This World News Roundup covers the Utah funeral shooting, Jharkhand exam cancellation, Trump’s India voter-ID remarks, US immigration cases and other major developments.

From a deadly shooting at a Utah funeral to Jharkhand’s decision to cancel the JSSC-CGL examination, several major developments dominated the news cycle on August 18. The day also saw fresh developments in the Nancy Guthrie investigation, US border construction, immigration enforcement and India-US public opinion.

Utah funeral shooting

One person was killed and two others were critically injured after gunfire broke out during a funeral at a Latter-day Saint meetinghouse in Kearns, Utah. Police had received warnings about possible trouble before the shooting and were already responding when the gunfire erupted. Nearby schools briefly moved to secure protocols.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances behind the shooting. The incident adds another violent episode to the US news cycle as police work to establish the motive and identify those responsible.

Nancy Guthrie case

Human remains were found in a desert area near West Ajo Way and South La Cholla Boulevard in Tucson, about 15 miles from the home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old Arizona woman whose disappearance has drawn national attention.

Authorities said there was no indication initially that the remains were connected to the Guthrie investigation. The remains appeared to have been at the location for an extended period, and investigators were working to establish their identity.

Trump cites India model

US President Donald Trump again pointed to India’s voter identification system while pressing Congress to approve stricter federal election rules.

Trump cited Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar while arguing for documentary proof of citizenship and photo identification requirements under the proposed SAVE America Act. The Election Commission of India confirms that Kumar has served as Chief Election Commissioner since February 19, 2025.

India’s system, however, allows several approved identity documents for voting, while the electoral roll remains central to voter eligibility.

Big Bend work paused

The Trump administration has paused border-security construction inside Texas’ Big Bend National Park after the project faced criticism from environmental groups, local officials and lawmakers from both parties.

US Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott said construction would stop while he conducts an on-the-ground evaluation and consults stakeholders. The project involves roads, surveillance technology and vehicle barriers rather than the 30-foot walls used in some other border areas.

ICE detention draws attention

Indian-origin green-card holder Venkata Vasamsetty has been detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement despite having lived in the country for decades. Her lawyers are challenging the detention, while authorities have raised questions about her extended absence from the United States.

Reports say Vasamsetty has held lawful permanent resident status since 2013. The case has attracted attention because of her long residence and the earlier dismissal of removal proceedings.

Walia released on bond

Indian jazz musician Pritesh Walia has been released on bond after spending 14 days in ICE custody.

Walia was detained on August 2 after returning to Los Angeles. Following his release, he described the detention as one of the most difficult experiences of his life and thanked his family, lawyer and supporters for helping him through the case.

In Jharkhand, meanwhile, the state government cancelled the JSSC-CGL examination along with examinations conducted through TDPL after allegations of irregularities. Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto ended a 16-day hunger strike following the announcement.

Big number and history

A correction is needed in the original roundup’s Pew Research reference. The 45 per cent figure refers to Indians who held a favourable view of the United States in Pew’s 2026 survey, not Americans who viewed India favourably. Pew recorded 31 per cent unfavourable views of the US among Indians.

For American views of India, the latest directly relevant Pew figure available from its 2025 survey was 49 per cent favourable and 48 per cent unfavourable.

On this day in 1951, IIT Kharagpur was formally inaugurated by then Education Minister Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, marking the beginning of India’s first IIT. The institute had begun taking shape earlier at Hijli in West Bengal.