Rediff

A recent study by scientists indicates that the Hindu Kush-Himalaya region is experiencing increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to climate change, including rapid glacial melting and changing rainfall patterns. However, the research also cautions against solely blaming climate change, highlighting that human factors like population growth, commercial activities, and non-enforcement of regulations contribute significantly to the vulnerability and impact of these disaste

A bipartisan US body claimed that religious freedom conditions in India remained on the downward trajectory in 2026, citing restrictions on activities of NGOs, censorship and transnational repression.

Infosys has confirmed that Lax Gopisetty, chief of its subsidiary Infosys Public Services, is unreachable following devastating floods in Nepal. Gopisetty was visiting the region personally, and Infosys is working with agencies and his family to ensure his safety. The Ministry of External Affairs also reported hundreds of Indians missing or stranded due to the floods, with India offering assistance to Nepal.

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar confirmed that Minister B Nagendra has offered to resign to avoid embarrassing the Congress party and the government, despite Shivakumar's insistence on Nagendra's innocence in the alleged Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation scam. The Chief Minister stated he would consult the party high command before making a final decision.

A political controversy has erupted in Navi Mumbai after thousands of SIR forms, used for voter list revision, were allegedly found at a photocopy shop. This led to a clash between Shiv Sena (UBT) and BJP activists, with allegations of voter list manipulation and questions raised about the transparency of the electoral process.

An Alliance Air flight from Delhi to Bilaspur experienced a tyre burst upon landing in Chhattisgarh, but all 41 individuals, including 37 passengers and 4 crew members, were safely evacuated. The airline cancelled the onward flight.

Two Non-Resident Indian (NRI) women linked to Chhattisgarh have been reported missing following flash floods in Nepal, while two other women from the state who were earlier reported missing have established contact with their families, officials said on Friday.

Parts of Bihar are facing a potential deluge as major rivers like the Ganga, Gandak, Kosi, and Burhi Gandak show rising water levels. This surge is attributed to devastating flash floods and continuous rainfall in neighbouring Nepal, prompting authorities to open barrage gates and place disaster response teams on standby.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has signed an MoU with the Drone Federation of India (DFI) to enhance its counter-drone capabilities. This partnership aims to strengthen security at vital installations like airports, nuclear facilities, and oil refineries by fostering engagement with Indian drone startups and technology companies for capacity building, research, and operational readiness against aerial threats.

For the second time in two years, Karnataka minister B Nagendra resigned from the state Cabinet on Friday amid the Opposition heat over his alleged involvement in the Rs 89 crore Valmiki Corporation scam.

Researchers at BRIC-RGCB in Thiruvananthapuram have developed a novel nanopore-based sensing technology. This innovation allows for the early and highly sensitive detection of biomarkers associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and ALS, addressing a critical challenge in current diagnostic methods. The technology, published in Nature Nanotechnology, uses self-assembling dual-diameter nanopore sensors to identify disease-specific biomarkers even at low concentrations.

China on Friday said the collapse of a high-altitude glacier in Nepal may have triggered the massive flash flood disaster that engulfed the Tibet-Nepal border, killing hundreds and causing widespread damage.

The Supreme Court has listed for hearing on August 31 an appeal of Sumit Roy, personal assistant to Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, challenging the August 6 order of the Calcutta high court denying him pre-arrest bail in the Salboni land-grabbing case.

The Centre has appointed two directors and a joint director to the National Testing Agency (NTA) amidst ongoing reforms and scrutiny over issues like the NEET paper leak. These appointments are part of a broader overhaul of the NTA's examination system.

The Supreme Court has ruled that an appellate court cannot unilaterally enhance a convict's sentence unless an appeal for enhancement is filed by the State, victim, or complainant. This significant observation came in a triple-murder case where the Madras High Court had enhanced a co-convict's life sentence to imprisonment for the remainder of his life without such an appeal.

India's Ministry of External Affairs reported that 320 Indians are missing and 400 are stranded on the Chinese side following devastating flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border. India is actively involved in rescue efforts, sending relief supplies to Nepal and coordinating with Chinese authorities for the evacuation of its citizens. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reviewed the situation, emphasising the priority given to the well-being of Indian nationals.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha informed the Assembly that the post-mortem report indicated DGP Anurag Dhankar's death was suicidal. This statement came amidst demands for a high court judge-led probe from the opposition, who also questioned the disclosure of the report in the Assembly. An impartial inquiry is currently underway.

Flash floods in Tibet's Gyirong County, near the China-Nepal border, have resulted in five deaths and 558 missing individuals, including 260 foreign nationals. The disaster also caused significant casualties in Nepal and disrupted infrastructure. Rescue operations are underway, and concerns are rising over a newly formed barrier lake that poses a risk of further flooding.

A senior cryosphere specialist has warned of a potential secondary flash flood in Nepal due to debris from an ice-rock avalanche accumulating at a river confluence, creating a temporary dam that is collecting water.

Delhi Police have dismantled an alleged Pakistan ISI-backed espionage module, arresting a couple, Md Sahil and Sameera, for procuring Indian SIM cards and sending them to Pakistan. The couple allegedly recruited individuals for reconnaissance of cantonment areas and facilitated communication for Pakistani handlers through social media.

A survivor of a recent ambush in Manipur's Kangpokpi district, which resulted in the deaths of four Naga civilians, has described the attackers as wearing full camouflage uniforms. Gaikamang Ringkangmai, who sustained a bullet injury, recounted how militants ambushed their vehicle, killing four colleagues. The United Naga Council has accused Kuki militant outfits of involvement, while the Chief Minister has ordered action against the perpetrators.

Composer and singer Amaal Mallik has announced a temporary hiatus from music production, citing the need to prioritise his health and well-being.

Indian tourists are abandoning their trips to Nepal and returning via the Sonauli border due to severe flooding, which has disrupted road connectivity and raised safety concerns. The floods have caused a high death toll and left nearly 1,000 people missing, including many foreign nationals, significantly impacting Nepal's tourism sector.

The Maharashtra government has extended the deadline for autorickshaw and taxi drivers to acquire working knowledge of Marathi by one year, a decision welcomed by unions who say it removes the immediate threat to their livelihoods.

A reading session of Malala Yousafzai's memoir 'I Am Malala' in Ahmedabad turned violent when right-wing activists attacked participants, injuring two. Police have arrested three individuals in connection with the incident, which involved groups claiming affiliation with Bajrang Dal and VHP.

Bollywood stars take to social media to share heartwarming pictures and celebrate Raksha Bandhan with their beloved siblings.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Raksha Bandhan with school children in New Delhi on Friday, sharing warm interactions marked by high-fives, blessings, and smiles.

Nepal's devastating flash floods have created a worrisome flood situation in Bihar.

Following devastating flash floods in Nepal, experts are calling for systematic scientific assessments of glaciers to understand and mitigate hazards, alongside the development of a robust land use policy for the Himalayan region. The floods, which killed over 460 people and left thousands missing, are believed to be linked to climate change impacts on glaciers and permafrost.

India has finalised a deal with the United States to acquire Javelin anti-tank guided missile systems, significantly enhancing the Indian Army's combat capabilities. This procurement, facilitated through the US Foreign Military Sales process, underscores the deepening bilateral defence partnership and opens avenues for future collaboration and co-production between the defence industries of both nations.

Devastating Bhote Koshi floods in Nepal have led to a surge in recovered bodies, overwhelming morgues across several districts. Authorities are setting up temporary facilities and preparing for the management of unidentified remains as identification efforts continue.

Nepal has issued a fresh flood warning for areas previously hit by a devastating flash flood, as water levels rise and a dam on the Tibetan side reportedly burst again. Authorities are urging residents and rescue workers to evacuate, with concerns over a newly formed barrier lake near the Nepal-China border posing a significant risk.

A 38-year-old woman in Thane district committed suicide after discovering her bank account was allegedly used in multiple cyber fraud cases across several Indian states, leading to immense anxiety and police questioning notices.

A cook at a government ashram school in Thane district, Ganpat Gavli, arrested for allegedly molesting 22 minor female students, was a habitual offender who had previously been jailed under the POCSO Act and reinstated, an official revealed.

A 52-year-old government school headmaster in Hoshiarpur has been arrested for allegedly raping an 11-year-old girl earlier this month. The case was registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and POCSO Act, with investigations ongoing.

Canadian voice actor Peter Cullen, best known for giving life to the heroic Optimus Prime across the Transformers films, has passed away at 85.

US President Donald Trump indicated that American military operations targeting Iran might not have concluded, while firmly rejecting immediate talks with Tehran. He asserted that Iran is facing severe military and economic difficulties and possesses limited capabilities, despite the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Mirzapur: The Movie brings back some familiar faces, resurrects a few dead ones and adds a fresh crop of actors to its blood-soaked big-screen world.

'No one could match him in tragic songs.'

A 68-year-old Mumbai resident was defrauded of Rs 7.21 crore by cyber criminals who threatened her with false accusations of money laundering and terror funding. The fraudsters coerced her into transferring funds to bank accounts and a cryptocurrency wallet after impersonating officials from various agencies.

Demolition work at the Delhi Race Club commenced in the morning hours on Thursday, shortly after the Centre took possession of the club's 53-acre premises, marking a dramatic end to horse racing activities at the century-old institution.

At least four members of the Naga community were killed and one was injured when armed militants ambushed their vehicle in a forested region of Kangpokpi district of Manipur, officials said.

The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated the rehabilitation of 21 families residing within the historic Saundhan Fort in Sambhal. Each family has been allotted a 100-square-meter plot, with special provisions for widows under the Chief Minister's Housing Scheme, as part of efforts to conserve the ASI-protected Mughal-era monument and promote tourism.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a one-year grace period for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers to learn functional Marathi. This decision comes after the Transport Department issued notices to drivers who failed a Marathi test, prompting driver organisations to request more time due to varying age groups and educational backgrounds. During this period, no action will be taken, and Marathi classes and study materials will be provided.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on August 31 a plea which has challenged the validity of a provision of the Income Tax Act that allows political parties to receive cash donations below Rs 2,000.

A massive flash flood near the China-Nepal border in Tibet has left hundreds missing and caused significant casualties. Chinese Premier Li Qiang visited the affected Gyirong Township to oversee rescue and relief operations, with the PLA mobilising forces for search and rescue.

A scientist from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology highlights how climate change, including glacial retreat, shifting precipitation patterns, and rising nighttime temperatures, is exacerbating the risk of flash floods and landslides in the Himalayas, as seen in recent disasters in Nepal and Uttarakhand.

The Indian Coast Guard ship Varad successfully brought two Chinese survivors of a sunken Panama-flagged bulk carrier to Paradip, Odisha. The MV Ocean Winner, carrying 24 crew members, sank in the Bay of Bengal on August 22. Coordinated sea and air search operations are ongoing to locate the remaining missing crew members.

A training aircraft operated by Garg Aviation crashed in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, killing a trainee pilot and an instructor. The Tecnam aircraft went down near Nathapurwa village shortly after take-off. Authorities, including the DGCA, are investigating the cause of the fatal accident.

'The Aravalli engine will power HAL's upcoming 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter.'