News18 Evening Digest: Mumbai Rains, Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks & Other Top Stories
We are also covering: PM Modi, Wang Yi Meet In Delhi, India's Squad For Asia Cup 2025, and CP Radhakrishnan Vs Sudarshan Reddy For Vice-President
In today's evening digest, News18 brings you the latest on Mumbai rains, which have crippled the city's lifeline, and on the Russia-Ukraine peace deal, in which US President Donald Trump laid out his plans to end the war.
'Next 48 Hours Critical' As Rain-Battered Mumbai Braces For More Downpour; Rail, Flights Badly Hit
Heavy downpour in several parts of Mumbai has paralysed the city, with commuters stranded, roads turning into rivers, and trains submerged. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis reviewed the situation and stated that the next 48 hours are extremely critical, as the weather department predicts more downpour.
Mumbai recorded up to 300 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours, causing widespread waterlogging, flight delays and the partial closure of the High Court. Several airlines announced that flights were being delayed due to poor visibility and air traffic congestion and urged people to remain cautious. READ MORE
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday as both nations attempt to move past the strain in ties that followed violent clashes along the border in 2020. The visit is being seen as part of efforts to put the relationship back on track.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday reaffirmed that Ukraine will not be part of NATO amid peace efforts in the ongoing war, and called Kyiv a 'buffer" between Russia and Europe.
While speaking to Fox & Friends, Trump confirmed that arrangements are underway for a direct meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to push for a peace agreement to halt the war. 'They are doing okay. I don't think they are ever going to be best friends, but they are doing okay," he said. READ MORE
CP Radhakrishnan Vs Sudarshan Reddy For Vice-President: Does Opposition Pick Stand A Chance?
The stage is set for the Vice-Presidential election in which the ruling BJP-led NDA's CP Radhakrishnan will face the INDIA bloc's Sudarshan Reddy. The government's efforts to take the opposition on board for a unanimous VP election have failed, with the INDIA bloc fielding Reddy, described as one of 'India's most distinguished and progressive jurists."
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge announced former Supreme Court judge Reddy as the opposition Vice President candidate and informed that he will file his nomination on August 21 for the September 9 election. READ MORE
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee on Tuesday announced India's 15-man squad for the next month's Asia Cup. The squad will be led by Suryakumar Yadav with the team placed in Group A alongside UAE, Pakistan and Oman.
Shubman Gill, who was in sublime form during IPL 2025 and the recent England tour, is back in the squad and will continue as the vice-captain. Gill last played a T20I during the Sri Lanka tour last year following which he missed out series against Bangladesh, South Africa and England to concentrate on Tests and ODIs. READ MORE
Coolie box office collection: Rajinikanth's latest release Coolie has stormed past Rs 400 crore worldwide in just four days, but the journey ahead isn't looking smooth. While the film opened to massive numbers, its first Monday dip has raised questions on whether it can outpace Vijay's Leo and the superstar's own Jailer at the global box office.
Directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, Coolie is eyeing the coveted Rs 500 crore mark within its opening week. If it crosses that milestone in less than 10 days, the Rajinikanth-starrer will rewrite Tamil cinema records currently held by Leo (2023). READ MORE
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First Published:
August 19, 2025, 19:03 IST
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