LIVE Updates | Latest India & World News Today: Trump targets Iran economy, SIT to probe Kolkata hotel fire that killed 9

LIVE Updates | Latest India & World News Today: Trump targets Iran economy, SIT to probe Kolkata hotel fire that killed 9

LIVE Updates | Latest India & World News Today: Photograph: (WION Web Desk)

Story highlights

Latest News Today Live Updates: Stay connected to WION News for the latest updates from India and around the globe, including major developments in Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, global security, diplomacy, energy markets, and other breaking stories shaping the world.

Latest News Today Live Updates: US President Donald Trump has announced a major economic campaign against Iran, warning countries and businesses that support Tehran of "tremendous" penalties as the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted. The move comes alongside US efforts to economically isolate Iran and follows the UAE's suspension of economic dealings with Tehran.

The US national debt has crossed $40 trillion for the first time, with total public debt reaching $40.05 trillion on August 18. Rising interest costs, government spending and persistent deficits are adding pressure to Washington's finances.

Trump said the US and Canada were close to finalising a trade agreement and that Washington was considering reducing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium. A proposed 50 per cent tariff has been delayed for three days to allow negotiations to continue.

In India, nine people, including a child, were killed in a fire at Shika Inn hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in Kolkata. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to investigate the blaze and examine fire safety compliance. Five Bangladeshi nationals were among those identified as deceased.

11:15:07
China completes first stage of work at disputed South China Sea reef, images show

China has completed the first phase of construction on Antelope Reef in the Paracels archipelago, building a man-made island in the hotly-disputed South China Sea that analysts say will form part of its largest military ​base. Satellite images reviewed by Reuters show the reclaimed feature in outline for the first time

11:14:42
The Gaza zoo that found a way to keep going during attacks

The story of the Gaza zoo finding a way to keep going centers on the relentless efforts of its owner, Mahmoud Gomaa, who repeatedly relocated his animals across the Gaza Strip to save them from ongoing military conflicts

11:14:11
Qatar ‘promises’ help to ease Bangladesh’s energy crunch

Bangladesh says Qatar has “assured it of all possible support” to help address the country’s ongoing energy crisis. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman met Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani in Doha 

11:13:31
Man kills disabled mother by pushing her in front of train in Chennai

Frustrated by his inability to care for his 71-year-old mother, a wheelchair user, a 44-year-old man pushed her onto the railway tracks in front of an approaching express train at Manavur railway station in the Tiruvallur district on Tuesday night, killing her on the spot.

11:12:12
Why are Bengaluru citizens hugging this 3.4-billion-year-old rock?

People in Bengaluru are 'protesting against the irreversible impact of the Tunnel Road project on Bengaluru’s green cover, geological heritage and biodiversity. Environment activist Dattatraya T Devare said, “The proposed Tunnel Road project between Hebbal and Silk Board, the short tunnel between Hebbal and Veterinary College, nine elevated corridors and the metro double-decker projects would permanently damage the environment. No detailed studies have been conducted by experts on these projects, and the consequences of these projects cannot be predicted.”

11:10:06
Mysuru Dasara: Golden howdah bearer Abhimanyu retires at 60

Veteran Dasara elephant Abhimanyu, who holds the distinction of carrying golden howdah six times, has been left out of Jamboo Savari during Mysuru Dasara, this year. It has been officially retired from Dasara duties after it turned 60 this month.

10:52:15
Kolkata hotel fire: SIT formed to probe blaze that killed 9, including child

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the fire at Shika Inn hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in central Kolkata that killed nine people, including a child, officials said. The SIT will now investigate the circumstances that led to the fire and examine whether the hotel complied with the required safety norms.

Read more here

Kolkata hotel fire: SIT formed to probe blaze that killed 9, including child
09:22:36
Southern Zonal Council Meet: HM Shah to meet CMs of Southern states, UTs

Amit Shah is set to chair the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Tamil Nadu today, bringing together representatives from five states and three Union Territories. From water sharing to education and major infrastructure projects, here's what is on the table.

Click to read

08:49:04
NALSAR row: CJP protest today; ‘legal cockroaches’ to seek BCI chief Manan Mishra's resignation

The NALSAR controversy is moving from courtrooms to the streets, with a protest against BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra planned in Delhi today. But what exactly triggered the demand for his resignation? Here's all you need to know.

Click here to read

06:57:39
Trump says US, Canada close to trade deal, tariffs on steel and aluminium may fall

US President Donald Trump said the United States and Canada are close to finalising a trade agreement, with Washington considering lower tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium. Trump said US farmers would no longer face tariffs under the proposed deal. 

The US has also paused for three days the planned 50% tariff on a range of Canadian goods, following a request from Ottawa to allow more time to finalise the agreement. 

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the delay until the end of August 21, saying "substantial progress" had been made but important work remained. Trump said the pause would allow both sides to "iron out the details" and expressed confidence that the agreement would benefit both countries.
 

06:38:57
Trump announces ‘crushing’ economic campaign against Iran, threatens allies with ‘tremendous’ penalties

Trump has announced a dramatic new economic offensive against Iran, but his warning goes beyond Tehran. Countries and companies that continue helping Iran could also face severe consequences. So, who could be next in Washington's crosshairs?

Click here to read

Trump announces ‘crushing’ economic campaign against Iran, threatens allies with ‘tremendous’ penalties

Latest News Today Live Updates: US President Donald Trump has announced a major economic campaign against Iran, warning countries and businesses that support Tehran of "tremendous" penalties as the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted. The move comes alongside US efforts to economically isolate Iran and follows the UAE's suspension of economic dealings with Tehran.

The US national debt has crossed $40 trillion for the first time, with total public debt reaching $40.05 trillion on August 18. Rising interest costs, government spending and persistent deficits are adding pressure to Washington's finances.

Trump said the US and Canada were close to finalising a trade agreement and that Washington was considering reducing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium. A proposed 50 per cent tariff has been delayed for three days to allow negotiations to continue.

In India, nine people, including a child, were killed in a fire at Shika Inn hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in Kolkata. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to investigate the blaze and examine fire safety compliance. Five Bangladeshi nationals were among those identified as deceased.

11:15:07
China completes first stage of work at disputed South China Sea reef, images show

China has completed the first phase of construction on Antelope Reef in the Paracels archipelago, building a man-made island in the hotly-disputed South China Sea that analysts say will form part of its largest military ​base. Satellite images reviewed by Reuters show the reclaimed feature in outline for the first time

11:14:42
The Gaza zoo that found a way to keep going during attacks

The story of the Gaza zoo finding a way to keep going centers on the relentless efforts of its owner, Mahmoud Gomaa, who repeatedly relocated his animals across the Gaza Strip to save them from ongoing military conflicts

11:14:11
Qatar ‘promises’ help to ease Bangladesh’s energy crunch

Bangladesh says Qatar has “assured it of all possible support” to help address the country’s ongoing energy crisis. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman met Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani in Doha 

11:13:31
Man kills disabled mother by pushing her in front of train in Chennai

Frustrated by his inability to care for his 71-year-old mother, a wheelchair user, a 44-year-old man pushed her onto the railway tracks in front of an approaching express train at Manavur railway station in the Tiruvallur district on Tuesday night, killing her on the spot.

11:12:12
Why are Bengaluru citizens hugging this 3.4-billion-year-old rock?

People in Bengaluru are 'protesting against the irreversible impact of the Tunnel Road project on Bengaluru’s green cover, geological heritage and biodiversity. Environment activist Dattatraya T Devare said, “The proposed Tunnel Road project between Hebbal and Silk Board, the short tunnel between Hebbal and Veterinary College, nine elevated corridors and the metro double-decker projects would permanently damage the environment. No detailed studies have been conducted by experts on these projects, and the consequences of these projects cannot be predicted.”

11:10:06
Mysuru Dasara: Golden howdah bearer Abhimanyu retires at 60

Veteran Dasara elephant Abhimanyu, who holds the distinction of carrying golden howdah six times, has been left out of Jamboo Savari during Mysuru Dasara, this year. It has been officially retired from Dasara duties after it turned 60 this month.

10:52:15
Kolkata hotel fire: SIT formed to probe blaze that killed 9, including child

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the fire at Shika Inn hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in central Kolkata that killed nine people, including a child, officials said. The SIT will now investigate the circumstances that led to the fire and examine whether the hotel complied with the required safety norms.

Read more here

Kolkata hotel fire: SIT formed to probe blaze that killed 9, including child
09:22:36
Southern Zonal Council Meet: HM Shah to meet CMs of Southern states, UTs

Amit Shah is set to chair the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Tamil Nadu today, bringing together representatives from five states and three Union Territories. From water sharing to education and major infrastructure projects, here's what is on the table.

Click to read

08:49:04
NALSAR row: CJP protest today; ‘legal cockroaches’ to seek BCI chief Manan Mishra's resignation

The NALSAR controversy is moving from courtrooms to the streets, with a protest against BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra planned in Delhi today. But what exactly triggered the demand for his resignation? Here's all you need to know.

Click here to read

06:57:39
Trump says US, Canada close to trade deal, tariffs on steel and aluminium may fall

US President Donald Trump said the United States and Canada are close to finalising a trade agreement, with Washington considering lower tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium. Trump said US farmers would no longer face tariffs under the proposed deal. 

The US has also paused for three days the planned 50% tariff on a range of Canadian goods, following a request from Ottawa to allow more time to finalise the agreement. 

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the delay until the end of August 21, saying "substantial progress" had been made but important work remained. Trump said the pause would allow both sides to "iron out the details" and expressed confidence that the agreement would benefit both countries.
 

06:38:57
Trump announces ‘crushing’ economic campaign against Iran, threatens allies with ‘tremendous’ penalties

Trump has announced a dramatic new economic offensive against Iran, but his warning goes beyond Tehran. Countries and companies that continue helping Iran could also face severe consequences. So, who could be next in Washington's crosshairs?

Click here to read

Trump announces ‘crushing’ economic campaign against Iran, threatens allies with ‘tremendous’ penalties

Latest News Today Live Updates: US President Donald Trump has announced a major economic campaign against Iran, warning countries and businesses that support Tehran of "tremendous" penalties as the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted. The move comes alongside US efforts to economically isolate Iran and follows the UAE's suspension of economic dealings with Tehran.

The US national debt has crossed $40 trillion for the first time, with total public debt reaching $40.05 trillion on August 18. Rising interest costs, government spending and persistent deficits are adding pressure to Washington's finances.

Trump said the US and Canada were close to finalising a trade agreement and that Washington was considering reducing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium. A proposed 50 per cent tariff has been delayed for three days to allow negotiations to continue.

In India, nine people, including a child, were killed in a fire at Shika Inn hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in Kolkata. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to investigate the blaze and examine fire safety compliance. Five Bangladeshi nationals were among those identified as deceased.

11:15:07
China completes first stage of work at disputed South China Sea reef, images show

China has completed the first phase of construction on Antelope Reef in the Paracels archipelago, building a man-made island in the hotly-disputed South China Sea that analysts say will form part of its largest military ​base. Satellite images reviewed by Reuters show the reclaimed feature in outline for the first time

11:14:42
The Gaza zoo that found a way to keep going during attacks

The story of the Gaza zoo finding a way to keep going centers on the relentless efforts of its owner, Mahmoud Gomaa, who repeatedly relocated his animals across the Gaza Strip to save them from ongoing military conflicts

11:14:11
Qatar ‘promises’ help to ease Bangladesh’s energy crunch

Bangladesh says Qatar has “assured it of all possible support” to help address the country’s ongoing energy crisis. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman met Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani in Doha 

11:13:31
Man kills disabled mother by pushing her in front of train in Chennai

Frustrated by his inability to care for his 71-year-old mother, a wheelchair user, a 44-year-old man pushed her onto the railway tracks in front of an approaching express train at Manavur railway station in the Tiruvallur district on Tuesday night, killing her on the spot.

11:12:12
Why are Bengaluru citizens hugging this 3.4-billion-year-old rock?

People in Bengaluru are 'protesting against the irreversible impact of the Tunnel Road project on Bengaluru’s green cover, geological heritage and biodiversity. Environment activist Dattatraya T Devare said, “The proposed Tunnel Road project between Hebbal and Silk Board, the short tunnel between Hebbal and Veterinary College, nine elevated corridors and the metro double-decker projects would permanently damage the environment. No detailed studies have been conducted by experts on these projects, and the consequences of these projects cannot be predicted.”

11:10:06
Mysuru Dasara: Golden howdah bearer Abhimanyu retires at 60

Veteran Dasara elephant Abhimanyu, who holds the distinction of carrying golden howdah six times, has been left out of Jamboo Savari during Mysuru Dasara, this year. It has been officially retired from Dasara duties after it turned 60 this month.

10:52:15
Kolkata hotel fire: SIT formed to probe blaze that killed 9, including child

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the fire at Shika Inn hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in central Kolkata that killed nine people, including a child, officials said. The SIT will now investigate the circumstances that led to the fire and examine whether the hotel complied with the required safety norms.

Read more here

Kolkata hotel fire: SIT formed to probe blaze that killed 9, including child
09:22:36
Southern Zonal Council Meet: HM Shah to meet CMs of Southern states, UTs

Amit Shah is set to chair the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Tamil Nadu today, bringing together representatives from five states and three Union Territories. From water sharing to education and major infrastructure projects, here's what is on the table.

Click to read

08:49:04
NALSAR row: CJP protest today; ‘legal cockroaches’ to seek BCI chief Manan Mishra's resignation

The NALSAR controversy is moving from courtrooms to the streets, with a protest against BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra planned in Delhi today. But what exactly triggered the demand for his resignation? Here's all you need to know.

Click here to read

06:57:39
Trump says US, Canada close to trade deal, tariffs on steel and aluminium may fall

US President Donald Trump said the United States and Canada are close to finalising a trade agreement, with Washington considering lower tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium. Trump said US farmers would no longer face tariffs under the proposed deal. 

The US has also paused for three days the planned 50% tariff on a range of Canadian goods, following a request from Ottawa to allow more time to finalise the agreement. 

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the delay until the end of August 21, saying "substantial progress" had been made but important work remained. Trump said the pause would allow both sides to "iron out the details" and expressed confidence that the agreement would benefit both countries.
 

06:38:57
Trump announces ‘crushing’ economic campaign against Iran, threatens allies with ‘tremendous’ penalties

Trump has announced a dramatic new economic offensive against Iran, but his warning goes beyond Tehran. Countries and companies that continue helping Iran could also face severe consequences. So, who could be next in Washington's crosshairs?

Click here to read

Trump announces ‘crushing’ economic campaign against Iran, threatens allies with ‘tremendous’ penalties

Latest News Today Live Updates: US President Donald Trump has announced a major economic campaign against Iran, warning countries and businesses that support Tehran of "tremendous" penalties as the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted. The move comes alongside US efforts to economically isolate Iran and follows the UAE's suspension of economic dealings with Tehran.

The US national debt has crossed $40 trillion for the first time, with total public debt reaching $40.05 trillion on August 18. Rising interest costs, government spending and persistent deficits are adding pressure to Washington's finances.

Trump said the US and Canada were close to finalising a trade agreement and that Washington was considering reducing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium. A proposed 50 per cent tariff has been delayed for three days to allow negotiations to continue.

In India, nine people, including a child, were killed in a fire at Shika Inn hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in Kolkata. A Special Investigation Team has been formed to investigate the blaze and examine fire safety compliance. Five Bangladeshi nationals were among those identified as deceased.

11:15:07
China completes first stage of work at disputed South China Sea reef, images show

China has completed the first phase of construction on Antelope Reef in the Paracels archipelago, building a man-made island in the hotly-disputed South China Sea that analysts say will form part of its largest military ​base. Satellite images reviewed by Reuters show the reclaimed feature in outline for the first time

11:14:42
The Gaza zoo that found a way to keep going during attacks

The story of the Gaza zoo finding a way to keep going centers on the relentless efforts of its owner, Mahmoud Gomaa, who repeatedly relocated his animals across the Gaza Strip to save them from ongoing military conflicts

11:14:11
Qatar ‘promises’ help to ease Bangladesh’s energy crunch

Bangladesh says Qatar has “assured it of all possible support” to help address the country’s ongoing energy crisis. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman met Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani in Doha 

11:13:31
Man kills disabled mother by pushing her in front of train in Chennai

Frustrated by his inability to care for his 71-year-old mother, a wheelchair user, a 44-year-old man pushed her onto the railway tracks in front of an approaching express train at Manavur railway station in the Tiruvallur district on Tuesday night, killing her on the spot.

11:12:12
Why are Bengaluru citizens hugging this 3.4-billion-year-old rock?

People in Bengaluru are 'protesting against the irreversible impact of the Tunnel Road project on Bengaluru’s green cover, geological heritage and biodiversity. Environment activist Dattatraya T Devare said, “The proposed Tunnel Road project between Hebbal and Silk Board, the short tunnel between Hebbal and Veterinary College, nine elevated corridors and the metro double-decker projects would permanently damage the environment. No detailed studies have been conducted by experts on these projects, and the consequences of these projects cannot be predicted.”

11:10:06
Mysuru Dasara: Golden howdah bearer Abhimanyu retires at 60

Veteran Dasara elephant Abhimanyu, who holds the distinction of carrying golden howdah six times, has been left out of Jamboo Savari during Mysuru Dasara, this year. It has been officially retired from Dasara duties after it turned 60 this month.

10:52:15
Kolkata hotel fire: SIT formed to probe blaze that killed 9, including child

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate the fire at Shika Inn hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in central Kolkata that killed nine people, including a child, officials said. The SIT will now investigate the circumstances that led to the fire and examine whether the hotel complied with the required safety norms.

Read more here

Kolkata hotel fire: SIT formed to probe blaze that killed 9, including child
09:22:36
Southern Zonal Council Meet: HM Shah to meet CMs of Southern states, UTs

Amit Shah is set to chair the Southern Zonal Council meeting in Tamil Nadu today, bringing together representatives from five states and three Union Territories. From water sharing to education and major infrastructure projects, here's what is on the table.

Click to read

08:49:04
NALSAR row: CJP protest today; ‘legal cockroaches’ to seek BCI chief Manan Mishra's resignation

The NALSAR controversy is moving from courtrooms to the streets, with a protest against BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra planned in Delhi today. But what exactly triggered the demand for his resignation? Here's all you need to know.

Click here to read

06:57:39
Trump says US, Canada close to trade deal, tariffs on steel and aluminium may fall

US President Donald Trump said the United States and Canada are close to finalising a trade agreement, with Washington considering lower tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium. Trump said US farmers would no longer face tariffs under the proposed deal. 

The US has also paused for three days the planned 50% tariff on a range of Canadian goods, following a request from Ottawa to allow more time to finalise the agreement. 

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the delay until the end of August 21, saying "substantial progress" had been made but important work remained. Trump said the pause would allow both sides to "iron out the details" and expressed confidence that the agreement would benefit both countries.
 

06:38:57
Trump announces ‘crushing’ economic campaign against Iran, threatens allies with ‘tremendous’ penalties

Trump has announced a dramatic new economic offensive against Iran, but his warning goes beyond Tehran. Countries and companies that continue helping Iran could also face severe consequences. So, who could be next in Washington's crosshairs?

Click here to read

Trump announces ‘crushing’ economic campaign against Iran, threatens allies with ‘tremendous’ penalties

About the Author

Moohita Kaur Garg is a journalist and Senior Sub-Editor at WION News with five years of experience covering the volatile intersections of geopolitics and global security. She has e...Read More