India’s relationship with Israel has deepened significantly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, moving beyond diplomacy into defence, manufacturing and strategic cooperation. A Guardian report, citing an Amnesty International investigation, says Indian companies have supplied Israeli military firms with components potentially used in weapons, marking a shift from India being primarily an Israeli arms buyer to also contributing to production. India and Israel formally became strategic partners after establishing full diplomatic relations in 1992. The growing partnership has drawn criticism from activists and opposition groups, particularly over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, while supporters emphasise defence and strategic interests. (PC: EPA)

Panic erupted at a pizza outlet in Ludhiana’s upscale Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar after unidentified attackers fired three shots inside the establishment within just three seconds. CCTV footage captured the assailants entering, opening fire and fleeing, while customers and employees rushed out in fear. No injuries have been reported so far. Police are examining the CCTV footage to identify the suspects and determine their motive. The incident took a new turn after an Instagram page called “Gopi Lahoria Group” allegedly claimed responsibility and issued threats against the outlet. Police cyber officials are verifying the account’s authenticity and investigating a possible gang-related angle.

More than two dozen students fell ill after allegedly consuming a midday meal at a government school in Parasi, Bihar’s Nalanda district, on August 18. According to reports, detergent powder was mistakenly used instead of salt while preparing soybean rice. Several children reportedly complained of dizziness and vomiting after eating the meal and were taken to Biharsharif Sadar Hospital for treatment. Civil surgeon Dr Jay Prakash Singh said the students were out of danger. Bihar Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar visited the hospital and ordered a detailed inquiry. Authorities are investigating how detergent and salt were stored together in the school kitchen. 

The United Arab Emirates has suspended all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran until further notice after its defence authorities detected two ballistic missiles allegedly launched from Iran. Abu Dhabi said the incident threatened regional security, while Tehran denied launching the missiles and rejected the UAE’s accusations. The dispute comes amid rising tensions over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a major route for global energy shipments. US President Donald Trump has claimed the United States has “total control” over the waterway, while Iran insists it retains control. The developments further raise concerns about regional stability and global oil supplies. (PC: X)

Around 300–400 students of Bhopal’s Demonstration Multipurpose School (DMS), also known as Regional School, protested on August 18 against the proposed merger with the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS). Carrying “Save DMS” posters, students demanded that the institution retain its separate academic identity and experimental character. They submitted a memorandum to Regional Institute of Education authorities and warned of phased protests if their concerns remain unresolved. Parents also sought clarity over admissions, teachers, existing students and vocational courses. DMS schools were established under NCERT as educational laboratories for innovation and experimentation, making students concerned that the merger could dilute their original purpose. 

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has reacted sharply to Union Minister Ramdas Athawale’s invitation to join the Republican Party of India (Athawale), an NDA ally. Athawale described Dipke as a young Ambedkarite and suggested that he join RPI(A) to strengthen the party and contribute to society. In response, Dipke questioned the offer on Instagram, asking, “Wasn’t I anti-national for you just a month ago?” His remark referred to recent criticism surrounding his participation in student protests. The exchange has sparked political discussion over changing perceptions and alliances surrounding Dipke. (PC: PTI)

London’s River Thames will host a traditional Ganga Aarti on September 13, 2026, bringing a centuries-old Indian spiritual tradition to the UK. The ceremony will be held at the historic Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich and is being organised by Chinmaya Mission UK in collaboration with Totally Thames. The event will feature Indian music, dance, food and community activities before culminating in the evening aarti. The ceremony aims to create a symbolic connection between the Ganga and Thames while introducing Indian cultural heritage to a wider audience. The event is open to people of all backgrounds, highlighting cultural exchange and community participation. (PC: Unsplash)

The Tamil Nadu government has announced that women government employees will receive 365 days of maternity leave for their third child, up from the existing 12 weeks. Human Resources Management Minister D. Sarathkumar made the announcement in the state Assembly on August 18. The earlier 12-week limit was introduced in March 2026 for employees with two or more surviving children, following a Supreme Court ruling, and was upheld by the Madras High Court in June. The new decision reverses that restriction and brings third-child maternity benefits in line with those for the first two children. The move comes amid concerns over Tamil Nadu’s declining fertility rate and ageing population. (PC: EPS)

India produced a historic 6-1 victory over South Africa at the Women’s Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen, securing the biggest World Cup win in the country’s women’s hockey history. China’s earlier 4-2 victory over England opened the door for India to move top of Pool D. Six different Indian players scored in the emphatic victory, lifting the team’s goal difference to +5. Sjoerd Marijne’s side now needs only a draw against England in its final pool match to secure a place in the second round. The result gives India a major advantage heading into the decisive fixture, after China’s win dramatically reshaped the Pool D standings. (PC: DD News)

Meta Platforms has begun a six-week US federal trial after 29 states accused the company of deliberately designing Facebook and Instagram to keep children engaged while harming their wellbeing. California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey allege Meta maximised young users’ engagement while contributing to anxiety, depression and, in some cases, suicide. The states also accuse Meta of misleading parents and the public about platform safety. Meta has strongly rejected the allegations. The Oakland, California, trial could expose the company to potentially hundreds of billions of dollars in penalties and force major changes to its platforms. The case comes as Meta, Snap, TikTok parent ByteDance and YouTube face thousands of lawsuits from states, municipalities and school districts. (PC: X)