A look at the headlines right now:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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