Glimpses of the Indian Air Force's spectacular aerial display over the Ganga in Varanasi.
The Ganga continues to rise in Patna, inching closer to the danger mark and putting low-lying areas on alert.
Bihar is facing a severe flood situation with the Central Water Commission issuing an 'Orange' bulletin as the Gandak and Ganga rivers flow above danger marks, leading to embankment breaches and inundation in Saran and other districts. Relief and rescue operations are intensifying with NDRF and SDRF teams deployed, and ration packets being air-dropped to affected areas.
Thousands gathered on the banks of the River Thames in London for the first-ever Ganga Aarti, a traditional Hindu ceremony of light and thanksgiving. Organised by Chinmaya Mission UK as part of the 'Totally Thames' festival, the event symbolised gratitude for nature and knowledge, while also celebrating 75 years of the Chinmaya Mission. The ceremony was conducted on land to ensure environmental responsibility.
The Ganga river in Varanasi has surpassed its warning level, leading to the suspension of all boat operations and heightened monitoring by district authorities. The rising water levels, also affecting the Varuna river, have partially impacted 11 localities and displaced hundreds of families, who are now housed in relief camps as rescue efforts intensify.
A new book, "The River That Remembers: Microbial Intelligence of Nature" by Padma Shri awardee Ajai Kumar Sonkar, claims that the Triveni Sangam at Prayagraj is a unique viral-bacterial laboratory. It suggests that the sacred dips taken by devotees lead to an intense microbial exchange, accelerating phage evolution, especially during events like Kumbh Mela, as diverse human microbiota interact with the river's existing microbiome.
Heavy monsoon rains have caused the Ganga at Rishikesh and the Alakhnanda-Mandakini rivers in Rudraprayag to swell dangerously.
The Ganga river in Varanasi is experiencing a significant rise in water level, disrupting daily activities along the ghats. This has led to severed connectivity between ghats, relocation of cremation activities at Manikarnika Ghat, and growing concern among residents as the river approaches its danger mark.
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.
President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela by performing the 'dhwajarohan' ceremony at Ramkund. The mega religious event, which also saw the participation of Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Ministers, will span 21 months and include several 'amrut snan' dates, concluding in 2028.
The elder sister of Uttar Pradesh Minister of State Krishna Paswan and her pregnant daughter-in-law were allegedly injured in a clash between two groups over a disputed piece of land in Fatehpur district. The incident involved alleged assault with sticks, fists, and kicks, and threats to kill, leading to an FIR under relevant sections, including the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
India-born urban planner Nithya Raman, who made history by unseating incumbent Karen Bass in the Los Angeles mayoral election, developed her political philosophy through grassroots activism in Chennai. From 2010 to 2013, she led Transparent Chennai, mapping public sanitation, advocating for waste pickers, and opposing slum evictions, using data-driven approaches that later informed her successful mayoral campaign focused on housing affordability and homelessness. She is set to take office on December 14, 2026, as the first Indian-American and South Asian mayor of Los Angeles.
The Supreme Court has issued a directive to the Bihar government, ordering the removal of all unauthorised structures and encroachments along the Ganga river banks between Nauzar Ghat and Nurpur Ghat in Patna within six weeks. The court expressed concern over illegal constructions and noted the lack of action despite previous orders, warning of strict views on any laxity. The directive came during the hearing of a plea against a National Green Tribunal order regarding encroachments on eco-fragile floodplains.
At least 13 children, all under 15 years old, drowned after a boat carrying over a dozen passengers capsized in the Ganga river in Bihar's Vaishali district, prompting rescue operations and an ex gratia announcement.
A portion of a link road connecting the Kanpur-Lucknow National Highway with the Ganga Expressway in Unnao district caved in after the first monsoon rain, raising concerns about construction quality and prompting repair work.
Ravana Dahan, the ceremonial burning of Ravana's effigy, is one of the most spectacular traditions associated with Dusshera in India. Grand public celebrations take place at many locations.
A murder accused, Saurabh Singh, was injured in an exchange of fire with police in Patna, Bihar, on Sunday during a weapon recovery operation. Singh, who faces multiple murder and Arms Act cases, opened fire at the police team, prompting a sub-inspector to retaliate in self-defence. He was later hospitalised, and two firearms were recovered from the scene.
A Bangladesh opposition leader, Nahid Islam of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has issued warnings against facilitating an Indian transit corridor through Bangladesh and called for a fair renewal of the Ganges water-sharing treaty, which expires in December. His remarks were made at a rally in Dhaka, where he also criticised the current government. The allegations about the corridor follow Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to Japan, which focused on economic cooperation and regional connectivity, though Bangladesh officials deny discussing third-country issues. India has also expressed interest in strengthening regional linkages with Japan involving its northeastern states.
Two minor brothers, Rajan (16) and Abhishek (14), drowned in the Ganga river in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, while swimming. Their relative, Sunny, was rescued by local residents. Police have taken custody of the bodies and handed them over to the family.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that only followers of 'Sanatan Dharma' would be permitted to touch Durga idols during immersion in the Hooghly river, citing religious traditions. He also reviewed extensive security and safety arrangements for the immersion process, including NDRF involvement and precautions for spectators at Taki, following a recent stampede incident.
Engagement with neighbours has gathered pace, particularly as the conflict in West Asia has exposed their vulnerability to energy supply disruptions.
Four men were arrested in Meerut for allegedly performing dangerous stunts, driving on the wrong side, and misbehaving with toll plaza staff on the Ganga Expressway.
A recent study by IIT Kharagpur researchers reveals that powerful cyclones can significantly impact groundwater quality up to 100 metres below the surface in deep coastal aquifers. Conducted in the climate-vulnerable Sundarbans region, the research highlights how extreme weather events disturb the freshwater-seawater balance, threatening drinking water security and necessitating depth-specific groundwater management strategies.
Heavy rainfall and swollen rivers have led to severe flooding in 15 districts of Bihar, affecting over 49 lakh people. Major rivers like the Ganga and Kosi are flowing above danger levels, prompting the deployment of disaster response teams and the establishment of relief camps and community kitchens for those displaced.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the renaming of Kasari-Masari, a former stronghold of gangster Atiq Ahmed, to Shrikrishnapuri. The area in Prayagraj will see the construction of 1,200 homes for poor families on land reclaimed from the mafia leader. Adityanath reiterated his government's "zero-tolerance" policy against criminals and highlighted development initiatives.
Pincky Balhara secured a bronze medal in the women's 78kg Kurash event at the Asian Games, making her the first Indian to win two medals in the sport at the continental showpiece. Despite battling a knee injury sustained in the quarterfinals, Balhara fought valiantly before losing to South Korea's Sumin Mo in the semifinals. This achievement adds to her silver medal from the 2018 Jakarta Games.
The Centre has announced a major bureaucratic reshuffle, appointing Prakash Rajpurohit as Deputy Election Commissioner and approving appointments for 27 civil servants at joint secretary and equivalent levels across various ministries and departments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday was celebrated with extensive programmes in Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency. Events included special prayers by 76 young priests, a milk 'abhishek' of the Ganga, and a significant 'Seva Sankalp' motorcycle journey from Varanasi to Vadnagar, Modi's birthplace, involving 500 participants. Several prominent political figures, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, participated in the celebrations, offering prayers for Modi's health and India's progress.
Army shooter Ganga Singh won gold in the men's 50m rifle 3-positions at the 24th Kumar Surendra Singh Memorial Shooting Championship. Haryana's Kamaljeet Choudhary and Surbhi Rao secured the 10m air pistol mixed team title.
Floods have forced hundreds of government schools across Bihar to shut, disrupting studies for thousands of students.
A 25-year-old woman was found dead in her home in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, leading to a dowry death case being registered against her husband and his parents. Her father alleged that she was harassed for dowry and ultimately killed. Two arrests have been made in connection with the case.
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has officially approved the renaming of the Noida International Airport at Jewar to 'Narendra Modi International Airport, Noida-Jewar', a move Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described as a "major gift" to the state.
Glimpses of swollen rivers, submerged ghats and waterlogged neighbourhoods after relentless monsoon rains lashed Uttarakhand on August 18, 2026.
Heavy monsoon rains have triggered flooding across Varanasi, Guwahati, Patna, and Reasi, disrupting daily life and prompting rescue operations.
BJP leaders and devotees across India are performing pujas and havans for the speedy recovery of Captain Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed while thwarting an alleged attempt to crash a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. Temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Kedarnath, and Somnath are holding special rituals, honouring his courage in saving 174 lives.
Rinku Singh took some time off from the hectic grind of IPL 2026 to seek blessings at the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi on Tuesday.
Nepal's devastating flash floods have created a worrisome flood situation in Bihar.
Three members of a family, including two siblings, drowned in the Ganga river in Bhagalpur district, Bihar, during a tonsure ceremony.
'My comeback to films has nothing to do with the fact that I wanted money. I came back because of my kids, Rahul and Akshaye.'
Indian kurash athlete Pincky Balhara secured a bronze medal at the Asian Games despite suffering a knee injury during her quarterfinal bout. She revealed that the injury hampered her performance in the semifinal, preventing a higher finish. Balhara, a two-time Asian Games medallist, also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Indian kurash athletes due to the lack of a recognised national federation and reliance on private support.
