A look at the headlines right now:

  1. Varanasi stampede toll rises to 24, police cite suffocation as main cause: Around 50,000 people had turned up at the religious event, though the administration was expecting only 4,000 devotees.
  2. At Brics summit, India, China agree to boost security ties, recognise 'scourge of terrorism' in region: Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping also discussed New Delhi's bid for NSG membership and having Masood Azhar designated as a terrorist by the UN, Vikas Swarup said.
  3. Donald Trump says India and US will be ‘best friends’ if he is voted to power: The Republican nominee showered praise on Narendra Modi and said he is looking forward to working with the prime minister.
  4. 197 nations adopt agreement at Kigali, Rwanda to curb greenhouse gas emissions: The countries agreed to phase out hydrofluorocarbon gases, whose emissions are increasing by around 10% each year, by 2050.
  5. Muslim law board not a democratic body, women should protest against triple talaq, says RSS: Rakesh Sinha, a leader of the group, said the panel represented only the 'orthodox, conservatives', not the entire religious community.
  6. India has not shared details of plans to seal border by December 2018, says Pakistan: Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria accused New Delhi of contradicting its claims of establishing a peaceful neighbourhood with its actions.
  7. 35 killed in suicide bombing targeting Shi'ites in Baghdad, Islamic State group claims attack: More than 60 others were injured after the bomber detonated his explosive-laden vest inside a tent where pilgrims had gathered for rituals.
  8. Airstrikes by Saudi-led coalition 'wrongly targeted' funeral in Yemen that killed more than 140: An inquiry team set up by the alliance found that the attack was carried out based on incorrect information issued after the usual protocol was violated.
  9. Curfew lifted across Kashmir even as restrictions on the assembly of people remain: Prepaid mobile services were also restored in the Valley, more than three months after the unrest began following Hizbul Mujahideen leader Burhan Wani's death.
  10. Hindu, Muslim groups come together in violent protest against meeting of atheists in Mathura: The event was to take place at the ashram of Swami Balendu, a former spiritual leader who now preaches to non-believers.