🏛️ AAP challenges CBI's fast-tracked discharge plea

Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia have asked the Delhi High Court to dismiss the CBI's plea against their discharge in the liquor policy scam. The AAP leaders filed this application in the CBI's criminal revision petition before Justice Manoj Jain. The CBI filed its petition within four hours of the trial court discharging all 23 accused on February 27. The AAP argues this swift move shows non-appreciation of the court's 500-page findings. The politicians claim the petition is omnibus and fails to specifically address each accused. ⚖️

👮 Jagan Reddy's Kurnool visit strictly limited to jail meeting

Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy's trip to Kurnool on Thursday, August 13, 2026, will only include a meeting with an inmate at the district jail. Kurnool SP Vikrant Patil confirmed that no rallies, roadshows, or public gatherings were permitted during the visit. Police secured the 38-km route from Orvakal airport to the jail near Panchalingala. Authorities are enforcing Section 30 of the Police Act, with movement monitored via CCTV. Nandyal SP Sunil Shoran urged against unauthorized gatherings in the area.

🏛️ Parliament chaos costs taxpayers big bucks

Parliament was adjourned sine die after more disruptions ended the Monsoon Session. This occurred in India, severely impacting legislative function and accountability. In 2012, the cost was cited as Rs 2.5 lakh per minute, leading to huge time losses. Stalls prevent MPs from questioning ministers and scrutinizing government policies effectively. The loss of Question Hour breaks the chain of accountability, even if bills are passed.

🚄 Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat speed trials coming soon 🚄

The Mumbai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is set to undergo speed trials via Pune and Solapur. This high-speed service will be Maharashtra’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, with two trainsets already reaching Bengaluru. The trials, planned at up to 130 kmph, are expected to finish within the next one to two weeks. This new route will cut the Pune–Bengaluru journey down to about 13 hours. The service will run six days a week, offering a faster overnight link between the major cities.

🧐 Kerala govt probes failed Messi invite bid

The Congress-led UDF government is moving towards a multi-angled probe into the LDF's failed attempt to host Argentina in Kochi. This investigation targets the 2025 plan to bring Lionel Messi and the World Cup winners to Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. Preliminary inquiries revealed serious allegations, including service tax fraud and PMLA contraventions. The Finance Department has opened a probe into suspected GST evasion amounting to ₹156 crore on foreign remittances. The government will decide if central agencies like the ED or CBI are needed for the probe.

🧐 Mumbai agent deletes 'vegetarian only' flat listing

A real estate agent named Bhavesh Kaware posted a video stating that only pure vegetarian clients could buy a Rs 6.50 crore flat in Tardeo, Mumbai. This controversial post, shared on Wednesday, quickly sparked massive outrage across social media platforms. The listing attracted nearly three lakh views and over 1,600 comments before Kaware deleted it. This incident reignited long-standing debates about dietary discrimination in Mumbai's housing market. Residents recall past instances of being denied housing due to meat or fish consumption. 🧐

📱 Pixel 11 phones get 7 years of spare part support

Google has confirmed that the Pixel 11 phones will receive seven years of spare part support across all sales markets. This commitment was announced during the Pixel 11 line's Indian launch, alongside its seven-year software update policy. The Pixel 8 series first introduced this lengthy spare parts commitment in 2023. This support is crucial for things like battery replacement and fixing accidental damage over time. This move continues a trend of long-term hardware backing from Google.

🏛️ Govt to auction enemy properties in UP

The government has decided to stop renewing leases for enemy properties under the Enemy Property Act. This applies to properties left in India by those who migrated to China and Pakistan after the 1965 and 1971 wars, specifically in Uttar Pradesh. There are around 5,600 such properties across UP and Uttarakhand, some currently leased at very low rates. Occupants with valid contracts must vacate upon expiry, and those in illegal occupation get 15 days to leave. The taken-back properties will then be sold through auction. 🏛️

🌍 Two moderate quakes rock Ladakh in four hours

Two moderate-intensity earthquakes shook the Union Territory of Ladakh within roughly four hours on Thursday, August 13, 2026. The National Centre for Seismology reported the first quake was a 5.5 magnitude tremor centered near Leh. Subsequently, another 4.3 magnitude quake hit at 9:54 a.m., also in the Leh area. These back-to-back tremors caused apprehension among the local population. Authorities are monitoring the situation as the region is seismically active.

🌕 Rare solar eclipse hits Yorkshire skies

Thousands gathered across Yorkshire on Wednesday evening to witness a significant solar eclipse. The event took place near Huddersfield at the Emley Moor transmitting station. The partial eclipse peaked shortly after 19:00 BST, covering over 90% of the sun. An eclipse occurs when the Moon aligns with the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth. Photos submitted to BBC Weather Watchers captured the rare astronomical event.

🧐 Rajya Sabha chair demands probe over site 'purification' in Uttarakhand

Rajya Sabha chairman CP Radha Krishnan instructed the government to probe the alleged 'purification of a site' following a rally. This incident occurred in Haldwani, Uttarakhand, where Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a gathering. The allegations surfaced around Wednesday, concerning actions by people linked to the ruling BJP. Kharge stated that BJP members conducted a havan at the stage, which he wants treated under the Untouchability (Offences) Act. Krishnan emphasized that condoning such acts is unacceptable for democracy. 🧐