PTI, India’s largest news agency, coordinates national coverage with 500+ staff and global correspondents; founded 1947 in Madras by Kasturi Srinivasan.
On Mon, 17 Aug 2026, a stampede at Ashok Dham Temple in Lakhisarai district followed reports of an electric pole collapse and a potential live wire, triggering panic among thousands of devotees during Shravan. Women were among those affected as barricades buckled and panic spread. Authorities say investigations are underway.
The cargo ship Ocean Winner has sunk in the Bay of Bengal about 444 kilometers from Paradip, Odisha. Two crew members have been rescued; search teams are scouring the area as authorities coordinate responses. The vessel was carrying 71,000 metric tonnes of iron ore for China, with a multinational crew. The cause of the sinking remains under investigation.
The Joint Staff is conducting widespread polygraph examinations on civilian and military personnel amid an investigation into leaks of classified information tied to dwindling U.S. munition stocks during the Iran conflict. Officials say the effort aims to identify leakers and deter future disclosures, with no one reportedly failing the tests thus far.
A five‑storey hostel near Delhi University has collapsed, trapping and killing several residents. Rescue teams are clearing rubble as authorities investigate structural faults and safety lapses. Officials promise accountability as new safety audits loom for student housing and other public buildings.
Renowned Indian actor Patekar has died at the age of 75 from a suspected cardiac arrest. His career spanned five decades across Hindi and Marathi cinema, with national awards and a Padma Shri to his name. He was active in theatre and social causes, and is mourned by Prime Minister Modi and others in the industry.
A stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata has left multiple dead, including a seven-year-old girl, and dozens injured as sudden rainfall sparked crowd surges. Authorities say police are reviewing CCTV and action will follow for crowd-control lapses. Prime Minister Modi has offered condolences and support to victims.
Cyclone Arnab has strengthened into a very severe cyclonic storm and is making landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, triggering mass evacuations, transportation disruptions, and emergency responses across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Authorities warn of heavy rains, winds, and potential flooding as the system moves inland.