💰 Govt eyeing UPI fee changes to cut subsidy load

The government is considering a revival of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) fees for UPI transactions. This move is being discussed to alleviate the current financial burden on the public exchequer. Specifically, discussions involve implementing tiered incentives for merchants starting from a certain date. The context of this consideration is the substantial subsidy cost currently associated with the UPI system. Moving forward, the government plans to finalize these new fee structures after further review.

😥 Sushant's sister insists he was murdered 💔

Sushant Singh Rajput's sister, Shweta Singh Kirti, has reiterated her belief that the actor was murdered. She made these claims in a recent interview while in Mumbai regarding his death. The actor was found dead in his apartment on June 14, 2020, and she mentioned his distress after Disha Salian's passing. Shweta questioned the hurried post-mortem and the locked room, suggesting a cover-up was involved. Now, she wishes to focus on Sushant's legacy rather than seeking further closure from the CBI.

🚨 Instagram Scams Lead to Trafficking Bust in Delhi

Delhi Police dismantled a large human trafficking network operating across three states. The group lured minor girls using Instagram DMs with promises of high-paying jobs at spas and hotels. This operation began on May 9th after a complaint about a 15-year-old girl's disappearance. The investigation led to rescues in Mundra, Gujarat, and Ballia, Uttar Pradesh. In total, 10 minor girls were rescued, and six accused individuals were arrested.

🏏 India vs Afghanistan T20 series confirmed in September

BCCI and ACB have confirmed a three-match T20 International series between India and Afghanistan. The matches will be held at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium in Delhi from September 13th to 17th. This series is part of Afghanistan’s Future Tours Program, despite previous home fixtures for Afghanistan. BCCI President Mithun Manhas stressed commitment to supporting cricket growth in Afghanistan. The teams previously played an ODI series in June and a T20 series in January 2024. 🏏

🚨 Police visit to Das's home: routine drill, says police

CJP co-convenor Saurav Das alleged that Puducherry Police visited his family's residence and subjected them to questioning. This incident occurred at his family's home in Puducherry, drawing public attention. Das claimed this intimidation by the BJP-backed government happened ahead of Independence Day. The Puducherry Police officially stated the visit was part of a routine security drill for the upcoming holiday. They confirmed enquiries were being done in VIP frequented areas for security arrangements. 👮

🎣 Lankan Navy detains ten fishermen from Rameswaram

Ten fishermen originating from Rameswaram were detained by the Sri Lankan Navy on Wednesday night, August 12, 2026. They were subsequently transported to a port early on Thursday, August 13, 2026, facing poaching charges. Last week, eleven fishermen from various regions were also apprehended by the same naval personnel. Since 2018, the Sri Lankan Navy has arrested over 500 fishermen. Furthermore, approximately 200 trawlers have been impounded in their Naval Ports.

🌍 5.5 Magnitude Quake Hits Leh, Ladakh Early Morning

A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Leh, Ladakh early Thursday morning, according to the National Centre for Seismology. The tremor happened at approximately 6 AM at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres. The event was recorded on August 13, 2026, at 06:05:15 IST at coordinates 36.881 N, 74.402 E. Currently, there are no immediate reports of casualties or significant structural damage from the quake. Scientists note that shallow earthquakes can be more dangerous due to stronger ground shaking.

💻 Taiwan claims AI hacking attack last month

Taiwan reported being targeted by an AI-driven hacking campaign in the previous month. The attacks reportedly aimed at various governmental and private sector entities across the island. Specific details regarding the scale or exact date of the incidents were not disclosed in the initial report. This latest claim highlights growing cyber threats against Taiwan's critical infrastructure. Officials are currently investigating the vectors and potential origins of these sophisticated digital assaults. 💻

🤖 US Gov becomes biggest owner of Intel; what's next?

The US government became the largest single shareholder in Intel on August 22, 2025, by acquiring a 9.9% equity stake. This massive move placed the federal government in ownership of the $491.9 billion chip giant. The acquisition is part of a wider initiative where Washington is taking equity in 30 key companies. This signals a new approach to securing national technology infrastructure and domestic manufacturing. Moving forward, this ownership raises concerns about political interference versus supply chain benefits. 🤖

⚛️ Scientists claim discovery of mysterious glueball particle

Physicists are excited about a potential discovery of the glueball, an unusual particle outside the Standard Model. This was found by researchers at the Beijing Electron–Positron Collider II (BEPC II) using the Beijing Spectrometer III (BES III). The latest candidate, X(2370), was reported in a paper uploaded to ArXiv at the end of July. This finding confirms existing theories about the universe, as the particle is too short-lived for natural observation. Scientists are cautiously optimistic this result could lead to even newer physics discoveries. 🔬

✈️ IAF heroes behind Kargil's Operation Safed Sagar

A new series, Operation Safed Sagar: The Untold Story, brings the 1999 Kargil War to life. It focuses on the IAF's No 17 Squadron during the conflict, starring Siddharth and Jimmy Shergill. The series features real heroes like Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja and Wing Commander Birender Singh Dhanoa, with episodes released starting August 7, 2026. These pilots showcased incredible courage during high-altitude combat missions to turn the war's tide. The show honors their supreme sacrifice and tactical brilliance. 🫡