A video from Ladakh’s Minimarg check post has gone viral after a female tourist confronted security personnel over restrictions on road movement. Reports say tourists faced a delay of nearly five hours due to traffic controls and security checks. During the heated exchange, the woman questioned the prolonged wait and reportedly said, “We are Gen Z, and we won’t tolerate this.” She was also seen threatening to raise the matter in Parliament. The incident has sparked debate online, with reactions divided between sympathy for frustrated tourists and criticism of confronting personnel at a strategically sensitive border area.

At least nine people, including a four-year-old child and several Bangladeshi nationals, were killed after a fire broke out early Wednesday in a five-storey building housing multiple hotels on Mirza Ghalib Street in central Kolkata. The blaze erupted around 1:45 a.m., with dense smoke hampering rescue efforts. Six people were injured, while around 80 occupants were rescued by firefighters and disaster-management teams. Authorities suspect a short circuit, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Officials have also raised concerns over possible fire-safety and construction violations. Police said the building’s owner has fled, while legal proceedings and further investigations are underway. (PC: X)

A Bengaluru BBA student shared his three-month experience working as a Rapido captain during his college vacation, offering insights into earnings and the realities of gig work. He typically worked from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and earned around ₹1,200 a day before fuel and other expenses. When ride demand was low, he also delivered food orders. His reported earnings rose from ₹5,650 in May to ₹16,660 in June, before reaching ₹14,222 in July. The student said the experience exposed him to waiting times, fuel costs, uncertainty, platform rules, customer issues and the pressure faced by workers dependent on gig employment. (PC: NDTV)

The Supreme Court on August 19 sought an update from the Centre on steps taken to implement recommendations of expert committees formed after the NEET-UG paper-leak controversy. The Court stressed that the National Testing Agency (NTA) needs stronger infrastructure, manpower, technology and institutional safeguards to conduct examinations securely. The Centre told the Court that existing security measures are robust, including GPS tracking of question-paper transportation, while outlining additional reforms. The proceedings follow the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 after a paper leak, raising concerns about examination integrity. The Court is pushing for systemic, long-term reforms rather than temporary measures. (PC: The Hindu)

The Tamil Nadu government led by Vijay withdrew a controversial directive that sought to prevent students and youth from participating in protests organised by Left parties and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Issued on August 14, the order directed school and higher-education authorities, police and district administration to take coordinated action and asked educational institutions to submit action-taken reports. The directive faced strong criticism from the CJP, which called it unconstitutional, while the BJP supported the move. Amid political backlash, the government revoked the order on August 19, ending the proposed restrictions on student participation in these protests. (PC: India Today)

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)