The Rajasthan government informed the Legislative Assembly that 611 government schools are functioning without their own buildings, including 10 girls’ schools, according to UDISE 2025–26 data. The disclosure has highlighted serious gaps in school infrastructure following an audit conducted after the Jhalawar school accident. Jaipur has 38 such schools, while several blocks in Jhalawar also reported multiple cases. The government announced ₹550 crore for school repairs and renovation and ₹450 crore for constructing buildings. It also plans to make ₹2,500 crore available annually for construction and maintenance. The opposition, however, questioned the government’s preparedness, citing thousands of unsafe schools and classrooms. (PC: Instagram)

Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer following an incident with Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw on August 19. In stoppage time, Messi approached Sullivan during a heated exchange and appeared to slap the back of his neck. MLS ruled that Messi violated its policy prohibiting contact with an opponent’s face, head or neck. The referee did not issue a card during the incident, and Messi has not been suspended. Inter Miami defender Ian Fray was also fined for a separate incident involving Sullivan. Messi had scored and assisted in the match. (PC: X)

Canada has vowed to respond to US President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs “dollar for dollar” after Washington and Ottawa failed to reach a trade agreement by the midnight deadline. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney accused the US of making unfair last-minute changes during negotiations. The talks had been extended by three days in an effort to reach a deal and avoid the higher tariffs. With no agreement secured, Canada is preparing measures to match the US duties, escalating tensions between the two major trading partners. The dispute could affect cross-border trade and increase economic uncertainty for businesses in both countries. (PC: AFP)

More than 70 British MPs have reportedly raised concerns over the deteriorating situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), calling for urgent international attention. The lawmakers have highlighted allegations of violence, arrests, communications restrictions and suppression of civic protests in the region. They have urged the United Nations to take note of the situation and press for greater accountability and protection of rights. The development follows growing unrest linked to demands for better governance, basic services and economic relief. Earlier, British parliamentarians had also urged the UK government to intervene diplomatically over reported crackdowns and communication blackouts in PoK. (PC: X)

An 18-year-old boy, reportedly upset after his parents refused to buy him an iPhone, jumped from Khavdya Dongar near Tisgaon in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. His parents, Murlidhar and Sangeeta Chandwade, spent nearly three hours trying to persuade him to move away from the cliff. During the final moments, his father approached him and attempted to pull him back, but both fell from the hill and died. The mother also fell to her death shortly afterward. Police recovered all three bodies and are investigating the circumstances. The incident has highlighted concerns about emotional distress, impulsive decisions and communication within families. 

Rashtrapati Bhavan withdrew an email indicating preparations linked to a possible visit by Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to India. The communication said the regular Change of Guard ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan would not be held on Saturday, reportedly to facilitate preparations for a high-level visit. However, the statement was later withdrawn, creating uncertainty over Rahman’s proposed India trip. Bangladesh has also said that no final decision has been made on the visit, while Dhaka is awaiting New Delhi’s response to its request for the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. India’s External Affairs Ministry has not confirmed the visit. (PC: AP)

Brazil’s football authorities have confirmed that the national team will not withdraw from its scheduled friendly against India despite calls for a boycott. The match is set for October 3 at Kolkata’s Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has urged fans to boycott the fixture, questioning the reported ₹50–70 crore expenditure and arguing that the money should instead support grassroots football and infrastructure. However, sources close to the Brazilian Football Confederation said the boycott controversy would not affect the fixture. Brazil officials also inspected the Kolkata stadium and said concerns about the pitch would not alter the match schedule. (PC: Getty Images)

A 19-year-old Delhi University student, Sahil Lochab, has alleged in an FIR that he was hit by pellets during student protests at Jantar Mantar on July 20. He claimed he was shot five to six times and suffered around 200 pellet injuries, including to his eye, face, neck, chest and hand. According to his complaint, he underwent two eye surgeries and has permanently lost vision in the affected eye. The FIR was registered against unknown persons under Sections 118 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi joined Lochab’s protest outside Parliament Street Police Station, demanding registration of the FIR. (PC: ANI)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to shift the production of launch vehicles and satellites to the private sector, according to IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka. The move means ISRO is expected to stop manufacturing launch vehicles itself and instead transfer the required technologies to Indian industries. The space agency will increasingly focus on research, scientific missions, advanced technologies and space infrastructure. The initiative is aimed at expanding private-sector participation, increasing launch capacity and strengthening India’s commercial space industry. The transition represents a major change in ISRO’s traditional role, positioning it more as a technology developer and research organisation. (PC: ISRO)

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, have reportedly bought Strancally Castle, a Gothic-style mansion in Ireland’s County Waterford, for an estimated $35 million. The exact price remains undisclosed, though The Irish Times estimated its value at €20 million-€30 million. Built in 1830 for former Conservative MP John Keily, the castle sits on a 440-acre estate and was renovated in the early 2000s. Zuckerberg and Chan are expected to use it as their Ireland base. The purchase also has a connection to Meta, which maintains its international headquarters in Ireland. A Meta spokesperson said the family looks forward to caring for the historic property and spending time in Ireland. (PC: X)