Good morning! Here are the top national and international headlines for August 18, 2026. From the BJP's new national team and the TVK government's 100-day milestone to Sabarimala, a Guinness World Record and major global developments, here's your quick morning news roundup.

NATION:

  • BJP overhaul: President Nitin Nabin announces new team of national office bearers
    New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president Nitin Nabin has announced the appointment of new national office bearers for the party with immediate effect. The fresh list of appointees features key senior leaders across various states, assigning them core organizational responsibilities.
  • TVK government completes 100 days in Tamil Nadu; Speaker hails Vijay’s ‘People’s Government’
    Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has completed 100 days in office, marking a key milestone for the TVK government, Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar said on Monday, while praising the regime’s initiatives in social welfare, women’s safety, youth skill development and employment generation.
  • Sabarimala opens for devotees as Chingam begins; KSRTC steps up pilgrim services
    Sabarimala (Kerala): The Sabarimala Lord Ayyappa Temple opened doors to devotees early Monday as Kerala welcomed Chingam 1, marking the beginning of the Malayalam New Year.
  • Rahul Gandhi asks Hemant Soren to meet Jharkhand job aspirants: Why are students still protesting?
    Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has urged Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to personally meet protesting job aspirants, as their agitation over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations entered its 24th day. But why are the students still protesting despite repeated talks with the state government?
  • JD(S) leader arrested for allegedly assaulting traffic constable on duty in Bengaluru
    Bengaluru: A JD(S) leader allegedly assaulted a constable who was regulating traffic at Gottigere in Bengaluru, leading to his arrest and a police investigation.
  • World’s largest underwater human pyramid; Kerala’s Jibin joins Guinness history
    Malappuram: A daring underwater feat by the Indian Navy in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on August 3 has earned a Guinness World Record, bringing pride to Kerala as well. Jibin, from Chulliyode in Pookkottumpadam, Nilambur, was part of the team that carried out the record-breaking performance despite not being a member of the Navy.
  • ‘India was partitioned because of Lenin’: Hindu Suraksha Samiti member’s remark sparks row in Bengal's Jadavpur
    Kolkata: A protest in front of a Lenin statue in Kolkata’s Jadavpur has triggered controversy after a member of the Hindu Suraksha Samiti allegedly claimed that India was partitioned because of Vladimir Lenin.
  • ‘Nobody helped me’: Injured devotees recall Ujjain Mahakaleshwar temple stampede-like situation
    Ujjain: Injured devotees and witnesses have raised concerns over crowd management at Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Temple. A surge of devotees near Harsiddhi Chauraha reportedly led to barricades collapsing during the rush for darshan. Witnesses also alleged that several injured people did not receive immediate assistance after the incident.

WORLD:

  • ‘Big, bold and important’: Trump hails Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defence pact
    Washington DC: US President Donald Trump has described the defence agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan as a “big, bold and important first step” towards strengthening the three countries’ ability to defend themselves.
  • USCIS tightens form rules from September 15
    USCIS will introduce new editions of Forms I-539 and I-765 from September 15, 2026. The agency will not allow a grace period for applicants using older versions of the forms. Students, visitors and other nonimmigrants in the US must use the correct editions to avoid rejection.

That's all for today's headlines. Stay curious, stay informed and have a great day ahead!