😠 German regulator cracks down on Apple's consent prompts

A German regulator accused Apple of designing data consent pop-ups in a way that favored its native applications. This scrutiny comes after Apple's App Tracking Transparency prompts caused social media apps to lose nearly $10 billion upon iOS 14.5 launch. The Bundeskartellamt noted the current design steers users away from third-party consent but towards Apple's apps. Apple has been given four months to revise the design and language of these prompts. These changes will apply in almost all European Union countries. 📱

🗳️ BJP swaps Surya for Joshi to connect with Gen Z

The BJP appointed Vadodara MP Hemang Joshi as the National President of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, replacing Lok Sabha MP Tejasvi Surya. This move happened today as political parties target the younger demographic across India. Joshi was elected as the Lok Sabha candidate from Vadodara in April 2024. The central leadership sought a well-educated, controversy-free young leader fitting Joshi's profile. Now, Joshi must strengthen the party's grassroots connection with Gen Z nationwide. 🤝

🌌 First feeding supermassive black holes spotted in Green Pea galaxy

Scientists have successfully identified the first pair of actively feeding supermassive black holes. These cosmic giants were discovered within a specific type of galaxy known as a Green Pea galaxy. The detection was made using observations collected on November 15, 2023. This finding significantly advances our understanding of early galaxy evolution and black hole activity. Future studies will aim to characterize these dual black holes further. 🌌

⚖️ SC slams black money in polls, sets deadlines

The Supreme Court issued directives to curb black money use in elections, noting it compromises democracy’s core essence. This happened on Monday, 17.08.2026, by a bench including Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh. The court set a one-year limit for black money investigations, referencing that only 42.9% of 3,87,430 FIRs from 2024 Lok Sabha elections yielded convictions. Cash seizures must now be reported to the DM within 24 hours, and high courts must designate special courts. Furthermore, prosecution withdrawal requires High Court approval during an election cycle. ⚖️

✈️ Bhogapuram airport kicks off with 52 flights

The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram started commercial operations on Monday. Developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited, it opened as a gateway for North Andhra Pradesh. On the first day, the airport handled 52 air traffic movements across domestic and international routes. This facility is built to be a major logistics hub with a 3,800 metre runway. Dedicated Aero Express e-buses are now running to connect the city to the new airport.

😠 4 SFI activists remanded over university V-C assault allegations

Four SFI activists were remanded to judicial custody following an alleged assault at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in Kalady. The arrested individuals, identified as Mebin Jose, Basil Scaria, Vijeesh, and Yadhu Krishnan, were linked to a protest where a symbolic funeral for V-C Ciza Thomas was supposedly staged. Two separate cases were filed on Thursday and Sunday, with the V-C's complaint leading to bookings against eighteen students and members. The FIR claims the accused manhandled, defamed the V-C, and damaged her car. The SFI has vowed to protest against this alleged targeted attack in the near future. 😠

🔪 Wife kills husband with axe over domestic fight

A 32-year-old man, Nagendra Kashappa Mudhol, was killed by his wife during a domestic dispute on Sunday. This incident occurred in Kodali village, Kalagi taluk of Kalaburagi district. The police registered a murder case against his wife, Sudharani Nagendra Mudhol, on August 17, 2026. Sources indicate Nagendra was an alcohol addict who frequently fought with family members. Sudharani surrendered after attacking him with an axe, and the police have started an investigation.

🧑‍🏫 Mega DSC process deemed transparent, Naidu challenges rivals

The state government defended the Mega DSC-2025 recruitment, stating the whole process was transparent and merit-based on August 17, 2026. Nara Lokesh made this statement in the State Legislative Assembly in Amaravati. The recruitment involved 16,347 teacher posts with 3,36,300 candidates applying, completed in 148 days. Measures like OTP authentication and CCTV were used to prevent malpractice during exams. Three more DSC recruitments, including 3,000 posts, are scheduled for this year. 🧑‍🏫

✨ Mega Starmie Raid Day is here in Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO is hosting an Ultra Unlock: Starmie Super Mega Raid Day on August 22, 2026, running from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time. This event features Mega Starmie debuts in Super Mega Raids, with bonuses like free Raid Passes and increased XP. For $4.99, players can get extra perks, including guaranteed Rare Candy XL from raids. Players must team up to defeat the Mega Starmie, which can become enraged and use shields. Completing Timed Research during this period offers rewards like a Premium Battle Pass.

🏃 Hyderabad Marathon set for Aug 29 & 30

Around 30,000 runners are expected to take part in the NMDC Hyderabad Marathon on August 29 and 30. Cyberabad Police, CMC officials, and organizers are managing traffic and safety arrangements for the event. The main event on August 30 starts at 4:30 a.m. and the Full Marathon covers 42 km. The marathon includes a 5K run on August 29 and various race categories. Staggered wave starts and 65 shuttle buses are planned for participant management. 🏃

🧬 Korea researchers build controllable gene switch 🧬

Researchers at Dongguk University in South Korea developed a new electromagnetic field (EMF) responsive gene switch for gene therapy. Led by Professor Jongpil Kim and Yerim Hwang, the study was published online on April 14, 2026, in the journal Cell. This switch allows fully reversible, safe, and precise control over gene expression using EMFs. Experiments on transgenic mice showed strong, localized GFP expression upon EMF exposure. The system proved highly tunable, returning to baseline within 24 hours when stimulation stopped.