India Prime TV Desk: Major news updates have emerged from across the country this morning, August 17, 2026. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-state national tour to significant verdicts by the Supreme Court and key economic policy shifts by the RBI, here is your comprehensive morning bulletin. Read the top 10 breaking developments shaping the nation today.
August 17 2026 News Highlights
updated 03.00 PM IST
Kejriwal Calls Himself a ‘Mental Naxal’ in Attack on PM Modi
AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal has sparked a political controversy by describing himself as a “mental Naxal” after Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the term during his Independence Day address.
What Did Arvind Kejriwal Say?
Responding to the Prime Minister’s remark in a social media post, Kejriwal said:
“Yes, I am a mental Naxal because I am a patriot, and I am proud of it.”
The statement was seen as a sharp political counterattack against the Centre and comes amid a wider opposition response to the Prime Minister’s use of the term.
Mohanlal’s ‘Atimanoharam’ Gets Permission to Shoot at Sabarimala
The upcoming Malayalam film ‘Atimanoharam’, starring veteran actor Mohanlal, has reportedly received permission to shoot at Sabarimala Temple and surrounding areas under specific conditions.
Strict Conditions for Filming
The Travancore Devaswom Board has reportedly directed filmmaker Tharun Moorthy to ensure that the traditions and religious practices associated with the temple are not portrayed negatively.
The production team was required to submit the complete screenplay and deposit a ₹50,000 security amount before receiving permission to install cameras on the premises. The development comes amid social media rumours suggesting that filming had been stopped. The reported permission indicates that shooting can proceed subject to the conditions imposed by the temple authorities.
Panic at Mahakaleshwar Temple After Rumour of Electric Current
A sudden rumour about electric current spreading inside part of the Mahakaleshwar Temple complex in Ujjain reportedly triggered panic among devotees.
Security Personnel Control the Situation
According to the information available, frightened devotees began moving rapidly towards the gates after the rumour spread.
Security personnel and temple authorities intervened quickly, controlled the situation and informed devotees that there was no confirmed danger.No major casualties or serious injuries have been reported, and the darshan arrangements were subsequently restored.
The incident once again highlights how quickly rumours can trigger panic and crowd movement at heavily populated religious sites.
BJP President Nitin Nabin to Visit Visakhapatnam, RSS Meeting on Agenda
BJP national president Nitin Nabin is scheduled to arrive in Visakhapatnam this evening, where he is expected to participate in meetings involving the BJP’s Andhra Pradesh leadership and the RSS coordination meeting.
Three-Day RSS Meeting to Be Held From August 19 to 21
The three-day Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) coordination meeting, scheduled from August 19 to 21, is expected to be chaired by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat.During his visit, Nabin is also expected to hold an extended meeting with the state executive committee.
BJP to Review Development and Organisation
The meeting is expected to bring together BJP MPs, MLAs and senior party office-bearers from Andhra Pradesh.Discussions are likely to focus on the implementation of Modi government welfare and development programmes, organisational strengthening and the party’s political strategy in the state.
Florida: International Child Sexual Abuse Network Busted, Over 1 Million Digital Files Seized
Law enforcement agencies in Florida, United States, have reportedly uncovered a major international child sexual exploitation network with alleged links to Turkey and other countries.
Several suspects have reportedly been arrested during the investigation, while authorities seized more than one million digital videos and images allegedly linked to the network.
Authorities Launch International Investigation
The investigation reportedly involves multiple law-enforcement agencies as authorities work to identify suspects, victims and the international connections associated with the alleged network.Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has condemned the alleged crimes and called for severe punishment for those responsible.
The case highlights the growing challenge faced by law-enforcement agencies in combating the online sexual exploitation of children, particularly where criminal networks operate across multiple jurisdictions.
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Seven Dead, 12 Injured in a Major Stampede at Bihar’s Ashok Dham Temple
Deadly Hotel Fire in West Bengal’s Tarapith Claims Seven Lives
Hollywood Actress Hayden Panettiere Passes Away Prematurely at 36
Magnitude-7.7 Earthquake Strikes Eastern Indonesia, Killing 53
Ayodhya: Saryu River Water Levels Rise Close to Danger Mark
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PM Modi Begins 3-State National Tour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a three-day tour of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka today. He will inaugurate 47 development projects focusing on water conservation, electricity, and healthcare under the Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0.
Supreme Court Jails 4 Officials in NEET Paper Leak Case The Supreme
Court sentenced four National Testing Agency (NTA) officials to two months in prison over the NEET 2026 paper leak. The scandal, which originated in Kota, Rajasthan, led to the cancellation and re-examination of tests for 227,000 students.
Cyclone Alert Issued for 5 Districts in West Bengal
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a storm alert for Kolkata, Hooghly, Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, and Dakshin Dinajpur. Wind speeds are expected to reach 60–70 km/h over the next 24 hours.
RBI Cuts Repo Rate by 0.25%
The Reserve Bank of India reduced the repo rate from 6.25% to 6.00%. This cut is expected to lower interest rates on home, auto, and personal loans while helping control inflation.
India Wins ODI Series Against Australia 2-1
The Indian cricket team secured a 2-1 ODI series win against Australia following a decisive 156-run victory in the final match today.
College Bus Accident in Bihar Injures 6 Students
A collision between a government college bus and a truck on the Patna-Muzaffarpur road left six students injured. The victims are currently receiving treatment at a local medical college.
Delhi Issues Pollution Warning as AQI Reaches 220
Air quality in Delhi degraded to the “Poor” category with an AQI reaching 220. Schools are preparing to transition to online classes if conditions worsen.
Heavy Flooding in Kerala Forces Relocation of 1,200 People
Relief operations are underway in Idukki and Wayanad districts following heavy rainfall and severe flooding. Over 1,200 residents have been moved to relief camps.
Tamil Nadu Passes Bill Granting 3-Month Bonus to Government Employees
The Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a bill approving a three-month festive bonus for all state government employees.
Security Forces Arrest 3 Terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir
Counter-terrorism forces arrested three suspected militants in Sopore, Jammu & Kashmir, seizing illegal arms and explosives during the operation.
