🛠️ GitHub outage knocks out Copilot for devs

GitHub experienced a major outage affecting thousands of users and causing significant productivity losses. The disruption started around 9:40 AM ET and impacted API requests, pull requests, and webhooks. On August 17, 2026, GitHub identified the problematic component and began corrective actions. The service was eventually reported as "operating normally" by 4:35 PM ET, signaling recovery. Developers are still being monitored as service is fully restored. 🛠️

⚖️ UP judge hands 22 death sentences in four months

A judge in Uttar Pradesh sentenced 22 people to death across 10 cases over four months. This happened in Muzaffarnagar, covering offences like kidnapping, murder, and robbery. These verdicts were delivered between April 6 and August 13, 2026. The judge, Ravi Kumar Diwakar, gained prior national attention for ordering the Gyanvapi survey in 2022. All death sentences require high court confirmation before execution. ⚖️

💥 Avengers: Doomsday pre-sales outpace Spider-Man

Avengers: Doomsday presales are reportedly leading Spider-Man: Brand New Day by a huge 65% in the first two days. This massive MCU film features the Avengers, Fantastic Four, and X-Men fighting Doctor Doom. Spider-Man: Brand New Day debuted with $360 million domestically, while Avengers: Doomsday releases on December 18, 2026. The early sales suggest Avengers: Doomsday could set a new domestic opening weekend record for the Avengers. This boost comes after Spider-Man's huge success, giving the franchise a big lift.

👀 Man City still eyeing Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez

Manchester City is still interested in Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez despite missing the initial transfer deadline. The Blues had set a £120m asking price for the Argentina international, giving City until 5pm last Friday to submit an offer. With the transfer window entering its final fortnight, City may face a higher fee if they pursue him before September 1. The situation is complicated by Fernandez facing boos from the Stamford Bridge crowd. City's interest is fueled by the potential departure of Rodri, who is heading to Barcelona.

📱 Poco and Oppo phones get a price bump in India

Poco X8 Pro Series and Oppo K13 Turbo Pro prices have increased in India by up to Rs 7,000. This price hike affects the Poco X8 Pro, Poco X8 Pro Max, and Oppo K13 Turbo Pro models listed on Flipkart. The increases range from Rs 4,000 for the Oppo K13 Turbo Pro to Rs 7,000 for the Poco X8 Pro variants. These changes are happening amid rising costs for memory and storage components in the tech industry. Consumers are advised to check current discounts before making a purchase. 📱

🚨 Jharkhand cancels JSSC-CGL exam amidst probe

Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL Exam on Monday, August 17, 2026. This decision was made during an emergency four-hour Cabinet meeting in Jharkhand. The cancellation also covers all exams conducted by TSR Data Processing Private Limited (TDPL) since 2014. An inquiry will be formed by senior IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal to address errors found during ongoing SIT and CID investigations. The government promises complete transparency while addressing student concerns over alleged irregularities.

🏛️ TVK Finance Minister separates party from DMK

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister N Marie Wilson rejected BJP's 'new DMK' jab, clearly separating TVK from the rival party. He revealed that nearly Rs 23,000 crore in tenders were cancelled at Chennai Corporation due to alleged overestimation and lobbying. This action shows the TVK government is tightening scrutiny across three identified departments. Wilson emphasized that TVK does not follow the DMK's model of family politics, maintaining a secular stance. The government is also driving towards a Rs 1.5 trillion economy target with significant investment momentum. 📈

🚀 Apple might make Fitness+ live

Apple is reportedly considering a major upgrade to its Fitness+ subscription service to include live sessions. This shift involves hiring a studio producer for the service, as detailed in a job listing posted on July 24th. The listing mentions live content at least 11 times, signaling a potential content change. Currently, all Fitness+ sessions are pre-recorded, so this move would be a significant departure from the status quo. The company might use 'live-to-tape' methods to simulate live events and boost community feel.

🪐 Giant planet GJ 523b is massive but not super wide

Astronomers have identified a mega-Earth named GJ 523b, which possesses an immense gravitational pull. This exoplanet is located in the vicinity of its host star, making it a significant celestial object. GJ 523b is recorded as being 23 times more massive than Earth but only 2.5 times its diameter. This unique size ratio suggests a dense composition unlike typical gas giants. Further observations will help scientists better understand the planet's internal structure and formation. 🪐

😠 BJP MP slams 'intellectual Naxals'

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Brij Lal spoke out against 'dimagi Naxals' in a video shared on Monday, August 17, 2026. He stated these individuals pose a greater threat than forest extremists by using their intellect in urban settings. These actors, disguised as professors or writers, spread a violent ideology to young people. Mr. Lal claimed their main goal is undermining trust in India's democratic institutions. The Congress sharply criticized the remarks, warning that intellectuals might be targeted by the BJP. 😠

🏞️ Beckhams win planning battle for lake features

David and Victoria Beckham secured planning permission for 'Blackpool-style' lake illuminations, a hot tub, and a firepit at their £6.15 million Cotswolds home. This approval came despite objections from James Worthington, a critic based in Perth, Western Australia. The council granted the permissions even though the couple had previously installed a hot tub and firepit without official consent. Furthermore, they received approval to use non-motorised boats on the lake, which covers about 4,170 square metres. The approval included conditions, such as a ban on motorised boats and restrictions on firepit use during nesting season. 🏕️