Over 30 dead in northern India floods
Heavy rain in northern India has triggered floods and landslides, killing at least 34 people and cutting off essential services.
A major landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine alone claimed 30 lives, ANI reported.
The region has faced repeated disasters this monsoon, with over 60 deaths and 200 missing in Kashmir’s Kishtwar last week.
India warns Pakistan after releasing dam water
India opened all gates of major dams in Kashmir on Aug 27 after heavy rainfall, releasing about 200,000 cusecs of water downstream and warning Pakistan of potential flooding. Islamabad acknowledged the alert and warned residents near three rivers, reported Reuters.
Both nations have suffered weeks of devastating monsoon rains. Indian officials remain unclear if the release will be staged or a single event, but fear significant flooding across borders.
Supreme Court orders probe into Ambani son’s park
The Supreme Court has ordered an independent investigation into Vantara, a wildlife rescue park run by Indian billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s son Anant.
Petitioners alleged mistreatment of animals and unlawful acquisitions, though the court noted no evidence yet supports these claims.
Located in Gujarat, Vantara is famed for its elephant hospital and rehabilitation work, and even hosted Mr Anant Ambani’s star-studded pre-wedding in 2024.
The court said a neutral appraisal was required as authorities had failed to address complaints. Vantara pledged transparency and cooperation with investigators.
Guruvayur temple purifies pond after vlogger’s entry
Kerala’s Guruvayur Shri Krishna temple conducted purification rituals after non-Hindu influencer Jasmin Jaffer filmed herself washing her feet in its sacred pond.
Temple officials said the act violated customs and High Court orders against photography in restricted zones. Devaswom administrator OB Arun Kumar lodged a police report.
Jasmin, a former Bigg Boss contestant, deleted the reel and apologised, claiming ignorance of the rules.
Bihar Police busts fake marriage racket
Police in Bihar’s West Champaran district arrested nine people, including four women posing as brides, in a marriage fraud racket.
The group lured vulnerable men into sham marriages before fleeing with jewellery, valuables, and cash. Many of the women were already married, but were briefly integrated into victims’ families to appear genuine.
A raid in Mainatand uncovered the gang’s mastermind, Ali Ahmed, alongside vehicles and phones used in the operation. Investigations are ongoing, with police analysing seized devices for further leads.
Google Maps misrouting leads to fatal tragedy
Three people died and a child went missing in Rajasthan’s Chittorgarh after a van was swept away by the Banas river, allegedly due to Google Maps misrouting.
The family, returning from Bhilwara, unknowingly attempted to cross the long-closed Somi-Upreda bridge. Strong currents pulled the vehicle into the river, killing four while five others escaped by climbing onto the van’s roof.
Authorities said all local river crossings were shut due to surging water levels. Police are probing the tragic navigational error.
55-year-old woman delivers 17th child
In Rajasthan’s Udaipur district, 55-year-old Rekha Kalbelia gave birth to her 17th child at a community health centre, astonishing locals.
Married to scrap dealer Kavara Ram, Mdm Rekha already has 12 surviving children, with five lost soon after birth. Several of their children are married with kids of their own, making Mdm Rekha a grandmother many times over.
The impoverished family, from Lilavas village, struggles financially, with Mr Kavara admitting he borrowed heavily to fund weddings. None of the children have received schooling.
Kerala MLA booked for stalking and harassment
Kerala legislator Rahul Mamkootathil has been booked for stalking and harassing women online, hours after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan promised legal action.
The Crime Branch registered the case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Kerala Police Act after multiple women and a transgender person accused him of misconduct.
Recently suspended by the Congress party, Mr Mamkootathil resigned as Youth Congress state president following protests. Investigators say audio clips linked to the MLA prompted swift police action.
Bihar teens filming Reel die in crash
Two Class 10 students died and another was critically injured after their bike collided with a stationary bus in Bihar’s Munger district. The boys were filming a Reel on National Highway 80 when the accident occurred.
Shubham and Anand Kumar were killed instantly, while Sonu Kumar is undergoing treatment. Police said the rider lost control during filming and crashed head-on.
Pujara retires from international cricket
India’s dependable Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara has announced his retirement from international cricket at 37.
Debuting in 2010, he played 103 Tests, scoring 7,195 runs with 19 centuries, but has not featured since the 2023 World Test Championship final.
On social media, Pujara thanked fans, saying wearing the Indian jersey was an honour. His retirement follows those of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin this year. Pujara continues to play county and domestic cricket.
