Heat wave in India leaves hundreds dead

HYDERABAD, India – Eating onions, lying in the shade and splashing into rivers, Indians were doing whatever they could Thursday to stay cool during a brutal heat wave that has killed more than 1,400 in the past month.

But some had no choice but to venture into the heat.

“Either we have to work, putting our lives under threat, or we go without food,” farmer Narasimha said.

Meteorological officials have said the heat would likely last several more days.

Syrian al-Qaida group denies attack plans

BEIRUT – Al-Qaida’s branch in Syria has no plans to attack the West but warns of retaliation if U.S.-led airstrikes continue to target its fighters, the leader of the group said in an interview with an Arab TV station.

The Syrian known as Abu Muhammed al-Golani, who heads the Nusra Front, said the aim of his group is to march to the Syrian capital Damascus and bring down President Bashar Assad’s government.

Al-Golani denied that the so-called Khorasan group even exists.

Associated Press