Good evening, everyone. Here is a clear and student-friendly roundup of the most important national, international, legal and business news of the day. Each update explains what happened, where it happened, and why it matters. Staying informed helps students better understand current affairs in India and around the world.

National News

  • PM Modi appeals to citizens to make India drug-free

Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to citizens to unite against drug abuse and work towards building a stronger future for young people. He said addiction affects not only individuals but also families and society.

  • Over 2.63 lakh appear for NEET-PG; re-test announced in Jaipur

More than 2.63 lakh candidates appeared for NEET-PG 2026 across India on Sunday. The examination could not be completed at two centres in Jaipur because of an internal power failure, and a re-test has been announced for affected candidates.

  • Terror groups use encrypted platforms for secret communication

Security agencies have uncovered the use of pornography websites and niche encrypted applications by terrorists and their handlers for secret communication. The discovery follows earlier investigations into the misuse of online gaming platforms by terror groups.

  • AAP leader Gurpreet Gopi shot dead in Punjab

AAP leader Gurpreet Singh, also known as Gopi, was shot dead by four armed assailants in Ferozepur, Punjab. Police said the killing was linked to an election-related dispute and an investigation is underway.

  • DGCA had flagged Tecnam aircraft safety concerns before Kanpur crash

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation had raised safety concerns about Tecnam aircraft more than a month before a Tecnam P2006T training aircraft crashed in Kanpur on August 27. The crash killed a trainee pilot and an instructor.

  • Vice President calls for deeper rivers to help prevent floods

Vice President C P Radhakrishnan urged authorities in Kerala to increase the depth of rivers as a measure to reduce flooding. Speaking in Alappuzha, he also called for a balanced approach to environmental concerns.

  • Maratha quota protest enters second day in Maharashtra

Activist Manoj Jarange continued his indefinite hunger strike in Jalna over the demand for Kunbi certificates for Marathas. He warned that protesters could march towards Mumbai if the Maharashtra government does not act on the demand.

  • Supreme Court judge says punishing students for asking questions is unconstitutional

Supreme Court judge Ujjal Bhuyan said students cannot be threatened with punitive action simply for expressing a different point of view or asking questions. He described such action as unconstitutional and a misuse of power.

  • Punjab and Haryana HC strikes down Haryana government travel ban

The Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed Haryana’s blanket ban on foreign travel by government employees. The court observed that prohibiting an entire class of citizens from travelling abroad merely because they are government employees was arbitrary.

  • India becomes key petrol supplier to Russia amid refinery attacks

India has emerged as an important supplier of petrol to Russia as Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries disrupted domestic fuel supplies. Ship-tracking data showed an increase in Russian imports of gasoline from India.

International News

  • India and Uzbekistan upgrade ties to comprehensive strategic partnership

India and Uzbekistan agreed to elevate their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit. The two countries also set a target of achieving $5 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030.

  • Nepal flash flood death toll rises to 768

The death toll from devastating flash floods in Nepal has risen to 768, while authorities warned of rising water levels in the Bhotekoshi River. Residents and rescue teams in affected districts have been urged to remain alert.

This concludes today’s school assembly news briefing for 31 August 2026.