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)

London’s River Thames will host a traditional Ganga Aarti on September 13, 2026, bringing a centuries-old Indian spiritual tradition to the UK. The ceremony will be held at the historic Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich and is being organised by Chinmaya Mission UK in collaboration with Totally Thames. The event will feature Indian music, dance, food and community activities before culminating in the evening aarti. The ceremony aims to create a symbolic connection between the Ganga and Thames while introducing Indian cultural heritage to a wider audience. The event is open to people of all backgrounds, highlighting cultural exchange and community participation. (PC: Unsplash)

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 produced a historic 6-1 victory over South Africa at the Women’s Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen, securing the biggest World Cup win in the country’s women’s hockey history. China’s earlier 4-2 victory over England opened the door for India to move top of Pool D. Six different Indian players scored in the emphatic victory, lifting the team’s goal difference to +5. Sjoerd Marijne’s side now needs only a draw against England in its final pool match to secure a place in the second round. The result gives India a major advantage heading into the decisive fixture, after China’s win dramatically reshaped the Pool D standings. (PC: DD News)

Meta Platforms has begun a six-week US federal trial after 29 states accused the company of deliberately designing Facebook and Instagram to keep children engaged while harming their wellbeing. California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey allege Meta maximised young users’ engagement while contributing to anxiety, depression and, in some cases, suicide. The states also accuse Meta of misleading parents and the public about platform safety. Meta has strongly rejected the allegations. The Oakland, California, trial could expose the company to potentially hundreds of billions of dollars in penalties and force major changes to its platforms. The case comes as Meta, Snap, TikTok parent ByteDance and YouTube face thousands of lawsuits from states, municipalities and school districts. (PC: X)

Indian criminal defence lawyer Vijay Aggarwal, who represents fugitive diamantaire Mehul Choksi, was reportedly detained by UK immigration authorities in London over alleged immigration and work-permit violations. Reports said British officials inspected a property in Mayfair following a landlord’s complaint, where Aggarwal was allegedly found working professionally without the required permissions. A substantial amount of cash was also reportedly discovered at the premises, though its source remained under investigation. Several junior lawyers from Aggarwal’s firm were reportedly present during the inspection. Aggarwal is known for representing Choksi in legal proceedings across jurisdictions, including India and Belgium, and challenging his extradition. He has also handled prominent corporate crime, financial fraud and 2G spectrum-related cases. (PC: X)

A 40-year-old Indian-origin man, Jagendar Kurana, has been arrested in Surrey, Canada, over the alleged sexual assault of a young woman at Bear Creek Park. Police said the woman reported on August 9 that an adult man groped her before fleeing. She was not physically injured. The suspect was described as a South Asian male, about 5'8", wearing a blue Adidas toque, black T-shirt, black pants and black flip-flops. After extensive patrols and a public appeal with photographs, police identified and arrested Kurana on August 12. The British Columbia Prosecution Service approved charges of sexual assault and sexual interference. Kurana remains in custody awaiting a bail hearing as investigations continue further. (PC: AFP)

The UAE has suspended all trade, financial transactions and other activities with Iran until further notice, citing regional security concerns and escalating tensions. UAE Foreign Ministry official Afra Al Hameli said Abu Dhabi rejected allegations about its economic ties with Tehran but reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, cooperation and regional integration. The move follows the UAE’s detection of two ballistic missiles launched from Iran on August 18, which the Defence Ministry said targeted maritime navigation before falling into the sea. Iran denied responsibility. The latest developments come amid worsening US-Iran tensions, with Donald Trump saying no talks are underway and the US naval blockade remains in force around Iran and waters.

Nine Bangladeshi nationals, including a child, were killed and six others injured after a fire broke out at a hotel on Mirza Ghalib Street in Kolkata around 2 am, according to the Fire Department. The victims had reportedly travelled to the city for medical treatment. Two fire tenders were deployed as firefighters conducted rescue and search operations at the hotel. Further details on the cause of the blaze and the identities of the victims were awaited. The report also mentioned a separate hotel fire in Tarapith, West Bengal, where at least eight people were reportedly killed after being trapped inside, with rescue operations continuing and fears that the toll could rise.