- Bilkul Online
- 9:00 PM | 20 Aug – 21 Aug 2026
National News Highlights
1. Rahul Gandhi’s Dharna Ends After Delhi Police Registers FIR
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi ended his over-six-hour sit-in at Parliament Street Police Station after Delhi Police registered an FIR against unidentified persons over alleged pellet-gun injuries suffered by student Sahil Lochab during a July 20 protest.
2. Supreme Court Orders Stronger Protection for Elephant Corridors
The Supreme Court directed authorities to prevent obstruction of elephant corridors, conduct fresh surveys and stop practices such as “hulla parties” involving fireballs and burning stakes to drive away elephants.
3. SC Panel to Probe Alleged Police Excesses During Student Protest
The Supreme Court constituted a five-member High-Powered Enquiry Committee headed by former Justice R. Subhash Reddy to examine allegations of police excesses during student demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.
4. 105-Year-Old Murder Convict Walks Free After Supreme Court Relief
The Supreme Court made the bail of 105-year-old Rasik Chandra Mondal final and closed his 1988 murder case, allowing him to remain free in view of his advanced age.
5. Delhi Building Collapse Leaves One Dead, Three Injured
A building collapsed during demolition work in Delhi’s Karol Bagh, killing one labourer and injuring three others. One of the injured was reported to be in critical condition.
6. Heavy Monsoon Rains Keep Several States on Alert
The IMD continued rainfall warnings for several parts of India, with heavy rain forecast in areas including Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and parts of Uttar Pradesh. Waterlogging and landslide risks remain a concern.
7. Punjab Observes Statewide Bandh Amid Protest
Punjab witnessed a bandh on Friday, with schools, highways and other public activity affected for several hours as protesters staged demonstrations and sought attention to their demands.
8. Delhi University Opens Direct PhD Route for Four-Year UG Graduates
Delhi University has approved a pathway allowing eligible students who complete a four-year undergraduate programme to pursue a PhD directly without obtaining a master’s degree, subject to eligibility requirements.
9. Karnataka Plans Major Upgrade of 500 Government Schools
Karnataka and the Asian Development Bank signed an agreement for a major programme to upgrade 500 government schools, with emphasis on infrastructure, technology and skill development.
10. Supreme Court Questions Misuse of UP Gangsters Act
The Supreme Court criticised the potential misuse of the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act while hearing a related matter, raising concerns over its application.
International News Highlights
1. Trump Seeks Fresh Meeting With North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un
US President Donald Trump said he wants to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un again this year, but Pyongyang responded cautiously, indicating that immediate talks are far from certain.
2. ‘Coalition of the Willing’ to Meet Over Ukraine
European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are set to co-chair a meeting on Ukraine on August 24, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy participating.
3. Myanmar Monastery Airstrike Kills at Least 14
An airstrike on a Buddhist monastery in Myanmar’s Sagaing region killed at least 14 people and injured more than 20, according to local residents and opposition sources.
4. Remains of Last Missing Broad Peak Climber Found
The remains of American climber Sarah Mallory Geis, the last missing member of a 10-person expedition swept away by an avalanche on Pakistan’s Broad Peak, have been recovered.
5. Japan Executes Man Convicted in 2009 Pachinko Parlour Fire
Japan executed Sunao Takami, convicted of setting fire to an Osaka pachinko parlour in 2009, killing five people and injuring 10. It was Japan’s first execution in more than a year.
Quote of the Day
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
— Winston Churchill
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