🧐 Aarti for Modi statue sparks controversy at Press Club

An aarti and recitation of the ‘Modi Chalisa’ took place in Central Delhi on Thursday at the Press Club of India premises. The event featured chants of ‘Jai-Jai Modi’ and circulated widely across social media platforms. The Press Club of India has since clarified that they did not organize the program. They stated the hall was rented by an organization for a press conference. Club authorities intervened and stopped the event after the rental terms were allegedly violated. 🧐

🧐 SC forms panel to check Delhi protests violence

The Supreme Court established a High-Powered Committee headed by former judge Justice R Subhash Reddy to look into police actions and violence during last month's Delhi student protests. The panel includes former high court judges and CBI Director, examining incidents at Jantar Mantar. The committee will review the July 20th 'Sansad Chalo' march, where lathi charges and tear gas were reportedly used. It will specifically probe targeted violence, harassment of women, and proportionality of police force. The HPC will submit continuous findings to help the court take necessary actions. 🧐

⚖️ SC forms panel to check Delhi protest violence

The Supreme Court has established a High-Powered Committee led by former Justice R Subhash Reddy. This panel will investigate police excesses and violence during the Delhi student protests that occurred last month. The committee, which includes several former high court judges, will look into targeted violence and harassment of women protesters. It will specifically assess the proportionality of force used, including pellet guns and lathi charges. The inquiry will be continuous, with interim findings submitted to the court for necessary action. 🚨

🚂 103 heritage railway stations identified by Railway Board

Tiruchi Junction and Chidambaram are among 103 heritage stations identified by the Railway Board, New Delhi. A 'Station Mahotsav' will be organized at these locations according to their inception dates. Tiruchi Junction's inception was in 1862, while Chidambaram's dates back to 1878. Several zones are involved, including the Southern Railway Zone with stations like Tiruvannamalai and Thiruvananthapuram. Various programs are planned, such as photo exhibitions and cultural events, with Tiruchi Division aiming for August 24. 🚂

📉 Walmart's sales growth cools, shares drop 9%

Walmart's sales growth is showing a slowdown, which is putting pressure on consumer spending habits across the market. This trend was noted in the retail giant's recent performance reports from the United States. Specifically, the company's shares experienced a significant dip of 9% following the latest financial disclosures. This slowdown comes amid ongoing economic uncertainties affecting household budgets nationwide. Investors will now closely watch upcoming quarterly reports for any signs of a turnaround. 📉

💰 YouTube pays millions, but watch out for Netflix 😬

YouTube is offering millions of dollars to creators to keep their content exclusive to the platform. This deal aims to prevent channels from simultaneously posting on Netflix, a competitor. The offer includes direct financing and a share of large brand campaigns, according to a Bloomberg report. Creators who cross-post face reduced marketing push and exclusion from revenue streams. YouTube argues this keeps its channels as its primary home, a strategy used before with Vessel.

⚖️ Ex-Bank Employee and Others Get 10 Years Jail Time

A former Deputy General Manager of Bank of India and five others have been sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment in a bank fraud case. The convicts include officials from Tamil Nadu government, and the case was heard in a special CBI court in Chennai. The fraud involved nearly Rs 2.39 crore, and the court also fined the six convicts a total of Rs 2.70 crore on Thursday. The CBI registered the case on May 19, 2010, after allegations of diverting lender funds. Proceedings continue for other accused while some died during the trial.

🎧 Sennheiser drops new wireless earbuds with changeable batteries

Sennheiser has launched its new Momentum True Wireless 5 earbuds. These new audio devices are available for consumers in various markets. They feature user-replaceable batteries, with the release date set for late 2024. This design choice aims to enhance the long-term usability and sustainability of the product line. The company plans to release detailed specs closer to the launch date. 🎧

🧐 ED raids Congress leader's home over liquor scam

The Enforcement Directorate searched the residence of Congress leader Ram Gopal Agrawal on Thursday, August 20, 2026. This search occurred in Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh, shortly after his arrest by the central agency last week. The alleged liquor scam reportedly took place between 2019 and 2022 under the Congress government led by Bhupesh Baghel. The ED claims a syndicate caused a ₹2,883 crore loss to the state exchequer in this case. More raids are underway in Raipur, while opposition leaders allege these actions are intimidation tactics. 🧐

😔 19-year-old NEET aspirant dies by suicide

A 19-year-old student, Suraj Subhash Shinde, allegedly died by suicide at his home in Khandala, Maharashtra. He was preparing for the highly competitive NEET medical entrance exam when the incident occurred. Preliminary reports suggest the immense stress from his studies and future was the cause. He left a note promising his parents he would become a doctor in the next life. The NEET controversy, involving paper leaks and protests, highlights the pressure on young students.

📚 BJP-linked members join new NCERT panel

Four RSS and BJP-associated members have been included in the new NCERT panel reviewing Class 11 and 12 Political Science textbooks. This appointment was made by the government, with the individuals joining the committee tasked with curriculum updates. The panel review process is ongoing, and changes to the textbooks are expected soon. The selection has sparked debate regarding political influence in educational content. Future editions of the textbooks will reflect the panel's recommendations.