World Photos

The United Nations Refugee Agency places them among the “the most vulnerable groups of the forcibly displaced”. Over the last few decades, lakhs of them have taken treacherous journeys to escape the country they were born in. Rejected by their own people, the Rohingya are one of the largest stateless populations in the world.

Nepal's holy Bagmati river choked with black sewage, trash

Tainted by garbage and raw sewage that is dumped directly into the waterway, Nepal’s holiest river has deteriorated so greatly that today it is also the country’s most polluted, dramatically altering how the city of about 3 million interacts with the Bagmati on daily, cultural and spiritual levels.

In Pics | Bengaluru among 6 cities emerging as new expat hotspots

In a world reshaped by infection, invasion and inflation, a clutch of cities is challenging the old order, luring companies and start-ups to burnish their credentials as a global city

Polio Virus: All you need to know as reemergence fears intensify

Cities like New York and London have found polio virus in their wastewater, raising fears of the disease’s reemergence.

In Pics | Stargazers watch meteors at ancient Turkish site

Hundreds spent the night at the UNESCO World Heritage Site for the annual meteor show that stretches along the orbit of the comet Swift–Tuttle.

Afghan girls sink into uncertain future as Taliban ban on school continues

For most teenage girls in Afghanistan, it’s been a year since they set foot in a classroom. With no sign the ruling Taliban will allow them back to school, some are trying to find ways to keep education from stalling for a generation of young women.

Swiss artist sculpts sprawling model castle on dried river bank

Swiss artist Francois Monthoux's annual project to build clay sculptures on the banks of Switzerland's Toleure river has sprawled into a captivating castle complex this year as the drought afflicting Europe allows him to extend his dream world.

French wildfire stops expanding; workers seek to tame it

A major wildfire that ravaged pine forests in a tourist-beloved area of southwestern France has stopped expanding after rain fell and firefighters worked on August 14 to tame it.

This week in pictures: The most stunning images from Asia

This week in pictures: Compelling images from Asia

One million people displaced by drought in Somalia: UN

A historic drought in Somalia has now displaced one million people and left the country in the shadow of famine, the United Nations said on August 11.

In Pics: Inflatable pools help people stay cool in Budapest heat wave

Inflatable swimming pools are the new must-have item around Budapest as residents of Hungary’s sprawling capital struggle to stay cool amid one of the most oppressively hot summers in the country’s history.

Wildfire in southwestern France: 8,000 people evacuated

Firefighters were battling a wildfire in southwestern France on August 10 in a region known for its pine forests that was ravaged by flames last month.

Raksha Bandhan 2022 | Here are five types of Rakhi that are perfect for your brother

Raksha Bandhan has been a celebration of the lifelong bond between brothers and sisters, sprinkled with love, occasional fights and a dash of bitter-sweet nostalgia for a shared childhood. The colorful ‘rakhis’ celebrate the bond shared by siblings. This year the festival will be celebrated on August 11.

In pics: Kabul airport a symbol of chaotic US exit from Afghanistan

Tens of thousands of Afghan men, women and children rushed to Kabul's airport a year ago in a desperate bid to flee the advancing Taliban, who seized power on August 15, 2021.

Firefighters, helicopters battle to contain Cuba fuel depot blaze

The fire at Matanzas depot, which started on August 5 after a lightning strike, has already destroyed four tanks and was threatening four more

In pics | Water crisis looms for eastern Ukrainian city of Sloviansk

Sloviansk's dwindling residents only emerge—a few minutes at a time—to fill up at the pumps, the city's only water source for more than two months. The war has damaged infrastructure that has cut residents off from gas and water supplies

US Inflation Reduction Act: A step towards greener America

The Inflation Reduction Act passed by the US Senate and why it’s being seen as a step towards a greener America.

In Pics | These are the world's 10 most beautiful cities for architecture

With a beauty score of 83.3 percent, Italy’s Venice tops the global ranking of cities with the most beautiful buildings, according to a study commissioned by Online Mortgage Advisor. The study which focused on architecture analysed hundreds of streets and more than 2,400 buildings to reveal which global city boasts the most impressive buildings. Find out which city is home to the most beautiful building in the world

Japan marks 77th anniversary of Hiroshima bombing: Take a look at some heart-warming pics

On August 6, 1945, during World War II, the US B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay dropped an atomic bomb code-named Little Boy on Hiroshima, Japan, resulting in an estimated 140,000 deaths. It dropped a second bomb three days later on Nagasaki, killing 70,000 more. Japan surrendered on August 15, ending World War II and Japan’s nearly half-century of aggression in Asia.

South Korea launches first-ever spacecraft to the moon

South Korea joined the stampede to the moon on August 4 with the launch of a lunar orbiter that will scout out future landing spots. The satellite launched by SpaceX is taking a long, roundabout path to conserve fuel and will arrive in December.

In Pics | Egypt, South Korea perform Pyramids Air Show 2022

The South Korean Black Eagles team, Egyptian Silver Stars team, the Egyptian Hel Gazelle team (Horus) and Egyptian paratroopers participated in Pyramids Air Show 2022 on August 3, above the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure at the Giza Pyramids Necropolis on the southwestern outskirts of the Egyptian capital.

Volcano erupts again near Iceland capital

On August 3, a strip of glowing red lava was seen gushing from the ground, spouting 20-30 metres (65-100 feet) into the air before spreading into a blanket of smouldering black rock.

In Pics | China begins major Taiwan military drills after Pelosi visit

China's largest-ever military exercises encircling Taiwan kicked off on August 4, in a show of force straddling vital international shipping lanes after a visit to the island by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s Taiwan Visit | A look at the history of China-Taiwan conflict

By visiting Taiwan, US Speaker Nancy Pelosi became the highest-ranking elected US official to visit the island in 25 years. An enraged China branded the high-profile visit as “extremely dangerous”.

In Pics | Hong Kong mahjong carver among the last of his kind

Hand carving playing tiles for the popular Chinese game used to be a source of income for many, but the introduction of much cheaper machine-made sets whittled away at their customer base and turned their work into a rarity.

In Pics | How two US missiles popped out sword blades and took out Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in precision airstrike

The strike was carried out at 9:48 PM on July 30, 2022. A drone fired two Hellfire R9X missiles at Ayman al-Zawahiri as he walked on to the balcony of his safe house in Kabul.

In Pics | Taiwan defiant as China readies military drills in retaliation for Pelosi visit

Taiwan's president struck a defiant tone on August 3 as she hosted US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, with a furious China gearing up for military exercises dangerously close to the island's shores in retaliation for the visit.

In Pics | A look at how the pay varies between men and women in different sports

In a historic pay deal finalized earlier this year, the US Football Federation pledged to pool all prize money won by the men’s and women’s team for competitions they both compete in, and share it out equally.

In pics | Syria's last traditional boat-makers keep ancient craft afloat

Located about three kilometres off the coast, Arwad is Syria's only inhabited island and a haven of peace in a country torn by 11 years of war. Hundreds of workers, residents and visitors commute to and from there every day in wooden boats, mostly built by the Bahlawan family.

In Pics | Kentucky flooding continues to wreak havoc, death toll rises to 37

The floods hit a region of Kentucky that was already suffering from grinding poverty -- driven by the decline of the coal industry that was the heart of its economy -- taking everything from people who could least afford it.

A world of Robots: A look at industrial robots operating around the world

An industrial robot is a robot system used for manufacturing. They are automated, programmable and capable of movement on three or more axis. A record number of industrial robots are operating in factories around the globe.

Western flames spread, California sees its largest 2022 fire

Crews battling the largest wildfire so far this year in California braced for thunderstorms and hot, windy conditions that created the potential for additional fire growth on July 31 as they sought to protect remote communities.

In Pics | A look at some odd pictures from around the world

Odd and unusual images from around the world this week.

In pics | International Tiger Day, a desperate call to save the majestic beast

Every year the day is celebrated under different themes. This year the theme for Global Tiger Day is “India launches Project Tiger to revive the tiger population”

World Hepatitis Day 2022: Here’s all you need to know about the infectious disease

July 28 is observed as World Hepatitis Day (WHD) to raise awareness about the illness. In 2022, the theme is ‘I Can Wait’. It is a day to celebrate the progress we have made and to meet the current challenges.

In Pics | Crews make progress against destructive fire near Yosemite

Firefighters continue to make progress against a huge California forest fire that forced evacuations for thousands of people and destroyed 41 homes and other buildings near Yosemite National Park, officials said on July 26.

In Pics | Rock of ages: Rare 170-carat pink diamond found in Anglo's Lulo

"The Lulo Rose" is believed to be one of the largest pink rough diamonds recovered in the last 300 years

In pics | Hundreds of firefighters battle blazes in Germany, Czech Republic

Firefighters are battling wildfires in eastern Germany and neighboring Czech Republic. Many tourist regions and residential areas are being evacuated.

All you need to know about Marburg virus

WHO has confirmed two cases of Marburg virus disease, in Ghana. While it’s far from an outbreak, emergence of these cases is nothing short of an alarm for a world grappling with COVID-19, and troubled by the spread of monkeypox.

In Pics | Saudi Arabia’s crown prince unveils the designs of The Line in Neom

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the designs and the plan of The Line project at Neom on July 25. The Line, a civilizational revolution that puts humans first, providing an unprecedented urban living experience while preserving the surrounding nature.

In Pics | Is the US headed for another recession? Take a look...

US inflation is at a 41-year high and has been rising steadily. Economist and analysts have flagged the possibility that the US may enter a ‘mild’ recession soon i.e. by end of 2022 or early 2023.

In Pics | A guide to help you understand about parenting

As a parent you always try to protect and guide your child. Parenting is a process that prepares your child for life and independence.

In pics | Thousands evacuated as 'explosive' California wildfire grows

A fierce California wildfire has burnt several thousand acres and forced evacuations as tens of millions of Americans swelter through scorching heat

In Pics | A look at some odd pictures from around the world

Odd and unusual images from around the world this week.

Prague ice bar gives tourists respite from heat wave

As record high temperatures singe Europe, the ICE PUB in downtown Prague offers a brief escape to Arctic conditions

In pics | A night of crackdown after Lankan president Ranil Wickremesinghe is sworn in

Protesters flock to the presidential office chanting, “Ranil, go home!”. Wickremesinghe, however, has found support among those willing to give him a chance to fix the mess that Lanka is in

Henley Passport Index 2022 | Countries where Indian passport holders can travel without a visa

Countries to which Indians have ‘visa-on-arrival’ access include destinations like Thailand, Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, 21 countries in Africa and only two European countries.

Race to 10 Downing Street | All you need to know about Indian-origin Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak has emerged as one of the top two contenders in the race to replace Boris Johnson as the British prime minister.

In pics | Animals beat the heat with frozen treats as heatwave scorches Europe

Zoo animals across Europe enjoy frozen treats as they try to beat summer heatwaves.

In pics | How climate change is fuelling wildfires and heatwaves in Europe

In recent years heatwaves have become more frequent in many parts of the world, including India and the US. At a time when strict actions are required to control global temperature rise, major economies are still scrambling to put in place an effective climate policy.