Congress leader Rahul Gandhi staged a dharna outside Delhi’s Parliament Street Police Station on August 21, demanding an FIR over alleged pellet-gun injuries suffered by 19-year-old Sahil Lochav during the July 20 protest. Gandhi confronted police officials after claiming they initially refused to register the complaint. He alleged that pellets were lodged in Lochav’s eye and body, while Delhi Police maintained that the complaint had been received and would be investigated by the Crime Branch. After hours of protests, police initiated the process of registering an FIR against unknown persons based on Lochav’s complaint. (PC: India Today)

Forensic teams have uncovered 582 human skeletons at the Chemmani mass grave near Jaffna, Sri Lanka, including remains believed to belong to infants and young children. Excavators also found personal items such as milk bottles, toys, school bags, shoes and bangles. Experts reported that several skeletons showed signs consistent with execution, including one whose hands were tightly bound to the chest. The identities of the victims remain unknown and will require DNA testing and comparison with families of missing people. The site has long been associated with allegations of forced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during Sri Lanka’s civil war. (PC: Reuters)

Bangladesh is considering joining a proposed economic or defence framework involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye, Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir said. He stressed that Dhaka would assess the move based on its national interests and changing global economic and trade dynamics. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye recently signed a defence pact pledging collective response to an armed attack against any member. Kabir also said Bangladesh is strengthening ties with Pakistan and China while its relationship with India remains strained. He indicated that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s possible India visit is unlikely soon, citing unresolved issues and the need for a more favourable diplomatic environment. (PC: The Print)

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have reportedly purchased Strancally Castle, a historic 19th-century Gothic-style property in County Waterford, Ireland. The off-market deal is estimated at €20 million to €30 million, with the upper figure equivalent to around ₹335 crore, although the exact price has not been disclosed. The estate covers approximately 440 acres and includes a 16,000-square-foot castle built around 1830. The couple reportedly plans to use the property during visits to Ireland while continuing to live in the United States. Ireland is also home to Meta’s international headquarters. (PC: Reuters)

The Israeli military has acknowledged for the first time that its troops fired on a vehicle carrying five-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab and her family in Gaza in January 2024. Hind survived the initial attack but remained trapped in the car for hours, pleading with Palestinian Red Crescent rescuers for help. She was later found dead alongside family members, while two medics sent to rescue her were also killed. The admission reverses Israel’s earlier claim that its forces were not near the vehicle. The military has now ordered a criminal investigation, while rights groups have demanded independent international accountability. (PC: AP)

Indian authorities demolished temporary structures and barricades outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi on Wednesday, days after Pakistan removed similar installations outside the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Sources said the structures were used for managing queues, visitors and parking near the visa section. India had reportedly requested Pakistan not to remove the installations in Islamabad, but the demolition went ahead. Authorities in Delhi later carried out a similar exercise using heavy machinery. The developments come as ties between India and Pakistan remain strained following last year's military confrontation under Operation Sindoor. (PC: The Indian Express)

Indian caregiver Rajeev Acharya was allegedly stabbed to death at his employers' residence in Jerusalem, Israel, on July 23. Israeli authorities have charged Avior Zaken, the grandson of the elderly couple Acharya worked for, with premeditated murder. According to the Indian Embassy, Acharya suffered multiple injuries and died due to severe blood loss. The accused remains in custody as legal proceedings continue. The Indian Embassy is in contact with Israeli authorities and is monitoring the case. Indian community members have also called for justice, support for Acharya's family and stronger safety measures for foreign workers. (PC: NDTV)

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning to move back to the UK from the US later this month with their children, according to reports. Prime Minister Andy Burnham said their security arrangements were a “private matter” and wished the couple well. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to live in a private, non-royal residence outside London. Their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are set to begin school in Britain in September. However, there are no plans for Harry and Meghan to return as working members of the royal family. (PC: BBC)

At least 15 people were killed after Russia launched a major overnight missile and drone attack on Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said. Apartment blocks, warehouses, a children’s hospital and a school were damaged, while thousands lost power. President Volodymyr Zelensky blamed the deaths on Ukraine’s shortage of air defence missiles and urged Western allies to supply more Patriot interceptors. Mayor Vitali Klitschko also appealed for additional ammunition and anti-missile systems. Ukraine said Russia launched 168 drones and 44 missiles, with air defences shooting down most drones and cruise missiles but reportedly no ballistic missiles. (PC: BBC)

Israel’s military has admitted that its troops fired at a car carrying five-year-old Hind Rajab and six of her family members in Gaza in January 2024. Hind, who pleaded for help during a phone call with the Palestinian Red Crescent, and her relatives were killed. The Israeli military had previously denied that its forces were present near the scene. It also acknowledged that troops fired on an ambulance sent to rescue Hind, killing two paramedics. The IDF has now ordered a criminal investigation, citing alleged failures in coordinating the ambulance’s movement. (PC: The Guardian)