🧑‍⚖️ Collectors now handle CAA citizenship cases in 8 states

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs transferred processing of pending CAA applications from central Empowered Committees to District Collectors. This change affects eight States and Union Territories, namely Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The August 19 order makes the March 11, 2024 MHA notification inapplicable in these jurisdictions. Collectors are now empowered to scrutinize and dispose of applications for registration or naturalisation under Section 6B of the Citizenship Act. This new rule requires Collectors to verify documents and conduct enquiries before granting Indian citizenship. 🧑‍⚖️

🏏 Monty Desai out as Canada coach; search begins

Monty Desai stepped down after his three-month tenure as interim head coach for the Canada cricket team. He took over during a turbulent time for Canada, where the team was under ICC corruption investigations. Overall, Canada managed only one win and five losses across two tri-series during his brief stint. Preparation in Scotland was reportedly hindered by visa issues, affecting team participation. The board is now inviting applications as Canada has four matches left to qualify for next year's ODI World Cup. 🏏

🏏 Monty Desai steps down as Canada's head coach

Monty Desai has left the role of head coach for the Canada men's team as of last weekend. He served with the team in Canada during a very challenging period for Canadian cricket. This change comes as Cricket Canada is currently under suspension by the ICC. Applications for the coaching spot will be accepted until August 28 for the team. Their next CWC League 2 matches are scheduled for October 9 against Oman and Nepal in Oman.

📱 Samsung Galaxy S25 5G price hike in India

Samsung has increased the price of its flagship phone, the Galaxy S25 5G, in India. The phone is available on Samsung India's website in two variants: 12GB+256GB and 12GB+512GB. These variants are now priced at Rs 84,999 and Rs 1,04,999, marking increases of Rs 4,000 and Rs 12,000 respectively. This price change is effective from August 19, 2026, for this powerful device. The S25 5G features a 6.2-inch display and a Snapdragon 8 Elite SoC.

🔬 SC rules: Police can't lead sex determination case probes

The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that police cannot normally investigate foetal sex determination offences under the PCPNDT Act. This decision was made by a bench comprising Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice NK Singh in New Delhi. The court emphasized that designated authorities under the law must take the lead in these sensitive cases. Police can only play a limited and supplementary role when called upon by the Appropriate Authority. This upholds the view that the PCPNDT Act deals with technical issues needing medical expertise. 🔬

⚠️ Four workers killed by express train in Tokyo

Four workers tragically died after being hit by a limited express train at Shin-Kanuma Station near Tokyo. The accident occurred around 10:46 local time while the crew was removing weeds from the tracks. Authorities reported that three workers were trapped under the train, and one was on the platform at the time. Train service on the Tobu Nikko Line has been suspended as an investigation is underway into the incident. This fatal event highlights safety concerns despite Japan's advanced railway system. 😔

🕵️ IT uncovers massive Rs 1.29 lakh crore overseas money trail

The Income Tax Department has uncovered a large overseas remittance network involving 6,422 new entities. This network collectively transferred Rs 1.29 lakh crore abroad, leading to action against 394 firms. Destinations like Singapore, UAE, Hong Kong, Mauritius, and China received 72.3% of the total funds. This probe is happening as the rupee faces significant pressure, prompting RBI dollar sales. Investigators are now examining the fund origins and transaction purposes as the probe continues.

🐉 Black Myth: Zhong Kui gameplay drops

Game Science has officially released 15 minutes of gameplay footage from Black Myth: Zhong Kui. This preview showcases the protagonist’s combat system and snippets of the game's narrative. The footage was captured from an early development build, meaning it is not the final version. The game is still in its early development stages, and no release date has been announced yet. The entire project draws inspiration from the Chinese folklore character Zhong Kui. 🐉

🔪 Two Class 10 Students Arrested in Principal's Murder

Two 16-year-old class 10 students were arrested in the murder of their school principal, Roopa Reddy, in Nalgonda district. The principal was found stabbed to death at her Kondamallepally house on August 11. After investigation, the police found the two students, JCL 1 and JCL 2, who had been seen acting suspiciously. A grudge developed after Roopa reprimanded JCL 1 for having cash and a phone at school. The students allegedly planned a robbery and stabbed her 27 times during the incident. 🔪

🇮🇳 India beats China in GDP growth rate post-Covid

India has surpassed China in GDP growth rate for the first time since the Covid period, showing accelerated growth while China has slowed down. This shift is evident as India's estimated FY 2025-26 growth is 7.7% versus China's 5%. This decade-long trend, starting around 2015, marks a major change in their economic relationship. However, growth rate doesn't mean size, as China's economy remains substantially larger in absolute terms. India must convert this faster growth into higher productivity to truly change the economic balance. 📈

👮 Bengal forms dedicated anti-terror and anti-narcotics forces

The West Bengal Cabinet approved the creation of a dedicated Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and an Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) on Thursday. These forces will operate under state police to tackle terrorism and drug trade in the state. The government sanctioned 461 regular posts for ATS, and 591 new posts for ANTF across four new stations. This move addresses concerns over organised crime and the increasing use of digital networks by criminal groups. The Adhikari government is expected to start recruitment and infrastructure development soon. 🚨