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Belgium’s largest wildfire on record has burned around 2,000 hectares in the High Fens, forcing 600 people to evacuate. Strong winds hindered firefighting efforts as authorities deployed helicopters, military vehicles and sought European Union assistance to contain the uncontrolled blaze 

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Sadaiv Atal in New Delhi on his death anniversary. Several leaders remembered his statesmanship, leadership, good governance and contributions to India 

Qatar denied claims that it detained Iranian pilots, calling the reports misleading. Doha said Iranian aircraft violated its airspace and were targeted after failing to respond to communications. Qatar also coordinated with Iran to hand over remains of a recovered pilot 

Iran’s Intelligence Ministry accused two French diplomats of illegal interference after they allegedly attended a secret meeting involving suspects in a foreign infiltration case. France condemned their detention and alleged mistreatment, while Iran warned against further diplomatic actions violating its domestic laws 

New York police officer Omar Habib was convicted of using a chokehold, strangulation and assault after restraining a man in 2023. The case marks the first prosecution under the city's 2020 chokehold ban, with Habib facing seven years in prison

Vikrant Massey revealed that filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra paid him around Rs 300 in small rewards during the making of 12th Fail. Recalling their collaboration, Massey said Chopra became a father figure and valued the filmmaker’s appreciation throughout the acclaimed film

Union Health Minister JP Nadda was admitted to AIIMS Delhi after experiencing uneasiness. He underwent coronary angiography on August 13 and is currently stable under observation in the cardiology department. The hospital said he was evaluated through multiple medical tests

An Air India Airbus A320 lost flight controls for four seconds after three hydraulic systems failed during a Phuket-Delhi flight on August 4, causing a 300-foot altitude drop. Twenty-four passengers were injured, while the AAIB investigates the incident and technical causes 

Seven workers died after water and debris flooded an under-construction hydroelectric project tunnel in Chamoli’s Mayapur-Pipalkoti area. Nineteen workers were rescued, while three remain missing. NDRF, SDRF, ITBP and police teams continue search operations as Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami oversees relief efforts

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks mocking the Modi government’s foreign policy have triggered criticism from BJP and JD(U) leaders, who called his conduct inappropriate and irresponsible. Congress defended Gandhi, saying his comments targeted the Prime Minister’s diplomatic style and gestures, not foreign leaders

Karnataka Housing Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan sought exemption from hoisting the national flag in Vijayanagara on Independence Day, citing election and party responsibilities. The BJP criticised the move as disrespectful and demanded Chief Minister DK Shivakumar dismiss him

The Supreme Court criticised the Bar Council of India for directing state bar councils to block enrolment of NALSAR’s 2026 graduates, affirming students’ right to protest. The court issued notice to BCI, barred punitive action, and scheduled further hearing after two weeks

Gold and silver prices fell sharply on MCX Friday amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty following US warnings of economic measures against Iran. Gold futures declined 0.8 per cent, while silver dropped 1.27 per cent, with technical indicators pointing to continued near-term pressure

Union Home Minister Amit Shah welcomed the return of alleged drug kingpin Virender Singh Basoya from the UAE, calling it a major success in the government’s zero-tolerance narcotics policy. Basoya, wanted in a Pune drug case, was deported following an NCB-led operation

The Centre has notified 40 questions for the population enumeration phase of the Census, including caste and Covid vaccination details. Enumeration in Ladakh and snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand will begin September 1, with self-enumeration preceding it

Direct EXIM cargo movement at Kerala’s Vizhinjam International Seaport will begin August 18, marking its shift from a transshipment hub to a gateway for Indian overseas trade. The move is expected to boost Kerala’s economic benefits and strengthen regional maritime connectivity

Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu shared a candid pregnancy update, joking about a mini breakdown after realising her wardrobe no longer fits. Expecting her first child with filmmaker-husband Raj Nidimoru, she is preparing for motherhood while planning a brief maternity break

Indian equity benchmarks opened lower on Friday as elevated crude prices and foreign investor selling weighed on sentiment. Sensex fell 332 points while Nifty declined 84 points. Analysts expect near-term consolidation between 23,800 and 24,400, with mid-small caps remaining active

The Enforcement Directorate searched multiple Delhi-NCR locations in a money laundering probe involving alleged builder-bank fraud under subvention schemes. AVJ Developers and Rudra Buildwell Construction allegedly cheated homebuyers through “No EMI till possession” promises, with flats remaining undelivered for years

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has approached the Supreme Court challenging an Allahabad High Court order directing the CBI and ED to verify allegations of disproportionate assets against him. The apex court is likely to hear his plea on August 17

A Nadia district court has ordered a police probe into allegations of illegal government land grabbing and sale involving TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee and 29 others across Nadia and Murshidabad. The complainant also alleged environmental damage and threats by party activists

RPF personnel in Secunderabad are intensifying preparations for Independence Day with parade rehearsals, march-past drills and dog squad demonstrations at the RRC Ground. The South Central Railway celebrations also feature patriotic performances by the RPF band at railway stations

The Rajya Sabha was adjourned sine die after passing the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, 2026, ending a stormy Monsoon Session marked by disruptions and protests. Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan expressed concern over disorder while highlighting legislative work completed during the session 

A fresh clash erupted between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh protesters in Dhemaji amid an indefinite economic blockade over a border firing incident and alleged land encroachment. Police fired in the air to control the mob as both states pursued efforts to resolve disputes