India News Highlights, 16 August 2026: Arunachal Pradesh student found dead in Kerala, detailed probe ordered

The incident reportedly triggered a protest by students of MA College of Engineering, Kothamangalam, who alleged that the institution's minimum credit requirement was higher than other engineering colleges in Kerala.

India: Police suspect he may have feared losing an academic year because of a low academic credit score. (File Photo)The accused has been remanded to Pune Rural police custody for 13 days by a court on Wednesday. (File Photo)

Michi Marpu, 20, a BTech student from Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh, was found dead at a rented house in Kozhipilly near Kothamangalam, where he lived with college mates, police said, as per a report by PTI. Police said Marpu was found lying on the floor with a rope around his neck. He was taken to Kothamangalam Taluk Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. A three-page note written in English and Hindi was also recovered from his room. Police suspect he may have feared losing an academic year because of a low academic credit score. The circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated.

Earlier, a fire broke out at a private two-wheeler showroom on the Thoothukudi-Palayamkottai Road on Sunday (Aug 16), triggering firefighting efforts by multiple fire and rescue teams. Firefighters from four fire stations have been mobilised to assist with the operation as the fire continues to be tackled. Six fire engines are currently engaged in the firefighting operation, including four from the Thoothukudi Fire and Rescue Services, one from the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) Fire and Rescue Services, and one from the Thermal Power Station.

Story continues below this ad

If you are just joining us, this is The Indian Express Realtime breaking news blog – where we bring you the latest news updates of the day in real time. Scan the top headlines of the day here, or keep scrolling to see the latest updates stream in.

Delhi wildlife NGO accused of poacher nexus after leopard skins seized

A leading Delhi wildlife NGO has been accused of staging a poaching seizure to take credit for it, with officials alleging it has a nexus with the very poachers it claims to fight. Two staff members have been arrested for poaching and have named the organisation’s CEO, Kartick Satyanarayan, who has been served notice to join the investigation — a case that has shaken India’s conservation community.

Former Bengal deputy speaker found dead at TMC office

Former West Bengal deputy speaker and TMC MLA Ashish Banerjee has been found dead under mysterious circumstances at a TMC party office in Kolkata, with police launching a probe into the circumstances of the death.

Uttarakhand tunnel rescue: Blue drums used as rafts as trapped workers awaited

Rescuers improvised blue drums as flotation devices to reach 22 workers trapped inside an under-construction tunnel in Chamoli after water and debris gushed in following a landslide. The rescue operation has illustrated both the ingenuity and the precariousness of emergency response in high-altitude Uttarakhand.

India courts to decide on Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, talks on for a new approach

India has indicated that the extradition of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be decided by its courts, even as diplomatic talks are under way to find a different course that avoids a direct confrontation with Dhaka — a delicate balance for New Delhi as it tries to manage a bilateral relationship that has been strained since Hasina’s ouster.

Pakistan’s new recruits are Indian teenagers

Pakistan’s intelligence networks are increasingly targeting Indian teenagers for radicalisation and recruitment — young people who never need to cross the border, but who are being reached through social media, encrypted messaging and online gaming platforms in a shift in tactics that Indian security agencies are scrambling to counter.

SRK, Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff get FDA notices over Vimal ad

Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff have received show-cause notices from Maharashtra’s FDA over their endorsement of the Vimal Elaichi brand, in an exclusive reported by The Indian Express — the most high-profile action yet in a crackdown on celebrity advertising of products associated with tobacco substitute use.

India dominate Day 1 in Galle; Day 2 begins with Padikkal and Pant at crease

India put two years of spin woes behind them with a dominant Day 1 at Galle, with KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal resuming Day 2 at the crease after a partnership that gave India a strong platform in the first Test against Sri Lanka.

Live Updates
Aug 16, 2026 07:43 PM IST
Four booked for allegedly assaulting, body-shaming woman PSI in Bengaluru

Four men have been booked for allegedly assaulting and body-shaming a 33-year-old woman police sub-inspector and threatening her while she was on duty in Bengaluru, police said.

The incident took place on August 12 when the PSI attached to the K R Puram Traffic Police Station was on duty.

According to the FIR, the PSI intervened after allegedly seeing a man identified as Hemant Reddy, who claimed to be an advocate, quarrelling with a police constable over a traffic-related issue.

Police said Hemant allegedly picked a quarrel with the PSI, held and pulled her hands and assaulted her, causing injuries. Nearby colleagues intervened, following which Hemant allegedly called his friend Rahul, who allegedly held and pulled the PSI's right hand and injured her finger.

The PSI reportedly pushed Rahul away in self-defence and asked an ASI to call the 112 emergency helpline.

Later, Hemant's brother Harshith and their father Radhakrishna, along with others, allegedly arrived at the spot and abused and threatened the officer.

The woman PSI also alleged that the accused body-shamed her and made derogatory and obscene remarks about her appearance.

A case has been registered against the four men under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including those relating to assault on a woman, causing hurt to deter a public servant from duty, criminal intimidation and intentional insult.

Police said further investigation is underway.

(With inputs from PTI)

Aug 16, 2026 06:45 PM IST
Himachal Pradesh rain: 109 roads blocked, orange alert in four districts

Torrential rain led to the closure of 109 roads across Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, while the India Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in several districts.

The alert is in force in Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra and Mandi on Monday, and in Una, Chamba and Kangra on Tuesday.

The rain also caused damage in Kangra district. Two families at Thakurdwara near Palampur narrowly escaped after a tree fell on their building on Sunday morning. The building, nearby shops and parked vehicles were damaged, briefly disrupting traffic on the Palampur-Hamirpur highway.

Dharamshala recorded 126.3 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours to Sunday, followed by Palampur with 55 mm and Kangra with 34.6 mm.

According to the State Emergency Operations Centre, 43 roads were blocked in Mandi, 33 in Kullu, eight in Sirmaur, seven in Shimla, six each in Chamba and Kangra, four in Una and two in Lahaul-Spiti.

Rain also damaged 216 water supply lines and seven power transformers.

Since the monsoon began on June 30, 79 people have died in rain-related incidents in Himachal Pradesh, including 14 in landslides and one in a flash flood. The state has suffered estimated losses of Rs 973 crore so far.

(With PTI Inputs)

Aug 16, 2026 06:21 PM IST
Arunachal Pradesh student found dead in Kerala, detailed probe ordered

Michi Marpu, 20, a BTech student from Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh, was found dead at a rented house in Kozhipilly near Kothamangalam, where he lived with college mates, police said.

Police said Marpu was found lying on the floor with a rope around his neck. He was taken to Kothamangalam Taluk Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. A three-page note written in English and Hindi was also recovered from his room.

Police suspect he may have feared losing an academic year because of a low academic credit score. The circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated.

(PTI Inputs)

Aug 16, 2026 06:17 PM IST
India women hold China 2-2 in Hockey World Cup opener

India's women's hockey team held China to a 2-2 draw in its opening match of the World Cup in Amstelveen, Netherlands.

- PTI

Aug 16, 2026 06:03 PM IST
Three sets of questions on CJP protests disallowed in Lok Sabha: Das

Three sets of questions submitted by DMK MP Matheswaran V S on issues linked to the CJP-led student protests were disallowed in the Lok Sabha during the Monsoon Session, CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said.

According to Das, the questions were addressed to the Union Home and Education Ministries and sought information on issues including refunds of NEET-UG 2026 application fees, public distrust in the government, drinking water and sanitation facilities for protesters in Delhi, the government's engagement with students, student welfare, paper leaks and education reforms.

The questions also sought information on the treatment of citizens exercising their fundamental right to peaceful protest.

Read the full report here.

Aug 16, 2026 04:11 PM IST
Centre approves Rs 1,419 cr for Qadian-Beas railway line: BJP leader Ravneet Bittu

The Centre has approved a detailed estimate of Rs 1,419.05 crore for the long-pending Qadian-Beas railway line in Punjab, BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu said.

The 39.68-km broad-gauge corridor will connect Qadian in Gurdaspur district with Beas in Amritsar district, passing through Qadian, Dhapai, Ghuman, Butala and Sathiala.

Bittu said the project, originally approved in 1928-29, had remained stalled for decades due to technical, alignment, land acquisition and procedural issues. It was revived under the Socially Desirable Rail Connectivity Programme and included in the 2010-11 supplementary Railway Budget.

The project is expected to improve connectivity for passengers, farmers, traders, students and pilgrims across the Majha region.

The railway line will include 11 major bridges, 121 minor bridges, 54 road underbridges, crossing stations at Ghuman and Butala, along with modern signalling, telecommunications and Kavach technology.

Bittu said land acquisition should now be expedited, with 166.682 hectares required across Gurdaspur and Amritsar districts. He also urged the Punjab government to speed up the process, claiming that funds for land acquisition were already available with the respective deputy commissioners.

(With inputs from PTI)

Aug 16, 2026 03:47 PM IST
In letter to Amit Shah, Harsimrat Badal seeks NIA probe into Sukhbir Badal attack

Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking an NIA probe into the attack on party leader Sukhbir Singh Badal at Shri Hazur Sahib Gurdwara in Nanded on August 13. Harsimrat also shared images of Sukhbir Badal's injury and the weapon allegedly used in the attack, seeking to counter claims made by his opponents about the incident.

Aug 16, 2026 02:37 PM IST
Kerala: Fire erupts at furniture warehouse near Pattom-Plamoodu

A fire broke out at a furniture warehouse near Pattom-Plamoodu junction in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, with several fire tenders deployed at the scene.

https://platform.x.com/widgets.js

Aug 16, 2026 02:34 PM IST
Mumbai: Navy sailor, wife and two children found dead at home

An Indian Navy sailor, his wife and two children were found dead at their Navy Nagar residence in Colaba on August 15, 2026, the Navy said.

"Investigation is in progress by the Police and the Indian Navy is extending all possible assistance towards the same," the Indian Navy said in a statement.

Aug 16, 2026 02:25 PM IST
Drug ‘kingpin’ Virender Singh Basoya sent to NCB custody Till Aug 21

Pune court remands drug peddler Virender Singh Basoya to NCB's custody till August 21.

Aug 16, 2026 02:09 PM IST
After Ajit Pawar, NCP weighs old guard against younger faces in leadership reset

Alok Deshpande and Zeeshan Shaikh from Mumbai report that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is currently hesitant to overhaul its Maharashtra leadership, despite calls for organizational restructuring from strategist Prashant Kishor following the death of Ajit Pawar. While state president Sunil Tatkare’s position has faced scrutiny, the party leadership under Sunetra Pawar appears wary of destabilizing the current power structure by replacing such an experienced figure. Although names like Dilip Walse Patil, representing the party's old guard, and the younger Anil Bhaidas Patil have been speculated as potential successors, there are no immediate indications that Tatkare will be removed, as the party navigates the delicate balance of maintaining organizational stability while adapting to new leadership dynamics.

Aug 16, 2026 01:57 PM IST
Three class 9 girls missing after Independence Day event at Patiala school

Raakhi Jagga from Patiala reports that three 14-year-old Class 9 students from a private school in Patiala went missing on August 16 after attending an Independence Day function. The girls, who were expected to return home by 10:30 am, were last seen on CCTV leaving the school campus through an unauthorised gate, with subsequent footage showing them near the Bhakra Canal and later at the Patiala bus stand. Despite their parents lodging a formal complaint and police teams actively scanning surveillance footage and investigating the girls' personal contacts, their whereabouts remain unknown, raising serious concerns regarding school security protocols.

Aug 16, 2026 01:55 PM IST
Pellet guns on CJP protesters: Congress leaders, students detained ahead of Amit Shah’s Alwar visit

Hamza Khan from Jaipur reports that ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Alwar on Sunday, Rajasthan Police detained several Congress leaders and students, citing the need to prevent potential obstructions to the visit. While the police stated that 7-8 individuals were taken into custody to maintain order, local Congress members claimed that around two dozen people were detained, including district president Balram Yadav. These detentions followed earlier statements from Congress workers who intended to show black flags to the Home Minister to protest the use of pellet guns on student protesters at Jantar Mantar and demand answers regarding who authorized the force.

Aug 16, 2026 01:47 PM IST
Bihar Polls 2025: Voting percentage rose after successful SIR, says CEC

Bihar saw a significant rise in voting percentage during the 2025 Assembly polls after the successful conduct of SIR, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar said in Patna.

Aug 16, 2026 01:38 PM IST
Congress insulted Vande Mataram on Independence Day, should apologise to people: Amit Shah in Chittorgarh rally

On BJP claiming Congress leader Sonia Gandhi 'objected' to full version of Vande Mataram at Independence Day event, Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, "Congress has insulted Vande Mataram and should apologise to the people of the country."

Aug 16, 2026 01:19 PM IST
Fishermen stage road blockade in Tamil Nadu over mass fish deaths in Ennore estuary

Fishermen stage road blockade on Thazhankuppam–Ennore Expressway over mass fish deaths in Ennore estuary.

https://platform.x.com/widgets.js

Aug 16, 2026 01:17 PM IST
Iran congratulates India on Independence Day, backs stronger ties

Iran congratulates India on Independence Day, reaffirming its commitment to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation across areas of mutual interest.

Foreign Ministry, Islamic Republic of Iran, in a post on X, said, "The Islamic Republic of #iran extends its warm congratulations to the friendly government and people of the Republic of #india on its Independence Day. We remain committed to further strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in all areas of mutual interest and benefit."

https://platform.x.com/widgets.js

Aug 16, 2026 01:13 PM IST
Indian flag hoisted atop Federal Reserve Building in US

The Indian national flag, Tiranga, was hoisted atop the Federal Reserve Building in Seattle, according to the Consulate General of India.

Aug 16, 2026 01:04 PM IST
Indian-American community sets Guinness World Record in New Jersey

The Indian-American community in New Jersey set a Guinness World Record for the “Largest Flagpole Number” during a special India@80 and America@250 celebration.

Official X Account of the Consulate General of India, New York said, "Guinness World Record for the “Largest Flagpole Number” in a Special Celebration of India@80 & America@250! The Consulate General of India, New York joined hands with the Federation of Indian Associations, with the support of Zoho, as the Indian-American community made history in New Jersey by setting the Guinness World Record for the 'Largest Flagpole Number'..."

https://platform.x.com/widgets.js

Aug 16, 2026 12:19 PM IST
Fire breaks out at private two-wheeler showroom in Tamil Nadu

A fire broke out at a private two-wheeler showroom on the Thoothukudi-Palayamkottai Road on Sunday (Aug 16), triggering firefighting efforts by multiple fire and rescue teams.

Firefighters from four fire stations have been mobilised to assist with the operation as the fire continues to be tackled.

Six fire engines are currently engaged in the firefighting operation, including four from the Thoothukudi Fire and Rescue Services, one from the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT) Fire and Rescue Services, and one from the Thermal Power Station.

https://platform.x.com/widgets.js

Aug 16, 2026 11:40 AM IST
Firing at Varanasi airport: Passenger shoots during weapon check on Mumbai flight, injures two

A passenger travelling on an Air India Express flight IX-1810 from Varanasi to Mumbai fired a round during a weapons check at Varanasi airport on Sunday, injuring two AAICLAS screeners.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Puneet Gupta, Director of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi, said, "The incident took place during regular screening at the airport on Sunday morning. Two high-class screeners, a man and a woman, were injured during verification of the weapon being carried by an Air India passenger, who was travelling with his wife to Mumbai. The weapon somehow fired during screening. Both officials are being given treatment, and they are not critical. We have handed over the investigation to the local police."

Aug 16, 2026 11:34 AM IST
Police block Punjab-Haryana border following farmers' call to march to Delhi

Haryana Police blocked the road to Delhi at the Khanauri border after farmers called for a march to the national capital over their demands.

Aug 16, 2026 11:26 AM IST
TMC MP demands probe into Ashish’s suicide note

TMC MP Samirul Islam called for an investigation based on Ashish’s suicide note, saying the former five-time MLA’s death was a loss for Birbhum and West Bengal.

"Ashish was the most honest and highly educated person in Birbhum. Many people joined politics inspired by him. According to his suicide note, probably his name was maligned by the opposition party. This is a loss not just to Birbhum but to the entire West Bengal... An investigation should be held on the basis of the suicide note... He was a 5-time MLA, a former officer," he said.

https://platform.x.com/widgets.js

Aug 16, 2026 11:23 AM IST
Ex-Bengal deputy speaker Ashish Banerjee found dead under mysterious circumstances at TMC office

Former Trinamool Congress MLA and former Deputy Speaker from Rampurhat, Ashish Banerjee, was found dead under mysterious circumstances on Sunday morning.

His body was recovered hanging inside the party office adjacent to his residence, and a suicide note was also found. Ashish’s body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

During Mamata Banerjee‘s tenure, Ashish served as the Deputy Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. He was a five-time MLA from Rampurhat. In the 2026 Assembly elections, he lost to BJP candidate Dhruba Saha.

”Primarily it’s a suicide case. We have found a suicide note in which he has written, ‘No one is responsible for my death,'” Birbhum SP Vidit Raj Bhundesh told The Indian Express.

Read full article

Aug 16, 2026 11:18 AM IST
Britain's first Sikh fighter pilot since World War II: 'I want my success to inspire others'

Divya Goyal from Ludhiana reports that 28-year-old Flight Lieutenant Arshdeep Singh Dang has made history by becoming the first Sikh to graduate as a fighter pilot in the British Royal Air Force (RAF) since World War II. Born in Chandigarh and raised in Southall, England, Dang earned his wings on August 14, 2026, following an extensive training path that began in 2022. He attributes his achievement to his parents' encouragement and the steadfast maintenance of his Punjabi roots and Sikh values, expressing a desire for his success to inspire other members of his community. His milestone follows a legacy of notable Sikh aviators who served with distinction in the British military during the World Wars, including "Flying Sikh" Hardit Singh Malik and WWII hero Squadron Leader Mohinder Singh Pujji.

Read full article

Aug 16, 2026 11:16 AM IST
PM Modi thanks Israeli counterpart Netanyahu over greetings on Independence Day

Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu for his greetings on India's 80th Independence Day.

In a post on X, PM Modi called for stronger India-Israel strategic ties and deeper people-to-people links.

"Thank you, Prime Minister Netanyahu, for your warm wishes. May the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership grow even stronger, unlocking new opportunities and forging deeper people-to-people connections between our nations," he said.

Netanyahu extended his greetings to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on India's Independence Day, describing the friendship between both nations as "boundless."

"Congratulations to India and to my dear friend

Narendra Modi on your 80th Independence Day. India and Israel achieved independence one year apart. We are two ancient nations that seize the future together to bring a better life for our people. Our innovation and friendship are boundless. The best is yet to come," Netanyahu said.

https://platform.x.com/widgets.js

Aug 16, 2026 11:08 AM IST
Jharkhand student protest: Babulal Marandi urges talks with aspirants

Jharkhand Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi called on the state government to pay attention to the students' demands and hold talks with the protesters "without any delay".

"The government should not remain adamant on its stance. It should pay attention to the students' demands... The government should hold talks with the students without any delay," Marandi said.

Aug 16, 2026 10:56 AM IST
Jharkhand student protest enters day 23

Jharkhand’s student protest entered its 23rd consecutive day in Ranchi on Saturday, with aspirants demanding the cancellation of the SSC-JPSC-CGL exam, a CBI probe and examination reforms. Student leader Ravindra Paswan said there had been no response from the government so far, and urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to heed the students’ concerns rather than those around him. “If you take a decision in the interest of the students today, the entire student community will stand by you,” Paswan said.

© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Latest Comment
Post Comment
Read Comments