📱 BJP's new social media chief takes charge

Deepak Mhaskey has been appointed as the new head of the BJP's social media operations. He replaced Amit Malviya in this role and acknowledged the significant responsibility. Mhaskey thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Nitin Nabin for the trust placed in him on Tuesday. He stated he would seek guidance from his predecessor, Amit Malviya, for strategy. The team will focus on staying updated with rapid technological changes and emerging digital trends moving forward.

🌊 Assam floods: Death toll hits 105, 32k still affected

The death toll from the Assam floods has risen to 105, while over 32,000 people continue to be impacted across four districts. Nagaon remains the worst-affected area, with nearly 20,000 people facing the deluge. As of August 18, 2026, 31,900 people were impacted in Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon, and Sivasagar. The CM released Rs 47.93 crore in interim assistance to 31,951 affected families in these districts. Further assistance and damage assessments are ongoing, with a final damage list expected by September 15.

🤝 US Envoy pushes India to fix trade issues 🤝

US Ambassador Sergio Gor called on India and the US to resolve trade frictions and build predictable rules for growth. Speaking in Mumbai on Tuesday, he stressed the need for stronger trust on export controls and IP protection. Bilateral trade has surged from USD 20 billion to USD 240 billion in over two decades. Gor noted that global companies want to move to India if IP rights are secure. Both nations aim to boost their trade to USD 500 billion by 2030.

🏛️ TN Assembly row: CM Vijay apologizes after minister's slip-up

Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay apologized in the Assembly after Forest Minister R V Ranjith Kumar referenced M Karunanidhi without the honorific “Kalaignar”. This incident happened in Chennai during the Monsoon Session on Monday. The controversy broke out during a debate on Health and Revenue grants, with alleged cash-for-votes practices being discussed on August 17. Opposition DMK members objected strongly to the breach of traditional protocol when referring to the late leader. Vijay intervened to control the tension and issued the apology on the minister's behalf. 🤦‍♂️

🏫 Dipke tells officials to enrol kids in govt schools

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke questioned why education department workers send their children to private schools instead of public ones. He addressed ministers, officials, principals, and teachers regarding this issue on Tuesday. This statement followed his inspection of a Zilla Parishad school in Santuk Pimpri, Hingoli district on August 15. Dipke noted issues like broken windows and lack of basic amenities at the campus. He also called the suspension of the Limbala school principal a major win for the villagers.

🚨 Karnataka CM warns TN over Chamarajanagar killings

Karnataka CM D K Shivakumar warned Tamil Nadu politicians against interfering in the state's administration regarding the deaths of three suspected poachers. The incident occurred in Chamarajanagar, Karnataka, on the early hours of August 15. Three men, Anthony Samy, John Rose Peter, and Kumar, were shot dead by Karnataka forest personnel during an anti-poaching operation. Shivakumar rejected demands for a CBI inquiry, citing federal structure principles. Karnataka has ordered a magisterial inquiry and provided interim relief to the families.

🎶 Asha Bhosle's final song with SRK coming soon

Asha Bhosle's final recorded song featuring Shah Rukh Khan is set to release soon as a tribute. Her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle shared the update, noting the track is composed by A. R. Rahman. This special music video confirms Shah Rukh Khan's involvement in the tribute project. Rahman called it a humble offering, hoping her music inspires future generations. The song offers listeners one last chance to hear her iconic voice. 🎤

🧐 DMK slams Vijay for Trisha's presence at Independence Day

The DMK strongly criticized the attendance of actor Trisha Krishnan at the Independence Day celebrations at Fort St George. The party questioned the salute exchange and Trisha's front-row seating alongside Vijay's parents. This event took place on August 18, 2026, during the 80th Independence Day celebration in Chennai. The DMK editorial argued that this display undermined the Chief Minister's dignity and public image. The party further claimed that Vijay is now worried about maintaining his popularity and position in office. 🧐

🎬 Maharashtra plans investment for Gen-Z Marathi films

The Maharashtra government intends to invest in modern, tech-driven Marathi cinema aimed at Gen-Z audiences. Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar announced this on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at a seminar. The plan focuses on leveraging AI and high-end VFX while keeping the Marathi essence intact. He stressed the need to build an emotional connection, similar to South Indian cinema, with younger viewers. The state government will act as an investor if a viable production model is established. 🎬

🤔 Tata Sons board divided on N Chandrasekaran's exit

A feud is reportedly brewing within the Tata Sons board regarding N Chandrasekaran's decision not to seek reappointment. This disagreement involves various directors who are divided on how to proceed with the leadership change at Tata Sons. The Sir Dorabji Tata Trust has reportedly asked the board to start finding a successor after his term ends on February 20, 2027. Chandrasekaran stated his decision came after a proposal for a five-year extension was blocked by Noel Tata. The upcoming Tata Sons AGM faces uncertainty over quorum due to nomination issues. 😟

🚑 Truck-Dumper Crash Kills 8 in MP Highway

Eight labourers died and 32 were injured in a severe collision between a pickup truck and a dumper near Chhimka village. This tragic accident took place on the Bhind-Gwalior National Highway in Madhya Pradesh early on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The labourers were returning from paddy transplantation work in Gwalior after coming from Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri district. Preliminary checks suggest the driver lost control while dodging cattle, leading to a head-on impact with the dumper. The UP CM announced financial aid of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased. 😔