🛡️ DPDP Act deadline: No extensions for startups

MeitY Secretary S Krishnan announced that the implementation timelines for the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023, will not be extended. This statement was made during a consultation organized by Startup Policy Forum (SPF) in Bengaluru. The framework is designed around principles, allowing companies flexibility based on data processing risks. Startups raised concerns regarding consent fatigue and AI training data usage. SPF will now collate these issues to discuss with MeitY moving forward. 🚀

🚨 Delhi Bomb Threats Ahead of Independence Day

Several bomb threats have been reported across Delhi in the run-up to Independence Day celebrations. The threats specifically targeted major locations like the IGI Airport and the Red Fort. Reports indicate the threats were received leading up to August 15th. Authorities are currently investigating the source and nature of these communications. Security has been heightened across the city to ensure a safe celebration. 🚨

🏛️ Shakespeare's home almost went to a theme park

Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon was nearly shipped to the US in 1847 by a showman. The Shakespeare Trust, with support from figures like Charles Dickens, stepped in to buy the property. The house was put up for auction on September 16, 1846, with an initial high bid of £2,100. The Committee ultimately raised £3,000 to save the relic from being turned into an attraction. Today, the house operates as a popular public museum and literary landmark. 📚

📈 Euro area GDP and jobs see slight bump

The euro area's seasonally adjusted GDP grew by 0.4% in the second quarter of 2026, while employment also increased by 0.1%. This data comes from a flash estimate released by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. Year-on-year, GDP rose by 1.0% in the euro area during this period. The previous quarter saw stable GDP in the euro area and a 0.1% rise in the EU. Moving forward, the Eurozone's economic momentum will be closely watched by analysts. 📈

😠 Controversy over insults to Netaji in Bengal

The West Bengal government withdrew the Banga Bibhusan honour from Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy on August 13. Roy, a BJP-backed MP from Cooch Behar, made derogatory remarks calling Netaji a “war criminal” recently. These comments, which questioned the Azad Hind Fauj's role, sparked major political backlash across West Bengal. Opposition parties and Netaji loyalists have protested, while the police have registered an FIR against Roy. The state government is also taking steps to honor Netaji further across constituencies. 😠

🌙 Greece opens 126 sites for free under the full moon

Greece is hosting a massive free night-out across 126 ancient sites coinciding with the August full moon. Visitors can explore everything from temples to Minoan palaces on Friday, August 28th, from around 7:30 pm until midnight. Highlights include Delphi and Ancient Olympia, while the Acropolis Museum stays open until midnight. Lesser-known spots like Dodona and Malia on Crete also feature in the nighttime events. This massive cultural night lets people experience history in a unique, illuminated setting. ✨

🌍 Teen refugees hit by another quake in Colombia

Teens who fled Venezuela after deadly earthquakes were caught in another disaster in Colombia. Deivi and Winder moved to Cali, Colombia, after the twin quakes hit La Guaira, Venezuela, on June 24th. The Venezuelan quakes killed over 6,300 people, while the recent Colombian quake registered a magnitude of 7.4. The brothers hope for a life of hard work and study in their new home. However, they experienced the familiar ground shaking just as they settled in. 💔

📈 MF-backed stocks saw major gains in mid-2026

Fifteen stocks held by over 100 mutual funds saw massive surges between July and early August 2026. This trend was observed across 280 stocks that received broad institutional interest in July 2026. Specifically, these 15 stocks registered gains from 50% up to 131% in the first seven and a half months of CY26. For instance, Welspun Corp hit a 132% rally while Apar Industries gained 106% based on July 2026 data. Investors are watching these high-momentum stocks as some have already become multibaggers in CY26. 📈

🛡️ SAD Chief Sukhbir Badal speaks up after Nanded attack

SAD Chief Sukhbir Singh Badal addressed reporters after an attack in Nanded, stating he is not afraid. The 64-year-old leader was treated in a hospital in Maharashtra following the incident. The attack occurred on Friday, August 13, 2026, and his right hand is in a cast. Badal believes certain forces oppose peace in Punjab and the country, viewing SAD as an obstacle. The motive remains unclear, but sources point to the drug issue handling by the former Punjab government. 😥

💡 Reed Hastings on letting go of Netflix CEOs

Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings stopped calling CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters about business matters after his exit. This happened because he observed that the two CEOs had fully absorbed his thinking. Specifically, when Netflix rejected the Warner Bros. Discovery deal this year, Hastings was not in the decision-making room. He believes they can easily mimic his ideas and should start making their own independent mistakes. This shift marks his move from being a 'parent' to a 'godparent' of the company. 🚀

⚽ TATA Steel sells Jamshedpur FC to Churchill Brothers

TATA Steel has approved the sale of its entire stake in Jamshedpur FC to Goa's Churchill Brothers Sports Club Private Limited. This transfer involves all 4.08 crore equity shares held by the steel major in its subsidiary. The deal, approved on Friday, is expected to finalize by August 31, pending AIFF clearance. Churchill Brothers will also take over the contracts for Jamshedpur FC’s 12 players and two coaches starting September 2026. This move ends TATA Steel's direct ownership but maintains its focus on grassroots football development.