🛡️ India tells Japan: No high-tech exports to Pakistan

India strongly urged Japan to stop sending advanced defense tech to Pakistan during a recent high-level meeting. This happened during the visit of Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi to New Delhi, India. The discussion took place on Thursday, August 20, 2026, involving both ministers. New Delhi flagged the severe risk of this technology eventually reaching North Korea due to past proliferation links. Both nations are now also working on joint naval manufacturing and expanding the IPLN. ⚓

🚨 Makeup artist Jaanmoni arrested for PM comments

Makeup artist Jaanmoni Das was arrested on Thursday, August 20, following a complaint alleging she insulted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The arrest took place at the Kozhikode cyber police station in connection with remarks made during a Jantar Mantar protest. Police charged her under sections 192 and 356(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and section 12(o) of the Kerala Police Act 2011. The case was filed after a complaint by Navya Haridas, and Jaanmoni was released after recording her arrest as the offences were bailable. She had previously apologized for her comments, citing a possible language misunderstanding.

😠 Ride-share drivers protest leads to auto seizures in Odisha

Ola, Uber, and Rapido cab drivers initiated a protest action regarding their service conditions. The demonstration took place across various locations within Odisha. Authorities seized approximately 400 autos during the protest action. This action has led to fears that many drivers might face permit cancellations. The situation remains tense as negotiations for driver grievances are expected to continue.

🧐 Aarti for Modi statue sparks controversy at Press Club

An aarti and recitation of the ‘Modi Chalisa’ took place in Central Delhi on Thursday at the Press Club of India premises. The event featured chants of ‘Jai-Jai Modi’ and circulated widely across social media platforms. The Press Club of India has since clarified that they did not organize the program. They stated the hall was rented by an organization for a press conference. Club authorities intervened and stopped the event after the rental terms were allegedly violated. 🧐

🧐 SC forms panel to check Delhi protests violence

The Supreme Court established a High-Powered Committee headed by former judge Justice R Subhash Reddy to look into police actions and violence during last month's Delhi student protests. The panel includes former high court judges and CBI Director, examining incidents at Jantar Mantar. The committee will review the July 20th 'Sansad Chalo' march, where lathi charges and tear gas were reportedly used. It will specifically probe targeted violence, harassment of women, and proportionality of police force. The HPC will submit continuous findings to help the court take necessary actions. 🧐

⚖️ SC forms panel to check Delhi protest violence

The Supreme Court has established a High-Powered Committee led by former Justice R Subhash Reddy. This panel will investigate police excesses and violence during the Delhi student protests that occurred last month. The committee, which includes several former high court judges, will look into targeted violence and harassment of women protesters. It will specifically assess the proportionality of force used, including pellet guns and lathi charges. The inquiry will be continuous, with interim findings submitted to the court for necessary action. 🚨

🚂 103 heritage railway stations identified by Railway Board

Tiruchi Junction and Chidambaram are among 103 heritage stations identified by the Railway Board, New Delhi. A 'Station Mahotsav' will be organized at these locations according to their inception dates. Tiruchi Junction's inception was in 1862, while Chidambaram's dates back to 1878. Several zones are involved, including the Southern Railway Zone with stations like Tiruvannamalai and Thiruvananthapuram. Various programs are planned, such as photo exhibitions and cultural events, with Tiruchi Division aiming for August 24. 🚂

📉 Walmart's sales growth cools, shares drop 9%

Walmart's sales growth is showing a slowdown, which is putting pressure on consumer spending habits across the market. This trend was noted in the retail giant's recent performance reports from the United States. Specifically, the company's shares experienced a significant dip of 9% following the latest financial disclosures. This slowdown comes amid ongoing economic uncertainties affecting household budgets nationwide. Investors will now closely watch upcoming quarterly reports for any signs of a turnaround. 📉

💰 YouTube pays millions, but watch out for Netflix 😬

YouTube is offering millions of dollars to creators to keep their content exclusive to the platform. This deal aims to prevent channels from simultaneously posting on Netflix, a competitor. The offer includes direct financing and a share of large brand campaigns, according to a Bloomberg report. Creators who cross-post face reduced marketing push and exclusion from revenue streams. YouTube argues this keeps its channels as its primary home, a strategy used before with Vessel.

⚖️ Ex-Bank Employee and Others Get 10 Years Jail Time

A former Deputy General Manager of Bank of India and five others have been sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment in a bank fraud case. The convicts include officials from Tamil Nadu government, and the case was heard in a special CBI court in Chennai. The fraud involved nearly Rs 2.39 crore, and the court also fined the six convicts a total of Rs 2.70 crore on Thursday. The CBI registered the case on May 19, 2010, after allegations of diverting lender funds. Proceedings continue for other accused while some died during the trial.

🎧 Sennheiser drops new wireless earbuds with changeable batteries

Sennheiser has launched its new Momentum True Wireless 5 earbuds. These new audio devices are available for consumers in various markets. They feature user-replaceable batteries, with the release date set for late 2024. This design choice aims to enhance the long-term usability and sustainability of the product line. The company plans to release detailed specs closer to the launch date. 🎧