🚨 Big Boss Scam busted linking China and Pakistan

The Ahmedabad City Cyber Crime Branch busted a complex 'BOSS Scam' syndicate operating internationally. This operation involved arrests of two key operatives from West Bengal, alongside technical analysis spanning China, Pakistan, Hong Kong, and India. Authorities secured over 10,000 compromised devices and prevented massive financial losses amounting to crores of rupees. The scam used malicious zip files impersonating corporate or RBI officials to trick employees into wire transfers. Moving forward, police are investigating links from 251 formal complaints across 26 states.

🎬 Yash says 'Toxic' isn't for kids

Yash has warned that his film, Toxic, is not appropriate for children due to its intense content. The actor stated this during an appearance on Rajat Sharma's Aap Ki Adalat. The movie features action, violence, and intimate scenes, with a release date set for August 26. Yash believes the film has a genuine and deep story for adult viewers to process. The film, directed by Geetu Mohandas, stars Yash, Kiara Advani, and Nayanthara. 🎬

🎮 Firefox users can now stream 2000+ PC games

GeForce Now now supports Firefox on Windows, letting users stream over 2,000 PC games without switching browsers. This integration is available for Windows users, and it is the first non-Chromium browser option offered by GeForce Now. Ultimate members can stream games from Steam and Epic at up to 1440p and 120fps. This launch follows months of engineering collaboration between NVIDIA and Mozilla for cloud gaming. Support has only been confirmed for Windows, with more details expected at GamesCom on August 25. 🎮

🥬 Veggie donors key to Tirumala's huge food service

Vegetable donors are now a crucial part of Tirumala's massive Anna Prasadam program, which feeds nearly four lakh devotees daily. TTD Additional EO Ch. Venkaiah Chowdary stated this at a meeting in Sudharma Hall on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Currently, around 30 donors from three to four States supply 33 varieties, providing over eight tonnes of vegetables daily. The service has expanded sharply, with daily vegetable consumption rising from 5.34 tonnes three years ago to 8.44 tonnes now. TTD plans a dedicated vegetable-donation policy and an online coordination system for future supplies. 🥬

🏖️ Black Couple's Beach Land Returned, Sold for Nearly $20M

A piece of Southern California beachfront property, seized from a Black couple, was finally returned to their descendants. Willa and Charles Bruce founded the resort in Manhattan Beach in 1912, but local officials took it in 1924. After years of legal battles, the heirs sold the two plots back to Los Angeles County for nearly $20 million in 2023. This sale ended a historic fight over Bruce's Beach, which was used by African American beachgoers during segregation. The land will remain under Los Angeles County ownership for lifeguard training. 🏖️

📹 Poacher's accomplice releases video from Hanur incident

A video from the fourth person involved in the alleged poaching exchange of fire in Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is circulating online. This incident occurred in Hanur taluk of Chamarajanagar district early on Saturday, August 15. Three suspected poachers were killed during the confrontation, while the fourth individual, Mayima Das, reportedly fled the area. In the video, Das claims Forest Department personnel fired shots around 5:30 a.m., causing him to run away down the hill. He is now worried the police might find him to question him as a witness. 😨

🌾 Magnetic sensor tracks rice sap flow for drought monitoring

Researchers developed a miniature, magnetic, kirigami-based sensor for non-invasive sap-flow monitoring in rice. The device was tested in open-field conditions across paddy fields in India over eight weeks. It accurately detected drought stress with 93.22% accuracy, significantly better than 57.69% from soil moisture monitoring. This technology shows great promise for long-term plant health monitoring without damaging delicate crops. Future uses include improving water-saving and precision-irrigation systems. 🌾

🚌 Bus diversions hit KBR Park due to construction

Buses were diverted around KBR Park in Hyderabad after authorities removed footpaths and introduced one-way arrangements. Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) services, including routes 222A, 47L, 10H, and 127K, were affected by these changes. This disruption occurred on Tuesday due to ongoing H-CITI construction works in the area. Route 10H, for instance, was rerouted via Yusufguda X Roads, connecting Secunderabad and Kondapur. Commuters need to check the specific diversion routes for their travel plans moving forward. 🚌

⚖️ NLSIU VC denies meeting student group about convocation

The NLSIU Vice-Chancellor, Sudhir Krishnaswamy, denied any request to meet the student delegation regarding the 2026 convocation. Students and alumni wrote an open letter on August 15 opposing the presence of CJI Surya Kant and BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra. Graduating students, however, claimed on Monday that the VC had indeed asked them to form a delegation. Mr. Krishnaswamy did not respond to calls or text messages from The Hindu regarding the matter. This dispute continues amidst the ongoing convocation disagreements. ⚖️

✈️ ASR airport gets major praise from travelers

The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram is receiving positive feedback from early visitors. Dr. S. Rajendra Chakravarthy and Dr. Merugu Anusha visited the airport in Vizianagaram district. The airport is currently handling about 30 daily flights, with international services expected soon. Visitors praised the cultural installations and improved passenger amenities provided by the management. This new hub is seen as a major catalyst for the rapid development of North Andhra. ✈️

😟 Jaleel warns Basheer over college management issues

Former Local Administration Minister K.T. Jaleel warned PWD Minister P.K. Basheer about his ministerial security. Jaleel criticized Basheer for managing institutions facing allegations of charging high fees for admissions and appointments at EMEA College and School in Kondotty. Local IUML committees had filed complaints against Basheer in his managerial role. Jaleel suggested Basheer could be the first 'wicket' to fall from the UDF government. He warned that Parakkal Abdulla might get a ministerial berth sooner if Basheer stays in his current position. 😟