Southern Indian state, capital Chennai, cradle of Tamil culture
Protests against alleged leaks in medical college and government-exam papers have expanded beyond grievances over exams. Prime Minister Modi has announced fast-track courts to handle leakage cases, but protesters demand deeper accountability as the Cockroach Janta Party leads ongoing demonstrations nationwide.
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.
The president has repeated a personal story that he was at the World Trade Center site after the 2001 attacks, saying firefighters lifted him from the U.S. Steel Building as it "creaked." First responders who were on the scene have said they never saw him there. He has continued to insert himself into anniversary remembrances while praising the country's strength.
In a high-stakes Asia Games final in Nagoya, India has beaten Pakistan by 19 runs to claim the T20 gold, with Abhishek Sharma scoring 61 and Tilak Varma finishing 51 not out as India posts 211-6 before Pakistan is bowled out for 192.
Protests across Indian cities have intensified as demonstrators demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid allegations of electoral-roll irregularities. Authorities have detained leaders and cracked down on rallies, while opposition figures push for broader political reforms.
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.