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. 

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)

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 has announced a phased ban on imports of 405 defence items as part of its push for greater self-reliance in military production. The Defence Ministry’s sixth Positive Indigenisation List covers components, sub-systems, spares and other equipment used in platforms including helicopters, fighter aircraft, tanks and warships. These items will progressively be sourced from Indian manufacturers, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. The initiative is expected to create business opportunities worth around ₹3,070 crore for domestic defence industries. The move aligns with the government’s broader Aatmanirbhar Bharat strategy to strengthen India’s defence industrial base, manufacturing capabilities and supply-chain resilience. (PC: AFP)

A massive fire broke out at a hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in central Kolkata around 2 a.m. on August 19, killing at least nine people and injuring six others. According to fire department officials, all nine deceased were Bangladeshi nationals who had travelled to Kolkata for medical treatment. Five fire tenders were deployed, while police and disaster-management teams conducted rescue operations. Dense smoke reportedly made it difficult for firefighters to reach the upper floors. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital. The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation, with authorities continuing rescue and cooling operations.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 55 kg of methamphetamine worth around ₹300 crore from a maize consignment at a Container Freight Station near Mumbai’s Nhava Sheva port. Officials said the shipment was allegedly linked to a Pakistan-based narco-trafficking syndicate led by Mohammad Hussain Dad, which reportedly smuggles narcotics through cargo containers. Syndicate handlers allegedly contacted Mumbai-based import-export firms before approaching a Uttar Pradesh trading firm for a 22-tonne maize export. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers searched the container and found suspected narcotics mixed with maize. An FSL team confirmed the substance as methamphetamine. Two people were detained, while further investigation into the seizure is underway. (PC: PIB)

Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has warned Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff of a possible fine of up to ₹10 lakh over their Vimal Elaichi advertisements. The FDA issued show-cause notices to the actors, alleging the campaign could amount to surrogate promotion of prohibited tobacco or pan masala products. The actors have 15 days from receiving the notices to submit written explanations. Mundhe said further action could be taken under provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act if their responses are unsatisfactory. None of the 3 actors has publicly responded to the notices so far. (PC: HT)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has criticised Union Minister Kiren Rijiju over his remarks on the July student protests in Delhi. Gandhi alleged that police used nail-studded lathis and pellet guns against protesters, leaving some seriously injured. He said he had personally met injured students and accused the government of denying what happened. Rijiju, however, said no protester died or suffered a serious injury and praised the Delhi Police for handling the demonstration. He also alleged that people from several political groups joined the protest and provoked violence. Gandhi said thousands of videos showed what happened, adding that students “have eyes and memories too.” (PC: NDTV)