{
  "id": 2290184,
  "title": "India News Live Updates, 21 August 2026: Punjab bandh called over release of Sikh prisoners; schools, highway shut",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/india-news-live-updates-21-august-2026-punjab-bandh-called-over",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-21T03:09:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Indian Express - India",
    "slug": "the-indian-express-india",
    "url": "https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-live-updates-21-august-2026-mumbai-crane-collapse-delhi-weather-rain-world-10842695/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Today, a statewide bandh has been called by the Qaumi Insaf Morcha in Punjab to demand the release of Sikh prisoners who have finished their terms. The protest, which is set to take place from 7 am to 2 pm, aims to put pressure on authorities to address this issue. In Moga, police have increased security measures to ensure public safety, promising that emergency services will remain operational during the event. Inspector Gurwinder Singh Bhullar addressed the crowd, urging protesters to maintain peace and cautioning against panic. Due to heavy rainfall, the arrival of participants has been delayed, but he assured that vehicles carrying ambulances, as well as those needed for weddings and funerals, would be exempt from the ban. The Morcha has specifically requested that schools and colleges remain closed during the protest.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Live Mint",
        "title": "World News Today Live Updates on August 21, 2026 : Imran Khan moved to Pakistan's Shifa hospital after Supreme Court order: What we know so far",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/world-news-today-live-updates-on-august-21-2026-imran-khan-moved-to",
        "published": "2026-08-21T01:32:11.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Indian Express",
        "title": "India News Live Updates, 21 August 2026: 8 injured after crane collapses during MHADA demolition drive in Mumbai",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/india-news-live-updates-21-august-2026-8-injured-after-crane",
        "published": "2026-08-21T03:09:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}