😈 Fake CAPTCHA malware shuts down endpoint security

Hackers are deploying malware by tricking users into running a malicious PowerShell command via fake CAPTCHA pages. This attack chain uses the ErrTraffic platform, delivered through compromised WordPress sites, as seen in late July 2026. The malware, Cruciferra, can terminate 145 AV and EDR processes, including Microsoft Defender, using a BYOVD technique. This method bypasses traditional download filters by relying on social engineering to execute the payload. Defenders must treat these fake verification pages as malicious by default to counter this threat. 🛡️

😠 Telangana cop relieved after throttling students in protest

A Circle Inspector in Mahabubabad was relieved of duty after a video surfaced showing him grabbing protesting polytechnic students by their throats. The officer, Raghupathi Reddy, was suspended by SP P Shabarish following the incident at the Mahabubabad District Collectorate on August 19. The action followed viral visuals of the CI using excessive force against at least two students during a demonstration. Students were protesting the Telangana government's decision to merge polytechnic education with YISU under GO 97. A DSP-rank officer will now conduct an inquiry into the highly publicized confrontation. 😠

🔬 Science Education Conference: Free Perks

A national conference focused on science education is being organized for enthusiasts. The event is taking place at a major venue, bringing together educators and researchers. Registration is free, and participants will also receive coverage for travel and accommodation. This initiative aims to boost the quality and reach of science learning across the nation. Further details about the schedule and speakers will be announced soon.

🏸 Delhi stadium level up after India Open drama

The IGI Stadium is now receiving praise from BWF chief Thomas Lund and players during the BWF World Championships. This is a major contrast to the India Open, which was marred by birds and a monkey in Delhi. Following the January event, significant upgrades were made, including an anti-toxic gel system for birds and better hygiene. Players have noted the venue is world-class, and female players appreciate the added sanitary product availability. These improvements show a real turnaround from the earlier complaints.

🎬 Ranveer's dad files plea in 'Don 3' row

Jagjit Singh Bhavnani, Ranveer Singh's father, has submitted a plea to IMPPA regarding the 'Don 3' dispute. This action is against Excel Entertainment's claim of Rs 45 crore concerning the actor's reported exit from the film. The IMPPA legal team will now review the documents and proofs provided by the father before making a decision. The initial row began after Ranveer's exit, causing a financial setback for producers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. Despite industry interventions, the financial dispute remains unresolved as Ranveer moves to his next project, 'Pralay'.

💰 18-year-old flips junk into $135k business

Michael Haskell turned abandoned storage unit contents into a successful business, generating about $135,000 in 2025. He operates across the New York tri-state area, buying units without knowing the inventory beforehand. Starting with a $10 unit in early 2024, he found items like a $40 canister. A $450 unit containing Man Ray and Walt Kuhn works eventually sold for $36,000. He now manages this venture alongside school, dedicating 20-25 hours weekly to sorting and listing items. 🧐

🎮 GTA 6 leaks continue with new gameplay footage

A hacker group named "CyberLeek" is posting daily leaks of footage and assets from a build of GTA 6. This group is operating from an unclear location and has been active since earlier this week. The leaked material includes gameplay mechanics, a full game map, and new clips from yesterday and today. CyberLeek is demanding Rockstar rethink its all-digital strategy for GTA 6. The latest leaks surface just a week before the Netflix gameplay look premieres on August 27. 🎮

🚢 US secretly keeps oil flowing through Hormuz Strait

The US military is secretly guiding commercial tankers through a southern channel of the Strait of Hormuz despite Iran's closures. This operation is being managed by US forces and Gulf partners, coordinating daily convoys. Over the past two weeks, 15–20 tankers have moved nightly, carrying close to 10 million barrels of oil daily. This crucial channel helps ease pressure on global oil supplies amid the ongoing conflict. US Air Force jets are also providing protection against Iranian drones and missiles. 🚢

🔬 Cabin crew at higher risk than nuclear techs?

A new study analyzed over 12.7 million death records spanning 2020 to 2024 across 500 occupations. It found that cabin crew experienced a higher proportion of radiation-related cancers than nuclear technologists. For cabin crew, about 6.9% of deaths were linked to these specific cancers, while pilots showed 6.7%. This risk comes from cosmic radiation exposure at high altitudes, not the aircraft itself. Cumulative exposure over many years is what drives the increased risk for these professions. ✈️

👶 MLA brings newborn to TN Assembly, faces trolls

TVK MLA R Pallavi brought her newborn to the ongoing Tamil Nadu Assembly session, sparking some controversy. She managed this while attending proceedings at the Tamil Nadu Assembly premises on Tuesday. She was elected from Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar segment in Chennai during the April 2026 Assembly polls. When criticized for 'creating a scene,' she stated she couldn't leave her newborn at home. The current Assembly session is scheduled to run until September 8.

⚖️ Jharkhand HC stays JPSC exam appointment cancellations

The Jharkhand High Court stayed the State government's order canceling appointments made through the 11th to 13th JPSC exams on Thursday, August 20, 2026. This stay also covered the cancellation of food safety officer appointments, which the government announced on August 18, 2026. The court emphasized natural justice, noting the CID is already investigating the matter. Petitioners argued that no FIR or departmental action had been taken against the recruits. The next hearing date set by the court is September 15, as the State must furnish its reply. ⚖️