By Krishna Dua 
Tomorrow, August 21, 2025, schools in Noida and Lonavala are confirmed to be closed. The reasons for the closures are different, with Noida observing a local festival and Lonavala responding to a severe weather alert.
Noida’s Tomorrow Holiday for Guru Dronacharya Mela 🕉️
The Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration has officially declared a holiday for all schools in Noida and Greater Noida on August 21. This decision was made to accommodate the annual Guru Dronacharya Mela in Dankaur. The festival is a major local event that attracts large crowds, and the holiday is a precautionary measure to prevent traffic congestion and ensure the safety of students.
Lonavala’s Rain-Induced Shutdown 🌧️
In a different part of the country, all schools in Lonavala will also be closed on August 21 due to a red alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The region has been experiencing relentless heavy to very heavy rainfall, raising concerns about potential flooding and landslides. The Lonavala Municipal Council, acting on a request from the education department, has ordered the shutdown as a crucial safety measure to protect students and staff from weather-related hazards.
What This Means for Other Cities
While Noida and Lonavala have confirmed closures, schools in other major cities like Mumbai are expected to remain open. After a day of intense rainfall that caused widespread chaos, Mumbai is experiencing a brief respite. The IMD’s forecast indicates a decrease in rain intensity, and no official school holiday has been declared by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). However, given the unpredictable nature of the monsoon, parents and students are advised to stay vigilant and check for any last-minute updates. The divergent reasons for the closures in Noida and Lonavala highlight the different challenges faced by regions across India, from cultural events to natural calamities.
Other Important News Today
- ICC ODI Rankings: In a baffling turn of events, the latest ICC ODI batting rankings mysteriously omitted Indian cricket stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While this appears to be a technical glitch, it has sparked widespread debate and speculation among fans.
- India’s Asia Cup Squad: The BCCI has announced India’s 15-member squad for the Asia Cup 2025. Suryakumar Yadav will captain the side, with Shubman Gill as his deputy. The squad marks the return of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and the surprising omission of key players like Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
- New Bills in Parliament: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has introduced three new bills in the Lok Sabha that propose a legal framework for the removal of a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or minister if they are arrested or detained on serious criminal charges. The bills have been met with strong opposition, with critics calling them “unconstitutional” and “anti-federal.”
- Online Gaming Ban Bill: The Union Cabinet has approved a new bill that seeks to impose a complete ban on all forms of real-money online gaming, including fantasy sports and online poker. The legislation, which awaits parliamentary approval, aims to protect the youth from addiction while promoting e-sports.
- India-China Direct Flights: In a significant diplomatic move, India and China have agreed to resume direct flight connectivity, which had been suspended for over five years. The decision is seen as a major step toward normalizing bilateral relations and will ease travel for business professionals and students.
- Ahmedabad School Stabbing: In a tragic incident, a Class 10 student at Seventh-Day Adventist School in Ahmedabad died after being stabbed by a junior student. The incident has led to protests and raised serious questions about student safety on school campuses.
- Cosmic Alignment: Astrologers are predicting that a rare Venus-Mercury conjunction in Cancer on August 21 will bring “money and miracles” for several zodiac signs. The alignment is believed to create a harmonious blend of intellect, communication, and wealth, opening doors to financial gain.
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