📈 India Inc can drive global growth, says Birla

Kumar Mangalam Birla stated that the global economy has developed stronger resilience amidst recent stresses like wars and pandemics. Speaking at the ET World Leaders Forum 2026 in New Delhi, he noted geopolitics remains the biggest source of global stress. Birla rejected the China+1 strategy, urging India Inc to adopt a 'World+1' model for growth. His group is currently investing $30 billion across sectors like metals and renewables. He expressed high conviction in India's potential to be a worldwide growth engine.

🏫 Rajasthan Govt Admits 611 Schools Are Unbuilt

The Rajasthan government has admitted that 611 schools lack proper buildings across the state. This admission comes amid ongoing inspections by the Central Juvenile Justice Board (CJP). The figure of 611 schools without infrastructure was disclosed during recent reviews. This situation raises serious concerns about the quality of education provided in affected areas. Officials are now expected to detail the plan to address these infrastructural deficits soon.

💥 Russian drone strike kills 16 in Ukraine shopping centre 💔

Russian drones hit a busy shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine on Friday, August 22, 2026, resulting in 16 fatalities. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the attack as "cynical and despicable," which is his hometown. Initially reported as 15 dead, the death toll rose to 16 after a second drone strike hit the roof. This incident comes as Russia intensifies bombings, and allies are meeting to reaffirm support for Kyiv. Zelenskyy urged the world to apply real pressure on Russia for peace.

🇧🇩 Bangladesh PM's India trip plans fall through

Plans for Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman's early visit to India recently fell through, despite ongoing talks between the two nations. The potential visit, which was slated for August 23-24, was seen as crucial for normalizing relations following the August 2024 political upheaval. Back channel contacts are now exploring a possible visit later in August or possibly during the Brics Summit in September 12-13. India has extended an invitation, but the final decision rests with the Bangladeshi side to move forward. This diplomatic effort aims to ease tensions stemming from the ouster of Sheikh Hasina's government. 🤝

🤖 AI is leveling up rural road checks in India

The Centre plans to integrate Artificial Intelligence into e-MARG for assessing rural road conditions. This initiative involves officials in New Delhi, where AI will analyze GPS-enabled dashcam footage. The system will classify road stretches as “good,” “fair,” or “poor,” initially running parallel to human checks. This shift aims to boost transparency and sustainable asset management under PMGSY. The goal is to monitor roads more regularly, reducing costs and improving rural connectivity. 🛣️

✈️ US Navy flyover in Taiwan Strait ahead of big talks

A US Navy aircraft recently transited the Taiwan Strait. This movement occurred near the region where a planned meeting between Xi and Trump was scheduled. The transit took place before the supposed high-level talks were set to happen. This action has raised tensions between the US and China over regional dominance. The diplomatic situation remains highly sensitive moving forward. ✈️

🗳️ Progressive wins despite pro-Israel spending spree

California State Senator Aisha Wahab won a special election to replace former Congressman Eric Swalwell. The victory took place in California's 14th congressional district, following Swalwell's resignation in April. Despite attack ads funded by pro-Israel groups spending nearly $4.4 million, Wahab won the primary with over 42% of the vote. This win tests the influence of the pro-Israel lobby amid global tensions surrounding Gaza. Wahab will now serve the remainder of the term and face her rival in November. 🗳️

🏚️ Sinking City 2: Lovecraft meets Resident Evil 🌊

The Sinking City 2 blends Lovecraftian horror with Resident Evil vibes in its narrative. Players control Calvin Rafferty in the detailed 1920s city of Arkham, Massachusetts, in 1929. The game features cosmic horror revolving around an expedition to Lovecraft's Dreamlands. The setting is gorgeously damp and decrepit, offering distinct locales across its chapters. Overall, it's a strong survival horror experience despite some mechanical similarities to modern RE games.

🌍 Guyana's ambassador leads informal UN leader race

Guyana's Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett emerged as the frontrunner in the second non-binding straw poll for the next UN secretary-general. This poll took place in the United Nations Security Council, with Ambassador Markus Lassen confirming the vote's conclusion. Rodrigues Birkett secured eight 'encourage' votes, closely followed by Rebeca Grynspan and Rafael Grossi, who each garnered seven votes. The current Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, will depart at the end of December, marking the end of his second five-year term. These informal polls aim to narrow the field before a formal recommendation goes to the UNGA for ratification.

📣 Protest demands economic basis for quotas, not caste

A group from an upper-caste background and several youths protested at Jantar Mantar on Friday. They strongly argued that reservation policies must be linked to economic status rather than caste identity. The demonstrators also called for the repeal of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. They warned that the agitation could grow larger if the government does not respond to their demands. The Delhi Police maintained a large security presence throughout the peaceful demonstration.

🚢 Madras's masula boatmen kept the city running

Masula boatmen were crucial for Madras's trade by ferrying passengers and goods from anchored ships to the shore. They operated in areas like Maquaskuppam before a proper harbor was established. These boatmen charged high rates and went on strike when the government tried to regulate them. A harbor construction finally began in 1875 but faced numerous setbacks. By the late 1890s, the new harbor was operational, marking the end of the boatmen's era. 🚢