Category: India

At least 31 people were killed and ten injured when a bus plunged into a 200-meter deep gorge in India’s Uttarakhand state this morning. The accident occurred around 8:00 AM local time in Almora district, with 22 passengers dying on the spot and nine others succumbing during hospital transfer. Some Indian media sources report the death toll at 36. Emergency responders are continuing search operations at the site while authorities investigate the cause.READ FULL

MS Dhoni has been named Jharkhand’s brand ambassador for the upcoming state assembly elections. He has allowed the Election Commission to use his image to promote voter participation under the SWEEP program. The elections for 81 assembly seats will be held in two phases on November 13 and 20, with results on November 23. BJP has allied with AJSU, JD(U), and LJP, while JMM leads the opposition alliance.READ FULL

Indian security forces killed five Maoist rebels, including three women, during a clash in Maharashtra’s jungles. The incident comes amid intensified government efforts to end the decades-long Naxalite insurgency, which has claimed over 10,000 lives. Interior Minister Amit Shah recently warned rebels to surrender or face an “all-out” assault, aiming to end the movement by 2026.READ FULL

Seven people, including a doctor and six laborers, were killed in a terrorist attack at a tunnel construction site on the Srinagar-Leh highway in Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. Five others were injured. The attack occurred just days after Omar Abdullah took oath as chief minister following recent assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.READ FULL

An explosion occurred near a CRPF school in Delhi’s Rohini at 7:47 am Sunday, damaging the school wall, nearby shops, and parked vehicles. No injuries were reported. Forensic teams, Delhi Police’s special cell, and NSG commandos are investigating the cause. The incident follows recent bomb threats to schools across India, though any connection remains unclear.READ FULL

A Mumbai court granted bail to Bhavesh Bhinde, the main accused in the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse that killed 17 people in May. Bhinde’s lawyer argued the incident was an “act of God” due to unexpected wind speed. The defense also claimed Bhinde wasn’t the firm’s director when the hoarding was installed. Prosecutors opposed bail, citing evidence of Bhinde’s involvement. The collapse occurred during sudden dusty winds and unseasonal rains, with allegations that the hoarding was illegally placed on railway land.READ FULL

A London-bound Vistara flight from Delhi was diverted to Frankfurt due to a bomb threat received on social media. The flight landed safely, and mandatory security checks are being conducted. Meanwhile, an Akasa Air flight from Bengaluru to Mumbai also received a security alert before departure, leading to passengers being deplaned. These incidents are part of a recent trend where nearly 40 flights operated by Indian carriers have received bomb threats, all of which turned out to be hoaxes.READ FULL

India is set to lead global energy demand growth over the next decade, according to the IEA’s World Energy Outlook 2024. Despite aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070, coal will remain crucial in India’s energy mix, with 60 GW of new coal power capacity expected by 2030. The report projects significant increases in car ownership, construction, industrial production, and air conditioning use, driving a 35% rise in total energy demand by 2035.READ FULL

Star Health Insurance, a major Indian insurer, has confirmed being hit by a cyberattack that resulted in unauthorized access to company data. While a forensic investigation is underway, reports suggest hackers accessed personal information of 31 million policyholders and 5.8 million insurance claims, allegedly leaking it through Telegram chatbots. The company has filed criminal complaints and sued Telegram and Cloudflare. The Madras High Court has ordered Telegram to block chatbots sharing the leaked data.READ FULL

Villagers in Uttar Pradesh, India, killed the last wolf from a pack that had terrorized the region, killing nine people, mostly children. The pack had attacked over 40 people, prompting a massive hunt involving armed personnel and forestry officials. Five wolves were previously captured. Officials say flooding from extreme rains had forced the wolves into populated areas, disrupting their normal hunting patterns.READ FULL

A major clash between Indian security forces and Maoist rebels in Chhattisgarh state’s Abhujmaad forest area resulted in at least 31 militants being killed on Friday. The nine-hour battle occurred when counterinsurgency troops cornered about 50 rebels near the Narayanpur-Dantewada border. No casualties were reported among security forces. This marks the deadliest clash this year in the ongoing conflict with Maoist rebels, who fight for indigenous communities’ rights. So far, 171 militants have been killed in Chhattisgarh this year.READ FULL

A Bajrang Dal activist filed a complaint against Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao for controversial remarks about Veer Savarkar. The complainant, Tejas Gowda, challenged Rao to provide evidence for his claim that Savarkar consumed beef. Rao had made these comments during the launch of a book about Nathuram Godse, where he discussed the dietary habits and ideologies of Savarkar, Gandhi, and Jinnah. Gowda urged the minister to focus on his health portfolio instead.READ FULL

Voting in the second phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir began today amid tight security. Long queues were reported at polling stations across 26 seats. Prime Minister Modi and opposition leaders urged voters to participate. This is the first assembly election in the region since its special status was revoked in 2019. The election is being held in three phases, with 90 seats up for grabs. Results are expected on October 8.READ FULL

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed for a three-day visit to the United States. He will attend the sixth Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington, Delaware, hosted by President Biden. Modi will also address the ‘Summit of the Future’ at the UN General Assembly in New York and interact with the Indian diaspora. The visit includes bilateral meetings with world leaders and discussions with US-based CEOs on collaborations in AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, and biotechnology. This Quad summit marks a farewell for Biden and Japanese PM Kishida’s leadership in the group.READ FULL

Junior doctors in West Bengal have announced a partial withdrawal of their 41-day strike, agreeing to resume emergency and essential services from tomorrow. They will continue to boycott OPD services. The decision comes in light of flood situations in the state and the government meeting some of their demands. The strike was initiated following the rape and murder of a woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College. The doctors warn they may resume the strike if all promises are not fulfilled within a week.READ FULL

Indian-administered Kashmir began voting in its first local assembly elections since 2014, following the 2019 revocation of its semi-autonomous status. The election, held under heavy security, is seen as a test of democratic participation rather than policy-making. While many voters hope for local representation, key decisions will remain with New Delhi. The BJP government claims the region’s new status has brought peace and economic growth, but unemployment and resentment over restrictions persist.READ FULL

Arvind Kejriwal, a key opposition leader to Prime Minister Modi, has resigned as Delhi’s chief minister following his recent release on bail in a corruption case. Kejriwal, who was detained in March over alleged liquor license kickbacks, quit to seek a fresh mandate in upcoming Delhi elections. His close associate Atishi will serve as interim chief minister. Kejriwal’s party claims his arrest was politically motivated. The case is part of a wider trend of opposition figures facing criminal probes, which some view as politically driven.READ FULL

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee removed Kolkata’s Police Commissioner, a Deputy Commissioner, and two health officials following demands from striking junior doctors. The strike, ongoing for over a month, was triggered by the rape and murder of a medical intern. Despite Banerjee claiming to have met “99 percent” of their demands, doctors vow to continue the strike until promises are fulfilled.READ FULL

Five people were killed in fresh violence in Manipur’s Jiribam district. One person was shot while sleeping, and four armed individuals died in a subsequent gun battle. This follows recent rocket attacks that killed one person and injured five others in Bishnupur district. The attacks, including the first-time use of drones and rockets in the ongoing ethnic conflict, have led to school closures and heightened security measures. Protests have erupted across five Imphal Valley districts, with residents forming human chains to condemn the attacks.READ FULL

A female doctor in Kolkata, India, was raped and murdered, sparking widespread protests across West Bengal. Candlelight vigils and demonstrations were held, with junior doctors calling for justice. The victim’s family accused the hospital and police of misconduct, including attempts to cover up the incident. Political parties joined the protests, demanding the identification and punishment of the culprits. The incident has led to ongoing unrest and debates about women’s safety and institutional accountability in the region.READ FULL

BJP accuses West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of threatening doctors protesting a doctor’s rape and murder in Kolkata. BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi claims the state government is trying to shield the guilty and destroy evidence. He also criticizes the INDIA Opposition bloc for alleged involvement in a cover-up. Banerjee counters by accusing BJP of creating unrest for political gain and demanding justice for the victim. READ FULL

Prime Minister Modi celebrated the 10-year success of Jan Dhan Yojana, a financial inclusion scheme in India. The program has opened over 53 crore bank accounts, with 55.6% held by women. Modi highlighted its impact on women’s empowerment and marginalized communities. He noted the scheme’s role in digital payments and how it overcame initial skepticism to become a game-changer for financial inclusion in India. READ FULL

BJP called a 12-hour shutdown in West Bengal, India, protesting police action during a march to the state secretariat. The strike partially affected daily life, with lighter traffic in Kolkata and reduced office attendance. Clashes between BJP workers, police, and TMC activists were reported in several districts. Rail and road blockades occurred across the state. The shutdown was in response to police action against demonstrators demanding the Chief Minister’s resignation over a recent crime. READ FULL

Incessant rains in Tripura have caused severe flooding and landslides, killing at least 10 people and displacing nearly 33,000. All major rivers have surpassed danger levels, and 1,900 landslides have disrupted road connectivity. A red alert has been issued in two districts. The Chief Minister called the situation “unprecedented.” SDRF, NDRF, and paramilitary forces are conducting rescue and relief operations in affected areas, with 330 relief camps set up. NDTV

A fire and explosion at a pharmaceutical factory in Atchutapuram, Andhra Pradesh, India, killed 17 and injured 33. The incident occurred during lunchtime, limiting casualties. Thirteen people were rescued. The fire, suspected to be electricity-related, broke out at Escientia Advanced Science Pvt Ltd. Chief Minister Naidu ordered an inquiry and promised action if negligence is found. Relatives complained about lack of information regarding their affected kin. NDTV

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ukraine, marking his first trip to the country since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began. This visit comes about a month after Modi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. India has maintained trade relations with Russia despite Western sanctions and has not directly blamed Russia for the conflict. The visit highlights India’s diplomatic balancing act, as it seeks to deepen ties with the West while maintaining its relationship with Russia. Reuters

Junior doctors at RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation into the rape and murder of a trainee doctor. They demand immediate arrests, CBI transparency, and administrative resignations. Nationwide protests continue, with medical associations and students holding demonstrations. The Indian Medical Association announced a 24-hour withdrawal of services by modern medicine doctors from August 17-18. Despite protests, OPD and emergency services remain operational at RG Kar. prothom alo

Indian PM Modi called for peace in Bangladesh amid reports of attacks on Hindus and minorities following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government. Over 200 attacks on Hindus have been reported since August 5. Bangladesh’s interim Chief Adviser Yunus visited Dhakeshwari Temple, assuring equal rights and justice for all. Yunus emphasized the need for institutional reform and urged people to view each other as human beings rather than by religious identity.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused BJP and CPI(M) of attempting to organize Bangladesh-like protests to topple her government. This comes amid nationwide outrage over the rape and murder of a medical student in Kolkata. Opposition leaders have demanded Banerjee’s resignation. The case has been transferred to CBI following a Calcutta High Court order. Doctors across several states have halted elective services in protest. The incident has sparked political tension and raised concerns about women’s safety and the medical community’s security in India. Daily Star

Devastating landslides in Kerala, India, caused by heavy monsoon rains, have claimed over 165 lives. Rescuers are working tirelessly in challenging conditions to find survivors and recover bodies in Wayanad district. Nearly 1,000 people have been rescued, but 225 remain missing. The disaster, triggered by heavy rainfall softening the soil, is the worst in Kerala since the 2018 floods. Experts attribute the landslides to two weeks of intense rain followed by extremely heavy rainfall on Monday. Source Reuters

India’s 2024-25 budget reflects political changes after recent elections. With BJP lacking a majority, it caters to key allies TDP and JDU through development schemes for Andhra Pradesh and Bihar. The budget also addresses unemployment concerns with a $24 billion job creation plan. It balances job creation, rural development, and infrastructure spending while maintaining fiscal prudence. The move signals openness to regional parties outside the BJP alliance. The daily star

Floods in Assam have claimed 84 lives, affecting nearly 14.39 lakh people across 27 districts. The Brahmaputra River is flowing above danger levels in several areas. At Kaziranga National Park, 159 wild animals, including 9 rhinos, have died due to flooding. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with 133 animals saved so far. The flood situation is marginally improving, but 62 forest camps remain underwater. Rescue teams from various agencies are engaged in relief efforts in flood-affected areas. Source ANI

The Supreme Court granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case. The court referred his petition challenging the ED arrest to a larger bench. Kejriwal’s lawyers called it a significant victory. The court noted Kejriwal’s 90-day incarceration and his status as an elected leader. However, he remains in custody due to a pending CBI case. Kejriwal had appealed against his arrest, claiming political vendetta, but the High Court previously dismissed his plea. ANI

A double-decker bus collided with a milk container on the Lucknow-Agra Expressway in Uttar Pradesh, India, killing 18 and injuring 19. The accident occurred early Wednesday morning. Prime Minister Modi announced compensation for victims’ families. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences and ordered immediate medical assistance for the injured. The bus was traveling from Bihar to Delhi when the crash happened. Source ANI

A stampede at a Hindu religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh, India, killed at least 116 people on Tuesday. This tragedy adds to a history of deadly stampedes at religious events in India. Notable incidents include 265 deaths at Mandhardevi temple in 2005, 145 at Naina Devi temple in 2008, and 115 at Ratangarh temple in 2013. Most stampedes occurred due to overcrowding and poor crowd management at popular religious sites. Source Reuters

At least 27 people, including 25 women, were killed in a stampede during a Hindu religious gathering in Hathras, northern India. The incident occurred at an event celebrating the deity Shiva, about 140 km southeast of New Delhi. Many more were injured, and the death toll may rise. This tragedy adds to a history of deadly accidents at religious events in India, including stampedes and explosions that have claimed hundreds of lives in recent years. Source AFP