Israel has closed its consulate in the Chinese city of Chengdu amid rising diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The move follows China's growing proximity to Iran and its support for Palestine during the Gaza conflict. Outgoing Consul General Gadi Harpaz expressed nostalgia and sadness over the closure while emphasizing the long-standing friendship. Although the Chengdu mission has shut down, Israel continues to operate its embassy in Beijing and consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. https://www.rozanaspokesman.in/news/world/080826/israel-closes-its-embassy-in-china-amid-strained-relations.html

In Purnia, Bihar, a unique tradition exists where the National Flag is hoisted at 12:01 AM on the night of August 14th at Jhanda Chowk. This tradition dates back to 1947, when freedom fighter Rameshwar Prasad Singh and his companions hoisted the tricolor immediately after hearing news of India's independence on the radio. Even today, hundreds of people gather at midnight to celebrate this historic moment with the national anthem and slogans. https://punjab.news18.com/photogallery/lifestyle/independence-day-2026-the-tricolor-is-hoisted-only-at-this-place-in-india-on-14th-august-know-the-reason-ak-993803.html

The article discusses the life and legacy of Guru Har Rai Sahib, the seventh Sikh Guru. Born in 1630, he emphasized compassion and spiritual discipline. He established missionary centers called 'Bakshishs' to spread Sikhism. The narrative covers his interactions with Dara Shikoh, his firm stance against altering Gurbani by his son Ram Rai, and the eventual appointment of Guru Har Krishan as his successor before passing away in 1661. https://www.kuksamachar.co.nz/7-%E0%A8%85%E0%A8%97%E0%A8%B8%E0%A8%A4-2026-%E0%A8%85%E0%A8%B5%E0%A8%A4%E0%A8%BE%E0%A8%B0-%E0%A8%AA%E0%A9%81%E0%A8%B0%E0%A8%AC-%E0%A8%A4%E0%A9%87-%E0%A8%B5%E0%A8%BF%E0%A8%B8/

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann visited Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Jalandhar to lay the foundation stone of the Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Bani Study Centre. He announced a budget of ₹100 crore for the 650th Birth Anniversary of Guru Ravidas Ji and highlighted the center's role in studying the Bhakti movement pioneer's teachings. Mann also praised Sant Niranjan Dass Ji for his Padma Shri award and mentioned that 882 government school students have cleared the NEET exam under his administration's educational reforms. https://punjab.news18.com/videos/cm-bhagwant-mann-dera-ballan-jalandhar-994092.html

A high-tension situation erupted during a Congress party meeting in Khanna, Punjab, as supporters of former CM Charanjit Singh Channi were reportedly barred from entering. The incident led to a heated confrontation and loud sloganeering in favor of Channi outside the venue, highlighting ongoing internal rifts within the state unit of the Congress party. https://punjab.news18.com/videos/punjab/khanna-news-punjab-congress-meeting-news18-993946.html

The daily Hukamnama from Sachkhand Sri Harmandir Sahib features a hymn by Guru Teg Bahadur Ji in Raag Sorath. The verse emphasizes seeking refuge in the Divine, citing historical examples of Ganika, Dhru, and Ajamal who were saved through meditation. It encourages devotees to remember the Lord to overcome worldly suffering and achieve spiritual liberation. https://www.etvbharat.com/pa/hukamnama/daily-hukamnama-from-sri-darbar-sahib-9-august-2026-amrit-wele-da-hukamnama-pbs26080900242

A panel formed by Akal Takht regarding the 'Jagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026' has demanded a compliance report from the Punjab government on the June 29 orders. The panel, including retired justices and scholars, stated that the government's previous response failed to address concerns about interference in Sikh religious matters. They criticized the government for not forming its own panel yet and for its non-constructive approach toward resolving sacrilege issues. https://www.punjabitribuneonline.com/news/amritsar/akal-takht-formed-panel-seeks-compliance-report-on-june-29-orders-before-further-talks-with-punjab-government/

OpenAI has revealed that its upcoming AI model, Astra, has shown significant progress in agentic coding and cybersecurity. Internal evaluations suggest the model could reach a critical threshold for cybersecurity capabilities, including identifying and developing zero-day exploits without human intervention. In response, OpenAI has implemented enhanced security protocols such as isolated testing environments, encryption, and universal monitoring systems. The company aims to ensure the model helps defenders identify vulnerabilities rather than being misused for cyberattacks, and it plans to collaborate with government agencies and AI safety institutions for further testing. https://www.etvbharat.com/pa/technology/can-openai-astra-ai-model-carry-out-cyber-attacks-on-its-own-pbs26080903098

Medical education in Punjab has become significantly more expensive as the state government has hiked MBBS fees. Government medical college fees have risen by 8.5%, while private colleges saw a 17.4% increase. This revised structure impacts 1,800 seats across 5 government and 7 private institutions. In private colleges, tuition fees have jumped from ₹21.48 lakh to ₹25.22 lakh, marking an increase of approximately ₹3.74 lakh, excluding hostel and other miscellaneous charges. https://punjab.news18.com/videos/mbbs-education-in-punjab-mbbs-fee-hike-news18-punjab-994061.html

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has written to Governor Gulab Chand Kataria seeking 10-day humanitarian parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara to visit his ailing mother. Hawara, convicted in the 1995 Beant Singh assassination case, is serving a life sentence. The CM's appeal follows directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court to consider Hawara's parole application sympathetically due to his mother's deteriorating health. https://propunjabtv.com/cm-bhagwant-mann-demands-parole-for-jagtar-singh-hawara/