Top news of the day: At least 17 dead in Hyderabad Gulzar Houz fire accident; ISRO says PSLV-C61/EOS-09 mission could not be accomplished due to third stage pressure issue, and more

At least 17 dead in Hyderabad Gulzar Houz fire accident; ISRO says PSLV-C61/EOS-09 mission could not be accomplished due to third stage pressure issue, and more in top news of 18 May, 2025

A major fire broke out inside a home near Gulzar Houz of Charminar area of the Old City on Sunday morning (May 18, 2025), claiming at least 17 lives, as per preliminary reports from multiple hospitals. “The death toll has increased to 17,” confirmed GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan during his visit to the Osmania General Hospital mortuary. So far, 15 bodies have arrived at the mortuary, with the remaining expected to be brought in shortly. Emergency services, including private and government hospitals, rushed to the scene to aid rescue operations.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) could not accomplish its 101st launch, the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 mission, on Sunday (May 18, 2025). Minutes after PSLV-C61 with the EOS-09 earth observation satellite lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 5:59 a.m., the space agency said that the mission could not be accomplished due to an ‘observation’ in the third stage of the launch vehicle.

Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai on Sunday (May 18, 2025) stressed that neither the judiciary nor the executive, but the Constitution of India was supreme and its pillars must work together. The Chief Justice said he was glad that the country has not just strengthened but has also developed on the social and economic fronts and continues to do so.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host the first U.K.-EU Summit since Brexit, as the Labour government attempts to “reset” ties with the bloc, some nine years after the U.K. left the EU. The two sides, which will meet in London on Monday (May 19, 2025), are expected to announce a defence and security pact, agreements related to trade and a joint statement on the geopolitical situation. 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signalled on Sunday (May 18, 2025) that Israel was open to a deal with Hamas that would include “ending the fighting” in Gaza, laying out conditions for such an agreement.

Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh struck fine half-centuries to rescue Punjab Kings and help them to a competitive 219 for 5 against Rajasthan Royals in an Indian Premier League match here on Sunday (May 18, 2025). PBKS, currently on 15 points and in a good position to make the playoffs, were reduced to 34/3 in only the fourth over with RR’s right-arm pacer Tushar Deshpande (2/37) getting rid of openers Priyansh Arya (9) and Prabhsimran Singh (21).

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has written to CMs of seven States and a Union territory, not ruled by BJP, urging them to oppose the Presidential Reference to the Supreme Court on time frames for Governors and Present to act on Bills referred to them under Article 200 of the Constitution. He underlined the need for a coordinated legal strategy before the court and present a united front to preserve and protect the basic structure of the Constitution.