🚗 Bengaluru parking prices set to skyrocket 💸

The Karnataka government has notified a draft parking policy for the Greater Bengaluru Area. Under the proposed rules, residential permits could range from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 annually depending on the vehicle type. For non-residential on-street parking, cars face hourly charges between Rs 40 and Rs 80. The draft, issued on August 11, invites public objections within 30 days of its Gazette publication. This shift aims to discourage long-duration road parking and promote organized off-street facilities.

😟 Terror threats plague Kashmiri Pandits near 80th Independence Day

Pakistan-linked terrorists are spreading panic in Jammu and Kashmir just before India's 80th Independence Day. The targeted threats are aimed at Kashmiri Pandits who are trying to resettle after fleeing their homeland over three decades ago. A terrorist group, ULC (a front of LeT), circulated a list of Pandit employees' details, echoing tactics from 1990. Due to these fresh threats, the J&K government has directed affected individuals to work from home until August 25. This highlights the ongoing insecurity faced by the indigenous Hindu community. 😥

💖 Priyanka Chopra shares update on Sridevi's bio

Priyanka Chopra honored Sridevi's birth anniversary by sharing updates on the forthcoming biography. The book, titled 'Empress,' is chronicling the life and legacy of the iconic actress. Westland Books initially revealed plans for an official biography in 2023. Sridevi, known for films like 'Mr. India,' passed away on February 24, 2018, at age 54. The project continues to honor her memory as the book nears its release. 🌟

🇮🇳 Kerala govt's stance on Vande Mataram to be clear on I-Day

Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan said the state government has its own stand on the Vande Mataram issue. This comes amid opposition allegations that the UDF government is following the Sangh Parivar's line. The Chief Secretary's directive related to the Union government's Har Ghar Tiranga campaign from August 9 to 17, 2026. Parliament passed a Bill making intentional insult to Vande Mataram a punishable offence with up to three years jail. The Congress-led UDF will act as per this clear stand on Independence Day. 🇮🇳

🧐 MP flags rising student myopia linked to screen time

A BJP Rajya Sabha member raised concerns about the increasing rates of childhood myopia during a session in the Rajya Sabha. He linked this rise primarily to prolonged screen use and the shift to online classes during the pandemic. The disorder is projected to affect almost half of the world's population by the year 2050. Salamsinh urged the government to create a national program for prevention and control, including vision screening. This initiative should integrate with school health programs and provide affordable spectacles for underprivileged children. 🧐

🦠 Bird flu hits Australia, farming braces for impact 🐦

Disturbing neurological signs of H5N1 bird flu were observed in wildlife in South Australia. The virus has been found in all six states of Australia as of Thursday, with the first suspected case in Tasmania. A federal report highlights almost 400 native species are at high risk from this virus. The government is committing $2 million to vaccinate vulnerable captive birds and over 5,000 penguins. Farmers are implementing strict protocols due to the high risk to poultry, though human risk remains low.

🚀 Indian Strategist Joins Top Team

Gautam Rangarajan has taken on a key strategic role at No. 10. He is an Indian-origin strategist joining the high-profile organization. The move was officially announced on October 25, 2023. This appointment is seen as a significant boost to the company's global strategy. He is expected to start driving major initiatives in the coming fiscal year. 🚀

🐅 Viral tiger video shows risky tourist behavior in Maharashtra

A viral video from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve shows people dangerously close to a tiger to take photos. This incident highlights growing risks associated with wildlife tourism in Maharashtra. Previously, in January 2026, drivers were banned near Jim Corbett for chasing a tiger. Also, three tourists were fined Rs 15,000 in November 2024 for chasing deer in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. Experts insist tourists must maintain distance to avoid stressing the animals. 🐅

⚖️ HC halts appointments amid cheating and mark issues

The Punjab High Court has stayed the appointment of 454 pharmacy officers due to an organized cheating racket allegation. This stay order was issued on a plea by Keshav Kamboj and others regarding the July 19 exam. Furthermore, the court also stayed the recruitment of 41 Block Programme Managers and 44 Cluster Coordinators until September 2. Petitioners claimed the results lacked detail on the 30 marks beyond the written test. The court formed a committee which found irregularities, leading to the stay. 🧐

🎬 Jana Nayagan nears ₹195 Cr in fourth week

The action entertainer 'Jana Nayagan' has entered its fourth week of theatrical run. The film, starring Vijay and Pooja Hegde, is currently running across 523 shows in select centers. As of Day 22, its India net collection reached Rs 194.46 crore, with an India gross of Rs 226.50 crore. The movie balances an emotional family arc with intense action, featuring Bobby Deol as the antagonist. Future collections depend on sustained occupancy in the remaining showing days.

🎮 Phantom Blade Zero demo breaks records fast

Phantom Blade Zero released an 11-minute gameplay demo and opened pre-orders across all platforms on Wednesday. The game, developed by S-Game, was showcased on Bilibili in China and hit No. 1 on Steam's global best-sellers chart. The demo featured two levels, Fog Forest Hunt and Lone City Showdown, revealing the Reality-Void switching system. This action RPG blends wuxia with steampunk elements and emphasizes fast-paced combat. The game is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of this year on PS5, PC, and other platforms. 🎮