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)

India defeated Sri Lanka by 165 runs in the first Test at Galle, taking a 1–0 lead in the two-match series. Young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar was the standout performer, claiming 10 wickets in only his second Test. He took 4/76 in Sri Lanka’s first innings before producing a match-winning 6/55 in the second, as the hosts were bowled out for 206 while chasing 372. Suthar’s overall figures of 10/131 are the best by an Indian bowler in Sri Lanka, surpassing records held by Harbhajan Singh and Ravichandran Ashwin. (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)

India and Pakistan renew their iconic hockey rivalry on August 19 at the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen, Netherlands. The Pool D clash is crucial, with a place in the next round at stake. The teams have met five times at the World Cup, with India winning three and Pakistan two. Their only World Cup final came in 1975, when India won 2–1. India have dominated recent encounters, winning 17 of their last 19 meetings since 2016, with two draws. Pakistan have not defeated India in a decade, adding significance to this highly anticipated contest. 

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)

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)