RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat recently referenced the 1996 Charkhi Dadri mid-air collision, one of the deadliest aviation disasters in history. The tragedy occurred when two passenger aircraft collided over Charkhi Dadri in Haryana, India. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 349 people on board both planes. The incident remains one of the worst mid-air collisions ever recorded in aviation history.
Severe flooding across Nepal and Tibet has killed at least 750 people and left more than 3,000 others missing. Around 20,000 rescue personnel have been deployed, though rising river levels and damaged infrastructure are hampering relief efforts. Hundreds of people are believed to be trapped inside hydropower tunnels, requiring specialized assistance from international teams. India and China are providing critical support, including forensic experts and emergency relief supplies. Authorities have warned of further flooding, as many communities remain cut off due to widespread infrastructure damage.
Social media influencer Manjeet Kaur was abducted and fatally attacked in Morinda, Punjab, after being missing for 54 days. She was found tied to a tree and set on fire. A post-mortem examination revealed she was approximately seven weeks pregnant at the time of her death. Her mother has filed a police complaint naming two individuals as suspects in the case. Authorities are currently conducting a search operation to locate and arrest the accused.
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has published a set of frequently asked questions to help the public understand the Master Plan Delhi 2047. The plan is set to take effect from August 20, 2026, replacing the existing master plan. It covers key regulations around land use, construction, and redevelopment across different zones of the city. The plan also addresses land pooling policies and transit-oriented development approaches. Citizens can share their feedback through a dedicated online portal.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has removed General Zhao Zongqi from his position, according to a report by NDTV. Zhao was the founding commander of the People's Liberation Army's Western Theatre Command, the unit responsible for overseeing China's military activities along its western frontiers, including the disputed boundary with India. He played a significant role during major India-China border confrontations, including the 2017 Doklam standoff and the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. His removal marks a notable shake-up in China's senior military leadership.
BJP MP Ravi Kishan praised the development of Gorakhpur during the inauguration of a newly built Kalyan Mandapam in Basharatpur. He likened the city's progress to that of Spain, calling it reminiscent of a smart city. Kishan expressed pride in the visible transformation across the region. His comments drew laughter and smiles from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other attendees present at the event.
Turbulence remains one of the most anxiety-inducing experiences for passengers aboard commercial flights. It refers to irregular air movement that causes an aircraft to shake or jolt unexpectedly during flight. While turbulence is a common and well-understood meteorological phenomenon, it can feel alarming to those on board. Aviation experts note that modern aircraft are built to withstand significant turbulence, making it rarely a safety threat. Nevertheless, the psychological impact on travellers can be considerable, often heightening fear of flying.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's sons have raised alarms about their father's health, alleging he is being deliberately isolated and faces threats to his well-being. Former cricketers have also voiced concern, calling for compassionate treatment and proper medical access for Khan. Khan was removed from the prime ministership in 2022 and has since faced multiple legal troubles and convictions linked to his political downfall. His case has drawn significant attention both domestically and internationally amid ongoing concerns about his conditions of detention.
US-based startup Quaise Energy has secured $180 million in funding to develop a superhot geothermal energy project. The company plans to drill approximately 5 kilometres underground using microwave technology that vaporises rock, replacing traditional drill bits. Quaise has partnered with Nabors Industries to leverage its drilling expertise and equipment for the venture. Known as the Obsidian Project, the facility will be located in Oregon and is targeted to produce 50 MW of power by 2030. The initiative represents a significant step toward scalable, clean geothermal energy generation.
A Colombian architect developed an innovative building system using Lego-style bricks made from recycled plastic and rubber. The interlocking blocks can be used to construct both temporary and permanent housing structures. In 2015, the system was deployed to build shelters for 42 displaced families in the town of Guapi. A team of just four people could assemble a 40-square-metre home in five days, requiring no glue, cement, or water.
The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) has written to BJP national president demanding action against three party MPs who visited the residence of Sajjan Kumar. Sajjan Kumar is a former Congress leader currently serving a life sentence for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh violence. The DSGMC described Kumar as a key perpetrator of what it calls the 1984 Sikh genocide, stating his actions are unforgivable. The Sikh body expressed strong objection to the MPs' visit, viewing it as deeply insensitive to the Sikh community. The letter calls on the BJP chief to take appropriate disciplinary measures against the lawmakers involved.
Photon Matrix, a startup based in Changzhou, China, has opened preorders for a blue laser mosquito-killing device priced at $1,088, with an indoor infrared variant available at $988. The system uses LiDAR and AI vision technology to scan a six-metre arc, detect a mosquito within three milliseconds, and destroy it by burning its wings. The company claims the device can eliminate up to 30 mosquitoes per second even in complete darkness. Mass production of the product began in August. However, none of the performance or safety claims have been verified by independent testing.
Bollywood actor Chunky Panday recently spoke about his experience playing the villain Devraj in the 2019 action thriller Saaho. Panday underwent a notable physical transformation to portray the sinister character, which drew widespread attention. He described his collaboration with Prabhas, who had risen to pan-India stardom following the Baahubali franchise, as a memorable professional experience. A scene in which his character chokes his own father left a strong emotional impact on the actor. Panday also expressed admiration for the film's large-scale production and technical ambition, calling it a career highlight.
Rasuwa, a district in northern Nepal, was the first and hardest-hit area when deadly flash floods struck on Wednesday. The floods brought widespread destruction, leaving the region submerged under debris. NDTV journalists conducted a ground report from the affected district to document the scale of damage. The disaster has highlighted the severe vulnerability of Nepal's northern districts to flash flooding.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has urged Gulf rulers to identify their common enemy and stand together in mutual defense against external threats. His appeal was accompanied by a broader call for unity among Muslim nations. The statement comes at a time when Iran is facing ongoing regional conflict and mounting economic pressure. Iranian President also addressed public speculation about Khamenei's health, confirming the Supreme Leader is in good health. Iran continues to pursue a dual strategy of diplomacy and defense to safeguard its national interests.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in the 137th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, covering a range of social and national themes. He stressed the importance of building a drug-free India and recognised the contributions of women street vendors and sanitation campaigns at the grassroots level. Modi also highlighted the role of technology in preserving historical records and heritage. With the festive season approaching, he urged citizens to support locally made products under the 'vocal for local' initiative. The Prime Minister additionally encouraged people to turn environmental conservation efforts into sustainable business opportunities.
A shooting at a rave event in northern Switzerland left one person dead and five others injured, some critically. Local police confirmed the incident on Sunday. The rave had drawn approximately 3,500 attendees at the time of the shooting. Authorities have not yet disclosed details about the suspect or the motive behind the attack.
Hank & Frank Bicycles, a long-standing Bay Area institution, will permanently shut down on August 31, 2026, after more than a century in business. The closure has been prompted by a change in building ownership and upcoming redevelopment plans for the property. Owner Frank Dryer is stepping down after spending decades serving the local cycling community. Dryer shared a personal note with customers announcing the decision. A nearby shop has agreed to continue honoring the lifetime service commitments previously made to the store's patrons.
A Missouri deputy attorney general was rescued after going missing for five days following a climb to the summit of Gannett Peak in Wyoming. The official had successfully reached the peak but subsequently became disoriented and severely dehydrated near Scott Lake. Search and rescue teams located him despite the area's difficult terrain. He is currently recovering and has expressed deep gratitude toward the rescuers who worked to find him.