🛡️ India bans imports on 405 defense items for self-reliance

India has imposed a phased ban on the import of 405 defense items, including critical spares for various platforms. This move targets defense sectors across India, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities. The ban, part of the sixth positive indigenisation list, is expected to generate a domestic business opportunity worth ₹3,070 crore. These items range from air and armored platforms to missile systems, with timelines set until December 2029. The government aims to strengthen self-reliance and increase domestic production significantly.

🔫 GTA 6 leak brings back 6-star wanted system

GTA 6 is reportedly bringing back the 6-star wanted system, mirroring previous GTA titles. This information surfaced from leaked GTA 6 gameplay footage featuring Jason in a Vapid ’70 Ganado. The leaked video clearly shows six stars appearing after a civilian confrontation. New symbols below the stars suggest tracking for clothing, vehicles, and people damaged. While the footage might be from an early beta, the return of the 6-star system seems highly probable.

🔬 Basel researchers shake up coronin protein beliefs

Scientists at the University of Basel are challenging the long-held view that coronin proteins mainly regulate the cytoskeleton. These proteins are found across animals and are key in immunity and cell survival. A new study in PLOS Biology suggests coronins are largely dispensable for actin cytoskeleton organization. The research also found that molecular tagging can alter coronin function and noted antibody reliability issues. This could open new ways to understand coronin roles in cell signaling.

🏛️ Karnataka sets up committee to check new minimum wages

The Karnataka government formed a cabinet sub-committee to review the proposed minimum wage revision. This committee is headed by Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwar and will examine the May 22, 2026 notification. The group includes several ministers, like M.B. Patil and Santhosh Lad, and was decided on August 13. Labour unions are happy with the long-pending hike, but industries are worried about the steep increase. The sub-committee will ensure the revision aligns with the Code on Wages, 2019.

😠 Congress slams BJP over Uttarakhand 'purification' protest

Congress accused the BJP of being 'anti-Dalit' for blocking a resolution condemning a 'purification' ceremony. This incident occurred in the Legislative Assembly at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Tuesday. The protest refusal was related to a ritual at Haldwani, Uttarakhand, two days after Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a rally on August 8. Congress members demanded a unanimous resolution against the discrimination, while BJP members continued their protests. The ruling party argued that BJP's stance was the real anti-Dalit action against Kharge. 😠

🚜 Demand to Boost SC/ST in Cooperative Sector

Legislative Council member K. Shivakumar urged the government to boost the participation of SC/ST members in the cooperative sector. He spoke in the Legislative Council on Tuesday, asking for more loans and job opportunities for these communities. Out of 11,357 societies, only ₹3,094 crore was disbursed to SC/ST farmers against a planned ₹5,980 crore. Shivakumar demanded strict action against rule violators regarding membership. Cooperation Minister Lakshman Savadi assured that steps would be taken according to the rules.

🎭 Kutiyattam festival starts on August 19

The 17th edition of the Kutiyattam festival is set to commence on August 19. Nepathya is organizing this event at its Koothambalam venue. The festival will run from August 19 to 24, and then again from August 27 to September 3. This year's showcase will include two full classical dramatic interpretations and specific acts from Bhasa’s and Shakthbhadra’s works. The opening ceremony is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19.

🕷️ Spider-Man: Brand New Day hits $800M domestic record

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has become the fastest movie to cross the $800M domestic box office mark. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film achieved this feat in a record 19 days. This makes it the fourth movie to reach this milestone, and the second for Zendaya and third for Tom Holland. The movie is currently expected to bring in around $9M on its third Tuesday. It is projected to lead the upcoming weekend's box office with an estimated $35M hold. 🕷️

⚖️ US sanctions ICC President over Israel, Afghanistan probes

The United States imposed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane and trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye on August 18. This action targets officials involved in investigating leaders whose governments do not accept the court's jurisdiction. The sanctions, under a Trump executive order, can freeze US assets and restrict financial access. This escalates the US campaign against the ICC's investigations into Israel and Afghanistan. The ICC strongly rejected the move, arguing it undermines the rule of law. ⚖️

🇮🇳 Congress vs BJP over Vande Mataram song debate

Mallikarjun Kharge challenged the BJP by stating that Congress will stick to only two stanzas of Vande Mataram despite the new law. This exchange happened in the context of BJP objections to Kharge's rendition in Goa. The law mandates singing all six stanzas, which was passed in the Parliament's monsoon session. BJP claims Congress limited the song due to Muslim League pressure, while Kharge questioned BJP's authority. The Congress Working Committee will decide the party's final stance on the issue soon. 🇮🇳

🔥 GTA 6 leaks get DMCA strikes, legitimacy questioned

A series of GTA 6 gameplay and map leaks have prompted DMCA takedown notices from Rockstar Games. The leaks feature Jason playing basketball and driving around Leonida streets, alongside a map of five counties. These incidents occurred while gamers await the August 27th Netflix Extended Look. The swift action by Rockstar suggests the footage might be authentic, though it could be from an older build. Social media is currently seeing the removal of these circulating clips. 🧐