Now Reading: Today in India: 19 August 2026
-
01
Today in India: 19 August 2026
Jharkhand cancels JSSC-CGL exam amid protests
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the cancellation of the JSSC Combined Graduate Level examination and recruitment tests conducted since 2014 by outsourced agency TSR Data Processing. The Cabinet decision came after 24 days of student protests. Demonstrators, however, continued demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the examination process.
Satyendar Jain arrested in alleged DJB tender scam
Former Delhi minister Satyendar Jain and five others were arrested by the Delhi Anti-Corruption Bureau in an alleged Rs 1.52 crore Delhi Jal Board tender scam. The action followed an FIR filed on May 11, 2024, based on a complaint from the Directorate of Enforcement. The investigation is continuing.
India set Sri Lanka 372-run target in Galle
India set Sri Lanka a target of 372 runs on the fourth day of the first Test in Galle. India were dismissed for 193 in their second innings after making 462 in the first. Sri Lanka had scored 284 in reply. The hosts now face a demanding chase in the final innings.
DMK mouthpiece criticises Vijay over Trisha seating
The DMK’s official publication, Murasoli, criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay over actress Trisha’s front-row seating at the state’s Independence Day celebrations on August 15. It also objected to their exchanging salutes. The editorial questioned the Chief Minister’s conduct and said the incident had affected the dignity of the office.
Awarapan 2 crosses Rs 100 crore worldwide
Emraan Hashmi’s Awarapan 2 maintained its run on the first Monday, earning an estimated Rs 8.89 crore to Rs 10.55 crore gross, depending on the source. The film crossed Rs 100 crore gross in India within four days. Reported worldwide collections range from Rs 128 crore to Rs 130.8 crore.
Sigma set for October 2 release
Sundeep Kishan and Faria Abdullah’s heist thriller Sigma will release in theatres on October 2. Directed by Jason Sanjay, son of actor-politician Vijay, the film has faced several postponements after its planned summer release. Its new date puts it in competition with Venkatesh’s Telugu film Aadarsha Kutumbam.
Supreme Court retains hanging as execution method
The Supreme Court dismissed a petition seeking less painful execution methods, including lethal injection. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta held that hanging remains the legally prescribed method in India. The ruling keeps the existing procedure unchanged, despite the petition’s argument that alternative methods could reduce suffering.
Cauvery sanctuary killings trigger Tamil Nadu demand
The shooting of three Tamil-origin men by Karnataka Forest Department personnel in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary has sparked a political dispute. The victims were identified as Anthony Samy, John Rose Peter and Kumar. They were killed in the early hours of August. Tamil Nadu legislators have demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation probe.
Irumudi receives U/A certificate and 145-minute runtime
Ravi Teja’s upcoming film Irumudi has received a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification. Its runtime has been fixed at two hours and 25 minutes, or 145 minutes. Reports describe the duration as relatively short for a commercial film led by a major star. The release date was not stated.
Pawan Khera attacks Trump and Chief Election Commissioner
Congress MP Pawan Khera made a sarcastic remark about US President Donald Trump and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over voter identification comments. In a post on X, he suggested that Trump take Kumar and India’s Electronic Voting Machines to the United States. The remarks added to the political dispute over election procedures.
The closing thought
The day brought decisions, allegations and political exchanges across several fronts. Jharkhand’s exam cancellation addresses an immediate student demand, while the DJB arrests will now face legal scrutiny. In sport and cinema, figures and outcomes remain subject to performance and differing estimates. The issues to watch are the promised probes, the court process and Sri Lanka’s response in Galle.
Read the full stories
- Jharkhand cancels JSSC-CGL exam, students continue protest for CBI probe
- Satyendar Jain arrested in Delhi Jal Board Rs 1.52 crore tender scam
- India set Sri Lanka 372-run target in Galle Test
- DMK mouthpiece slams CM Vijay for seating Trisha at I-Day event
- Awarapan 2 holds strong on Monday, crosses Rs 100 crore worldwide
- Sundeep Kishan's Sigma locks October 2 release, to clash with Aadarsha Kutumbam
- Supreme Court upholds hanging as execution method
- Karnataka forest shooting of three Tamils sparks political row
- Ravi Teja's Irumudi gets U/A certificate, locks 2 hr 25 min runtime
- Congress leader Khera jabs Trump, CEC over voter ID remarks
This digest was compiled and written by AI from the day’s Indian Opinion coverage.
