Their meeting was followed by virtual talks between Trump, Zelensky and European leaders.&nbsp;<h2>What Trump-Zelensky meeting means for India</h2>&nbsp;The upcoming meeting in Washington also has high stakes for India’s tariff and trade deals with the US. Earlier this month, Trump announced additional 25 per cent duties on India, on top of the initial 25 per cent tariffs imposed earlier, citing Russian oil purchases. The move has resulted in a strain between Washington and New Delhi, which is currently among the nations facing the highest rates of US tariffs.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following the Alaska Summit with Putin, the US president said that Russia lost its “oil client” – India, when asked if there was any economic side to his Russian counterpart agreeing to hold a meeting. Meanwhile, India said that it has not halted its oil purchase from Russia after Trump’s tariff threats and continues to buy over economic considerations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (Aug 18) spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the Trump-Zelensky meeting.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (Aug 18) called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to share insights on his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska on the Ukraine conflict. This comes of the meeting between the US president and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders in Washington on Monday. In a post on X, PM Modi affirmed India’s stance, calling for a peaceful resolution of the war between Russia and Ukraine. He also expressed his support and said that he looks forward to continued exchanges with Putin in the future. “Thank my friend, President Putin, for his phone call and for sharing insights on his recent meeting with President Trump in Alaska. India has consistently called for a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict and supports all efforts in this regard. I look forward to our continued exchanges in the days to come,” PM Modi wrote on X.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (Aug 18) spoke with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the Trump-Zelensky meeting.

Russia’s Putin dials up PM Modi ahead of Trump-Zelensky meeting, ‘share insights’ on Alaska summit

In the recent spike in anti-terror operations across Jammu and Kashmir, the majority of the arms and ammunition recovered by forces have been made in China. Whether it's grenades, pistols, assault rifles, or communication devices like UltraSets, Huawei Satellite Phones, or GPS Devices, everything has been made in China.&nbsp; The face of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is slowly changing, from highly trained terrorists with specialised training in mountain warfare to using the latest arms and ammunition along with high-tech gadgetry. With China providing the Pakistan Army with high-grade military exports, surveillance and communication technologies, it eventually ends up in Kashmir with the terror groups.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bloc-threatens-impeachment-motion-against-cec-gyanesh-kumar-wion-explains-possibility-1755512608540">INDIA bloc threatens impeachment motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, WION explains possibility</a> In the recent recovery made in North Kashmir's Bandipora district, security forces arrested two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) associates along with Chinese hand Grenades. There have been dozens of recoveries made in 2025, which included the recovery of arms and ammunition, as well as communication devices manufactured in China. In the Pahalgam terror attack, the terrorists used communication devices which were made in China. Reports suggested the use of Huawei and Ultra Set communication devices, along with GPS devices, was used by the terrorists to recce the location.&nbsp; Security forces in the past recovered Chinese-made telecommunication equipment from the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. These devices are meant for the Pakistan Army but are being recovered from the terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir. In recoveries made by the security forces, highly encrypted Chinese telecom gear known as "Ultra Set", mostly used by the Pakistan Army, was recovered from the terrorists.&nbsp; These Chinese-made "Ultra Set" handsets mostly combine cell-phone capabilities with specialised radio equipment that does not rely on traditional mobile technologies like Global System for Mobile (GSM) or Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA). "Ultra Set" handsets work on radio waves for message transmission and reception, with each "Ultra Set" linked to a control station located across the border. Sources say that Chinese satellites are used to carry these messages that are compressed into bytes from the handset to the master server in Pakistan for its onward transmission. Recovery of this equipment from the terror groups also indicates the support that the Chinese government is providing to Pakistan, which eventually ends up in the hands of these terror groups.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The face of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is slowly changing, from highly trained terrorists with specialised training in mountain warfare to using the latest arms and ammunition along with high-tech gadgetry.

In the recent spike in anti-terror operations across Jammu and Kashmir, the majority of the arms and ammunition recovered by forces have been made in China. Whether it's grenades, pistols, assault rifles, or communication devices like UltraSets, Huawei Satellite Phones, or GPS Devices, everything has been made in China. The face of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is slowly changing, from highly trained terrorists with specialised training in mountain warfare to using the latest arms and ammunition along with high-tech gadgetry. With China providing the Pakistan Army with high-grade military exports, surveillance and communication technologies, it eventually ends up in Kashmir with the terror groups. Also read: INDIA bloc threatens impeachment motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, WION explains possibility In the recent recovery made in North Kashmir's Bandipora district, security forces arrested two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) associates along with Chinese hand Grenades. There have been dozens of recoveries made in 2025, which included the recovery of arms and ammunition, as well as communication devices manufactured in China. In the Pahalgam terror attack, the terrorists used communication devices which were made in China. Reports suggested the use of Huawei and Ultra Set communication devices, along with GPS devices, was used by the terrorists to recce the location. Security forces in the past recovered Chinese-made telecommunication equipment from the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. These devices are meant for the Pakistan Army but are being recovered from the terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir. In recoveries made by the security forces, highly encrypted Chinese telecom gear known as "Ultra Set", mostly used by the Pakistan Army, was recovered from the terrorists. These Chinese-made "Ultra Set" handsets mostly combine cell-phone capabilities with specialised radio equipment that does not rely on traditional mobile technologies like Global System for Mobile (GSM) or Code-Division Multiple Access (CDMA). "Ultra Set" handsets work on radio waves for message transmission and reception, with each "Ultra Set" linked to a control station located across the border. Sources say that Chinese satellites are used to carry these messages that are compressed into bytes from the handset to the master server in Pakistan for its onward transmission. Recovery of this equipment from the terror groups also indicates the support that the Chinese government is providing to Pakistan, which eventually ends up in the hands of these terror groups.

The face of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir is slowly changing, from highly trained terrorists with specialised training in mountain warfare to using the latest arms and ammunition along with high-tech gadgetry.

Changing face of terrorism in J&K: Chinese arms, communication devices being used by terrorists

In a shocking incident in Rajasthan, a group of tourists were left stranded in the Ranthambore National Park for hours during their safari, raising concerns over negligence. After a canter carrying tourists, including children, broke down in the park’s zone 6, their guide allegedly fled the scene and never returned. The group was left in the dark in the middle of the forest, where over 60 tigers roam free.&nbsp;According to news agency PTI, the incident took place on Saturday (Aug 16) and involved 20 tourists.&nbsp;NDTV reported, citing tourists, that their cantor broke down around 6 pm during the safari. The guide, who was accompanying the group, first told them he was going to arrange another vehicle. However, a heated exchange occurred between the tourists and the guide, following which he left them stranded and never returned.&nbsp;According to the park’s official website, it houses a “rich population of leopards, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, palm civets, jackals, desert foxes, Banded Kraits, Cobras, Common Kraits, and pythons,” among other animals.&nbsp;The report added that videos shared by the tourist showed children sitting frightened in the dark as people used phone flashlights. The group was left stranded for about an hour and a half, after which they were rescued around 7:30 pm.&nbsp;Following the incident, the authorities launched an investigation into the matter. Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Pramod Dhakad told PTI that three canter drivers and the guide have been barred from entering the park until the probe concludes.&nbsp;“Those restricted include canter drivers Kanhaiya, Shehzad Choudhary and Liaqat Ali, along with guide Mukesh Kumar Bairwa,” Dhakad said. Assistant Conservator of Forests Ashwini Pratap is assigned to undertake a detailed inquiry into the incident. The forest authorities have said that the safety of tourists remains the top priority, and strict actions would be taken against any such incident of negligence.

A safari turned into a nightmare for a group of tourists when they were left stranded in Ranthambore National Park for more than an hour after their guide left them and never returned. 

In a shocking incident in Rajasthan, a group of tourists were left stranded in the Ranthambore National Park for hours during their safari, raising concerns over negligence. After a canter carrying tourists, including children, broke down in the park’s zone 6, their guide allegedly fled the scene and never returned. The group was left in the dark in the middle of the forest, where over 60 tigers roam free. According to news agency PTI, the incident took place on Saturday (Aug 16) and involved 20 tourists. NDTV reported, citing tourists, that their cantor broke down around 6 pm during the safari. The guide, who was accompanying the group, first told them he was going to arrange another vehicle. However, a heated exchange occurred between the tourists and the guide, following which he left them stranded and never returned. According to the park’s official website, it houses a “rich population of leopards, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, palm civets, jackals, desert foxes, Banded Kraits, Cobras, Common Kraits, and pythons,” among other animals. The report added that videos shared by the tourist showed children sitting frightened in the dark as people used phone flashlights. The group was left stranded for about an hour and a half, after which they were rescued around 7:30 pm. Following the incident, the authorities launched an investigation into the matter. Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Pramod Dhakad told PTI that three canter drivers and the guide have been barred from entering the park until the probe concludes. “Those restricted include canter drivers Kanhaiya, Shehzad Choudhary and Liaqat Ali, along with guide Mukesh Kumar Bairwa,” Dhakad said. Assistant Conservator of Forests Ashwini Pratap is assigned to undertake a detailed inquiry into the incident. The forest authorities have said that the safety of tourists remains the top priority, and strict actions would be taken against any such incident of negligence.

A safari turned into a nightmare for a group of tourists when they were left stranded in Ranthambore National Park for more than an hour after their guide left them and never returned.&nbsp;

Ranthambore safari gone wrong! Tourists left stranded for hours in tiger reserve

Amid continued spat with the Election Commission over allegations of vote fraud, the INDIA Opposition bloc is considering bringing a motion to remove the Chief Election Commissioner. The impeachment motion is to be brought in the monsoon session of Parliament against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, reported ANI, citing sources.&nbsp;Congress Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain speaking to the news agency said all available rules in the Indian democarcy will be looked at if such a need arises.&nbsp;“If there is a need, we will use all the weapons of democracy under the rules. We have not had any discussions (about impeachment) as of now, but if needed, we can do anything," Hussain was quoted as saying by the news agency.&nbsp;Can the Opposition really impeach the EC, what is the process?&nbsp;Impeachment is the process about deciding to remove a person in a position from exercising all the powers and responsibilities he or she holds. The Indian constitution uses the word (impeachment) only for President under article 61 where 2/3 majority of total membership of each house will be required.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-buys-30-uk-schools-in-span-of-ten-years-what-is-the-reason-behind-this-rapid-acquisition-1755497779709">China buys 30 UK schools in span of ten years; what is the reason behind this rapid acquisition?</a>&nbsp;Removal is permitted only on grounds of proven misbehaviour or incapacity.&nbsp;However, CJI and judges of SC, CJ of HC and judges of HC, CAG and CEC are also removed following the same process. It is only different in terms of majority required. In all these impeachements 2/3 of members present and absolute majority of each house will be required.&nbsp;Here, in the case of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, the Opposition does not have the numbers to move an impeachment motion. It rather looks like a pressure tactics being used by the INDIA block led by Congress against the CEC.&nbsp;On Sunday, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar slammed Rahul Gandhi in a media briefing for the “vote theft” claims and demanded an apology from him.&nbsp;"An affidavit will have to be given or an apology should be made to the country. Teesra koi vikalp nahi (There is no third option.) If the affidavit is not received within seven days, it means that all these allegations are baseless." CEC Gyanesh Kumar said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The India constitution uses the word (impeachment) only for President, however, there are other positions that are removed through the same process.

Amid continued spat with the Election Commission over allegations of vote fraud, the INDIA Opposition bloc is considering bringing a motion to remove the Chief Election Commissioner. The impeachment motion is to be brought in the monsoon session of Parliament against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, reported ANI, citing sources. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain speaking to the news agency said all available rules in the Indian democarcy will be looked at if such a need arises. “If there is a need, we will use all the weapons of democracy under the rules. We have not had any discussions (about impeachment) as of now, but if needed, we can do anything," Hussain was quoted as saying by the news agency. Can the Opposition really impeach the EC, what is the process? Impeachment is the process about deciding to remove a person in a position from exercising all the powers and responsibilities he or she holds. The Indian constitution uses the word (impeachment) only for President under article 61 where 2/3 majority of total membership of each house will be required. Also Read: China buys 30 UK schools in span of ten years; what is the reason behind this rapid acquisition? Removal is permitted only on grounds of proven misbehaviour or incapacity. However, CJI and judges of SC, CJ of HC and judges of HC, CAG and CEC are also removed following the same process. It is only different in terms of majority required. In all these impeachements 2/3 of members present and absolute majority of each house will be required. Here, in the case of CEC Gyanesh Kumar, the Opposition does not have the numbers to move an impeachment motion. It rather looks like a pressure tactics being used by the INDIA block led by Congress against the CEC. On Sunday, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar slammed Rahul Gandhi in a media briefing for the “vote theft” claims and demanded an apology from him. "An affidavit will have to be given or an apology should be made to the country. Teesra koi vikalp nahi (There is no third option.) If the affidavit is not received within seven days, it means that all these allegations are baseless." CEC Gyanesh Kumar said.

The India constitution uses the word (impeachment) only for President, however, there are other positions that are removed through the same process.

INDIA bloc threatens impeachment motion against CEC Gyanesh Kumar, WION explains possibility

After US President Donald Trump imposed additional tariffs on India over its oil purchases from Russia, critics have questioned why he has not imposed similar duties on China, which is the largest buyer of Russian oil. Clarifying the administration’s reasoning behind this, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that any additional sanctions on Beijing could result in increased energy costs. He added that it can lead to disruption in global markets.&nbsp;In an interview with Fox Business, Marco Rubio acknowledged that the Trump administration has not imposed sanctions on China despite the country being the top buyer of Russian oil, while it has imposed 25 per cent tariffs in addition to the initial 25 per cent duties earlier, citing Russian oil purchases. The move has resulted in a strain between Washington and New Delhi, which is currently among the nations facing the highest rates of US tariffs. Trump has also claimed that India’s economy is “dead”.&nbsp;Meanwhile, India has called the tariffs unjust and unreasonable, adding that it will take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.&nbsp;“If you put secondary sanctions on a country – let’s say you were to go after the oil sales of Russian oil to China. Well, China just refines that oil. That oil is then sold into the global marketplace, and anyone who’s buying that oil would be paying more for it or, if it doesn’t exist, would have to find an alternative source for it,” Rubio said.&nbsp;When asked about the possibility of US sanctions on Europe, he said, “Well, I don’t know about on Europe directly, obviously, but certainly there are implications to secondary sanctions.” He further added that the US doesn’t want to get into a tit-for-tat with the Europeans on this matter.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio justified why the US has imposed additional tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases, but no sanctions have been imposed on China, the largest buyer of oil from Moscow, citing disruptions in global markets if the move is taken.

After US President Donald Trump imposed additional tariffs on India over its oil purchases from Russia, critics have questioned why he has not imposed similar duties on China, which is the largest buyer of Russian oil. Clarifying the administration’s reasoning behind this, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that any additional sanctions on Beijing could result in increased energy costs. He added that it can lead to disruption in global markets. In an interview with Fox Business, Marco Rubio acknowledged that the Trump administration has not imposed sanctions on China despite the country being the top buyer of Russian oil, while it has imposed 25 per cent tariffs in addition to the initial 25 per cent duties earlier, citing Russian oil purchases. The move has resulted in a strain between Washington and New Delhi, which is currently among the nations facing the highest rates of US tariffs. Trump has also claimed that India’s economy is “dead”. Meanwhile, India has called the tariffs unjust and unreasonable, adding that it will take necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security. “If you put secondary sanctions on a country – let’s say you were to go after the oil sales of Russian oil to China. Well, China just refines that oil. That oil is then sold into the global marketplace, and anyone who’s buying that oil would be paying more for it or, if it doesn’t exist, would have to find an alternative source for it,” Rubio said. When asked about the possibility of US sanctions on Europe, he said, “Well, I don’t know about on Europe directly, obviously, but certainly there are implications to secondary sanctions.” He further added that the US doesn’t want to get into a tit-for-tat with the Europeans on this matter.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio justified why the US has imposed additional tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases, but no sanctions have been imposed on China, the largest buyer of oil from Moscow, citing disruptions in global markets if the move is taken.

Is US being hypocritical? How Rubio justified 50% tariff threats on India, while China avoids penalty

A cloudburst took place in the higher reaches of Lolab in Kupwara in North Kashmir in the Warnow forest area, triggering flash floods and significant water flow in the region. No loss of life or damage to property has been reported so far. This comes on the heels of another coudburst in Kathua. It is the fourth such major event in the mountainous regions of north India. Earlier this month, cloudbursts in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi and another in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district triggered flash floods and landslides, killing hundreds after they were trapped under the rubble.&nbsp;The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in the region for at least three more days, as authorities have increased surveillance in the areas at risk amid several cloudburst incidents.&nbsp;The authorities have halted all activity around the Dal Lake area and have cautioned residents living close to the rivers and streams.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, search and rescue operations in the Kishtwar district have entered a fifth day despite the continued heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions in the region. Over 64 people were killed, and hundreds went missing in Chisoti hamlet following flash floods triggered by a cloudburst. More than 100 people were injured, and around 50 are still missing, according to the revised list by the authorities.&nbsp;Today is the fifth day of the operation, and combined efforts are underway to recover the mortal remains of the missing persons. The weather is challenging in view of the rain. We also have a warning (of heavy rains) for the day, but still we are trying our best,” a CISF officer said.&nbsp;National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), CISF, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), civil administration, and local volunteers are engaged in the rescue efforts.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A cloudburst took place in the higher reaches of Lolab in Kupwara in North Kashmir in the forest area, triggering flash floods in the region. No damage has been reported so far.

A cloudburst took place in the higher reaches of Lolab in Kupwara in North Kashmir in the Warnow forest area, triggering flash floods and significant water flow in the region. No loss of life or damage to property has been reported so far. This comes on the heels of another coudburst in Kathua. It is the fourth such major event in the mountainous regions of north India. Earlier this month, cloudbursts in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi and another in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district triggered flash floods and landslides, killing hundreds after they were trapped under the rubble. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in the region for at least three more days, as authorities have increased surveillance in the areas at risk amid several cloudburst incidents. The authorities have halted all activity around the Dal Lake area and have cautioned residents living close to the rivers and streams. Meanwhile, search and rescue operations in the Kishtwar district have entered a fifth day despite the continued heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions in the region. Over 64 people were killed, and hundreds went missing in Chisoti hamlet following flash floods triggered by a cloudburst. More than 100 people were injured, and around 50 are still missing, according to the revised list by the authorities. Today is the fifth day of the operation, and combined efforts are underway to recover the mortal remains of the missing persons. The weather is challenging in view of the rain. We also have a warning (of heavy rains) for the day, but still we are trying our best,” a CISF officer said. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), CISF, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), civil administration, and local volunteers are engaged in the rescue efforts.

A cloudburst took place in the higher reaches of Lolab in Kupwara in North Kashmir in the forest area, triggering flash floods in the region. No damage has been reported so far.

Cloudburst in J&K’s Kupwara triggers flash floods

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have announced the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway due to heavy rains. The Jammu and Kashmir's traffic Police department has said that the traffic on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has been closed to all vehicular traffic due to heavy rainfall and shooting stones at multiple locations. People have been advised to avoid travel on the Highway for today.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kathua-cloudburst-7-dead-army-launches-helicopter-rescue-operations-1755490452325/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/kathua-cloudburst-7-dead-army-launches-helicopter-rescue-operations-1755490452325/embed</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, the administration in the Jammu division, in view of the inclement and bad weather conditions, ordered that all government as well as private schools of Jammu Division shall remain closed on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;More than 67 people have died in the two cloudburst incidents in Kishtwar and Kathua districts of the Jammu Division. On Sunday, a massive cloudburst in Kathua district caused major landslides and mudslides, leading to the death of seven people and injuring six. A massive rescue and relief operation was carried out by NDRF, SDRF, the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and civil administration.&nbsp;&nbsp;Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. He took stock of the relief and rescue operations being carried out by the local administration, and NDRF teams have also been rushed to the site and assured of every support from the central government.&nbsp;&nbsp;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 engineer detachments were immediately pressed into action in the worst-affected regions of Jhor Khad &amp; Bagra village.&nbsp;The Indian Army evacuated stranded families to safety and provided food, water, and temporary shelter, while Army medical teams, supported by civil medical responders, delivered critical care to the injured.&nbsp;The MeT Department in Jammu and Kashmir has predicted more rain for the next 48 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 few places of Jammu Division including Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba &amp; Kathua with moderate to intense showers over Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban. This could lead to cloudburst/flash floods at a few vulnerable places with landslides/mudslides/shooting stones during 17-19 August. People have been advised to stay away from water bodies/streams/Nallas/river embankments/loose structures etc. And the travellers/transporters/tourists/trekkers are advised to plan accordingly.&nbsp;

Authorities in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have announced the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway due to heavy rains. 

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have announced the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway due to heavy rains. The Jammu and Kashmir's traffic Police department has said that the traffic on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has been closed to all vehicular traffic due to heavy rainfall and shooting stones at multiple locations. People have been advised to avoid travel on the Highway for today. https://www.wionews.com/videos/kathua-cloudburst-7-dead-army-launches-helicopter-rescue-operations-1755490452325/embed Meanwhile, the administration in the Jammu division, in view of the inclement and bad weather conditions, ordered that all government as well as private schools of Jammu Division shall remain closed on Monday. More than 67 people have died in the two cloudburst incidents in Kishtwar and Kathua districts of the Jammu Division. On Sunday, a massive cloudburst in Kathua district caused major landslides and mudslides, leading to the death of seven people and injuring six. A massive rescue and relief operation was carried out by NDRF, SDRF, the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and civil administration. Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the cloudburst in Kathua. He took stock of the relief and rescue operations being carried out by the local administration, and NDRF teams have also been rushed to the site and assured of every support from the central government. 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 engineer detachments were immediately pressed into action in the worst-affected regions of Jhor Khad & Bagra village. The Indian Army evacuated stranded families to safety and provided food, water, and temporary shelter, while Army medical teams, supported by civil medical responders, delivered critical care to the injured. The MeT Department in Jammu and Kashmir has predicted more rain for the next 48 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 few places of Jammu Division including Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba & Kathua with moderate to intense showers over Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban. This could lead to cloudburst/flash floods at a few vulnerable places with landslides/mudslides/shooting stones during 17-19 August. People have been advised to stay away from water bodies/streams/Nallas/river embankments/loose structures etc. And the travellers/transporters/tourists/trekkers are advised to plan accordingly.

Authorities in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have announced the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway due to heavy rains.&nbsp;

MeT predicts more rains and cloudbursts in J&K; Jammu Srinagar National Highway closed, all schools shut

In India's Kerala, the local health department has sounded an alert in the Kozhikode district after a nine-year-old girl died of a rare brain-eating amoeba. As per reports, the region in recent days has seen three back-to-back cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The three cases included a three-month-old baby. What is primary amoebic meningoencephalitis? How can you protect your family and yourself from the rare brain-eating amoeba? Here's all you need to know.<h2>What happened to the nine-year-old Kerala girl?</h2>The unidentified nine-year-old child was admitted to the hospital with a fever on August 13. Her condition worsened quickly, and she was transferred to Kozhikode Medical College on August 14, where she died the same day. A post-mortem test revealed that the cause of death was PAM, also known as amoebic encephalitis, a free-living amoeba found in contaminated waters.&nbsp;The search for the water body from which the young girl might have caught the infectious organism is underway.<h2>What is primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM)?</h2>Amoebic meningoencephalitis or amoebic encephalitis is caused by Naegleria fowleri, aka "the brain-eating amoeba". It is a microscopic single-celled organism found in warm freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers and hot springs.&nbsp;The organism mainly thrives in warm water and heat and grows best in high temperatures up to 115°F (46°C) but can at times survive warmer temperatures.<h2>How does it infect people?</h2>Naegleria fowleri can enter the body via infected water. This can happen when people go swimming, diving or dunk their heads in water contaminated by this amoeba. The amoeba, as per the United States Centres for Disease Control (CDC) travels up your nose and enters the brain cavity, where it slowly destroys brain tissue and causes a rare but usually fatal infection called Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).&nbsp;Even if people don't go swimming in the above-mentioned water bodies, they can still risk infection if they use Naegleria fowleri-contaminated water to cleanse their noses and clear sinuses. In rare instances, people have been infected by chlorine-free pool water, water parks, etc.<h2>Is it contagious? How can I keep my family safe from the brain-eating amoeba?</h2>No, it isn't. An infected person cannot pass the disease on to another. The sure way of protecting yourself from the rare brain-eating amoeba is to avoid swimming in infected waters. If you're unsure about how clean the water is and choose to swim, as per a Georgia Department of Public Health advisory from 2023, "you can reduce your risk of infection by limiting the amount of water that goes up the nose."<h2>What are the symptoms of brain amoeba?</h2>Common symptoms that typically start after about five days of infection include fever, nausea, and vomiting. Other symptoms that happen at a later stage of infection are a stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, seizures, hallucinations, and coma. Ultimately, it destroys brain tissue, causing swelling in the brain and finally death.&nbsp;The disease progresses rapidly, and generally, death happens between one and five days after the infection. In almost 97 per cent of cases, the infection turns fatal.<h2>What are the treatment options for Naegleria fowleri?</h2>Currently, no set treatment for the amoeba exists. This is mainly due to the rare nature of this infection. However, a number of drugs have been found to be beneficial in the treatment.

An alert was sounded after Kerala reported three cases of a rare brain-eating ameoba aka primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). It has already claimed the life of a 9-year-old girl in Kozhikode. What is it? How can you protect your family and yourself? Here's all you need to know.

In India's Kerala, the local health department has sounded an alert in the Kozhikode district after a nine-year-old girl died of a rare brain-eating amoeba. As per reports, the region in recent days has seen three back-to-back cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The three cases included a three-month-old baby. What is primary amoebic meningoencephalitis? How can you protect your family and yourself from the rare brain-eating amoeba? Here's all you need to know. What happened to the nine-year-old Kerala girl? The unidentified nine-year-old child was admitted to the hospital with a fever on August 13. Her condition worsened quickly, and she was transferred to Kozhikode Medical College on August 14, where she died the same day. A post-mortem test revealed that the cause of death was PAM, also known as amoebic encephalitis, a free-living amoeba found in contaminated waters. The search for the water body from which the young girl might have caught the infectious organism is underway. What is primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM)? Amoebic meningoencephalitis or amoebic encephalitis is caused by Naegleria fowleri, aka "the brain-eating amoeba". It is a microscopic single-celled organism found in warm freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers and hot springs. The organism mainly thrives in warm water and heat and grows best in high temperatures up to 115°F (46°C) but can at times survive warmer temperatures. How does it infect people? Naegleria fowleri can enter the body via infected water. This can happen when people go swimming, diving or dunk their heads in water contaminated by this amoeba. The amoeba, as per the United States Centres for Disease Control (CDC) travels up your nose and enters the brain cavity, where it slowly destroys brain tissue and causes a rare but usually fatal infection called Primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Even if people don't go swimming in the above-mentioned water bodies, they can still risk infection if they use Naegleria fowleri-contaminated water to cleanse their noses and clear sinuses. In rare instances, people have been infected by chlorine-free pool water, water parks, etc. Is it contagious? How can I keep my family safe from the brain-eating amoeba? No, it isn't. An infected person cannot pass the disease on to another. The sure way of protecting yourself from the rare brain-eating amoeba is to avoid swimming in infected waters. If you're unsure about how clean the water is and choose to swim, as per a Georgia Department of Public Health advisory from 2023, "you can reduce your risk of infection by limiting the amount of water that goes up the nose." What are the symptoms of brain amoeba? Common symptoms that typically start after about five days of infection include fever, nausea, and vomiting. Other symptoms that happen at a later stage of infection are a stiff neck, confusion, lack of attention to people and surroundings, seizures, hallucinations, and coma. Ultimately, it destroys brain tissue, causing swelling in the brain and finally death. The disease progresses rapidly, and generally, death happens between one and five days after the infection. In almost 97 per cent of cases, the infection turns fatal. What are the treatment options for Naegleria fowleri? Currently, no set treatment for the amoeba exists. This is mainly due to the rare nature of this infection. However, a number of drugs have been found to be beneficial in the treatment.

An alert was sounded after Kerala reported three cases of a rare brain-eating ameoba aka primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). It has already claimed the life of a 9-year-old girl in Kozhikode. What is it? How can you protect your family and yourself? Here's all you need to know.

Alert sounded after Kerala girl dies of 'brain-eating amoeba' — How safe are you?  | WION Explains

The Yamuna River has crossed the danger mark in Delhi, leading to an increase in concern of flooding after heavy rainfall batters northern India, prompting continuous accumulation of water from upstream barrages. The Central Water Commission (CWC) has confirmed that the water level touched 204.60 metres at the Old Railway Bridge around 7 pm on Sunday, and crossed the warning level of 204.50 metres, according to the PTI.&nbsp;When the water level reaches 205.33 metres, it marks a ‘danger’ and evacuation procedures are initiated after the water level crosses 206 metres. “In view of the quantity of water released from Hathnikund Barrage today, 17th August, and heavy rainfall in the Upper Yamuna area, it is informed that the water level at Delhi Railway Bridge may cross 206.00 around 02 AM on 19th August, 2025,” the advisory said.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Yamuna River in Delhi is likely to surge to 206 metres by early Tuesday (August 19, 2025), and it will surpass the danger mark of 205.33 metres, as per the advisory issued by the Central Water Commission (CWC). The rise of water levels in the Yamuna River has prompted officials to launch preparedness for potential evacuations, with a warning of a flood-like situation.<h3>Water release from Hathnikund barrages</h3>The CWC linked the rising water levels of the river to heavy rainfall in the Upper Yamuna catchment area and large water release from the Hathnikund and Wazirabad barrages. “In view of the quantity of water released from Hathnikund Barrage today, 17th August and heavy rainfall in the Upper Yamuna area, it is informed that the water level at Delhi Railway Bridge may cross 206.00 around 02 am on 19th August, 2025,” the advisory stated, the Hindu reported.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Yamunanagar, Haryana | All 18 gates of the Hathinikund Barrage have been opened for the first time this season as the water level of the Yamuna River rises. (17.08) <a href="https://t.co/bUo57Zx4fd">pic.twitter.com/bUo57Zx4fd</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1957246733152370904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Flood control officials noted that the Hathnikund Barrage is currently releasing approximately 127,030 cusecs of water, the highest so far this season, while the Wazirabad Barrage is discharging 45,620 cusecs hourly.

The Central Water Commission (CWC) reported that the water level at the Old Railway Bridge touched 204.60 metres around 7 pm on Sunday, surpassing the warning mark of 204.50 metres.

The Yamuna River has crossed the danger mark in Delhi, leading to an increase in concern of flooding after heavy rainfall batters northern India, prompting continuous accumulation of water from upstream barrages. The Central Water Commission (CWC) has confirmed that the water level touched 204.60 metres at the Old Railway Bridge around 7 pm on Sunday, and crossed the warning level of 204.50 metres, according to the PTI. When the water level reaches 205.33 metres, it marks a ‘danger’ and evacuation procedures are initiated after the water level crosses 206 metres. “In view of the quantity of water released from Hathnikund Barrage today, 17th August, and heavy rainfall in the Upper Yamuna area, it is informed that the water level at Delhi Railway Bridge may cross 206.00 around 02 AM on 19th August, 2025,” the advisory said. Meanwhile, the Yamuna River in Delhi is likely to surge to 206 metres by early Tuesday (August 19, 2025), and it will surpass the danger mark of 205.33 metres, as per the advisory issued by the Central Water Commission (CWC). The rise of water levels in the Yamuna River has prompted officials to launch preparedness for potential evacuations, with a warning of a flood-like situation. Water release from Hathnikund barrages The CWC linked the rising water levels of the river to heavy rainfall in the Upper Yamuna catchment area and large water release from the Hathnikund and Wazirabad barrages. “In view of the quantity of water released from Hathnikund Barrage today, 17th August and heavy rainfall in the Upper Yamuna area, it is informed that the water level at Delhi Railway Bridge may cross 206.00 around 02 am on 19th August, 2025,” the advisory stated, the Hindu reported.

The Central Water Commission (CWC) reported that the water level at the Old Railway Bridge touched 204.60 metres around 7 pm on Sunday, surpassing the warning mark of 204.50 metres.

Is Delhi on flood alert? Yamuna river crosses danger mark after heavy rainfall, mass evacuations soar

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert in Mumbai today after heavy rains battered several parts of the city. Earlier, an orange alert was in place but was changed due to heavy showers.&nbsp;Considering the continuous rainfall since morning and prioritizing the safety of students, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner and Administrator, Mr. Bhushan Gagrani, has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in Mumbai operating in the second session, i.e., after 12 noon.&nbsp;Red alert warning is also in place for neighbouring Pune where extremely heavy rainfall is likely in the next 48 hours.&nbsp;Thane, Ratnagiri, Borivali, Kalyan, Mulund are some of the areas in Mumbai that will witness heavy rain leading to water logging and &nbsp;low lying areas being submerged. Ratnagiri has been issued a red alert for August 18.&nbsp;Some of the districts in the Konkan region are also expected to receive widespread heavy rain in the next 48 hours.&nbsp;A low pressure that has developed over the Bay of Bengal is responsible for the widespread and heavy rain in Mumbai and its adjoining areas.&nbsp;“The heavy rainfall is being caused due to a low pressure that has developed over the Bay of Bengal, which has led to the formation of an east-west trough extending to the Arabian Sea and leading to severe rainfall in the Konkan coast of Maharashtra. The rainfall will continue till the middle of next week as a result of which the alerts have been extended for Mumbai,” said IMD.&nbsp;On Saturday, some parts of Mumbai recorded more than 200 mm rainfall, after red alert was sounded in Mumbai by IMD.&nbsp;Two people died while two others were injured, after a landslide struck a house in Vikhroli due to the extremely heavy rains.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Thane, Palghar and Ratnagiri are some of the areas in Mumbai that will witness heavy rain leading to water logging and  low lying areas being submerged. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert in Mumbai today after heavy rains battered several parts of the city. Earlier, an orange alert was in place but was changed due to heavy showers. Considering the continuous rainfall since morning and prioritizing the safety of students, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner and Administrator, Mr. Bhushan Gagrani, has declared a holiday for all schools and colleges in Mumbai operating in the second session, i.e., after 12 noon. Red alert warning is also in place for neighbouring Pune where extremely heavy rainfall is likely in the next 48 hours. Thane, Ratnagiri, Borivali, Kalyan, Mulund are some of the areas in Mumbai that will witness heavy rain leading to water logging and low lying areas being submerged. Ratnagiri has been issued a red alert for August 18. Some of the districts in the Konkan region are also expected to receive widespread heavy rain in the next 48 hours. A low pressure that has developed over the Bay of Bengal is responsible for the widespread and heavy rain in Mumbai and its adjoining areas. “The heavy rainfall is being caused due to a low pressure that has developed over the Bay of Bengal, which has led to the formation of an east-west trough extending to the Arabian Sea and leading to severe rainfall in the Konkan coast of Maharashtra. The rainfall will continue till the middle of next week as a result of which the alerts have been extended for Mumbai,” said IMD. On Saturday, some parts of Mumbai recorded more than 200 mm rainfall, after red alert was sounded in Mumbai by IMD. Two people died while two others were injured, after a landslide struck a house in Vikhroli due to the extremely heavy rains.

Thane and Ratnagiri are some of the areas in Mumbai that will witness heavy rain leading to water logging and &nbsp;low lying areas being submerged.

Red alert sounded in Mumbai after heavy rains lash city, schools asked to close

Delhi Public School Dwarka, New Delhi, reportedly received a bomb threat early Monday morning. People in the area told WION that they saw two police vans entering the school premises. However, by the time the parents were informed, most students had already reached school. Parents were called to pick up their wards from the school almost immediately after they had dropped them off. School buses were also returning with the kids. However, the commotion has caused a delay in letting out the kids, and most students remain inside the premises. Parents were seen complaining about the delay in sending out the message to parents. By the time the school acted, many students were already inside the premises. However, those who were yet to enter the school were returned. A few school buses and vans were sent back from the gate.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Which other schools received bomb threats today?</h2>According to other parents, Modern Convent in Sector 5, Dwarka, also received a bomb threat. The school reportedly remained closed as parents were informed about the school being shut before the gates opened. ShreeRam World School in Sector 10, Dwarka, was another school that received the threat via email. Bomb disposal squads and the Delhi Fire Service also reached the schools and searched the premises.&nbsp;Parents were sent a message, asking them to pick up their kids from the school. It read, "Kindly note that the school has been closed for today i.e Monday, 18 August 2025, due to unavoidable circumstances." Monday is also when classes VI and above have their weekly tests. The school also notified that the tests have been postponed. A bomb squad is combing the premises while the authorities continue with the evacuation process.&nbsp;More details are awaited...&nbsp;Bomb threats in Delhi schools&nbsp;This comes after a spate of similar incidents over the past few months. Several Delhi schools have received bomb threats earlier as well. Schools received emails of a bomb threat. In one incident, a student was found guilty of making the calls to avoid taking an exam.&nbsp;

Delhi Public School in Dwarka reportedly received a bomb threat early Monday morning, after the school opened after the long weekend. Onlookers told WION that they saw two police vans entering the school.

Delhi Public School Dwarka, New Delhi, reportedly received a bomb threat early Monday morning. People in the area told WION that they saw two police vans entering the school premises. However, by the time the parents were informed, most students had already reached school. Parents were called to pick up their wards from the school almost immediately after they had dropped them off. School buses were also returning with the kids. However, the commotion has caused a delay in letting out the kids, and most students remain inside the premises. Parents were seen complaining about the delay in sending out the message to parents. By the time the school acted, many students were already inside the premises. However, those who were yet to enter the school were returned. A few school buses and vans were sent back from the gate. Which other schools received bomb threats today? According to other parents, Modern Convent in Sector 5, Dwarka, also received a bomb threat. The school reportedly remained closed as parents were informed about the school being shut before the gates opened. ShreeRam World School in Sector 10, Dwarka, was another school that received the threat via email. Bomb disposal squads and the Delhi Fire Service also reached the schools and searched the premises. Parents were sent a message, asking them to pick up their kids from the school. It read, "Kindly note that the school has been closed for today i.e Monday, 18 August 2025, due to unavoidable circumstances." Monday is also when classes VI and above have their weekly tests. The school also notified that the tests have been postponed. A bomb squad is combing the premises while the authorities continue with the evacuation process. More details are awaited... Bomb threats in Delhi schools This comes after a spate of similar incidents over the past few months. Several Delhi schools have received bomb threats earlier as well. Schools received emails of a bomb threat. In one incident, a student was found guilty of making the calls to avoid taking an exam.

Delhi Public School Dwarka reportedly received a bomb threat early Monday morning after the school opened after the long weekend. Onlookers told WION that they saw two police vans entering the school.

DPS Dwarka receives bomb threat, police vans seen entering premises: Sources

Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, on Sunday (Aug 17), repeated claims that the nation downed six Indian aircraft during the brief military confrontation between the two nations in May, claiming that Islamabad had “video proof”. However, he did not, once again, provide any details to back the assertion. While relations between neighbours India and Pakistan have been tense for years, the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which was linked to Islamabad, triggered India's Operation Sindoor and subsequently a military confrontation between the two nations.<h2>What did the Pakistani minister say?</h2>Addressing a seminar in Lahore on Sunday, Naqvi boasted about being privy to key pieces of information surrounding the recent India-Pakistan war. There, he insisted that Pakistani intelligence had knowledge about India's plans ahead of time and that the nation had footage of six Indian planes being downed by the Pak military. The claim is not new and has already been refuted by India. On May 31, India's Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, speaking in Singapore, had flatly rejected Pakistan's claims of downing Indian jets, including Rafael's, as "absolutely incorrect".&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-travel-with-jo-youtuber-jyoti-malhotra-charge-sheeted-for-allegedly-spying-for-pakistan-1755406129532">‘Travel with Jo’ YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra charge-sheeted for allegedly spying for Pakistan</a>Naqvi, on Sunday, praised the Pakistani intelligence agencies' "important work" and said, "We need to acknowledge them." Without backing his claims about Pakistan downing Indian planes, evasively, he said, "Although the radar data had confirmed the downing of the Indian aircraft, Pakistan chose not to make any announcement until concrete evidence is in hand. We have video footage of all six Indian planes, which were shot down."Despite claiming to have the purported video footage, Pakistan has yet to present any evidence publicly.Naqvi also asserted that Pakistan destroyed an Indian oil depot during the conflict and that none of Pakistan's critical assets were damaged by Indian missiles. He declared that Pakistan had prior knowledge of New Delhi's strategies: "We knew whatever they planned, what aircraft they would use."&nbsp;Watch | J&amp;K: Two LeT terror associates arrested | Joint op by J&amp;K police, army<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/-j-k-two-let-terror-associates-arrested-joint-op-by-j-k-police-army-1755459827856/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/-j-k-two-let-terror-associates-arrested-joint-op-by-j-k-police-army-1755459827856/embed</a>&nbsp;

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has once again claimed that the country’s military shot down six Indian aircraft during the brief May confrontation, insisting Islamabad has “video proof” of the strikes. However, once again, the nation failed to back its claims with evidence.

Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, on Sunday (Aug 17), repeated claims that the nation downed six Indian aircraft during the brief military confrontation between the two nations in May, claiming that Islamabad had “video proof”. However, he did not, once again, provide any details to back the assertion. While relations between neighbours India and Pakistan have been tense for years, the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, which was linked to Islamabad, triggered India's Operation Sindoor and subsequently a military confrontation between the two nations. What did the Pakistani minister say? Addressing a seminar in Lahore on Sunday, Naqvi boasted about being privy to key pieces of information surrounding the recent India-Pakistan war. There, he insisted that Pakistani intelligence had knowledge about India's plans ahead of time and that the nation had footage of six Indian planes being downed by the Pak military. The claim is not new and has already been refuted by India. On May 31, India's Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, speaking in Singapore, had flatly rejected Pakistan's claims of downing Indian jets, including Rafael's, as "absolutely incorrect". Also read | ‘Travel with Jo’ YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra charge-sheeted for allegedly spying for Pakistan Naqvi, on Sunday, praised the Pakistani intelligence agencies' "important work" and said, "We need to acknowledge them." Without backing his claims about Pakistan downing Indian planes, evasively, he said, "Although the radar data had confirmed the downing of the Indian aircraft, Pakistan chose not to make any announcement until concrete evidence is in hand. We have video footage of all six Indian planes, which were shot down." Despite claiming to have the purported video footage, Pakistan has yet to present any evidence publicly. Naqvi also asserted that Pakistan destroyed an Indian oil depot during the conflict and that none of Pakistan's critical assets were damaged by Indian missiles. He declared that Pakistan had prior knowledge of New Delhi's strategies: "We knew whatever they planned, what aircraft they would use." Watch | J&K: Two LeT terror associates arrested | Joint op by J&K police, army https://www.wionews.com/videos/-j-k-two-let-terror-associates-arrested-joint-op-by-j-k-police-army-1755459827856/embed

Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has once again claimed that the country’s military shot down six Indian aircraft during the brief May confrontation, insisting Islamabad has “video proof” of the strikes. However, once again, the nation failed to back its claims with evidence.

Pakistan minister claims 'video proof’ of downing 6 Indian jets during India-pak conflict in May—but offers no evidence again

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed on Sunday that the United States monitors the situation between India and Pakistan “every single day” since the two nations announced ceasefire, along with other global regions where tensions remain high.Rubio said the US has been calling for a ceasefire in ongoing conflicts, which is difficult to negotiate while hostilities are ongoing. “The only way to have a ceasefire is for both sides to agree to stop firing at one another. The Russians have not agreed to that,” he said, referring to the war in Ukraine, during NBC News’s Meet the Press show.He then added that after a ceasefire is achieved, maintaining it is often challenging, especially after long conflicts. “Ceasefires can fall apart very quickly, especially after a three-and-a-half-year war like what we’re facing now,” he said.&nbsp;“Every single day we keep an eye on what’s happening between Pakistan and India, what’s happening between Cambodia and Thailand,” Rubio said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Keeping eye on India, Pakistan Ceasefire says US US Secy of State Marco Rubio &quot;One of the complications of the ceasefire is that they have to be maintained, which is very difficult. Every single day, we keep an eye on what is happening between Pakistan &amp; India..&quot; Ctsy: NBC <a href="https://t.co/fnU3J3DG8O">pic.twitter.com/fnU3J3DG8O</a>&mdash; Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1957102093342507303?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;He then added that the aim should be a peace deal that prevents both current and future conflict, not just a temporary halt in fighting.&nbsp;President Donald Trump repeatedly claimed credit for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan after New Delhi launched Operation Sindoor following the Pahalgam terror attack. Trump claimed on several occasions that his intervention led to a ceasefire between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, but India firmly rejected the assertions.India has always maintained that all issues with Pakistan are managed bilaterally, with no role for third-party mediation.&nbsp;In a special discussion in Parliament on Operation Sindoor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that no world leader had asked India to stop its military response.“We had said from day one that our action was non-escalatory. No leader in the world asked us to stop Operation Sindoor,” PM Modi said.External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also told the House that the ceasefire was not the result of any foreign intervention. The minister also clarified that the decision to halt military operations had no link to trade discussions, as claimed by Trump.While India denied Trump’s involvement, Pakistan nominated the US president for the Nobel Peace Prize.&nbsp;Rubio made the remark in response to a question on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the White House on Monday as the war-torn nation hopes for a peace deal with Russia.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Marco Rubio said the US has been calling for a ceasefire in ongoing conflicts, which is difficult to negotiate while hostilities are ongoing, and then added that after a ceasefire is achieved, maintaining it is often challenging, especially after long conflicts.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed on Sunday that the United States monitors the situation between India and Pakistan “every single day” since the two nations announced ceasefire, along with other global regions where tensions remain high. Rubio said the US has been calling for a ceasefire in ongoing conflicts, which is difficult to negotiate while hostilities are ongoing. “The only way to have a ceasefire is for both sides to agree to stop firing at one another. The Russians have not agreed to that,” he said, referring to the war in Ukraine, during NBC News’s Meet the Press show. He then added that after a ceasefire is achieved, maintaining it is often challenging, especially after long conflicts. “Ceasefires can fall apart very quickly, especially after a three-and-a-half-year war like what we’re facing now,” he said. “Every single day we keep an eye on what’s happening between Pakistan and India, what’s happening between Cambodia and Thailand,” Rubio said.

Marco Rubio said the US has been calling for a ceasefire in ongoing conflicts, which is difficult to negotiate while hostilities are ongoing, and then added that after a ceasefire is achieved, maintaining it is often challenging, especially after long conflicts.

US keeps an eye on India-Pakistan situation ‘every single day’: Marco Rubio

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist associates were apprehended by security forces on Sunday in the Malpora Nowgam area of Sumbal district, Bandipora. The arrests were made during a joint checking operation conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Army.The two arrested individuals have been identified as Ab Majid Gojri, a resident of SK Bala, and Ab Hamid Dar, a resident of Vijpara Hajin. The security personnel recovered two Chinese grenades, two UBGL (Under Barrel Grenade Launcher) grenades, and 10 rounds of AKs (AK-series rifles) from their possession.The Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in this regard, and further investigation is underway.&nbsp;&nbsp;Senior officials consider these arrests as a success in disrupting the activities of Lashkar-e-Taiba in the region. The police are also investigating the level of involvement of the two arrested individuals with the terrorist organisation and if these arrests are linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba modules busted earlier in Bandipora.&nbsp;The success of the security forces highlights the ongoing efforts by them to counter terrorism and maintain peace and order in the region.&nbsp;Pakistan has been pushing terrorists, who are well-trained in jungle warfare, into Jammu and Kashmir. These terrorists engage security forces in treacherous mountains and forests.&nbsp;Earlier, the longest counter-terrorism operation, Operation Akhal, in the Akhal forest area of Kulgam district, was called off after 12 days. The operation was launched on August 1 after receiving intelligence inputs about the presence of a terrorist group in the area.The operation was launched based on credible intelligence inputs indicating the presence of 5-6 heavily armed terrorists in the dense Akhal Khulsan forest. The forest is rugged terrain with dense trees, caves, and steep slopes. It was part of a massive crackdown on terrorist networks following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025.

The two arrested LeT terrorist associates have been identified as Ab Majid Gojri, a resident of SK Bala, and Ab Hamid Dar, a resident of Vijpara Hajin. Two Chinese grenades, two UBGL (Under Barrel Grenade Launcher) grenades, and 10 rounds of AKs (AK-series rifles) were recovered from them.

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist associates were apprehended by security forces on Sunday in the Malpora Nowgam area of Sumbal district, Bandipora. The arrests were made during a joint checking operation conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Army. The two arrested individuals have been identified as Ab Majid Gojri, a resident of SK Bala, and Ab Hamid Dar, a resident of Vijpara Hajin. The security personnel recovered two Chinese grenades, two UBGL (Under Barrel Grenade Launcher) grenades, and 10 rounds of AKs (AK-series rifles) from their possession. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in this regard, and further investigation is underway. Senior officials consider these arrests as a success in disrupting the activities of Lashkar-e-Taiba in the region. The police are also investigating the level of involvement of the two arrested individuals with the terrorist organisation and if these arrests are linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba modules busted earlier in Bandipora. The success of the security forces highlights the ongoing efforts by them to counter terrorism and maintain peace and order in the region. Pakistan has been pushing terrorists, who are well-trained in jungle warfare, into Jammu and Kashmir. These terrorists engage security forces in treacherous mountains and forests. Earlier, the longest counter-terrorism operation, Operation Akhal, in the Akhal forest area of Kulgam district, was called off after 12 days. The operation was launched on August 1 after receiving intelligence inputs about the presence of a terrorist group in the area. The operation was launched based on credible intelligence inputs indicating the presence of 5-6 heavily armed terrorists in the dense Akhal Khulsan forest. The forest is rugged terrain with dense trees, caves, and steep slopes. It was part of a massive crackdown on terrorist networks following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025.

The two arrested LeT terrorist associates have been identified as Ab Majid Gojri, a resident of SK Bala, and Ab Hamid Dar, a resident of Vijpara Hajin. Two Chinese grenades, two UBGL (Under Barrel Grenade Launcher) grenades, and 10 rounds of AKs (AK-series rifles) were recovered from them.

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist associates apprehended in Bandipora, Kashmir

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday (August 17) named Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) candidate for the Vice President’s post. The decision was taken at the BJP Parliamentary Board meeting to finalise the party’s nominee. If elected, Radhakrishnan will replace former India's President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who stepped down last month due to some health concerns. According to some sources, Radhakrishnan is also likely to attend the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting on Tuesday (August 19).&nbsp; The Election Commission has also announced that the voting for the new Vice President will be held on September 9. The last date for filing nomination forms is August 21 and scrutiny of documents will take place on August 22.On Radhakrishnan's announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him on X, writing, “In his long years in public life, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has distinguished himself with his dedication, humility and intellect. During the various positions he has held, he has always focused on community service and empowering the marginalised. He has done extensive work at the grassroots in Tamil Nadu. I am glad that the NDA family has decided to nominate him as the Vice Presidential candidate of our alliance.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">In his long years in public life, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has distinguished himself with his dedication, humility and intellect. During the various positions he has held, he has always focused on community service and empowering the marginalised. He has done extensive work at… <a href="https://t.co/WrbKl4LB9S">pic.twitter.com/WrbKl4LB9S</a>&mdash; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1957098105054417214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Who is CP Radhakrishnan?</h2>Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan was born on 20 October, 1957 in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu and he holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.&nbsp;He is a long-time member of the RSS and was also a part of the Bharatiya Janasangh’s State Executive Committee in 1974. In the year 2004 to 2007, he served as the BJP’s Tamil Nadu State President. Radhakrishnan further took charge as Maharashtra Governor on 31 July, 2024. Before becoming the governor of the Maharashtra, earlier he served as Jharkhand Governor for nearly one and a half years.Apart from the politics, Radhakrishnan has a keen interest in sports, as he was a college-level table tennis champion and a long-distance runner. He also enjoys playing cricket and volleyball, according to the Maharashtra Raj Bhavan website.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday (Aug 17) announced Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as the NDA's candidate for the Vice-President election, scheduled for September 9.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday (August 17) named Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) candidate for the Vice President’s post. The decision was taken at the BJP Parliamentary Board meeting to finalise the party’s nominee. If elected, Radhakrishnan will replace former India's President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who stepped down last month due to some health concerns. According to some sources, Radhakrishnan is also likely to attend the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting on Tuesday (August 19). The Election Commission has also announced that the voting for the new Vice President will be held on September 9. The last date for filing nomination forms is August 21 and scrutiny of documents will take place on August 22. On Radhakrishnan's announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him on X, writing, “In his long years in public life, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has distinguished himself with his dedication, humility and intellect. During the various positions he has held, he has always focused on community service and empowering the marginalised. He has done extensive work at the grassroots in Tamil Nadu. I am glad that the NDA family has decided to nominate him as the Vice Presidential candidate of our alliance.”

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday (Aug 17) announced Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan as the NDA's candidate for the Vice-President election, scheduled for September 9.

Who is CP Radhakrishnan? NDA's candidate for Vice President elections

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, who will be on an India visit starting tomorrow, will meet PM Modi on Tuesday. FM Yi meets PM Modi even as India-China ties look at a reset, a process started after India, China leaders met on the sidelines of the Kazan BRICS summit last year. For a visiting foreign minister, to get an audience with the Indian Prime Minister is rare.&nbsp; The Chinese foreign minister will be on a 3-day India visit for the 24th&nbsp;round of India-China Special Representatives (SR) level border talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The last round of such talks took place in Beijing in December 2024. The mechanism was initiated following a proposal by then-Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his 2003 visit to China, and aims to explore a political framework for resolving the boundary issue.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-china-is-very-patient-trump-says-xi-told-him-china-won-t-invade-taiwan-till-he-is-us-president-1755347749713">'China is very patient': Trump says Xi told him China won’t invade Taiwan till he is US president</a> Wang Yi arrives in the Indian national capital on Monday, and also meets EAM Dr S Jaishankar. This will be the 2nd visit of the Chinese foreign minister to&nbsp;India&nbsp;since the 2020 Galwan clashes, the last being in March 2022.&nbsp; As part of the reset of ties, focus is on cooperation on the sharing of river water data, resumption of direct air services, and exchanges between media and think-tanks. The holy Kailash Mansarovar Yatra started this year after a gap of several years.&nbsp; This year, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and EAM Jaishankar visited China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO meetings. China is the host of the grouping for this year and will be hosting the summit later this month, from 31st&nbsp;August to 1st&nbsp;Sept, and for this, PM Modi will be travelling to the country. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had travelled to China in January. Ties between the 2 Asian neighbours were on a free fall since the Galwan clashes of 2020.&nbsp;India's increased worry has been China's support to Pakistan, a country that has been supporting cross-border terrorism against&nbsp;India&nbsp;and is seen as a destabilising factor in the region as well. Pakistan has one of the largest numbers of its nationals listed as terrorists on the UN's international terror list.&nbsp;

The Chinese foreign minister will be on a 3-day India visit for the 24th round of India-China Special Representatives (SR) level border talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The last round of such talks took place in Beijing in December 2024.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, who will be on an India visit starting tomorrow, will meet PM Modi on Tuesday. FM Yi meets PM Modi even as India-China ties look at a reset, a process started after India, China leaders met on the sidelines of the Kazan BRICS summit last year. For a visiting foreign minister, to get an audience with the Indian Prime Minister is rare. The Chinese foreign minister will be on a 3-day India visit for the 24th round of India-China Special Representatives (SR) level border talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The last round of such talks took place in Beijing in December 2024. The mechanism was initiated following a proposal by then-Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his 2003 visit to China, and aims to explore a political framework for resolving the boundary issue. Also read: 'China is very patient': Trump says Xi told him China won’t invade Taiwan till he is US president Wang Yi arrives in the Indian national capital on Monday, and also meets EAM Dr S Jaishankar. This will be the 2nd visit of the Chinese foreign minister to India since the 2020 Galwan clashes, the last being in March 2022. As part of the reset of ties, focus is on cooperation on the sharing of river water data, resumption of direct air services, and exchanges between media and think-tanks. The holy Kailash Mansarovar Yatra started this year after a gap of several years. This year, Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and EAM Jaishankar visited China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation or SCO meetings. China is the host of the grouping for this year and will be hosting the summit later this month, from 31st August to 1st Sept, and for this, PM Modi will be travelling to the country. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had travelled to China in January. Ties between the 2 Asian neighbours were on a free fall since the Galwan clashes of 2020. India's increased worry has been China's support to Pakistan, a country that has been supporting cross-border terrorism against India and is seen as a destabilising factor in the region as well. Pakistan has one of the largest numbers of its nationals listed as terrorists on the UN's international terror list.

The Chinese foreign minister will be on a 3-day India visit for the 24th&nbsp;round of India-China Special Representatives (SR) level border talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. The last round of such talks took place in Beijing in December 2024.

China's Wang Yi to meet PM Modi in Delhi on Tuesday

BJP national president JP Nadda announced on Sunday that Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, one of the party’s tallest leaders from Tamil Nadu, will be the NDA’s candidate for the post of the Vice President.Radhakrishnan has also been the Governor of Jharkhand and a two-term MP from Coimbatore.“He has 40 years of experience in politics and has worn many hats,” said BJP chief JP Nadda, while making the announcement&nbsp;at a press conference on Sunday evening.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan will be the NDA&#39;s candidate for the Vice Presidential election, says BJP national president and Union Minister JP Nadda <a href="https://t.co/VzSJVjoF6p">pic.twitter.com/VzSJVjoF6p</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1957087443833782404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The vice presidential election is scheduled for September 9, and the last date of nomination is August 22.&nbsp;“We will talk to the opposition as well. We should also get their support so that together we can ensure an unopposed election for the post of vice president. As we said earlier, we have been in touch with them, and our senior leaders have contacted them earlier as well, and even now, we will remain in touch with them, and all our NDA colleagues have supported us. CP Radhakrishnan is our NDA’s candidate for Vice President,” Nadda said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

PM Narendra Modi praised CP Radhakrishnan for his dedication, humility and intellect, and said in a post on X, “In his long years in public life, Thiru CP Radhakrishnan Ji has distinguished himself with his dedication, humility and intellect. During the various positions he has held, he has always focused on community service and empowering the marginalised. He has done extensive work at the grassroots in Tamil Nadu. I am glad that the NDA family has decided to nominate him as the Vice Presidential candidate of our alliance.” &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">PM Modi chaired the Parliamentary Committee Meeting at the BJP headquarters in Delhi. <a href="https://t.co/YPS9s0b2of">pic.twitter.com/YPS9s0b2of</a>&mdash; BJP (@BJP4India) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India/status/1957088516506358268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Earlier in the day, the BJP parliamentary board met on Sunday to decide the name of the candidate for the election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and other senior leaders also attended the meeting.&nbsp;“PM Modi presided over the Parliamentary Committee meeting, where, after extensive deliberations, it was decided to nominate Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, the Governor of Maharashtra, as the NDA's candidate for the position of Vice President,” said Nadda.&nbsp;<h2>Why did NDA pick CP Radhakrishnan?</h2>&nbsp;Chandrapuram Ponnusamy Radhakrishnan was born in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, on October 20, 1957. Radhakrishnan was sworn in as the Governor of Maharashtra on July 31, 2024 after having served as the Governor of Jharkhand for nearly one and a half years.He has been a two-term MP from Coimbatore and also headed the Tamil Nadu unit of the BJP.Radhakrishnan earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He has been a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and served as the State Executive Committee Member of the Bharatiya Janasangh in 1974.However, his choice as NDA’s vice presidential candidate comes ahead of the next year’s assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. His nomination is likely to send a signal to the people of the state where the BJP is yet to come up with a good show at hustings.

Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan has been officially declared as the candidate of the NDA, nearly a month after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from the post, citing health reasons. Radhakrishnan’s candidature was announced by BJP national president JP Nadda.

BJP national president JP Nadda announced on Sunday that Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan, one of the party’s tallest leaders from Tamil Nadu, will be the NDA’s candidate for the post of the Vice President. Radhakrishnan has also been the Governor of Jharkhand and a two-term MP from Coimbatore. “He has 40 years of experience in politics and has worn many hats,” said BJP chief JP Nadda, while making the announcement at a press conference on Sunday evening.

Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan has been officially declared as the candidate of the NDA, nearly a month after Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned from the post, citing health reasons. Radhakrishnan’s candidature was announced by BJP national president JP Nadda.

Maharashtra Governor CP Radhakrishnan named NDA’s candidate for Vice Presidential election

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Independence Day speech and mentioned him as “very dangerous man” who should be removed from power. Speaking at an opposition rally in Sasaram in Bihar, Kharge attacked the Prime Minister for praising the RSS during his address from the Red Fort. He said that as long as the BJP remains in power, people’s votes and rights will not be safe. He alleged that the RSS opposed India’s freedom struggle and questioned PM Modi for praising such groups. He further added that none of their members went to jail during the independence movement, instead, they sought jobs under the British.&nbsp;"None of your people went to jail (during the freedom struggle)... They were giving applications to the Britishers for jobs. They said that they would remain with them (Britishers). If PM Modi is taking the names of such people from the Red Fort, then what would the souls of those who fought for our freedom be saying today?" Kharge said, according to HT.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Sasaram, Bihar | On PM Narendra Modi, Rajya Sabha LoP and Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge says, &quot;He is a very dangerous man. Unless you remove him from power, your votes, rights, freedom, and even the Constitution will not remain safe.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/E853va4jUp">pic.twitter.com/E853va4jUp</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1957002235038056757?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Congress President warned people that the BJP government is a threat to the Constitution and democracy of India. He further mentioned that the sacrifices of lakhs of freedom fighters were being insulted. He appealed people to remove him from power to protect their rights and freedoms.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VIDEO | Sasaram: “Modi steals your votes, the jobs of the youth, the MSP of farmers, and your rights. He is a thief, and it is necessary to remove that thief,” says Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge (<a href="https://twitter.com/kharge?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kharge</a>) in his address before the commencement of the &#39;Voter Adhikar… <a href="https://t.co/7SOB4BLXHh">pic.twitter.com/7SOB4BLXHh</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1957004426956112248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Lakhs of people who died for the freedom, what would their souls be saying? They would be saying that there is a person who is speaking against us. Issi liye mai kehta hun, ye bahut khatarnaak aadmi hai (That's why I say that this person (PM Modi) is a very dangerous man.) Unless you remove him from power, your votes, rights, freedom and even the Constitution will not remain safe.”&nbsp;"PM Modi steals your votes, the jobs of the youth, the MSP of farmers, and your rights. He is a thief and it is necessary to remove that thief,” Kharge added.

Speaking at an opposition rally in Sasaram, Bihar, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Independence Day speech.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Independence Day speech and mentioned him as “very dangerous man” who should be removed from power. Speaking at an opposition rally in Sasaram in Bihar, Kharge attacked the Prime Minister for praising the RSS during his address from the Red Fort. He said that as long as the BJP remains in power, people’s votes and rights will not be safe. He alleged that the RSS opposed India’s freedom struggle and questioned PM Modi for praising such groups. He further added that none of their members went to jail during the independence movement, instead, they sought jobs under the British. "None of your people went to jail (during the freedom struggle)... They were giving applications to the Britishers for jobs. They said that they would remain with them (Britishers). If PM Modi is taking the names of such people from the Red Fort, then what would the souls of those who fought for our freedom be saying today?" Kharge said, according to HT.

Speaking at an opposition rally in Sasaram, Bihar, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his Independence Day speech.

'He is a very dangerous man...': Mallikarjun Kharge criticises PM Modi over 'vote chori' claims at opposition rally in Bihar

The Election Commission of India (EC) on Sunday pushed back against demands for polling booth CCTV footage, saying sharing it would breach voter privacy. The comments came after Rahul Gandhi accused the Commission of turning a blind eye to what he called “vote chori (theft)”. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar took a tough stance at a press conference in Delhi, calling the Opposition’s remarks an “insult of the Constitution”.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-vote-theft-allegations-insult-of-the-constitution-cec-refutes-oppn-s-charge-of-bias-in-bihar-s-sir-1755423718094">‘Vote theft allegations an insult, few leaders misleading voters:’ CEC refutes Oppn’s charge of bias</a><h2>CEC hits back at Rahul Gandhi’s allegations</h2>Without naming the Congress MP directly, the CEC said, “The ‘chori’ charges are shots being fired at the voters by perching a gun on the EC’s shoulder.” He added, “We want to make it clear, that the EC has fearlessly stood by voters from across sections and religions, and will continue to stand by them like a rock.”<h2>Why machine-readable voter lists were not shared</h2>On the demand for machine-readable voter rolls, the CEC pointed to a 2019 Supreme Court ruling. “The Supreme Court has already held that it could breach a voter’s privacy,” he said. The Commission also cited instances where photos of voters were used in the media without their consent. Kumar warned that such actions put individuals’ rights at risk.<h2>The row over CCTV footage at polling booths</h2>Responding to the push for surveillance footage, Kumar said, “Should the Election Commission share CCTV videos of anyone’s mother, daughter-in-law, sister, or of anyone else?” He argued that with nearly 1.3 crore officials and agents monitoring elections, the process is already transparent. “In such a transparent process, can anyone steal votes?” he asked. The EC said it had seen no proof to back allegations of proxy or duplicate voting.<h2>Rahul Gandhi doubles down in Bihar</h2>Even as the EC briefed the press, Rahul Gandhi addressed a rally in Bihar, accusing the Commission of shielding irregularities during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. “The entire country knows what the Election Commission is doing,” he told supporters in Sasaram. “Earlier, the country did not know how votes were being stolen. But we made it clear in the press conference how votes are being stolen. Whenever the theft is happening… we will catch the theft and show the people,” he added.The Commission had earlier asked Gandhi to provide proof under oath. At Sunday’s briefing, Kumar declared, “If within seven days I don’t get the oath, it means he is a liar and he blamed my voters as liars.” He also said false accusations “can scare neither the EC nor any voter”.

The Election Commission rejected demands for CCTV footage, citing voter privacy, and called Rahul Gandhi's vote theft claims an insult to the Constitution, defending its impartiality and commitment to voters.

The Election Commission of India (EC) on Sunday pushed back against demands for polling booth CCTV footage, saying sharing it would breach voter privacy. The comments came after Rahul Gandhi accused the Commission of turning a blind eye to what he called “vote chori (theft)”. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar took a tough stance at a press conference in Delhi, calling the Opposition’s remarks an “insult of the Constitution”. Also read: ‘Vote theft allegations an insult, few leaders misleading voters:’ CEC refutes Oppn’s charge of bias CEC hits back at Rahul Gandhi’s allegations Without naming the Congress MP directly, the CEC said, “The ‘chori’ charges are shots being fired at the voters by perching a gun on the EC’s shoulder.” He added, “We want to make it clear, that the EC has fearlessly stood by voters from across sections and religions, and will continue to stand by them like a rock.” Why machine-readable voter lists were not shared On the demand for machine-readable voter rolls, the CEC pointed to a 2019 Supreme Court ruling. “The Supreme Court has already held that it could breach a voter’s privacy,” he said. The Commission also cited instances where photos of voters were used in the media without their consent. Kumar warned that such actions put individuals’ rights at risk. The row over CCTV footage at polling booths Responding to the push for surveillance footage, Kumar said, “Should the Election Commission share CCTV videos of anyone’s mother, daughter-in-law, sister, or of anyone else?” He argued that with nearly 1.3 crore officials and agents monitoring elections, the process is already transparent. “In such a transparent process, can anyone steal votes?” he asked. The EC said it had seen no proof to back allegations of proxy or duplicate voting. Rahul Gandhi doubles down in Bihar Even as the EC briefed the press, Rahul Gandhi addressed a rally in Bihar, accusing the Commission of shielding irregularities during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls. “The entire country knows what the Election Commission is doing,” he told supporters in Sasaram. “Earlier, the country did not know how votes were being stolen. But we made it clear in the press conference how votes are being stolen. Whenever the theft is happening… we will catch the theft and show the people,” he added. The Commission had earlier asked Gandhi to provide proof under oath. At Sunday’s briefing, Kumar declared, “If within seven days I don’t get the oath, it means he is a liar and he blamed my voters as liars.” He also said false accusations “can scare neither the EC nor any voter”.

The Election Commission rejected demands for CCTV footage, citing voter privacy, and called Rahul Gandhi's vote theft claims an insult to the Constitution, defending its impartiality and commitment to voters.

‘Should we share videos of mothers, sisters?’: Here's why EC is refusing to share CCTV footage amid Rahul Gandhi’s ‘vote chori’ charge

Pakistani rescuers dug homes out from under massive boulders on Sunday as they searched for survivors of flash floods that killed at least 344 people, with more than 150 still missing.&nbsp;Since Thursday, torrential rains across the country have caused flooding, rising waters and landslides that have swept away entire villages and left many residents trapped in the rubble.&nbsp;Most of the deaths, 317, were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where monsoon rains that are only expected to intensify in the days ahead drove flooding and landslides that collapsed houses.&nbsp;More than 150 people are missing in hardest-hit Buner district, where at least 208 people were killed and "10 to 12 entire villages" were partially buried, officials told AFP.&nbsp;"They could be trapped under the rubble of their homes or swept away by floodwaters," said Asfandyar Khattak, head of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Provincial Disaster Management Authority.&nbsp;"Separately, in Shangla district, dozens of people are also reported missing," Khattak added.&nbsp;"There is no electricity or mobile signal in Buner, as power lines and mobile towers were damaged," he added.&nbsp;The spokesman for the province's rescue agency told AFP that around 2,000 rescue workers were involved across nine districts, where rain was still hampering efforts.&nbsp;"The operation to rescue people trapped under debris is ongoing," said Bilal Ahmad Faizi.&nbsp;"The chances of those buried under the debris surviving are very slim," he added.&nbsp;AFP journalists in Buner saw half-buried vehicles and belongings lying strewn in the sludge, with mud covering houses and shops.A grave digger, Qaiser Ali Shah, told AFP he dug 29 burial places in the last two days.&nbsp;"I have also dug six graves for children. With each grave, it felt as though I was digging it for my own child," he told AFP.&nbsp;"For the first time, my body simply refused to carry me through. That's why today I apologised and said I cannot do this work anymore."&nbsp;Flooded roads hampered the movement of rescue vehicles, as a few villagers worked to cut fallen trees to clear the way after the water receded.&nbsp;"Our belongings are scattered, ruined and are in bad shape," shopkeeper Noor Muhammad told AFP as he used a shovel to remove mud.&nbsp;"The shops have been destroyed along with everything else. Even the little money people had has been washed away," he added.The provincial government has declared the severely affected mountainous districts of Buner, Bajaur, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra and Battagram as disaster-hit areas.&nbsp;"We were trapped in our homes and could not get out," another Buner resident, Syed Wahab Bacha, told AFP.&nbsp;"Our entire poor community has been affected... This road was our only path, and it too has been washed away," he added.<h2>Mass funerals</h2>&nbsp;On Saturday, hundreds gathered for mass funerals, where bodies wrapped in blood-stained white shawls were laid out on the village ground.&nbsp;Fallen trees and straw debris were scattered across nearby fields, while residents shovelled mud out of their homes.&nbsp;Pakistan's meteorological department has forecast "torrential rains" with monsoon activity "likely to intensify" from Sunday onwards.The monsoon season brings South Asia about three-quarters of its annual rainfall, vital for agriculture and food security, but also brings destruction.&nbsp;"The intensity of this year's monsoon is around 50 to 60 per cent more than last year," said Lieutenant General Inam Haider, chairman of the national disaster agency.&nbsp;"Two to three more monsoon spells are expected until the first weeks of September," he told journalists in Islamabad.&nbsp;Landslides and flash floods are common during the season, which usually begins in June and eases by the end of September.&nbsp;The torrential rains that have pounded Pakistan since the start of the summer monsoon have killed more than 650 people, with more than 920 injured.&nbsp;Pakistan is one of the world's most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change and is contending with extreme weather events with increasing frequency.&nbsp;Monsoon floods in 2022 submerged a third of the country and killed around 1,700 people.&nbsp;Another villager in Buner told AFP on Saturday that residents had spent the night searching through the rubble of their former homes."The entire area is reeling from profound trauma," said 32-year-old schoolteacher Saifullah Khan.&nbsp;"I helped retrieve the bodies of the children I taught. I keep wondering what kind of trial nature has imposed on these kids," he said.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

More than 150 people are missing in hardest-hit Buner district, where at least 208 people were killed and "10 to 12 entire villages" were partially buried, officials told AFP.

Pakistani rescuers dug homes out from under massive boulders on Sunday as they searched for survivors of flash floods that killed at least 344 people, with more than 150 still missing. Since Thursday, torrential rains across the country have caused flooding, rising waters and landslides that have swept away entire villages and left many residents trapped in the rubble. Most of the deaths, 317, were reported in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, where monsoon rains that are only expected to intensify in the days ahead drove flooding and landslides that collapsed houses. More than 150 people are missing in hardest-hit Buner district, where at least 208 people were killed and "10 to 12 entire villages" were partially buried, officials told AFP. "They could be trapped under the rubble of their homes or swept away by floodwaters," said Asfandyar Khattak, head of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Provincial Disaster Management Authority. "Separately, in Shangla district, dozens of people are also reported missing," Khattak added. "There is no electricity or mobile signal in Buner, as power lines and mobile towers were damaged," he added. The spokesman for the province's rescue agency told AFP that around 2,000 rescue workers were involved across nine districts, where rain was still hampering efforts. "The operation to rescue people trapped under debris is ongoing," said Bilal Ahmad Faizi. "The chances of those buried under the debris surviving are very slim," he added. AFP journalists in Buner saw half-buried vehicles and belongings lying strewn in the sludge, with mud covering houses and shops. A grave digger, Qaiser Ali Shah, told AFP he dug 29 burial places in the last two days. "I have also dug six graves for children. With each grave, it felt as though I was digging it for my own child," he told AFP. "For the first time, my body simply refused to carry me through. That's why today I apologised and said I cannot do this work anymore." Flooded roads hampered the movement of rescue vehicles, as a few villagers worked to cut fallen trees to clear the way after the water receded. "Our belongings are scattered, ruined and are in bad shape," shopkeeper Noor Muhammad told AFP as he used a shovel to remove mud. "The shops have been destroyed along with everything else. Even the little money people had has been washed away," he added. The provincial government has declared the severely affected mountainous districts of Buner, Bajaur, Swat, Shangla, Mansehra and Battagram as disaster-hit areas. "We were trapped in our homes and could not get out," another Buner resident, Syed Wahab Bacha, told AFP. "Our entire poor community has been affected... This road was our only path, and it too has been washed away," he added. Mass funerals On Saturday, hundreds gathered for mass funerals, where bodies wrapped in blood-stained white shawls were laid out on the village ground. Fallen trees and straw debris were scattered across nearby fields, while residents shovelled mud out of their homes. Pakistan's meteorological department has forecast "torrential rains" with monsoon activity "likely to intensify" from Sunday onwards. The monsoon season brings South Asia about three-quarters of its annual rainfall, vital for agriculture and food security, but also brings destruction. "The intensity of this year's monsoon is around 50 to 60 per cent more than last year," said Lieutenant General Inam Haider, chairman of the national disaster agency. "Two to three more monsoon spells are expected until the first weeks of September," he told journalists in Islamabad. Landslides and flash floods are common during the season, which usually begins in June and eases by the end of September. The torrential rains that have pounded Pakistan since the start of the summer monsoon have killed more than 650 people, with more than 920 injured. Pakistan is one of the world's most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change and is contending with extreme weather events with increasing frequency. Monsoon floods in 2022 submerged a third of the country and killed around 1,700 people. Another villager in Buner told AFP on Saturday that residents had spent the night searching through the rubble of their former homes. "The entire area is reeling from profound trauma," said 32-year-old schoolteacher Saifullah Khan. "I helped retrieve the bodies of the children I taught. I keep wondering what kind of trial nature has imposed on these kids," he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

More than 150 people are missing in hardest-hit Buner district, where at least 208 people were killed and "10 to 12 entire villages" were partially buried, officials told AFP.

Hopes for survivors grow grim as landslides, floods devastate Pakistan villages

India's foreign exchange reserves rose by USD 4.747 billion in the week that ended August 8 to USD 693.618 billion, driven by gains in both foreign currency assets and gold holdings, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in its latest 'Weekly Statistical Supplement'. In the preceding week, India's foreign exchange reserves reported a sharp decline, slipping USD 9.32 billion. Still, the forex kitty is hovering close to its all-time high of USD 704.89 billion touched in September 2024. After the latest monetary policy review meeting, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the foreign exchange kitty was sufficient to meet 11 months of the country's imports. The latest RBI data showed that India's foreign currency assets (FCA), the largest component of foreign exchange reserves, stood at USD 583.979 billion. According to RBI data, the gold reserves currently amount to USD 86.160 billion. In 2023, India added around USD 58 billion to its foreign exchange reserves, contrasting with a cumulative decline of USD 71 billion in 2022. In 2024, the reserves rose by a little over USD 20 billion. So far in 2025, the forex kitty has cumulatively jumped by about USD 53 billion, data showed. Foreign exchange reserves, or FX reserves, are assets held by a nation's central bank or monetary authority, primarily in reserve currencies such as the US Dollar, with smaller portions in the Euro, Japanese Yen, and Pound Sterling. The RBI often intervenes by managing liquidity, including selling dollars, to prevent steep Rupee depreciation. The RBI strategically buys dollars when the Rupee is strong and sells when it weakens.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

In 2024, the reserves rose by a little over USD 20 billion. So far in 2025, the forex kitty has cumulatively jumped by about USD 53 billion, data showed.

India's foreign exchange reserves rose by USD 4.747 billion in the week that ended August 8 to USD 693.618 billion, driven by gains in both foreign currency assets and gold holdings, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in its latest 'Weekly Statistical Supplement'. In the preceding week, India's foreign exchange reserves reported a sharp decline, slipping USD 9.32 billion. Still, the forex kitty is hovering close to its all-time high of USD 704.89 billion touched in September 2024. After the latest monetary policy review meeting, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the foreign exchange kitty was sufficient to meet 11 months of the country's imports. The latest RBI data showed that India's foreign currency assets (FCA), the largest component of foreign exchange reserves, stood at USD 583.979 billion. According to RBI data, the gold reserves currently amount to USD 86.160 billion. In 2023, India added around USD 58 billion to its foreign exchange reserves, contrasting with a cumulative decline of USD 71 billion in 2022. In 2024, the reserves rose by a little over USD 20 billion. So far in 2025, the forex kitty has cumulatively jumped by about USD 53 billion, data showed. Foreign exchange reserves, or FX reserves, are assets held by a nation's central bank or monetary authority, primarily in reserve currencies such as the US Dollar, with smaller portions in the Euro, Japanese Yen, and Pound Sterling. The RBI often intervenes by managing liquidity, including selling dollars, to prevent steep Rupee depreciation. The RBI strategically buys dollars when the Rupee is strong and sells when it weakens. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

In 2024, the reserves rose by a little over USD 20 billion. So far in 2025, the forex kitty has cumulatively jumped by about USD 53 billion, data showed.

India's forex reserves rise to $693.6 billion, inch towards all-time high

The Election Commission of India (ECI) held a press conference in New Delhi on Sunday and condemned the allegations of vote theft in the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, while calling them an insult to the Indian Constitution. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, flanked by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, said in the press conference that the Election Commission and the voters are not afraid of petty politics. The CEC also objected to the use of “improper phrases” like “vote chori” and said that it amounts to insulting the Constitution.&nbsp;CEC Gyanesh Kumar further said that the Election Commission doesn’t see the ruling party and opposition differently, and everyone is equal for the poll panel.&nbsp;&nbsp;The CEC said that under the Constitution, every citizen above 18 must register as a voter and exercise their right to vote. “Every citizen of India who has completed 18 years must become an elector and must cast the vote,” the CEC said.&nbsp;<h2>‘Every political party registered with EC, no question of discrimination’</h2>&nbsp;CEC Kumar added that every political party is registered with the Election Commission, and there is no question of discrimination among them. He further stressed that the Commission would not step back from its constitutional duty and&nbsp;responsibilities.&nbsp;The CEC said that the Election Commission’s doors are open to everyone equally and that voters, political parties, and booth-level officers are working together in a transparent manner by verifying, signing, and even giving video testimonials. He expressed concern that these verified documents and testimonials from district party presidents and nominated BLOs are either not reaching their state or national leaders or are being ignored to spread confusion.&nbsp;&nbsp;“It is a matter of concern that the voice of these representatives of political parties is either not reaching their parties' leadership, or ground realities are being ignored in an attempt to spread misinformation,” Kumar said.&nbsp;<h2>‘Allegations made of double voting, no proof provided when asked’</h2>&nbsp;Condemning the allegations of vote theft, the CEC said, “More than 1 crore officials, over 10 lakh booth-level agents, and over 20 lakh polling agents work for a Lok Sabha election. Can anyone steal votes in front of so many people and with such a transparent process? Some allegations of double voting were made, but when we asked for proof, we got nothing. Such allegations scare neither the Election Commission nor any voter.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VIDEO | When asked about the ECI asking for affidavit regarding the accusation of &#39;vote theft&#39; issue, CEC Gyanesh Kumar says, &quot;If a complaint comes in view of a voter, the ECI examines, but if accusation is about 1.5 lakh voters, then should we sent notices to 1.5 lakh voters… <a href="https://t.co/6NKOUjdVb7">pic.twitter.com/6NKOUjdVb7</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1957038658214629540?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘15 days still left, parties can approach us’</h2>&nbsp;The CEC said that 15 days were left for corrections in the Bihar draft electoral roll and called on every party to approach the ECI with the same.“15 days are still remaining. The Election Commission calls on every political party, any problems in the draft electoral roll given to them should be brought before the commission by prescribed forms in the next 15 days,” the CEC said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">VIDEO | In a press conference, the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar says, &quot;As far as machine-readable electoral roll is concerned, the SC has already said in 2019, this can result in a breach in voters&#39; privacy. We saw few days back, photos of many voters were used in… <a href="https://t.co/gmCxWOUrGh">pic.twitter.com/gmCxWOUrGh</a>&mdash; Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1957028789419995601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>‘Breach of voter privacy’</h2> “As for a machine-readable voter list, the Supreme Court said in 2019 that this can lead to a breach of voter privacy. We saw some days back that photos of several voters were released in the media without their permission. Should the poll body share CCTV footage of any voter?” Kumar asked. The EC’s strong response came after opposition parties accused the poll body of “stealing” elections in collusion with the BJP, claiming that attempts were underway to manipulate the Bihar Assembly polls through voter additions and deletions under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. <h2>‘We will not let them steal the election in Bihar’: Rahul</h2> Earlier in the day, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav accused the EC of acting as the BJP’s agent and “snatching people’s right to vote.”Gandhi launched the 1,300 km-long ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ from Sasaram in Bihar to step up the INDIA bloc’s campaign against what it claims to be “vote chori” (vote theft). Gandhi said the ‘Voter Adhikar Yatra’ is a fight to save the Constitution. "In the whole country, Assembly and Lok Sabha elections are being stolen, and their last conspiracy is to delete and add voters through SIR to steal the elections in Bihar. We will not let them steal the election in Bihar. People of Bihar will not let them steal elections. Poor only have the power of vote and will not let them steal polls,” Gandhi alleged.

The Election Commission’s strong response came after opposition parties accused the poll body of “stealing” elections in collusion with the BJP, claiming that attempts were underway to manipulate the Bihar Assembly polls through Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) held a press conference in New Delhi on Sunday and condemned the allegations of vote theft in the Bihar Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, while calling them an insult to the Indian Constitution. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, flanked by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, said in the press conference that the Election Commission and the voters are not afraid of petty politics. The CEC also objected to the use of “improper phrases” like “vote chori” and said that it amounts to insulting the Constitution. CEC Gyanesh Kumar further said that the Election Commission doesn’t see the ruling party and opposition differently, and everyone is equal for the poll panel. The CEC said that under the Constitution, every citizen above 18 must register as a voter and exercise their right to vote. “Every citizen of India who has completed 18 years must become an elector and must cast the vote,” the CEC said. ‘Every political party registered with EC, no question of discrimination’ CEC Kumar added that every political party is registered with the Election Commission, and there is no question of discrimination among them. He further stressed that the Commission would not step back from its constitutional duty and responsibilities. The CEC said that the Election Commission’s doors are open to everyone equally and that voters, political parties, and booth-level officers are working together in a transparent manner by verifying, signing, and even giving video testimonials. He expressed concern that these verified documents and testimonials from district party presidents and nominated BLOs are either not reaching their state or national leaders or are being ignored to spread confusion. “It is a matter of concern that the voice of these representatives of political parties is either not reaching their parties' leadership, or ground realities are being ignored in an attempt to spread misinformation,” Kumar said. ‘Allegations made of double voting, no proof provided when asked’ Condemning the allegations of vote theft, the CEC said, “More than 1 crore officials, over 10 lakh booth-level agents, and over 20 lakh polling agents work for a Lok Sabha election. Can anyone steal votes in front of so many people and with such a transparent process? Some allegations of double voting were made, but when we asked for proof, we got nothing. Such allegations scare neither the Election Commission nor any voter.”

The Election Commission’s strong response came after opposition parties accused the poll body of “stealing” elections in collusion with the BJP, claiming that attempts were underway to manipulate the Bihar Assembly polls through Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

‘Vote theft allegations an insult, few leaders misleading voters:’ CEC refutes Oppn’s charge of bias

Kerala is poised to become the first fully digitally literate state of India, with the official declaration set for August 21. Under the local Self-Government Department (LSGD) ‘Digi Kerala’ program, around 21.87 lakh residents of the state have been trained in digital skills, according to a report by the Indian news agency ANI.&nbsp;Kerala Minister MB Rajesh told ANI, “On 21st August, Kerala is going to create history by becoming the first Indian state to achieve total digital literacy... The campaign was launched in September 2023, and within 18 months, we were able to achieve the target of total digital literacy... Initially, we targeted citizens up to 65 years old, but eventually, over 1,500 newly literate participants were above the age of 90.”<h3>What is the Complete Digital Literacy Program?</h3>The Complete Digital Literacy Program, ‘Digi Keralam,’ was launched in 2023 by the Kerala local self-government department in order to extend the benefits of the digital revolution to all, regardless of age, enabling people to access e-services with ease. It also bridges the gap of the digital divide across the rural and urban areas, which highlights the state's commitment to inclusive growth and digital transformation.&nbsp;As per the Kerala-based Malayalam-language newspaper Madhyamam, this initiative covered 1.5 crore people with a door-to-door survey of 83 lakh households to identify those without basic digital skills. The survey discovered 21 lakh digitally illiterate individuals, among them many over 90 years old, after it was conducted by 2.57 lakh trained volunteers, including MGNREGA supervisors, National Service Scheme members, the National Cadet Corps, and Nehru Yuva Kendra.&nbsp;Officials confirmed that 99.98 per cent of the identified individuals, including 15,223 people above 90, have now successfully completed the program. “We had motivated the aged persons to overcome their hesitancy to use a smartphone,” said project assistant director Sajina Sathar.&nbsp;“We told them they could make video calls (to their children and relatives), watch their favorite programs and TV serials and hear music. That’s how we had evoked an interest in them," Sajina added.

Under the ‘Digi Keralam,’ the Kerala local self-government department extends the benefits of the digital revolution to all, regardless of age, enabling people to access e-services with ease and bridging the gap of the digital divide across the rural and urban areas.

Kerala is poised to become the first fully digitally literate state of India, with the official declaration set for August 21. Under the local Self-Government Department (LSGD) ‘Digi Kerala’ program, around 21.87 lakh residents of the state have been trained in digital skills, according to a report by the Indian news agency ANI. Kerala Minister MB Rajesh told ANI, “On 21st August, Kerala is going to create history by becoming the first Indian state to achieve total digital literacy... The campaign was launched in September 2023, and within 18 months, we were able to achieve the target of total digital literacy... Initially, we targeted citizens up to 65 years old, but eventually, over 1,500 newly literate participants were above the age of 90.” What is the Complete Digital Literacy Program? The Complete Digital Literacy Program, ‘Digi Keralam,’ was launched in 2023 by the Kerala local self-government department in order to extend the benefits of the digital revolution to all, regardless of age, enabling people to access e-services with ease. It also bridges the gap of the digital divide across the rural and urban areas, which highlights the state's commitment to inclusive growth and digital transformation. As per the Kerala-based Malayalam-language newspaper Madhyamam, this initiative covered 1.5 crore people with a door-to-door survey of 83 lakh households to identify those without basic digital skills. The survey discovered 21 lakh digitally illiterate individuals, among them many over 90 years old, after it was conducted by 2.57 lakh trained volunteers, including MGNREGA supervisors, National Service Scheme members, the National Cadet Corps, and Nehru Yuva Kendra. Officials confirmed that 99.98 per cent of the identified individuals, including 15,223 people above 90, have now successfully completed the program. “We had motivated the aged persons to overcome their hesitancy to use a smartphone,” said project assistant director Sajina Sathar. “We told them they could make video calls (to their children and relatives), watch their favorite programs and TV serials and hear music. That’s how we had evoked an interest in them," Sajina added.

Under the ‘Digi Keralam,’ the Kerala local self-government department extends the benefits of the digital revolution to all, regardless of age, enabling people to access e-services with ease and bridging the gap of the digital divide across the rural and urban areas.

THIS Indian state will script history with 100% digital literacy declaration on Aug 21

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THIS state will script history with 100% digital literacy declaration on Aug 21