A powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia early Monday, killing at least 111 people and injuring 87 others, President Abelardo De La Espriella said. More than 61 buildings collapsed, with several people still trapped under the rubble. The Colombian government declared a national state of emergency following the disaster, which caused widespread damage across the country. The US Geological Survey said the earthquake struck at 12:34 UTC, around 7:34 am local time, approximately 5 km east of San Jose del Palmar in Colombia’s Choco department. The quake occurred at a depth of about 107 km. Choco Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi reported injuries and significant damage to buildings.

The US will expand visa fees for certain H-1B and L-1 extensions from September 9. Employers will pay $4,000 for each qualifying H-1B petition and $4,500 for an L-1 petition. The rule could affect major Indian IT companies that employ thousands of Indian professionals in the US. It applies to firms with at least 50 US employees, where over half the workforce holds H-1B or L-1 visas. Routine extensions were earlier generally exempt from this fee. The higher costs could make companies reconsider long-term assignments for Indian workers. Employers, not visa holders, will pay the additional fee.

Gujarat Police seized a large consignment of explosives from a Bolero on the Rajkot-Gondal Highway, days before Independence Day. The Rajkot Crime Branch recovered 12,000 gelatin sticks weighing 1,500 kg, 4,000 detonators and 30 bundles of blasting wire. The material was being transported without the required licence or documents, police said. The vehicle’s driver, identified as Dola Mir, was arrested. During questioning, he allegedly named a supplier and a person who was supposed to receive the explosives. Both are currently absconding. Police said the explosives were allegedly meant for mining work. The Crime Branch is investigating their source and intended use.

The world’s oceans recorded their hottest July temperatures ever, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. Average sea surface temperatures reached 20.96°C outside polar regions. This was higher than the previous July record of 20.89°C set in 2023. Scientists said developing El Niño conditions in the Pacific are helping push temperatures higher. Western Europe also faced record heat, drought and severe wildfires. Warmer oceans can raise sea levels and fuel stronger marine heatwaves. They can also increase moisture in the air and worsen storms and heavy rain. Scientists warned that human-caused global warming is making extreme heat more frequent and severe. (PC: Getty Images)

A record 230 migrants crossed the English Channel in a single small boat and reached the UK early Monday, Sky News reported. It is the largest number recorded on one boat. The previous record was 165 people, set last month. So far this year, 15,049 people have crossed the Channel in 224 small boats. However, arrivals are down 42% compared with the same period in 2025. The UK Home Office said criminal gangs were putting lives at risk by overcrowding unsafe boats. The government said it is working with France to increase patrols and prevent crossings along French beaches. (PC: SNSM Berck sur Mer)

Union Minister JP Nadda on Monday denied claims that police opened fire at protesting students at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. He accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of misleading people and disrupting Parliament. Nadda said the firing claim was false and called for a proper discussion on the issue. He said Home Minister Amit Shah was ready to answer questions from the Opposition. Nadda also alleged that Congress was avoiding discussions on issues such as electoral roll revision and inflation. He accused Rahul Gandhi of changing his demands and creating confrontation. Nadda also questioned Congress’ response to student protests in Jharkhand and alleged double standards. (PC: PTI)

US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s demand for $300 billion in compensation for damage caused by US and Israeli strikes. Trump said Iran should instead pay for people killed or injured in attacks linked to Tehran. He said the issue would be raised in future talks. Iran has also demanded the release of up to $100 billion in frozen assets and an end to sanctions. Tehran has linked these demands to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the waterway would remain closed until Washington accepts its conditions. The dispute continues to affect shipping and global markets. (PC: AFP)

UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF have jointly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino over a plan to sell a stake in the FIFA World Cup. The plan was later dropped after strong opposition. The three football bodies said the issue was not just poor communication but a serious failure of judgement. They accused FIFA of pushing the proposal without proper consultation. They also said the process broke trust with football’s governing bodies. The groups called for an independent review of the issue. The statement increases pressure on Infantino ahead of the FIFA presidential election in March. His chances of winning another term could now face a challenge. (PC: AP)

At least 69 people were killed after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday morning. The quake hit around 7:34 am local time, with its epicentre near San Jose del Palmar in Choco province. Eighteen deaths were reported in Pereira and two in Manizales. Several buildings were damaged across Colombia. Cracks were reported in buildings in Cali, Armenia, Pereira and Medellin. In Bogota, people rushed out of buildings after strong tremors were felt. Tremors also reached Ecuador, Panama and areas near Venezuela. Officials warned about possible aftershocks. Colombia’s government has started recovery efforts and is assessing the damage across affected areas.

Ahead of India’s 80th Independence Day, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has urged village leaders and parents to improve government schools. He questioned why major government buildings have been developed while many rural schools still lack basic facilities. Dipke highlighted problems such as poor toilets, drinking water, electricity and long travel distances. He said he would approach the village head in Hingoli to seek improvements. He also urged parents to conduct a “social audit” of schools and report missing facilities. Dipke proposed recognising village heads who improve schools through social media. He said better schools are needed to give rural children equal opportunities. (PC: PTI)