🏏 India set to join elite 600+ Test nations

India is set to become the third team globally to reach 600 Test matches in cricket. This milestone will be achieved during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, marking India's 600th match. The series kicks off on August 15th, with the second Test scheduled from August 23 to 27 in Colombo. This achievement puts India alongside England and Australia in the history books. The team is playing these matches while aiming to keep their World Test Championship hopes alive. 🏏

🏃‍♂️ Avinash Wadhawan on early bond with Akshay Kumar

Actor Avinash Wadhawan recalled his early days with Akshay Kumar while they were aspiring actors in Mumbai. They shared resources like bikes and jackets during their struggling phase in Lokhandwala. Wadhawan noted Akshay's intense discipline, mentioning he would run in Ooty at 6 am despite a 9 am call time. Their bond grew from shared struggles but they eventually drifted apart due to different career paths. They last spoke on the phone about five or six years ago, and are no longer in touch. 🏃‍♂️

🐪 Singing to reunite camel mothers in the Gobi

A centuries-old tradition called Khööslökh involves herders singing to mother camels who reject their newborns. This practice occurs in the Gobi Desert, where families rely heavily on camels for their livelihood. The ritual has been maintained for generations, and it was recognized by UNESCO. It highlights how animals, like people, respond to emotion conveyed through sound. This gentle method preserves both animal life and vital cultural heritage. 🐪

💧 Kerala flood relief drive kicks off in Trichy

A campaign named “Trichy 4 Keralam” was launched by city organizations to aid over 7,000 people affected by floods in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. Collection points for essentials like rice, groceries, and clothes are set up across various locations in the city. Donations can be accepted until 5 p.m. on August 9th for the relief effort. This campaign aims to support those sheltered in camps at places like Kozhenchery, Konni, and Thiruvalla. Further information regarding this assistance can be obtained from Manoj Dharmar.

🏛️ Rajya Sabha Chairman tells government to heed opposition

The Rajya Sabha Chairman, C.P. Radhakrishnan, directed Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju to convey the Opposition's sentiments to Home Minister Amit Shah. This occurred during the Monsoon Session, which had seen constant disruptions, especially during Question Hour. Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge demanded the Home Minister's presence to discuss genuine national issues. Radhakrishnan urged Rijiju to reflect these sentiments despite Treasury Bench objections. Kharge later claimed the government was causing the disruption, suggesting the Home Minister was either uninterested or afraid. 😟

🚨 16-year-old held captive by Instagram friend in Nagpur

A 16-year-old girl was held captive and sexually abused by a youth she befriended on Instagram. The accused, Nirbhay Pakhare from Thane, was apprehended in Dighori area, Nagpur. The incident occurred after the girl went missing on August 2, 2026, and police rescued her on August 3, 2026. Pakhare used a fake Instagram account to blackmail her with private photos, leading to the abuse. A case has been registered under the POCSO Act and kidnapping, and he is in police custody. 💔

😠 Actress Rupali Ganguly's controversial tweet about PM Modi

Actress Rupali Ganguly made a controversial remark on social media after seeing a video of a minor allegedly using abusive language against PM Narendra Modi. She reacted to the post by writing, "I really wish he was a dictator!!!". This statement has sparked a debate across social media platforms following the August 4, 2026 post. Rupali Ganguly, who is currently in Anupamaa, previously addressed protests in New Delhi regarding student movements. She urged peaceful action while making the strong comment regarding the PM's insult. 😠

🚢 Indian sailors facing danger in Middle East conflict

Ten Indian sailors have been killed in the Middle East due to the ongoing war in the region. These seafarers are civilian workers involved in global trade, operating in dangerous waters like the Strait of Hormuz. As of August 4, 3,972 Indian seafarers had been repatriated from the Gulf region. This conflict has turned sea routes into battlegrounds, putting hundreds of sailors at risk. The Federation of Seafarers' Unions of India is now calling for Navy assets to protect Indian-flagged ships. ⚓

✈️ India's first woman 'Top Gun' pilot makes history

Squadron Leader Bhawana Kanth has become the first woman pilot to clear the prestigious Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) course at TACDE in Gwalior. She joined the IAF in June 2016 as one of the first three women fighter pilots, alongside Avani Chaturvedi and Mohana Singh. This demanding 20-week programme selects only a handful of IAF officers for advanced combat tactics training. This achievement follows other milestones like Saanya becoming the first woman QFI earlier this year. TACDE functions as the IAF's premier institution for advanced operational edge development. 🚀

🗣️ Rahul Gandhi ignores venue ban in Prayagraj

Rahul Gandhi stated that the BJP government cannot stop him from addressing students in Prayagraj. This was after the venue provider withdrew permission for his 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event in Prayagraj. The event was scheduled for August 8, and the withdrawal came from Kayastha Pathshala Trust. Gandhi alleged that the administration was suppressing youth voices against fee hikes and seat cuts. He asserted that he stands with the students regardless of government attempts to stop the programme. ✊

😠 Gig workers threaten strike in Hyderabad from Aug 8

Cabbies and gig workers have threatened an indefinite strike starting on Saturday, August 8, 2026. This action was called by various unions, including TGPWU, in Hyderabad. Their key demands involve notifying minimum base, per kilometre, and per minute fares. Furthermore, they insist the government notify the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Rules. Officials confirmed the draft rules are in the final stages, hoping for quick approval. 🚦