India

7 Pilgrims Die in Hotel Fire Near Tarapith Temple in West Bengal

A deadly fire broke out at a hotel near the Tarapith Temple in Birbhum district, West Bengal, killing seven pilgrims. The incident took place in the vicinity of the popular Hindu shrine, which attracts large numbers of devotees. Fire department officials conducted a preliminary assessment of the scene following the blaze. Investigators believe the fire was likely triggered by an electrical short circuit. Authorities are continuing to look into the exact cause and circumstances of the tragedy.

Actress Hayden Panettiere of Heroes and Nashville dies at 36

American actress Hayden Panettiere has died at the age of 36, with the news confirmed by her representative. She was widely recognized for playing Claire Bennet in the sci-fi television series Heroes. Panettiere also earned acclaim for her role as Juliette Barnes in the drama series Nashville. Beyond her acting career, she had openly discussed personal battles with addiction and postpartum depression in her memoir.

Two Dead, 500 Evacuated as Twin Wildfires Strike Greek Island Near Athens

Two people have died and around 500 residents have been evacuated following twin wildfires on a Greek island near Athens. The blazes broke out simultaneously, prompting emergency response efforts in the affected area. The fires posed a significant threat to local communities close to the Greek capital. Authorities worked to contain the situation and ensure the safety of evacuated residents.

Bank Closures Scheduled Across India for August Holidays This Week

Indian banks will observe multiple closures in August due to regional and national holidays. Key dates include August 25 and 26 for Milad-Un-Nabi and Thiruvonam, and August 28 for Raksha Bandhan and other local celebrations. The closures vary by state, so customers are advised to check holiday schedules specific to their region before visiting a branch. Digital banking services, including online and mobile platforms, will continue to operate normally throughout this period.

Iran offers $30,000 bounty for killing, capturing US soldiers; $60,000 if done by women

300 Guards Load-Test Mahakaleshwar Temple Bridge Ahead of Nag Panchami

More than 300 security personnel simultaneously walked on a new foot overbridge at Mahakaleshwar temple as part of a load test before the Nag Panchami festival. Engineers examined the 91-foot-long structure for signs of corrosion and checked its overall structural integrity. The bridge, built in 2022, successfully cleared the safety inspection. It is designed to carry large numbers of pilgrims heading to the Nagchandreshwar temple. Authorities have advised that no more than 300 devotees use the bridge at the same time.

Lakshmi Mittal's Ukraine steel plant hit by Russian missile; 2 killed

Stephen A. Smith Defends Giannis' Wife Against Years of Online Criticism

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith publicly stood up for Mariah Riddlesprigger, wife of NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, amid persistent online attacks about her appearance and their relationship. Smith made his comments during an appearance on the 'Culture Table' podcast, using direct language to call out fans responsible for the criticism. His defense came shortly after Giannis himself addressed the scrutiny on 'AnesTea The Podcast.' Smith argued that Riddlesprigger's role as mother to the couple's four children was reason enough to command respect. The back-to-back public responses highlight growing pushback against the harassment the couple has faced online.

BWF World Championships 2025: Sindhu, Ayush Shetty Lead India's Day 1 Campaign

The BWF World Championships have begun, with several Indian players taking to the court on the opening day. PV Sindhu, Ayush Shetty, and Lakshya Sen are among the notable Indians competing in the tournament. India has a strong record at the event, having secured at least one medal at every edition since 2011. The Indian contingent will be eager to extend that impressive streak this year.

Two Youths Killed in Tamil Nadu Village After Temple Festival Song Dispute

Two young men were fatally attacked in Padunelli village, Tamil Nadu, during a temple festival. A disagreement over gana songs spiraled into a violent confrontation, resulting in both victims being hacked with sickles near their homes. The assailants have not yet been identified, and a murder investigation is currently underway. Local residents have raised concerns that police did not act decisively enough following the initial altercation. Authorities have since deployed additional security personnel in the village to prevent further unrest.

'Not worthy of life': Israel calls for killing '30 to 40' people daily in Gaza

Seven Dead, Several Injured in Hotel Fire at Tarapith, Birbhum

A deadly fire broke out at Hotel Bideshinii in Tarapith, Birbhum district, in the early hours of Monday morning. The blaze spread rapidly through the building, trapping multiple guests who were asleep at the time. At least seven people were killed and several others sustained critical injuries in the incident. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and successfully brought the fire under control. The injured were taken to Rampurhat Government Medical College and Hospital for treatment.

Seven killed, several injured in stampede-like incident at Bihar Temple: Report

Section of Ganga Expressway Near Bijnor Damaged by Heavy Rain, Swiftly Repaired

A portion of the Ganga Expressway near Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, suffered surface damage due to heavy rainfall on August 14. The road developed a depression and pothole-like deterioration at the affected stretch. Authorities quickly deployed a maintenance team upon detecting the damage. Repairs were completed promptly, restoring the road surface to a functional condition. Traffic on the expressway has since returned to normal following the swift intervention.

Russia Strikes Ukrainian Factory Owned by Indian Billionaire Amid Escalating Drone War

Russia has targeted a Ukrainian factory belonging to an Indian billionaire as the conflict continues to expand across the region. The strike came amid a significant escalation by Ukraine, which launched one of its largest aerial attacks of the war against Russian territory. Ukraine deployed hundreds of drones across Russia in the assault, resulting in at least six fatalities on the Russian side. The exchange of strikes highlights the intensifying nature of the conflict and its growing cross-border impact.

US backs 'Islamic Nato': Trump calls Saudi-Turkey-Pak pact 'big, bold step'

7 killed, several injured in stampede-like incident at Bihar’s Lakhisarai temple

India vs England Hockey World Cup: India seek first win over England since 1994

India's hockey team faces England in a highly anticipated World Cup match, aiming to end a losing streak against the side that stretches back to 1994. The clash holds added significance as India looks to build on its World Cup legacy. Notably, two senior players in the lineup were born before 1994, underscoring the historical weight of the fixture. India drew confidence from a successful quarterfinal victory over England at the Paris Olympics. The team views this match as a critical opportunity to finally overcome England on the World Cup stage.

Trump Invokes Kim Jong Un Ties to Justify Scaling Back South Korea Military Drills

US President Donald Trump cited his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a reason for reducing joint military exercises with South Korea. Trump's remarks raised immediate questions about the future of the longstanding US-South Korea defense partnership. South Korea's defense ministry responded by confirming the drills would proceed as previously scheduled and notified. The development signals a potential shift in US military posture on the Korean Peninsula under the Trump administration.

Javed Akhtar condemns Zardari for 'tolerating' Hindus remark on Pakistan Independence Day

Veteran Indian lyricist Javed Akhtar has publicly called out Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari over comments the latter made about Hindus during Pakistan's Independence Day celebrations. Akhtar took strong objection to Zardari's use of the word 'tolerate' when referring to religious minorities, describing the choice of language as insensitive. He voiced his criticism across social media platforms, drawing widespread attention to the remarks. Akhtar also referenced Zardari's longstanding controversial nickname 'Mr Ten Per Cent' as part of his condemnation.