🎓 Calicut Uni's ASCENT project report coming soon

A detailed project report (DPR) for the ASCENT project at the University of Calicut is due to the Vice-Chancellor by early September. This mission aims to boost the academic and admin standards of its 445 affiliated colleges across five districts in Kerala. Authorities requested input from college principals and management representatives via email. The project will phase in digitizing current administrative frameworks for better service delivery. An expert committee will evaluate the DPR before it goes to the Syndicate.

⛽ Oil prices climbing again due to Middle East issues

Oil prices are set to increase for the second consecutive week, driven by ongoing tensions in the Middle East. This upward trend is being observed globally across major energy markets. Specific data points show slight increases across key crude benchmarks over the past few days. Geopolitical instability in the region is significantly impacting global supply chain confidence. Market analysts predict this upward momentum might continue in the near future. 📈

🚨 MP's son booked after Aston Martin hits woman in Hyderabad

The son of an Andhra Pradesh Rajya Sabha MP was booked for rash driving after his Aston Martin allegedly killed a 26-year-old mall employee. The incident happened near Inorbit Mall in Hyderabad on August 16th, when Bharati Mukhi was struck by the speeding car. The police registered a case under section 106(1) of the BNS, which allows for up to five years imprisonment. Since the offense is bailable, no arrest has been made yet, according to police officials. Notices have been issued to the accused, and the police confirmed no negligence in handling the case. 😔

😠 MLA claims caste bias at UP temple event

BJP MLA Jai Devi Kaushal alleged caste discrimination during the restoration ceremony of the Sheetla Mata temple. This incident occurred in Kakori, Malihabad, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday, August 19, 2026. The temple renovation was sanctioned by the UP government for approximately Rs 78 lakh. The MLA was reportedly prevented from taking her seat during the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony there. She plans to raise this issue with the party high command and the Chief Minister. 😠

📈 Nifty, Sensex dip after early swings; stocks surge

The Nifty 50 fell 0.03% to 24,223.50, while the Sensex declined by 0.06% to 77,490.07 after volatile trading. Welspun Enterprises and Welspun Corp saw significant surges of up to 13%. This movement helped Nifty cross 50-day and 100-day DEMA levels, signaling better near-term momentum. Sustaining above 24,375 will be key for the index to move past immediate resistance. 📈

😷 Swine flu and cough spike in Delhi-NCR during monsoon

A rise in H1N1, swine flu, and other respiratory infections is being observed in Delhi-NCR due to humid monsoon weather. Health experts have reported increased cases of dengue and H3N2 influenza strain across the region. Doctors at various hospitals note around five to six flu-like symptoms per day, with two to three admissions. This surge is prompting advisories for hygiene and vaccinations, especially for high-risk individuals. People are encouraged to seek early medical advice when flu symptoms begin to appear. 😷

🎬 'DC' box office dips on day 14

Lokesh Kanagaraj's film 'DC' earned Rs 1.23 crore on its 14th day in India. The movie was released in Tamil and Telugu, with collections dipping 25.5% compared to Wednesday. Its first week total was Rs 41.90 crore, and second-week earnings reached Rs 19.64 crore. Overall, the film's India net collection is now Rs 61.54 crore, aiming for the Rs 100 crore worldwide milestone. The actioner features Lokesh Kanagaraj in his lead role and has a soundtrack by Anirudh Ravichander.

😴 Mumbai grind: 6-hour commute is draining this employee

An employee shared their exhausting daily commute from Badlapur to Goregaon, which takes six hours every day. This individual works in Maharashtra and detailed a routine starting at 5 am and ending at 11 pm. The journey involves taking local trains and standing in a rickshaw queue daily. The employee states they cannot afford nearby PG accommodation due to their ₹35,000 monthly salary. They feel like they only come home to sleep after such a relentless schedule. 😫

🏛️ SC to decide on 3-year practice rule for judges

The Supreme Court is set to announce its verdict today regarding review petitions challenging its prior ruling. The bench, including Chief Justice Surya Kant, will deliver the judgment at 10:30 AM. These petitions question the May 2025 decision that made three years of legal practice necessary for direct entry as Civil Judges (Junior Division). Challengers argue this mandate might deter talented graduates from joining the judiciary right after completing their degrees. The court also considered a petition asking for relief from the 3-year rule for individuals with disabilities.

🏥 Imran Khan sent back to jail after hospital checkup

Former Prime Minister Imran Khan was returned to Adiala Jail early Friday, August 21, 2026. The move followed his court-ordered medical check at the public hospital PIMS in Islamabad. Doctors confirmed he was medically fit after examinations, which included an ophthalmologist and cardiologist. This followed a Supreme Court order on August 18 requiring his treatment within 48 hours. The next court hearing for the prominent politician is scheduled for September 16. 🧑‍⚖️

🌌 Auroras beat solar eclipse views in space

NASA astronauts reported that auroras were more spectacular than the solar eclipse they missed last week. Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, aboard the International Space Station, observed the brilliant green dancing aurora. The crew was in space for six months, and the current mission runs until their replacements arrive next month. Meir noted the sun's off-season made the lights especially dramatic and brilliant. They are now looking forward to catching next week's lunar eclipse. 🌌