🏸 18yo American stuns Lakshya Sen at BWF Worlds

American player Garret Tan shocked everyone by defeating India's No. 1 Lakshya Sen at the BWF World Championships. This took place in the second round at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Delhi. Tan, ranked 92nd, won the match 21-19, 21-17, 19-21 over 73 minutes on Wednesday. This victory propelled the 18-year-old into the pre-quarter-finals, making his Friday flight plans uncertain. Tan showed solid defense and power to overcome the pressure of the home crowd.

🚨 Shahzad Bhatti claims many remain free after crackdown

Shahzad Bhatti stated that many of his associates are still at large following the recent crackdown. This development comes after arrests were made in connection with the ongoing situation. Specifically, he mentioned that around 3000 of his men are not yet detained. This statement suggests the operation did not capture all involved members of the group. Future actions from the group remain uncertain following this public claim.

😠 Bhatti denies crackdown, claims 3000 men free

Shahzad Bhatti is pushing back against India's crackdown claims in a recent video. He asserted that the arrested individuals were from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and not his operatives in Pakistan. The government had previously reported over 200 arrests across 14 states following coordinated operations. Bhatti also stated that approximately 3,000 of his men remain free and offered support to CJP associates. This defiance aims to project continuity despite the operational setback for his network.

🏏 Bangladesh' win shakes up WTC race 🏏

Bangladesh' shock win in Darwin has significantly altered the WTC points table dynamics. This result put pressure on Australia, who still lead but have seen their lead diminish. Currently, 36 Tests remain in the current cycle for all involved teams. Australia needs six wins and a draw in their final 13 Tests to hit 60% qualification. Bangladesh needs 47 more points to reach 60%, focusing on their four remaining home matches.

📈 Stocks to watch on August 20th

The domestic stock market is set for a gap-up opening on Thursday, August 20, as GIFT NIFTY futures suggest a rise of 115 points. HDFC Bank and LIC are in the spotlight because RBI approved LIC's 9.99% holding acquisition in HDFC Bank. BSE is focusing on an agreement with MSCI for its indexes, while Hyundai Motor India plans a price hike of up to 1%. Aster DM Quality Care saw TPG sell a 6.66% stake for ₹4,451 crore, and Ceigall India won an MoRTH order worth ₹274.08 crore. 📈

⚖️ TN takes SC against Centre's dam guidelines

Tamil Nadu has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the guidelines issued by the Union Jal Shakti ministry. The state alleges these guidelines were unilaterally created to aid Karnataka's Mekedatu dam project. This move comes after the Centre cited a Supreme Court order while mentioning the project, which was last mentioned in a letter dated May 7, 2026. Tamil Nadu argues the guidelines violate the Inter State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, and could trigger further Cauvery disputes. The Supreme Court has not yet given a ruling on the state's petition.

🧠 Dementia research looking beyond heart risks

New dementia prevention research is expanding its focus beyond just traditional vascular risk factors. Researchers are now investigating a broader range of modifiable lifestyle elements influencing cognitive decline. Key studies were published on October 15th, detailing early findings from multiple international trials. This shift signifies a move towards a more holistic understanding of dementia etiology and prevention strategies. Future efforts will focus on implementing these new, comprehensive guidelines into patient care protocols. 🧠

⚖️ SC allows paternity tests in divorce cases

The Supreme Court has ruled that a child can be subjected to a paternity test during a matrimonial dispute. This decision comes after a husband sought divorce alleging his wife was of "unchaste character" and wasn't the biological father. The court upheld orders from Pune and Bombay High Court, directing a DNA test in these divorce proceedings. The husband had presented a DNA test from Hyderabad showing a zero probability of him being the father. Therefore, the top court cleared the path for conducting a DNA test on the child.

🎭 Manu Rishi on his intense role in Operation Safed Sagar

Manu Rishi shared his insights on his performance while playing Pervez Musharraf in the film Operation Safed Sagar. He recounted how he utilized his pauses as strategic weapons during the shoot. The character portrayal was part of the film's intense narrative set during the operation. This performance highlighted the actor's depth in portraying complex characters. Rishi is expected to further discuss the making of the film in upcoming interviews. 🎭

📉 US National Debt Surpasses $40 Trillion Mark

The US national debt has officially crossed the $40 trillion threshold, according to recent Treasury data. This milestone was reached on Tuesday, with the total debt standing at $40.047 trillion. This figure is more than double the $19.95 trillion recorded when Donald Trump first took office in January 2017. Rising defense and healthcare spending, plus interest payments, are fueling this massive borrowing. Experts predict the US could hit its $41.1 trillion debt limit sometime between late winter and mid-summer 2027.

🛂 Security cordon lifted outside Pakistan High Commission

Authorities have dismantled the security barricades and queue management barriers positioned outside the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. These structures, which included queue liners near the visa section, were located on a lane outside the compound's boundary. This action was taken on Thursday, according to official sources. The removal follows a similar security change made by Pakistan days before. Pakistan had previously removed barricades from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. 😌