Tuesday, 18 August 2026 · The Grounded Times

Tuesday, 18 August 2026 · No. 16 · Fact-grounded · Auditable

Someone has to keep you grounded.

The lead — by importance1 / 3

Indian Army Chief Gen. Dhiraj Seth awarded honorary General rank by Nepal, highlighting enduring military ties and cooperation.

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Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth Conferred Honorary Nepali General Rank

Yesterday, Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel presented Indian Chief of the Army Staff General Dhiraj Seth with the honorary rank of general during an official visit to Kathmandu.

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In this edition

17 more dispatchesordered by importance

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BJP Replaces Social Media Head Following Recent Youth Protests

Yesterday, India's ruling party announced a new social media chief weeks after nationwide demonstrations by young citizens.

PIB · Reuters India

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The Daily Catch-Up: BJP Reshuffle and Vijay’s 100 Days

Yesterday, Reports indicate on a BJP leadership reshuffle, Vijay's 100 days, and protests concerning the CJP, among other top stories.

1 source

BJP president Nitin Nabin unveils a major reshuffle, appointing Smriti Irani, Ram Madhav, and others to key posts while dropping several leaders.

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BJP Announces Uttar Pradesh Organizational Reshuffle

Today, the BJP rolled out an eight-member organizational reshuffle in Uttar Pradesh as part of its third-term strategy, featuring a notable focus on PDA and women.

1 source

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed academic Deepak Mhaskey as the new head of its social media department, succeeding Amit Malviya who led the party's digital outreach for 11 years. Malviya expressed confidence in the new leadership to further enhance the BJP's digital communication and

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Deepak Mhaskey Appointed New BJP Social Media Head

Newly appointed BJP social media head Deepak Mhaskey stated that the party's primary focus will be on countering the opposition's fake narratives.

1 source

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JD(S) Leader Assaults Traffic Police Officer in Bengaluru

Yesterday, a Janata Dal (Secular) leader allegedly grabbed a traffic cop by the collar and kicked him after his car was stopped in Bengaluru.

1 source

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Temple Stampede and Hotel Fire Leave 14 Dead in Eastern India

Yesterday, a snapped electric wire triggered a panic and stampede at a temple, leading to seven deaths and numerous injuries alongside a separate hotel fire.

AP India · Google News India

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INS Sudarshini Concludes Port Call at Ponta Delgada for Lokayan 2026

Yesterday, the Indian Naval Ship Sudarshini wrapped up its scheduled port call in Ponta Delgada as part of the Lokayan 2026 deployment.

PIB

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Modi Government Dismantles ISI-Backed Terror Network with over 200 Arrests

Yesterday, officials announced that authorities dismantled the Shahzad Bhatti Network and arrested more than 200 operatives to thwart planned subversive attacks ahead of Independence Day.

PIB

Debate

Jharkhand cancels JSSC-CGL exam following student protests

Yesterday, following weeks of demonstrations over alleged irregularities, the state government canceled the exam alongside all tests conducted by TDPL since 2014 and formed a committee to recommend reforms.

6 sources

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Vessel Struck by Projectile in Strait of Hormuz Resulting in Casualty

Yesterday, a vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz suffered engine room damage and a crew casualty after being struck by an unknown projectile.

Reuters India

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Proposals to fund Indian science through industry taxes face skepticism

Yesterday, analysts discussed the viability of funding scientific pursuits by taxing sectors such as entertainment and sports.

Google News India

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India Extends Lead to 294 Against Sri Lanka on Day 4

Yesterday, India reached 116-4 at lunch on the fourth day of the first test against Sri Lanka, building a 294-run lead.

AP India · Google News India

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India Reports Arrest of Over 200 Militant Operatives in Thwarted Attacks

Yesterday, Indian authorities stated they successfully prevented attacks by Pakistan-backed militants and arrested more than 200 operatives.

Reuters India

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Donald Trump's Approval Rating Reaches Low in New Poll

A new survey shows Donald Trump's approval rating has hit its lowest point of his current presidency, alongside a drop in India's favourability below 50 percent in the US.

Google News India

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CGST and Central Excise Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Zone Marks 80th Independence Day

Yesterday, the CGST and Central Excise Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Zone celebrated India's 80th Independence Day at GST Bhawan.

PIB

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Mehbooba Mufti Argues Facade of Normalcy Lacks True Peace in Jammu and Kashmir

Yesterday, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister wrote in an opinion piece that superficial claims of normalcy cannot substitute for genuine peace in the region.

1 source

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Yogendra Yadav Publishes Essay on Patriotism

Today, Yogendra Yadav examines the changing meaning of patriotism in a new article published today.

1 source