⚖️ Bihar police AK-47 firing incident heads to SC

The Bihar government has clarified its stance in the Supreme Court regarding the AK-47 use during student protests. The state claimed a constable trapped in Siwan fired four rounds in the air, with no one injured by those specific shots. On July 22 to 25, 69 FIRs were registered, and 500 protesters were arrested across several places. The government admitted to using tear gas and water cannons, injuring 157 police and 7 staff. A departmental probe is ongoing, and the constable involved has been suspended. ⚖️

⌚ Casio F-B100W shows off step tracker and metal buttons

Fresh hands-on footage of the Casio F-B100W has surfaced from a Japanese watch channel. The watch, which launched on August 7, is featured in the video from a Japanese watch channel. It launched for ¥8,800, or around $55, and sold out quickly on its own store. The watch features a visible step tracker bar and distinct polished metal buttons, unlike its predecessors. It is now available for purchase in the UK in three colorways. ⌚

💰 Gold Holds Steady Below $4,400 Amid USD Strength

Gold prices are remaining weak, staying below the $4,400 mark. This trend is influenced by the strengthening US Dollar across global markets. Specifically, the USD is firming due to oil price movements and risks associated with the Federal Reserve. Investors are closely watching these economic indicators for potential shifts in the metal's value. Future movements in gold will depend heavily on Fed policy changes and oil market stability. 📈

🏛️ TN Speaker removes Law Minister's remarks on Karunanidhi

The Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker, J.C.D. Prabhakar, expunged remarks made by Law Minister R. Nirmalkumar on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. These comments were directed against late CM and DMK leader K. Karunanidhi during a special calling-attention motion. Nirmalkumar had made the remarks while addressing the killing of three Tamils in Karnataka. The Speaker stressed that only issues directly related to the motion could be discussed. Moving forward, he clarified rules regarding who can speak on such motions.

🤖 B.Tech student built AI platform to report bribes

A B.Tech student named Aryan Nishad launched Bribes.fyi, a crowdsourced platform for reporting alleged bribe demands anonymously. This platform is based in Delhi and allows users to submit details on bribery encounters across various Indian departments. As of August 17, the site displayed hundreds of reports across over 250 cities, with police departments leading the submissions. The system aims to turn individual experiences into searchable data, revealing potential patterns of corruption. The platform is still evolving, acknowledging that its self-reported data is not an official corruption measure. 🧐

🧑‍⚖️ Supreme Court might quash FIRs against student protesters

The Supreme Court indicated an intention to quash FIRs registered against student protesters from last month concerning issues like exam paper leaks. This decision was made by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana. The Court plans to form a committee headed by a former SC Judge to examine police force issues. However, cases against individuals with past grievous offences will not be quashed, as clarified. This move reflects the Court's concern for the future of thousands of students. 🧑‍⚖️

📈 India eyeing sugar import duty cut amidst price surge

India might reduce its 100% import duty on sugar as market prices have reached record highs. This potential move affects the domestic sugar market and consumers across the nation. The latest figures show sugar prices climbing significantly over recent months. The government is reportedly looking at measures to stabilize the prices for the general public. Further details on the duty reduction are expected in the coming weeks. 📈

🏛️ Mankal Vaidya elected Deputy Speaker unopposed

Mankal Vaidya was unanimously elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on August 18, 2026. The Bhatkal MLA, representing the Uttara Kannada district, saw his nomination proposed by CM D.K. Shivakumar. The election was unanimous, even with the principal opposition BJP boycotting it. This appointment follows Vaidya being denied a Cabinet berth during the second phase of expansion. Leader of Opposition R. Ashok requested more opportunities for him to preside over Assembly sessions. 🤝

😟 Grandma detained by ICE after 27 years in US

An Indian-origin grandmother, Venkata Narsamamba Vasamsetty, was detained by ICE during a scheduled check-in on August 11. She is a Lawful Permanent Resident who has lived in the US for 27 years and is a Green Card holder. The detention stems from a federal allegation that she abandoned her residency after spending time in India in 2022. Her family argues the travel was for medical reasons, specifically caring for an ailing parent and recovering from COVID-19. She is currently in an ICE detention facility in Georgia, despite a prior judge's dismissal of deportation.

📈 NSE IPO aims for massive ₹5.26 lakh crore valuation

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) is planning a massive Initial Public Offering (IPO) with a target valuation of up to ₹5.26 lakh crore. This major offering will be structured as an Offer for Sale (OFS) by the NSE. The details regarding the IPO timeline and subscription process are currently under finalization. This move is seen as a significant step in the exchange's corporate restructuring plans. Further updates on the IPO details are expected in the coming weeks.

🤝 Chandy Oommen backs NSS chief amid heat

Congress MLA Chandy Oommen defended Nair Service Society (NSS) general secretary G. Sukumaran Nair against recent criticism. The criticism came from Kerala Congress (B) leader K.B. Ganesh Kumar in Kerala. Ganesh Kumar questioned internal management, appointments, and financial transactions, citing concerns about democratic norms. Oommen strongly dismissed the insults directed at Nair as "extremely vile" and called him an "asset to Keralam." Nair had previously told Ganesh Kumar to use legal avenues for any objections. 🤝