Daily Digest: BCI apologises, Jharkhand students protest, Iran hits back at Trump, and more

In a day of significant developments across India and beyond, here are the key stories from Saturday, August 15, 2026.

BCI chairman apologises to law students

Bar Council of India (BCI) chairman Manan Kumar Mishra issued a three-page letter on Independence Day apologising to law students for any hurt caused by his words or communications. The apology comes days after the BCI attempted to prevent NALSAR students from enrolling with State Bar Councils, a move reversed following backlash. Mr. Mishra, who is also a senior advocate and BJP MP, expressed regret over any statements or directives that may have hurt students.

Iran responds to Trump's Hormuz threat

Iran has responded sharply to U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi asserted on X, "The Strait of Hormuz has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian." Tehran effectively closed the strait at the start of the West Asia war in late February, while Mr. Trump has repeatedly said the waterway is under U.S. control — an assertion Iran denies.

Jharkhand students demand CM's resignation

Students protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations have accused the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) and Congress of playing politics over their issues. They have announced a gherao of Chief Minister Hemant Soren's residence in Ranchi on August 20, demanding his resignation. Protesters also urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to withdraw support from the JMM-led coalition if "the CM is not listening" to him.

Rahul Gandhi meets family of Ankita Bhandari

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, met the family of Ankita Bhandari, who was killed at a resort in Uttarakhand for allegedly "resisting the demands of a VIP guest." In a social media statement, Mr. Gandhi said four years have passed since the murder, but the family still awaits justice. He noted that the post-mortem report confirmed evidence of violence and drowning, and that the room where the incident occurred was demolished before any investigation, which he called suspicious.

Mahua Moitra seeks Speaker's intervention

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla over an alleged attempt by the Nadia district administration to force her to vacate a Circuit House. She had been initially allotted a room at the State-owned property. Ms. Moitra claimed a crowd gathered outside the Circuit House on Friday night shouting 'Jai Shri Ram' slogans after she refused to leave, and has threatened to move court over the alleged harassment.

Ujjain schoolgirls protest school merger plan

Hundreds of schoolgirls in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain are protesting a plan to merge and shift several government schools to Daudkhedi, a location about six to ten kilometres from their current schools and outside the city limits. At least six middle and secondary schools in areas such as Sarafa, Mahakal Maidan, Maharajwada, and Jaisinghpura are expected to be affected by the State government's ongoing measures to consolidate smaller schools into larger ones, including the Sandipani schools (formerly CM Rise schools).

Earthquake strikes Indonesia

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck the Minahassa Peninsula in Indonesia on Sunday morning, marking the third quake to hit the country in recent days. No immediate casualties or damage have been reported.

These stories reflect ongoing political, social, and international developments, each with significant implications for those affected.