😟 AI use sparks drama in UGC-NET exams

Experts have alleged reckless AI use in setting UGC-NET papers, raising serious doubts about human scrutiny. This controversy involves the National Testing Agency (NTA) in connection with English, commerce, and sociology exams. The flawed papers surfaced around August 20, 2026, after a nearly six-week delay in cancellations. Critics question the extent of automated systems used for high-stakes national exams and the lack of timely review. Consequently, the NTA has been forced to order fresh examinations for these affected subjects.

🔒 Windows 11 finally adds per-app privacy controls

Windows 11 is rolling out enhanced privacy controls allowing granular app permissions for sensitive hardware access. This update, seen in Experimental Insider PC Build 26340.9212, lets users control microphone, camera, and location for desktop programs. Previously, a single toggle governed all traditional Win32 apps, which was quite limited. Now, these desktop apps are listed alongside Microsoft Store apps in Settings for easier management. Microsoft has not yet confirmed a public release date for this much-needed feature. 🛡️

🔥 Awarapan 2 hits big, nets Rs 106 crore in 6 days

Awarapan 2 is maintaining a strong hold at the box office, with a 6-day running total reaching Rs 106 crore. The film, starring Emraan Hashmi and directed by Nitin Kakkar, is performing well at the Indian box office. On Day 6, the movie collected Rs 6 crore, showing a 36 per cent drop from the previous day. This romantic action drama, backed by Vishesh Films, is expected to close its opening week around Rs 112 crore. Its success comes after a sequel to a 2007 film that was originally a disaster. 💰

🏏 India's WTC hopes after losing second Test

India currently holds fifth place in the World Test Championship with 64 points after beating Sri Lanka on August 19, 2026. The second Test against Sri Lanka starts on August 23, 2026, at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. A series loss would significantly impact India's qualification path, potentially dropping their points percentage. A 2-0 win keeps India in control, but a 1-1 draw leaves them in a very narrow race. Their recovery depends heavily on winning most remaining matches and upsets from other top teams. 📉

😔 BTS's RM Suspended From Role Model List

BTS's leader, RM, has been indefinitely suspended from an organization's honor roll for violence against women. The Pixel Project removed his name after he was seen posing with Chris Brown at a concert. This decision was made on August 19, KST, following his public association with Brown. The organization argued his fame meant he platformed an abuser, regardless of intent. They are now urging RM to take accountability for his choices.

🎬 Himesh Reshammiya Melodies bags big music rights

Himesh Reshammiya Melodies has acquired music rights for multiple films, including Arjun Naga, Yeh Prem Mol Liya, and Gunmaaster G9. This expansion shows the label is moving beyond its own productions, adding big projects to its slate. Specifically, the label got Arjun Naga from Anil Sharma, known for Gadar. The acquisition of Gunmaaster G9 reunites Himesh with the Aashiq Banaya Aapne team. These deals mark a major boost for Himesh Reshammiya Melodies' upcoming music catalog. 🎶

🐾 K9 Leon retires after 8 years of tracking poachers

K9 Leon, a Belgian Malinois, retired from active service on August 15, 2026, at Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. He served with Aaranyak’s K9 Sniffer Dog Squad, Assam Forest Department, Kaziranga authorities, and Assam Police. Over his nearly eight years, he completed more than 200 patrols and participated in over 30 specialized operations. His tracking skills helped apprehend rhino poachers and assisted in a gold theft investigation in Golaghat. This retirement highlights the critical role of scent detection in wildlife protection and law enforcement. 🐾

🌌 Space astronauts prefer auroras over eclipses

NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway found northern and southern lights more amazing than solar eclipses from space. The pair was aboard the International Space Station for six months, missing last week's total eclipse. Meir noted that the auroras were more brilliant as the sun slows down its activity. She saw a dramatic green aurora beneath the station, which looked like a snake. They plan to try and view next week's lunar eclipse before returning to Earth via SpaceX.

🎧 CMF Buds Neo: Budget earbuds with strong ANC 🎧

The CMF Buds Neo wireless earbuds offer strong sound and active noise cancellation for a low price point. These buds are from CMF by Nothing and are available for Rs 1,999. They provide up to 35dB of ANC and boast 8.5 hours of playback with ANC on. The earbuds feature an IP54 rating and excellent noise-reducing microphones for calls. Users can enjoy 11 hours with ANC off and benefit from dual-device connectivity.

🧐 Who is Natalie Harp, Trump's secret aide?

Natalie Harp, a 35-year-old aide, is now in the spotlight due to comments from Senator Jon Ossoff. Ossoff, in Atlanta on August 16, accused Trump of prioritizing travel with Harp over his duties. This followed a media buzz about Trump's secret plane switch at the NATO summit in Turkey. Harp is reportedly behind Trump's Truth Social posts and is described as his 'security blanket.' The situation escalated with harsh insults from White House officials towards Ossoff. 🧐

🔬 IIT Madras eyeing medical degrees, not just engineering

IIT Madras is planning to establish a school of medical sciences to offer degrees like MBBS, MD, and PhD. Director V Kamakoti stated this push aims to boost domestic medical technology production at the institute. Since May 2023, a department was set up to train hybrid graduates like medical technologists. Kamakoti believes tech institutions must offer medical schools to navigate the modern medical market. The process requires National Medical Commission approval and a teaching hospital as a prerequisite.