Wildfires are becoming a bigger threat to homes and businesses across the UK, according to new analysis. Nearly 19% of large wildfires in England and Wales came within 500 metres of built-up areas this year. Fires are also burning for longer and covering larger areas. Wales has been hit hardest, with nearly 15,500 hectares burned in 2026. Fire chiefs said more than 1,100 wildfires have been reported across England and Wales. They warned that services are under pressure after years of cuts. Experts say climate change, heat and drought are increasing the risk. The danger could double in coming decades.

India suffered a 3-1 defeat against the Netherlands in their first second-round match at the 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cup. The loss has left India’s semi-final hopes in serious danger. The Netherlands controlled much of the match and scored three goals. Thijs van Dam scored the third goal after a quick counter-attack. India’s only goal came from captain Harmanpreet Singh through a penalty corner. India had earlier beaten Wales and Pakistan but lost to England in the first round. They now need a strong result against Argentina in their next match to keep their campaign alive.

India has approved around 1,800 km of new LPG pipelines across six states. The projects will need an estimated ₹7,000 crore investment. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board cleared three projects to be built by state-run GAIL. The pipelines will connect Telangana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka and Goa. The expansion will increase India’s approved LPG pipeline network from about 7,700 km to nearly 9,500 km. The move aims to reduce LPG transport by road. It could lower costs, reduce tanker traffic and improve road safety. The pipelines may also help ensure steady LPG supplies during emergencies.

The BCCI is struggling to find a title sponsor for India’s home cricket matches. The board received no satisfactory bids by the August 13 deadline, reports said. The BCCI has set a base price of ₹4.75 crore per match. This is higher than the ₹4.2 crore paid by current sponsor IDFC First Bank. The new deal would run for two years and cover about 35 matches. Google Gemini, Spinny and SBI Life are reportedly in talks with the BCCI. Some firms have also bought the tender documents. The high price is believed to be the main reason for weak interest.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the BJP’s newly formed team at the party headquarters in Delhi on Saturday. BJP president Nitin Nabin welcomed him. The 65-member team was announced on August 17. It includes 51 new faces and several senior leaders. Earlier, Nabin asked the new office-bearers to focus on “Yuva Samvad” and engage more with young people. The BJP also passed a resolution on the history and importance of Vande Mataram. The party opposed the Congress decision to sing only its first two stanzas at party events. The BJP plans a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the National Song.

Rescuers are searching for survivors after Russian drones struck a busy shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine. At least 16 people were killed and 130 were injured. Four people remain missing. Two drones hit the centre within a short time. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the attack “cynical and despicable”. He said the second drone targeted emergency workers at the scene. The fire covered about 9,000 square metres but has now been put out. Rescue teams from seven regions joined the search. Officials said the operation could continue for two more days because of the damage and ongoing threats.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been asked not to attend a youth football tournament in the Dominican Republic. The request came from CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani. In a letter, he said Infantino’s presence could take attention away from the children’s matches. The dispute is linked to reported plans to sell a 20% stake in a new World Cup venture to private investors. The proposal has caused criticism from several football bodies. CONCACAF, along with European and Asian football confederations, has questioned Infantino’s leadership. FIFA has not commented. A FIFA presidential election is due next year. (PC: Getty Images)

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has reportedly decided to let retired police dogs stay with the force and their handlers. The move has won praise online. Police dogs usually retire after 10 years of service. Earlier, many were sent for adoption after retirement. This could upset dogs due to sudden changes in their routine and surroundings. Under the new plan, retired dogs can remain in a familiar place with their handlers. The Maharashtra Home Department will reportedly cover their food and other care costs. Many social media users praised the decision. Some also suggested regular health checks and allowing retired dogs to train younger ones. (PC: Canva)

14 people were killed in military air strikes on a monastery in Myanmar’s Sagaing region on Friday. The victims were elderly people attending a meditation retreat during Buddhist Lent. A local rescue worker said the site was hit twice. Several monks were also injured. The attack took place around 9:00 local time in Myaung township, about 70km west of Mandalay. An opposition fighter said rescuers were searching for survivors when a second strike took place. The victims included 11 men and three women, aged between 50 and 70. Myanmar’s military has not commented on the attack.

India and Canada will hold their first Finance Ministers’ Economic and Financial Dialogue in Toronto on August 26 and 27, marking a step towards stronger economic ties. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will meet Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne during her first visit to Canada in this role. The ministers will discuss investment, trade, sustainable growth and global economic developments. Talks are also expected to focus on energy, agriculture, critical minerals, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. Canada’s total direct and indirect investment in India exceeded CA$110 billion in 2024. The meetings could also help strengthen the broader India-Canada relationship. (PC: HT)