🧐 Exam body overhauls with 600 experts removed

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is undergoing major reforms to boost public trust in national exams. Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi ordered the removal of 600 experts and the introduction of a four-tier checking system. These changes come after controversies like the NEET-UG 2024 paper leak, which led to a CBI probe. Additionally, 20-25 officials will be inducted in the next two to three weeks, and offices will move to reinforced premises. These steps aim to create a more secure testing environment for millions of aspirants. 🧐

🗣️ Dhruv Vikram addresses personal life scrutiny

Dhruv Vikram has spoken out about the intense scrutiny surrounding his personal life. This discussion came after actress Anupama Parameswaran made viral comments about narcissism in her past relationship. Vikram shared at the India Today Tamil Roundtable that anchoring oneself in reality is key to handling such attention. He mentioned that he prefers staying off social media despite enjoying creating videos and edits. The actor stated that when one is aligned with the truth, public scrutiny has limited reach. 🎬

✅ Kerala CM shuts down Onam kit irregularity claims

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has strongly denied reports suggesting irregularities in the distribution of free Onam kits. He stated that 75,885 ration cardholders have already received their kits as of Tuesday. The government prepared 6,02,609 kits, and 3,06,092 kits have been delivered to ration shops so far. Satheesan dismissed claims of delays, asserting the distribution is running exactly on schedule. Furthermore, ten essential items are available at subsidized rates through Supplyco outlets. 🥳

🕵️‍♀️ Writing quirks in ransom notes could help find Nancy Guthrie

Investigators are looking at writing quirks from two ransom notes connected to Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. The notes were found in Tucson, Arizona, following her abduction from her home near the KVOA newsroom on February 1, 2026. These notes, released in July, show consistent use of 'comma splices' and unusual compound words. A retired investigator believes these linguistic patterns, or idiolect, could help identify the author. Law enforcement is now asking the public to spot similar writing styles in other communications. 🕵️‍♀️

🗺️ Activist wants old map for Karnataka-AP border

Mining activist Tapal Ganesh has asked the State government to drop the Survey of India strip map for the Karnataka-AP border. This request was made to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh on Monday, referencing the original 1896 notified forest map. Ganesh points out that the May 4, 2022 strip map lacks village boundaries present in the 1896 records. He urges adherence to the position taken in a 2011 Supreme Court affidavit concerning the boundary demarcation. Furthermore, he seeks recovery of ₹884 crore lost due to illegal mining by Obulapuram Mining Company. 🗺️

🎬 Shubhra Shetty on parents' take on her dating Anurag Kashyap

Shubhra Shetty shared that her parents had strong opinions about her relationship with Anurag Kashyap. Her mother reportedly called him a 'bakra' and thought he was like a henpecked husband. They met him themselves, and Shubhra did not need to convince them of the romance. They bonded over things like books and films during his pre-Bombay Velvet phase. The couple eventually had their relationship exposed by a journalist looking for a scoop.

🛡️ UAE warns after Iran fires missiles

The UAE's defense ministry confirmed detecting two ballistic missiles launched from Iran toward the Gulf nation on Tuesday. Both missiles landed in the water, with one falling inside UAE territorial waters. The country affirmed it is on high alert and ready to confront any threats to its sovereignty. These incidents occurred while talks between Iran and Oman continued regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE stressed its preparedness to deal with any potential security challenges in the region. 🛡️

⛽ Govt greenlights PNG connection boost scheme

The government has officially approved a new incentive scheme designed to significantly boost the connections for piped natural gas (PNG). This initiative targets residential and commercial consumers across various regions in India. The scheme details include subsidies and reduced connection fees starting from the next fiscal quarter, scheduled for Q3 2024. This move aims to increase the adoption of cleaner energy sources and reduce reliance on conventional fuels. Further guidelines and application processes are expected to be released by the relevant ministry shortly.

🏛️ Supreme Court approves two new Gauhati High Court judges

The Supreme Court Collegium approved the appointment of two individuals as Judges of the Gauhati High Court. Advocate Shri Nchumbemo Mozhui and Judicial Officer Smt. Helen Dawngliani were recommended for the positions. This decision was made during the Collegium's meeting held on August 18, 2026. The recommendations included one advocate and one judicial officer for the High Court. The final appointments depend on the Central Government issuing the required notification.

📚 Kejriwal hails national push for education reform

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal welcomed the ongoing nationwide discussion regarding education, stating it has transformed into a people's movement. He highlighted that his party's work in Delhi and Punjab significantly upgraded government schools' quality and facilities. These improvements have led to many parents switching their children from private to government institutions. Kejriwal made these remarks after Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains visited a government school to verify claims. He stressed that quality, free education is fundamental for any nation's progress.

🚨 Bengaluru woman, friend arrested in husband's murder

A woman named Harini and her friend Vinay Kumar were arrested in connection with the brutal killing of her husband and four-year-old son. The incident occurred at their home in Chikkabanavara on Monday morning, following suspicious deaths. Police confirmed the double murder was uncovered during an investigation registered after the event. The wife initially lied to investigators but later confessed to smothering both Abhinandan and his son. Further investigation is currently underway regarding this tragic case. 😥