A major wildfire in Stourbridge, West Midlands, has destroyed 19 homes and damaged 18 others. The fire has affected 38 properties and spread across about 500 acres. Around 300 people, including care home residents, were evacuated. Several people were taken to hospital, including a firefighter who has since been discharged. The cause of the fire remains unknown. Fire officials said the blaze is under control but warned that conditions remain dangerous. The UK government has temporarily banned the sale of disposable barbecues due to the high fire risk. More than 1,000 wildfires have been recorded across Britain this year amid continuing heatwave conditions. (PC: PA)

India batter Jemimah Rodrigues has been ruled out of the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup and Asian Games due to a hamstring injury. The BCCI said she suffered a high-grade tear in her right hamstring while playing for Southern Brave in The Hundred on August 3. Jemimah was in good form and won two Player of the Match awards in six games. The Asia Cup begins on August 28 in the UAE, while the Asian Games will be held in Japan in September. The BCCI Women’s Selection Committee has named Pratika Rawal as Jemimah’s replacement for the Asia Cup.

3 workers remain missing inside a tunnel in Chamoli, Uttarakhand, after a sudden rush of water and debris trapped workers on Thursday. Rescue teams are facing difficulties due to continuous rain and rising water levels inside the tunnel. A total of 22 people were working at the site when the incident occurred around 1.8 km inside the tunnel. Rescuers brought out 19 workers, but seven later died in hospital. Twelve others were injured and are receiving treatment. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other agencies are using machines to remove debris and pump out water while searching for the missing workers.

A video circulating online shows a Sikh youth in Mexico warning Indians against using the illegal “dunki” route to enter the US. The man is seen crying and lying on a bed. He claims he was beaten after trying to escape and is now unable to walk properly. He also warns people against agents who promise safe travel through illegal routes. The man urges others not to repeat his mistake. However, India Today could not independently verify the video or his claims. The “dunki” route involves illegal travel through several countries and dangerous border crossings to reach the US.

India will begin its Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 campaign on August 15 against Wales in the Netherlands. India are in Pool D with Wales, England and Pakistan. The team is aiming to win its first World Cup title in 50 years. India qualified after winning the 2025 Asia Cup. Head coach Craig Fulton will lead the team. India will play all three group matches at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen. They will face England on August 17 and Pakistan on August 19. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the next round.

4 people died after inhaling toxic gas inside a well in Gaya district of Bihar, officials said. The incident took place in Garh Karmauni village under Dobhi police station on Friday. The victims were identified as Chamari Manjhi, his son Dilchand Manjhi, Vikas Chaudhary and Vijay Chaudhary. Senior Superintendent of Police Sushil Kumar said the four reportedly inhaled poisonous gas while inside the well. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary expressed grief over the deaths. He ordered officials to provide ₹4 lakh each to the families of the victims. Authorities also promised to provide all possible help to the affected families.

Brazilian police have recovered eight stolen artworks by French artist Henri Matisse. The works are worth an estimated $200,000. Police found them on Thursday at a house in São Bernardo do Campo, near São Paulo. A 44-year-old man was arrested at the scene. The artworks were stolen from the Biblioteca Mário de Andrade in December last year. Two thieves reportedly overpowered a security guard and visitors before escaping with the works. Three other people have already been arrested in the case. Five engravings by Brazilian artist Candido Portinari remain missing. Police suspect they may have been sold. (PC: Secretariat of Public Security of the State of São Paulo)

The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday stressed the strong ties between India and Italy after a political exchange involving Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy at a party event. He questioned the idea of “hug diplomacy” and hugged party leader Sandeep Dikshit on stage. Dikshit then made a reference to Meloni. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s ties with Italy have expanded and strengthened in recent years. He said diplomatic discussions should remain respectful. The BJP also criticised Gandhi, accusing him of crossing the limits of political discourse.

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation on Friday on the eve of Independence Day. She said India is moving towards building a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047. Murmu stressed that the benefits of development should reach every citizen. She said India is moving ahead on the path of becoming a modern nation. Her address came a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech from the Red Fort. India will mark its 80th year of Independence on August 15. The President’s address focused on India’s development and the need to ensure that progress reaches people across the country.

Ash from Mount Etna’s latest eruption has caused hundreds of flight cancellations in Sicily. Catania Fontanarossa Airport has suspended flights until 2am Saturday due to drifting volcanic ash. The airport operator, SAC, said the ash was affecting flight operations. Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano, began its latest activity on August 6. Around 400 departures were cancelled between August 8 and 11. Another 52 flights were cancelled on Wednesday. Including arrivals, about 700 flights have been affected. The eruption has also caused delays and cancellations in Malta and at Sicily’s Comiso Airport, disrupting travel across the region. (PC: Reuters)