US government debt has crossed the $40 trillion mark for the first time, raising fresh concerns over the country’s growing fiscal burden. Treasury Department data showed total public debt reached $40.047 trillion. The debt has more than doubled since Donald Trump first took office in 2017, rising by $11.6 trillion across his two terms, while it increased by $8.4 trillion during Joe Biden’s presidency. Rising spending on Social Security, Medicare and interest payments, along with lower revenues linked to tax cuts, have added pressure. Budget experts have warned that urgent action is needed to address the growing debt. (PC: X)

Nearly 600 tribal students left a government residential school in Maharashtra’s Amravati district after four girls began crying and laughing uncontrollably, triggering rumours of spirits and “possession”. A psychological assessment linked the episode to stress, fear, superstition and local beliefs rather than supernatural causes. The panic spread to other students and some villagers, prompting authorities to arrange counselling and involve anti-superstition activists. Officials also identified overcrowding in the girls’ hostel as a concern. A newly constructed separate hostel will accommodate all girl students, who are scheduled to move in from September 1. (PC: India Today)

A woman fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force was part of the strike mission that hit the Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters in Muridke during Operation Sindoor, according to defence and security sources. The officer reportedly flew a Su-30MKI during the 87-hour conflict with Pakistan last year. Sources said more than one woman fighter pilot took part in missions targeting military locations, flying Su-30MKIs and Rafale aircraft as pilots or Weapon System Operators. On the first day of Operation Sindoor, India struck nine targets, including terror facilities in Muridke and Bahawalpur.

US President Donald Trump has announced what he called the “most crushing economic operation ever” against Iran, as Washington increases pressure on Tehran amid stalled talks to end the five-month conflict. Trump said Iran had failed to reach a deal and warned that countries helping Tehran through trade, financial services or other support would face “tremendous economic consequences”. His administration has already imposed sweeping sanctions on Iran’s oil, shipping and financial sectors under Operation Economic Fury. Iranian state media dismissed the announcement, saying the country has long experience in bypassing US restrictions.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor visited Srinagar’s historic Pari Mahal on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, during his two-day India visit. It marked his first trip to Jammu and Kashmir as US ambassador, coming after a relatively long interval since an active US envoy visited the region. Gor described Jammu and Kashmir as an “important” part of India and praised its natural beauty. He also met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar to discuss deepening ties between the Union Territory and the US in tourism and horticulture. Pari Mahal, a seven-terraced Mughal-era garden atop the Zabarwan mountain range, overlooks Dal Lake and remains a prominent Srinagar landmark.

Pakistan has threatened to stop accepting illegal migrants returned from the UK if London continues attempts to deport convicted child rapist and Rochdale grooming gang leader Shabir Ahmed, The Telegraph reported. Born in Pakistan, Ahmed moved to the UK in the 1970s and was among nine men convicted of exploiting girls as young as 13. He was identified as the ringleader of the Rochdale grooming gang, which operated in Rochdale and Oldham and involved multiple rape and sexual offences. Ahmed was convicted in 2012 and sentenced to 22 years in prison. Islamabad considers his crimes a UK matter and has warned the dispute could damage wider bilateral cooperation. (PC: X)

Indian-origin Lakshmanan Meyyappan set a Guinness World Record after qualifying as the world’s youngest male chartered accountant at age 16. Now 21, the Dubai-based Meyyappan’s social media profile says he specialises in investment analysis and market insights. It also describes his interest in designing and building watches during his free time. Guinness World Records states Meyyappan was 16 years and 170 days old when he qualified in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on June 30, 2021. Reflecting on the achievement, Meyyappan said he once imagined chasing swimming records like Adam Peaty before completing ACCA a year later. He credited his teachers at PwC Academy Middle East. (PC: X)

Sugar prices across major Indian cities have surged nearly 20% since August 7, rising from Rs 52 to around Rs 62 per kg in 12 days amid record-low stock concerns and the approaching festive season. Analysts expect prices to rise further, increasing pressure on the government over domestic supplies and pricing. Lower production, permitted sugar exports and diversion of sugarcane-based feedstock to ethanol have contributed to the increase. The government has assured adequate sugar availability and imposed nationwide stockholding limits on dealers until November 30, 2026. Closing stocks for the October 2025-September 2026 season are projected at just 32 lakh metric tonnes, below the required 60 LMT and last season’s 47 LMT. (PC: New Indian Express)

US Ambassador and special envoy Sergio Gor’s first visit to Jammu and Kashmir in six years has triggered a diplomatic row after he called the Union Territory “an important part of India” during his Srinagar visit on August 19. Pakistan strongly rejected the remarks and summoned US Charge d’Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad. Gor met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss regional development, bilateral ties and deeper US-J&K engagement, including tourism and the economy. He also indicated Washington could review its Level 4 “do not travel” advisory for J&K, citing improved security. A downgrade could benefit local businesses, with tourism accounting for 7% of the region’s GDP. Mehbooba Mufti also urged the US to reconsider the advisory.

A Rajdhani Express train halted in Assam’s Hojai district on August 19 to allow a herd of wild elephants to safely cross the railway tracks. The incident occurred near Hawaipur in the Lanka Range, where forest officials spotted the herd approaching as the Down Rajdhani Express neared the area. Immediate communication between forest personnel, the loco-pilot and Lumding Railway Control Room helped avert a potential disaster. The train stopped completely until the elephants crossed safely before resuming its journey. Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah praised the coordination and highlighted the efforts of frontline teams monitoring railway stretches through wildlife corridors. The incident underscores efforts to prevent elephant-train collisions and reduce human-wildlife conflict.