Northeast Indian state, second-largest by area in the region
The Brahmaputra floods have affected hundreds of thousands in Assam as cloudbursts and heavy monsoon rains have swelled rivers, submerging villages and disrupting life. Authorities have deployed rescue teams and relief camps are in use as waters recede in some districts.
India's education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, has resigned after weeks of nationwide protests led by the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Tens of thousands of students have protested exam paper leaks and police violence at Jantar Mantar; CJP has suspended its agitation after government assurances but reports of detentions in Assam, West Bengal and Bihar continue.
Heavy monsoon downpours have caused floods and mudslides in Sri Lanka’s central hills, damaging 129 houses and prompting the evacuation of about 2,000 people. Five people are confirmed dead, with several missing, as navy and army units conduct rescues. The disaster compounds the region’s ongoing recovery from Cyclone Ditwa earlier last year.
The monsoon has intensified, causing deadly floods and landslides across multiple Indian states. Assam and Jharkhand report the highest casualties, while Kerala and Kashmir face ongoing damage as the weather system continues to unleash heavy rainfall. Officials warn that climate-driven changes are raising the risk of future disasters.
Twenty-two workers remain inside the Vishnugad-Pipalkoti tunnel after a sudden influx of water and debris. Twelve have been rescued, three remain missing, and rescue teams are battling rising water as authorities coordinate a war-like operation.
Assam endures devastating monsoon floods that have displaced hundreds of thousands, while in Bundelkhand, drought and heat have intensified water scarcity, revealing enduring caste and access inequalities.
Venice has faced criticism for including few female directors in its main competition. May el-Toukhys Woman Unknown was the lone woman-led feature in the initial lineup; festival organisers have since added the documentary NAZA. Jury president Maggie Gyllenhaal and programmers at London Film Festival have said structural barriers, especially financing, are limiting womens progression to larger films.