India

Agra Road Collapses Into Large Sinkhole, SP Leader Descends to Highlight Issue

A road in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, caved in to form a significant sinkhole, drawing public attention to the city's deteriorating infrastructure. A Samajwadi Party leader descended into the pit to dramatize the poor condition of the roads, calling the city 'Gaddha Nagri' or 'City of Potholes'. The incident has sparked criticism of local authorities over road maintenance and civic upkeep. The Agra collapse comes shortly after the NHAI took action against a concessionaire managing the Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway, where cracks and erosion had been reported. The back-to-back incidents have raised broader concerns about road safety and infrastructure quality across Uttar Pradesh.

Sarfaraz Khan posts cryptic message after being overlooked for Sri Lanka Tests

Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan has been dropped from the Test squad for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka, despite consistent first-class performances. The right-hander took to social media with a cryptic post hinting at his frustration and resolve to keep fighting for a place. Sarfaraz had recently returned to form in the IPL and has also shown notable improvements in his fitness. However, national selectors appear to prefer other middle-order batters over him at this stage. His Test career remains uncertain as he continues to wait for another opportunity at the highest level.

FIFA Chief Infantino Denies UEFA Fund Misuse, Calls Allegations Defamatory

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has strongly denied allegations that UEFA funds were improperly used in a former employee's exit package. The accusations also point to an unexplained promotion and a significant salary increase for the individual in question. UEFA, however, has defended the departure payment, stating it was fully compliant with regulations in place at the time. The controversy adds to growing scrutiny over Infantino's leadership at FIFA, which was already under pressure following the withdrawal of a World Cup investment proposal.

India news Live Updates, 8 August 2026: Amarnath Yatra suspended from Jammu as inclement weather and declining pilgrim numbers force halt

Sick teen dies as ambulance gets stuck in mud for hours in J&K's Rajouri

Centre seeks Meta's action on deepfakes, awaits legal opinion on further steps

'To test their resolve': Putin could launch limited attack on Nato, US intel warns

Europe Expands IRIS2 Satellite Constellation to Rival Starlink

Europe is developing IRIS2, its own satellite internet constellation designed to compete with services like SpaceX's Starlink. The project aims to provide secure and reliable connectivity across the continent. Its primary beneficiaries include European governments, defence and security forces, and emergency services. IRIS2 is positioned as a strategic initiative to reduce European dependence on non-European satellite networks.

7 Dead After Private Bus Plunges Off Mountain Road in Himachal's Chamba

At least seven people were killed after a private bus fell off a hilly road in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The accident occurred on a mountainous stretch known for its winding and narrow roads. The bus was carrying passengers when it veered off the road and plunged down the slope. Rescue and relief operations were launched following the incident. Authorities have been informed and are investigating the cause of the accident.

Zuckerberg Addresses Meta Layoffs Amid Heavy AI Investment and Rising Costs

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has spoken to employees about the company's recent wave of layoffs, which were communicated via an early-morning email. While Meta reported strong revenue growth, its second-quarter operating income took a hit due to rising costs, including severance packages and legal fees. The company is making significant investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure as part of its long-term strategy. As a result of the layoffs, Meta expects its overall workforce size to decline in the coming period.

Australia coach McDonald outlines plan to manage player workload during IPL

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed that the IPL is factored into the team's broader scheduling strategy. With a busy international calendar ahead, McDonald emphasized that the workload and fitness of fast bowlers will be a top priority. The coaching and medical staff will work together to help players make well-informed decisions about their participation. Lessons learned from managing player commitments in 2023 will guide Australia's approach going forward.

US Backs Indian-Origin Houston Woman Amid Visa Fraud Accusations on Social Media

Sadhana Gollapudi, an Indian-origin woman residing in Houston, Texas, has come under scrutiny after a social media account on X accused her of being a 'forever F1 student,' implying visa fraud. The US government has stepped in to defend Gollapudi, clarifying that she is a naturalised American citizen. The accusations surfaced online and quickly gained attention, raising concerns about targeted harassment of immigrants. Authorities have pushed back against the claims, underlining her legal status in the United States.

Gold Rate Today, August 8: Check 18, 22 and 24 carat gold prices in Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and other cities

Delhi records wettest early August in 16 years, flooding streets and disrupting services

Delhi experienced its heaviest early-August rainfall in sixteen years, causing widespread urban flooding at the start of the month. Streets turned into waterlogged channels and several underpasses became completely impassable due to the deluge. Daily commutes were severely disrupted and essential civic services were thrown into disarray across the city. Despite claims by municipal authorities of upgraded drainage infrastructure, the flooding exposed persistent gaps in the city's ability to handle heavy rainfall. The episode has renewed concerns about Delhi's overall resilience and preparedness for extreme weather events.

Injured Shubman Gill to skip warm-up match, targeting fitness for Galle Test

Indian captain Shubman Gill sustained a finger injury during a training session and is set to miss the upcoming warm-up match. The team management opted to rest him as a precautionary measure to ensure he is fit for the Galle Test. Despite sitting out of the warm-up game, Gill was seen watching from the dugout and also participated in a net practice session. The decision reflects the management's priority of having their captain available and ready for the main Test assignment.

Japan Warns US Over Unauthorized Use of Pokemon and Naruto in Memes

Japanese officials have raised concerns with the United States over its use of popular Japanese characters, including Pokemon and Naruto, in government-produced memes. The matter has been taken up through diplomatic channels rather than through any formal legal proceedings. Japan has not made an official legal finding against the US but has signaled displeasure over the unauthorized use of its intellectual property. The episode highlights tensions over copyright and the use of culturally significant Japanese characters without the consent of their rights holders.

Rijiju dares Rahul Gandhi to back Women's Reservation Bill unconditionally

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has challenged Rahul Gandhi to extend unconditional support to the Women's Reservation Bill. The appeal followed Gandhi's remarks stressing the importance of women's freedom of expression for India's overall development. While the opposition has expressed general support for the bill, it disputes the government's position linking its implementation to delimitation. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, is awaiting implementation after receiving parliamentary approval.

Ashish Yadav wins silver in javelin at World U20 Athletics Championships

Ashish Yadav claimed a silver medal in the men's javelin throw at the World Athletics U20 Championships, ending India's decade-long wait for a podium finish in the event. The last Indian to medal in this discipline at the U20 Worlds was Neeraj Chopra, who won gold ten years ago. In other results, Mohammed Ashfaq broke the men's U20 national record in the 400m race. Amanat Kamboj finished sixth in the women's discus throw final, while Basant qualified for the men's high jump final after clearing 2.14m.

Delhi, northern states to see more rains today, red alert for some Haryana districts

California may fine influencers who hide political campaign payments