A cloudburst in the high altitude villages of Dharali and Sukhi Top in Uttarakhand has led to devastating flash floods, sweeping away houses, vehicles and even people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have taken stock of the situation, while the Indian Army continues rescue and relief operations. The state has issued helpline numbers and authorities remain on edge as more heavy rains are forecasted in the coming days. The Northern Railway (NR) has suspended all train operations in the affected area, adding to the chaos caused by the landslides and floods.
In a meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, Ajit Doval expressed the excitement and delight of India upon learning of Putin's visit. He also highlighted the significance of the upcoming meeting, emphasizing the strong and long-standing relationship between India and Russia. This visit comes amid escalating trade tensions between India and the US over India's purchase of Russian oil, and against the backdrop of a planned meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump.
Japan marked the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on Wednesday, as tensions between the United States and Russia continue to ramp up. The ceremony was a somber reminder of the devastation caused by nuclear weapons, with attendees observing a silent prayer at the exact moment the bomb was dropped. The mayor of Hiroshima used his speech to call for global efforts towards peace and nuclear disarmament, while survivors shared their stories of loss and suffering. Despite the lasting damage of the attacks, the US has never formally apologized for its actions.
In yet another shocking incident, a six-year-old Indian girl was physically assaulted by a group of children in Ireland. The attack, which occurred as the girl played outside her home, left her with injuries to her face and private parts. This comes amidst a rising trend of racist attacks against Indians in Ireland, with at least three such incidents reported in July alone. The girl's mother, who has been living in Ireland for eight years, has filed a complaint with the police and is seeking counseling and guidance for the perpetrators.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1. This would be Modi's first visit to China in seven years, with his last visit in 2018 for a similar summit. The visit is expected to include bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and comes amid rising tensions with the US and efforts to repair ties after the 2020 military standoff in eastern Ladakh.
US President Donald Trump has issued an executive order imposing additional tariffs on goods from India and warning other countries of facing the same if they indirectly or directly import oil from Russia. Key importers of Russian oil include China, Turkey, and the European Union. The order came after envoy Steve Witkoff discussed the Russia-Ukraine war with President Vladimir Putin. The term "Russian Federation oil" is defined as crude oil or petroleum products regardless of the entity involved in production or sale.
With President Trump's Friday deadline for progress towards peace with Ukraine looming, Russian President Putin met with US envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow. The two leaders were seen smiling in video footage of the meeting, but the stakes are high as Trump has threatened economic repercussions if progress is not made. Despite three rounds of peace talks, a ceasefire agreement has not been reached, and the Kremlin views the meeting with Witkoff as important and helpful in finding a resolution. Trump has not yet ordered any economic retaliation, but has said he will await the outcome of the talks before making a decision.
As we approach the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, we are reminded of the devastating consequences of war and the lasting impact it has on a community. The bombings left deep scars in Japan, both emotionally and physically, and efforts to recover and honor the victims are still ongoing. Let us take a moment to remember the victims and reflect on the lessons that can be learned from these tragic events.
On the 80th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, thousands gathered to remember the lives lost and to call for an end to nuclear weapons. The mayor of Hiroshima issued a warning to global leaders about the continuing threat posed by nuclear warheads, as representatives from 120 countries gathered for the ceremony. Despite calls for disarmament, the U.S. and Russia still possess the majority of the world's nuclear weapons.
Uttar Pradesh's Anti-Terrorist Squad has detained two Indian nationals for their involvement in promoting anti-national and extremist ideologies through various social media platforms. The suspects, identified as Ajmal Ali and Dr. Usama Maj Sheikh, were found to have connections with Pakistani individuals and were promoting the Wahhabi ideology, with the aim of enforcing Sharia law in India. The police are investigating further while also verifying the authenticity of the suspects' education and employment.
Pope Leo XIV, during his visit to Bambino Gesù Hospital in Rome, made a surprise visit to 15-year-old Ignacio Gonzálvez, who had been urgently admitted due to collapsing during the Jubilee of Youth. Ignacio's family was comforted by the pontiff's prayers and words of encouragement, reminding them that they are made for heaven. The Holy Father also visited other patients in the hospital's oncology ward, spreading positive energy and hope.