Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Kolkata Fire, India Diplomacy And Business Lead Noon Headlines
This noon news roundup covers several important events.
A hotel fire in Kolkata killed nine people and injured others.
In Nepal, Minister Sita Badi cared for a hungry baby at a shelter where children were reportedly living in poor conditions.
India is changing how its exam agency works after problems involving major exams.
Apple changed the fees it charges some developers in the European Union.
Epic Games disagreed with Apple and said the new rules break European law.
KKR is investing in the Indian entertainment company BookMyShow.
Other stories include higher free-delivery limits at Zepto, a major India-Pakistan hockey match, and a successful film by Emraan Hashmi.
A Kolkata hotel fire around 2 a.m. killed nine Bangladeshi nationals and injured several others, according to the roundup.
Nepal Minister Sita Badi breastfed a rescued 17-day-old baby during an inspection of a Kathmandu shelter.
India ordered a major National Testing Agency overhaul, including four-tier paper checks, removal of 600 experts and Central Industrial Security Force security.
Apple revised App Store fees for European Union developers, while Epic Games accused the company of violating the Digital Markets Act.
KKR agreed to acquire a minority stake in BookMyShow, Zepto raised its free-delivery threshold, and Emraan Hashmi’s Awarapan 2 crossed ₹100 crore in India.
- Who
- People affected by the Kolkata hotel fire, Nepal Minister Sita Badi, Indian and Bangladeshi officials, the National Testing Agency, Apple, Epic Games, KKR, BookMyShow, Zepto, hockey teams from India and Pakistan, and film personalities are featured.
- What
- The roundup reports a fatal hotel fire, a Nepal shelter inspection, India-Bangladesh diplomatic plans, an examination-system overhaul, Apple’s European fee changes, business investments and pricing changes, a hockey match, film earnings, and a celebrity interview.
- When
- The Kolkata fire occurred around 2:00 a.m.; the roundup and related updates were dated August 19, 2026. Apple’s revised fees take effect October 1, and the India-Pakistan hockey match was scheduled for Wednesday.
- Where
- The fire occurred on Mirza Ghalib Street in Kolkata, the shelter inspection took place in Kathmandu, and the hockey match was scheduled at Wagener Hockey Stadium.
- Why
- The reported actions were prompted by the fire emergency, poor shelter conditions, examination controversies, Apple’s legal battle in the European Union, business expansion and cost concerns, and scheduled sporting and entertainment events.
Companies And Regulators
Critics And Rivals
Apple’s revised EU App Store fees
Companies And Regulators
Apple revised its commission structure for developers in the European Union after a long legal battle, with the new terms taking effect October 1.
Critics And Rivals
Epic Games criticised the revised fees and said they violate the Digital Markets Act.
- Kolkata fire
- Nine Bangladeshi nationals were reported killed, with several others injured.
- Nepal shelter
- Around 20 children were reportedly rescued from allegedly poor conditions.
- NTA changes
- The overhaul includes four-tier paper scrutiny, removal of 600 experts and CISF security.
- Apple fees
- The revised App Store commission structure for EU developers begins October 1.
- BookMyShow investment
- KKR signed an agreement to acquire a minority stake in BookMyShow.
- Zepto delivery threshold
- The free-delivery minimum increased to ₹199 from ₹149 in select locations, and to ₹299 during high demand.
- Awarapan 2 earnings
- The film reached ₹100.75 crore net in India by Day 5.