🧐 CM Vijay claims to have proof of past DMK corruption

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay stated in the Assembly that he possesses evidence of corruption from the former DMK government. He made this declaration while responding to DMK MLAs and School Education Minister Rajmohan on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The Chief Minister emphasized that everything is backed by solid evidence, noting the Finance Minister mentioned review files recently. Vijay asserted his knowledge of when and how to disclose this information to the public. He added that some positive developments should occur, at least in the upcoming bye-elections for seven seats. 🧐

🎬 New OTT Drops on Aug 21, 2026

Several new movies and shows are dropping across platforms on Friday, August 21, 2026. These include Jana Nayagan on ZEE5 and Facing El Chapo on Netflix. The lineup features action thrillers, family entertainers, and sports docs. Clean Up Company arrives on Amazon MX Player, while Pyaar Prema Kalyanam is on Netflix. Viewers can check out all these new releases across SonyLIV and Apple TV too.

🚗 Xiaomi's EV push tanks Q2 profits

Xiaomi's EV and initiatives arm posted an operating loss of RMB 2.6 billion in the second quarter. This occurred as the brand aggressively expanded its electric vehicle line in China. Segment revenue hit RMB 24.9 billion, showing a 17.1% year-on-year jump, despite falling margins. The drop in margins was due to sales shifting to lower-priced models and rising supply chain costs. To meet its year-end target, Xiaomi is now adding petrol-range extender SUVs to its lineup. 🚗

🔄 Vijay govt scraps student protest ban order

The Tamil Nadu College Education Department initially ordered officials to stop students from joining protests organized by Left parties and TNCJP. This order, which required coordination between multiple departments, was issued under the direction of CM Joseph Vijay. The directive was sent to all government arts and science college principals across Tamil Nadu. However, the department subsequently rolled back and withdrew this earlier communication minutes later. This U-turn signals a shift in the state's stance regarding student activism.

🏟️ Mumbai's Football Turf to Become Expo Centre

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approved the plan to repurpose Mumbai's sole full football turf. This major decision involves the turf located in Mumbai. The plan outlines the conversion to an expo centre, effective from early next year. This move is part of the city's efforts to optimize public spaces for commercial use. Authorities are now moving forward with the necessary structural modifications.

🔥 Coal profits surge amid Iran war chaos

Global energy supplies are facing disruption due to the US-Israel conflict with Iran. South Africa's Thungela Resources doubled its half-year profits because more countries are buying thermal coal. This surge happened following Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, impacting Asian energy needs. Many Asian nations, like Japan and South Korea, have delayed green energy transitions to rely on coal. Prices for coal are high, and Thungela's production at Ensham rose by 38% during the conflict. 📈

🚨 J&K students face eviction pressure in Bhopal

Two Kashmiri pharmacy students in Bhopal are reportedly facing intimidation to vacate their rented accommodation. The Jammu & Kashmir Students Association raised this issue with Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav on Tuesday, August 18. The students, studying via PMSSS, have been living in paying-guest housing since last year. Allegations state local elements are pressuring the landlord due to their regional and religious identity. Police have intervened, promising to ensure the students are not pressured to leave during the investigation.

🧐 SC hears NEET-UG paper leak plea for NTA reforms

The Supreme Court is hearing petitions demanding reforms for the National Testing Agency following repeated NEET-UG paper leaks. The bench, comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe, is considering disbanding NTA and establishing stronger oversight mechanisms. The court directed the secretary to file an affidavit detailing steps taken regarding Radhakrishnan and Nandan Nilekani committee suggestions within three weeks. Concerns were raised about institutional memory and the weakness of physical paper distribution chains. The NTA is reportedly setting up its own tech team with AI models to boost exam security. 🧐

📉 Tamil Nadu engineering colleges struggling with low admissions

After Round 2 of TNEA 2026, 1,06,583 seats remained vacant across Tamil Nadu's engineering colleges. Specifically, 167 colleges filled under 10% of their seats, and 23 colleges recorded zero admissions. This uneven distribution suggests strong student preference for certain institutions and branches, not a general rejection of engineering. Demand is heavily concentrated in courses like CSE and ECE, while other traditional branches are facing weaker intake. The state now faces policy questions regarding the sustainability of its current educational capacity. 📉

👩 Tamil Nadu govt employees get one-year leave for third baby

The Tamil Nadu government announced that women government employees will now receive 365 days of maternity leave for their third child. This decision was made by Human Resources Management Minister D Sarathkumar during the Assembly on August 18. Previously, those with two or more children were only eligible for 12 weeks of paid leave. This change addresses concerns over the state's declining fertility rate, which has fallen below 1.4. Further measures, like the 'Vetri Paathai' app, are also being implemented by the department.

🔥 Jaiswal baits Dickwella, wicket falls in Galle Test

Yashasvi Jaiswal provoked Niroshan Dickwella with banter during Sri Lanka's fourth-innings chase at Galle. The altercation happened on Tuesday, August 19, as India aimed to secure a win. Dickwella was expected to bolster the resistance after Dhananjaya de Silva's dismissal earlier that day. However, the exchange led to Dickwella falling for only 10 runs in the very next over. This wicket gave India a strong advantage, putting them in a position to take a 1-0 series lead. 🏏