Three state-aided schools in West Bengal’s Howrah district have been issued a show cause notice by the school education department for students’ participation in a rally during school hours. The rally was held in protest of the rape and murder of a thirty-one-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor at Kolkata’s R G Kar Medical College. Teachers and non-teaching staff reportedly accompanied students, violating regulations. The schools must respond within twenty-four hours. The notice follows a directive banning school students from engaging in political activities. The state has seen widespread protests demanding justice for the victim.

In Solingen, Germany, a knife attack during the city’s 650th anniversary festival has left three people dead and eight injured. Authorities are investigating the incident for possible terrorist motives. A 15-year-old has been detained for failing to report the attack, but no clear connection to the attacker has been established. The search for the perpetrator continues with multiple police forces and special units involved. The attack, which occurred on Friday night, has prompted a major alert, with officials urging the public to stay vigilant.

The Indian central government has approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), set to launch on April 1, 2025. This scheme will offer assured pension, family pension, and a minimum pension to about 23 lakh government employees. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that employees can choose between the UPS and the National Pension Scheme (NPS). The scheme will cost Rs 6250 crore in its first year and will apply to those retired under the NPS from 2004. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the scheme’s role in ensuring financial security and dignity for employees.

Tilda has partnered with Ladies of Virtue Outreach CIC (LOVO) in the UK, pledging £10,000 to support their initiatives over the next 12 months. This donation will fund LOVO’s English language programs and weekly global lunches in Peckham, where women from diverse backgrounds gather to share traditional dishes. LOVO, dedicated to tackling poverty, unemployment, and domestic violence, operates on pillars of Community, Growth, Gratitude, Self-Care, and Wisdom. The partnership also includes community events throughout 2024, beginning with a vibrant gathering in June featuring Zumba, nutrition talks, and well-being sessions. Jean Phillipe, Managing Director of Tilda, emphasized their commitment to community and cultural diversity. Ola Olive Stephen, Founder & Director of LOVO, praised the collaboration, noting it will help the organization expand its reach and impact.  

A major manhunt is underway in Germany after an attacker killed three people at the "Festival of Diversity" in Solingen. The victims, two men aged 67 and 56, and a 56-year-old woman, were randomly targeted in a stabbing attack. Police have arrested a 15-year-old boy, but he is not believed to be the attacker. Authorities are investigating whether terrorism was involved. "The attack was very targeted," said police spokesman Thorsten Fleiß. Special forces are searching for the suspect, and locals are advised to stay alert.

In the Kolkata doctor rape case, accused Sanjay Roy broke down in court after agreeing to a lie-detector test. Roy, who maintains his innocence, cried when asked why he consented to the polygraph, stating, “I haven’t committed any crime. I’m being framed. Maybe this test will prove that.” The district court approved the test, which will be conducted in prison for Roy and at the agency's office for others, including former RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh. A team from Delhi’s Central Forensic Science Laboratory will conduct the tests. The CBI had previously reported tampering with the crime scene.

South Africa's last zoo elephant, Charlie, has been released into the wild after 40 years of captivity. Captured from Zimbabwe at age two and initially placed in Boswell Wilkie Circus before moving to the national zoo, Charlie faced health and welfare concerns. On August 20, 2024, he was relocated to Shambala Private Reserve in Limpopo province. The transfer, facilitated by the EMS Foundation and Four Paws, marks a significant step in animal welfare. Charlie will be monitored as he acclimates to his new environment, aiming for reintegration with the wild elephant population.

India has successfully launched its first reusable hybrid rocket, RHUMI-1, from Chennai's Thiruvidandhai on August 24, 2024. Developed by Space Zone India in collaboration with Martin Group, RHUMI-1 carries three Cube Satellites and 50 PICO Satellites. The rocket, utilizing a hybrid motor and eco-friendly technologies, is designed for climate change data collection and environmental monitoring. It features adjustable launch angles and a CO2-triggered parachute system for safe recovery. This mission, led by Anand Megalingam and guided by Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, marks a significant advancement in India’s space technology.

In Amritsar's Daburji area, Sukhchain Singh, an NRI recently returned from the US, was shot at his residence on August 24, 2024. Two armed men entered his home and fired at him from close range while his wife and child pleaded for his life. Singh suffered two bullet injuries but is now stable. The attackers fled after their pistols jammed, as recorded by CCTV. Singh's family suspects his ex-wife’s relatives are behind the attack. An FIR has been lodged, and the opposition has criticized the AAP government over law and order issues in Punjab.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has voiced unwavering support for Ukraine as the country celebrates 33 years of independence from the Soviet Union. In a statement, Starmer emphasized that the UK stands with Ukraine “today and always,” addressing both those in Ukraine and the Ukrainian diaspora. This message of solidarity follows recent comments from President Volodymyr Zelensky about perceived weakening support from the UK.