💣 Houthis claim strikes on Saudi airport and Aramco site

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed they successfully hit an airport and an Aramco facility in Saudi Arabia's southern Najran region. Military spokesman Yahya Saree confirmed these two drone operations took place on Thursday near the Yemeni border. This escalating conflict follows the Houthi upending of a 2022 truce with the Saudi-backed government in July. The rebels are also reportedly planning to seize land along the Bab al-Mandab Strait for further threats. Hostilities reignited last month after the Houthis welcomed an Iranian plane in Sanaa.

🏙️ BMC launches Gen Z Fellowship with Rs 61,500 stipend

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched a Gen Z Fellowship Programme to engage youth with civic governance. This initiative targets young professionals in Mumbai, aiming to provide them practical exposure to municipal administration. The fellowship has 50 seats available and will run for a period of 12 months, offering a stipend of Rs 61,500. This program encourages fellows to contribute ideas and develop leadership skills while understanding city policy implementation. Interested graduates can apply by August 31st, paying a Rs 500 application fee. 🏙️

🕊️ Marine crew member's remains set to arrive in Kasaragod

The mortal remains of Akhil Joyan, a marine crew member killed in a Russian attack on a vessel in Ukrainian waters, are scheduled to reach Kasaragod on August 24. The body will travel by road from Ukraine to Chisinau, Moldova, before flying to Mangaluru via Istanbul on August 23. This repatriation followed efforts by Kasaragod MP Rajmohan Unnithan, who approached the Minister for External Affairs. Kasaragod District Collector Arjun Pandian assured the family that the district administration would coordinate all necessary procedures. Local representatives and ministers also visited the family to support during this time.

⚽ Brazilian Team Worries Over Pitch Conditions

The Brazilian national team has raised significant concerns regarding the condition of the pitch during a recent inspection. The team, including star player Vinicius Jr, visited Kolkata to assess the playing surface. Specific details about the exact dates or injury statistics were not provided in the inspection report. These concerns highlight potential risks to the players' health while they prepare for upcoming matches. Further assessments and potential adjustments to training protocols are expected following these findings. ⚽

🎶 Kolalu Dot Comedy hits Hubballi stage tomorrow

Flautist Praveen Godkhindi’s musical play, Kolalu Dot Comedy, is set to be staged at Sawai Gandharva Hall in Hubballi on Saturday. The production is being organized by Kshamata Seva Samsthe, promoted by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, in memory of late Yashwant Sardeshpande. This 90-minute show blends Hindustani classical music with humor, featuring leads Dr. Godkhindi and Ravi Kulkarni. The event, starting at 6 p.m., offers free entry for music and theatre lovers. Following the play, there will be an interaction and a live flute performance by Dr. Godkhindi. 🎭

⚖️ SC to decide on 3-year practice rule for judges

The Supreme Court is set to announce its judgment on review petitions challenging the mandatory three-year practice rule for direct recruitment as Civil Judges. This hearing involved Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices August George Masih and K Vinod Chandran in a case heard in Delhi. The judgment, which will be pronounced by Justice Chandran, was reserved for July 28, addressing petitions from May 2025. Opponents argued the rule discourages graduates and suggested focusing on post-recruitment training instead. The Court also considered a petition seeking rule relaxation for persons with disabilities. ⚖️

🔥 Kangana slams Sharmila Tagore's Vande Mataram views

Sharmila Tagore stated that reciting Vande Mataram is hard for those who believe in one God, suggesting only the first two stanzas should be sung. Actor Kangana Ranaut reacted strongly to these remarks, calling them 'limiting and contrived' on Thursday evening. She argued that poetry uses metaphors and urged people to move beyond a Hindu-Muslim mindset. This followed Congress deciding to adhere to its 1937 resolution regarding the national song. Ranaut emphasized the spirit of freedom struggle embedded in the anthem. 🎤

💘 Nayanthara and Kavin's romance 'Hi' trailer drops

The trailer for the romance drama 'Hi' has been released, showcasing an unusual love story between Nayanthara and Kavin. The film is directed by Vishnu Edavan and is scheduled to hit big screens on August 28th. Kavin's character, Mayilsamy, meets Nayanthara's character, Devayani, but faces rejection due to her unconventional nature. They are unexpectedly forced into marriage despite Mayilsamy's one-sided affection. The film explores what happens after their marriage and if he finds his true love.

🕊️ Khan's aide says he won't clash with Army chief if free

A close aide stated that jailed former PM Imran Khan would not confront Army chief Asim Munir upon release. This comment came after Pakistan's Supreme Court ordered Khan, 73, to be moved to a private hospital within 48 hours on Tuesday. PTI supporters had long protested Munir over Khan's 2023 imprisonment. The aide suggested Khan would be magnanimous and avoid clashing with the establishment. Analysts see this as a potential sign of easing tensions between the military and PTI. 🤝

😔 Actor regrets Pulikali remarks, calls words immature

Actor V.K. Sreeraman has expressed deep regret over his controversial comments regarding the traditional Pulikali performance. This happened after his remarks caused distress to artistes and others in Thrissur. The apology follows a backlash after his initial post called Pulikali an 'artistic distortion' on August 20, 2026. He now acknowledges his expression lacked maturity and was inappropriate in its choice of words. Sreeraman hopes artistes and organisers will enhance the aesthetic beauty of the dance form moving forward. 🙏

🔬 SVU launches Bioenergy Innovations Centre of Excellence

Sri Venkateswara University inaugurated a new Centre of Excellence in Bioenergy Innovations on Thursday. The launch took place at the SVU campus in Tirupati, with Vice-Chancellor Tata Narasinga Rao present. This centre, supported by RUSA Phase 2.0, received scientific equipment worth ₹1.20 crore. It will boost research in clean energy, biofuels, and the circular bioeconomy. The centre adds a unique BET surface area analyser facility to Andhra Pradesh universities. 🔬