The Godavari river’s flood level has risen at Dhavaleswaram barrage in Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district, prompting a second danger alert at 6 AM. Authorities are releasing 13,05,400 cusecs of water into the sea through 175 crest gates. With the water level reaching 13.9 feet, residents nearby have been advised to remain vigilant.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced an increase in ex-gratia for subscribers who die while in service, raising the amount from ₹8.8 lakh to ₹15 lakh. This new rule came into effect on April 1 this year. Also, from April 1, 2026, the ex-gratia amount will increase by 5% annually.
The Sensex and Nifty opened at fresh record levels in early trade on Friday, August 22, 2025. The Sensex started trading today at 81951.48, down at 49.23 points or 0.06%, and the Nifty was at 25064.15, down at 19.60 points or 0.08%. Meanwhile, the Indian rupee was trading today at 87.33 against the dollar.
An earthquake hit Gujarat’s Kutch district, with locals feeling two tremors within seven minutes. The first, a mild quake of 3.4 magnitude, struck at 10:12 PM last night, followed by an aftershock. Panic spread as residents rushed out of their homes fearing further quakes. Officials confirmed the seismic activity but reported no damage.
Amid widespread speculation about Shreyas Iyer being named ODI captain, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed such claims, stating no such discussion took place. BCCI sources confirmed that there is no consideration of appointing anyone else, with Shubman Gill firmly in line for the role, putting an end to all circulating rumors.
Ishant alias Ishu Gandhi, accused in the firing at YouTuber Elvish Yadav’s Gurugram residence, was arrested after an encounter with police in Faridabad’s BPTP area on August 22. Gandhi was injured during the exchange. The firing took place Sunday morning, when two masked men sprayed over two dozen bullets outside Yadav’s Sector 57 residence.
A study on older adults revealed that proper hydration helps slow biological aging and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Those who consumed enough water showed healthier hearts, kidneys, and skin. Doctors recommend drinking 2-3 liters daily, with adjustments for climate and activity, to promote vitality, longevity, and overall health.
Israel struck Gaza City overnight after approving an expanded offensive against Hamas, authorizing 60,000 reservists. Residents described relentless bombardments shaking homes, with strikes hitting northwest and southeast areas. The move, sparking international outcry and local opposition, deepened fears of worsening Gaza’s already dire humanitarian crisis.
Russia’s overnight attack on western Ukraine killed one and injured at least 18, striking a US electronics plant in Mukachevo and damaging homes in Lviv. Ukrainian officials condemned the strike on civilian facilities, noting it followed earlier hits on US businesses. The barrage involved 574 drones and 40 missiles, the month’s largest assault.
India told Parliament it backs resolving Iran’s nuclear issues through dialogue, affirming Tehran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy. Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh supported JCPOA and UNSC resolutions, noting regular 2024-25 engagement with Iran, including visits by the external affairs minister, vice president, and other senior ministers.
The West Bengal government suspended four officials, including two WBCS officers, over alleged voter list malpractices in Moyna and Baruipur Purba, partly following the Election Commission’s directive. However, no FIRs were filed. A Data Entry Operator was dismissed, and departmental inquiries are being considered, officials informed the Election Commission.
Wall Street slid before Jerome Powell’s speech as rising Treasury yields and strong factory growth dimmed hopes for rate cuts. The S&P 500 fell for a fifth day, with tech stocks and Walmart weaker. Jobless claims rose, but robust PMI cut September cut odds to 65%. Meanwhile, the DOJ signaled a potential probe into Fed […]
Pakistan and China pledged to enhance cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. Foreign ministers Wang Yi and Ishaq Dar met in Islamabad, agreeing on new projects and deeper collaboration in technology, agriculture, and industry. Wang urged Pakistan to ensure security for Chinese workers.
French President Macron called PM Modi to discuss peaceful solutions for the Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas conflict. They coordinated positions on lasting peace and Ukraine-Europe security, exchanged views on recent US-Europe-Ukraine talks, and reviewed developments in Gaza. Modi reaffirmed commitment to strengthen the India-France strategic partnership.