⚖️ India starts trial against 26/11 accused abroad

India has initiated trial-in-absentia proceedings against six Pakistani nationals linked to the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. These accused include Hafiz Muhammad Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, residing in Pakistan. This landmark case invokes Section 356 of the BNSS, 2023, for the first time in such a major international terror case. The proceedings aim to hold foreign-sheltered fugitives accountable, bypassing old legal bottlenecks. The court can now proceed with evidence recording and a verdict despite the accused's absence. ⚖️

🛠️ VTU launching new tech hubs in Belagavi

Visvesvaraya Technological University is setting up a 'Reverse Engineering and AICTE IDEA Lab' on its Jnana Sangama campus. The centers will be inaugurated by T.G. Sitaram on August 19 at 10 a.m., alongside VTU officials. This Centre of Excellence was established by 'iValue', AICTE, and VTU to offer practical training. The lab will feature 3D printing machines and advanced design facilities for all engineering students. These resources aim to help students turn their concepts into real-world projects. 🛠️

💰 PM CARES Fund balance hits over 8,452 crore

The PM CARES Fund's total receipts reached Rs 8,452.95 crore in the financial year 2024-25. This fund was established in 2020 to handle emergency situations like the Covid pandemic. On March 31, the final balance was reported to be Rs 8,452 crore. While total receipts rose, domestic and foreign donations both saw a decrease during this period. Moving forward, interest from fixed deposits remains the fund's biggest income source.

🚔 David Warner fined for drink driving incident

Former Australian opener David Warner was fined AU$1,500 for drink-driving after an incident in Sydney. The offence occurred on Easter Sunday when Warner, who had consumed three glasses of wine, attempted to swap seats with a passenger near a breath-testing site. He recorded an alcohol reading over twice the legal limit during the test. Judge Clare Farnan noted the offence was aggravated by his children being in the vehicle, and he must install an alcohol interlock device for 12 months. Warner can resume driving after obtaining the required interlock licence. 🚗

🚦 Marathi learning deadline ends for auto drivers

The 100-day deadline for auto and taxi drivers to learn Marathi has expired, prompting the Maharashtra government to decide on the next steps. The issue involves drivers across Maharashtra, where Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik is set to address it this Wednesday. The government previously warned that licences could be suspended for those unable to show basic Marathi knowledge. However, Congress leaders oppose immediate penalties, suggesting extensions and better support like night schools. The meeting will determine if enforcement starts or if more time and support are provided to the drivers. 🚗

🧵 Handloom workers push for Bhavani Jamakkalam protection

The Bhavani District Handloom Jamakkalam, Bedsheet Weavers and Dyeing Workers’ Union asked the Tamil Nadu government for protection against powerlooms. This was decided during a union council meeting at the Communist Party of India office in Bhavani on Monday, August 17, 2026. The union demanded a basic wage revision, noting it hasn't changed in 32 years, and also sought a ban on illegal powerlooms. Furthermore, they asked for a Jamakkalam Technical College in Bhavani and a special subsidy for cooperative societies. The group aims to secure the future of the traditional handloom and Jamakkalam weaving industries. 🧵

🏏 Pant hits 100 sixes in Test cricket history

Rishabh Pant achieved a major milestone in Test cricket by hitting 100 sixes. This historic feat was accomplished by Pant while playing for India in a Test match. The milestone was reached during the ongoing series, with specific dates and scores not detailed in the snippet. This achievement marks him as the first Indian cricketer to reach this incredible benchmark in the format. Fans will continue to watch the first Test match live to see more of his performance. 🏏

🩺 Samsung's new watches are serious health buddies

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch 9, upgrading them into intelligent health companions. These new wearables are for the Ultra 2 and Galaxy Watch 9, debuting with deeper heart health insights and a 'Vitals' early-warning system. They feature new tools like Heart Health scores and Daily Cardio Load tracking, alongside existing metrics like Energy Score. The Ultra 2 is rugged, while the Galaxy Watch 9 is sleek, offering different vibes for users. These devices aim to guide users toward smarter lifestyle choices using AI analysis. 🏃‍♂️

⌚ Retro Casio just got a smart upgrade

Casio has launched the ABL-100WE-2A and ABL-100WE-7A, blending vintage style with modern tech. These watches are available in the UK for £70, coming in silver with a navy dial or full silver. They feature built-in step tracking and Bluetooth syncing with the Casio Watches app. The devices also offer dual time, a countdown timer, and can locate your phone. Both models are now available across the US, UK, France, Spain, and Germany. ⌚

🔪 Instagram reel sparks murder plot over fake riches

A bizarre claim from an Instagram reel about testicles being worth Rs 1.2 crore led to the murder of a 17-year-old boy in Bhopal. Police arrested Zoheb Khan, 20, and Aamir Qureshi, 18, after the crime occurred on August 6th. The victim, Rehan, was killed after being lured with Rs 100 and taken to a secluded area. Investigators found no buyer for the body part, revealing the motive was based on misinformation. Authorities are now probing the origin of this dangerous, false claim. 💔

🔪 Testicle myth leads to murder in Bhopal

A bizarre claim on an Instagram reel, alleging human testicles are worth Rs 1.2 crore, triggered a murder plot in Bhopal. The investigation focuses on Zoheb Khan, 20, and Aamir Qureshi, 18, who are arrested in the city. The victim, 17-year-old Rehan, was lured on August 6, 2026, and subsequently killed in a secluded area. The motive stemmed from the reel's misinformation, as no buyer for the body part was ever found. Police are now tracing the source of this false, lucrative claim. 😟