💸 J&K power bills to see 6.83% hike starting Sept 1

Electricity consumers in Jammu and Kashmir will face a tariff increase starting September 1, 2026. The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission approved this revised tariff for JPDCL and KPDCL across the region. The order, issued on August 20, sets the average tariff hike at 6.83% for the period until March 31, 2027. While rates are rising, concessions are maintained for BPL and small agricultural consumers. Consumers' final bills will depend on their category, load, and usage patterns. ⚡

✈️ 20k+ Pakistanis deported from Gulf nations

Over 20,000 Pakistani nationals were deported from Gulf countries between March 1 and July 13. Saudi Arabia and the UAE were the main actors in this deportation drive. During this period, Saudi Arabia deported 15,500 people while the UAE accounted for 3,803 cases. Reasons included begging, security concerns, and various immigration violations. Future actions will depend on the formal documentation processes for these cases.

🧐 India slams US call to sanction RSS

India firmly rejected the US Commission on International Religious Freedom's demand for RSS sanctions and restricting Mohan Bhagwat's US visit. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the USCIRF a biased organization with its own agenda. This reaction followed USCIRF Commissioner Gene Mills' call for sanctions against RSS members for Freedom of Religious Belief violations. The USCIRF had previously recommended targeted sanctions against the RSS and designating India as a country of particular concern. India is now escalating the long-running dispute over religious freedom claims with the US. 🧐

🛡️ Pakistan passes new military law, boosting CDF power

Pakistan has enacted the Defence Forces Act 2026 and amended the National Command Authority Act to reshape its military structure. The legislation grants Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Chief of Defence Forces, operational command over the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This follows the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which established the CDF role and made the Army Chief hold both positions. The National Assembly approved these measures despite an opposition walkout, while PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari voiced objections. These changes also alter the nation's strategic and nuclear command framework going forward. 🛡️

⚽ Ronaldo surpasses 4 legends in Al-Nassr records

Cristiano Ronaldo reached the pinnacle of Al-Nassr's scoring charts after scoring against Al-Riyadh. This happened on Friday at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium in the Saudi capital for the Roshn League. His goal in the 83rd minute made him level with Mohammed Al-Sahlawi at 103 goals in the professional era. He also overtook Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the consecutive scoring record, reaching 25 seasons. Ronaldo can claim the outright record with just one more goal in upcoming matches. 🚀

😥 Coffee bill included body-shaming comment

A customer in Bengaluru found the phrase “Little fat black shirt” on his Subko Coffee bill instead of his name. The incident occurred at Subko The Craftery in Koramangala, drawing widespread attention online. The customer pointed out that the description was deliberately entered by an employee. Subko issued a public apology, stating that fat shaming is wrong in any form. The cafe confirmed disciplinary action and is reviewing its customer detail recording process. 😥

🐅 Tiger responsible for two deaths in Gudalur to be caught

A tiger that caused two fatal attacks in the Gudalur forest division is now slated for capture. The animal initially killed M. Balakrishnan, 58, on August 9, 2026, near his house. A second attack on August 21, 2026, resulted in the death of K. Ravikumar, 51, in Lauriston. Local residents protested the Forest Department's slow response to the dangerous situation. Efforts are now underway with four cages and 22 camera traps deployed to catch the tiger. 🐅

🔭 New black hole star spotted in early universe 🌌

A new type of celestial object, a black hole star, was identified by the James Webb Space Telescope from very early in the universe. This object consists of a black hole surrounded by a dense cloud of gas and dust, unlike a normal star with a fusion reactor. Researchers suggest these could represent the early growth or birth of supermassive black holes. Meanwhile, a Lancet study found leisure exercise lowers dementia risk more than job-related physical activity. Even a few minutes of fun activity still offers some benefits for brain health.

🤕 Guimaraes out for Arsenal match with groin issue

Bruno Guimaraes is missing from Arsenal's squad for the Coventry match due to a groin injury. The £75million signing sustained the knock during their 3-0 win against Manchester City in the Community Shield last Sunday. Mikel Arteta noted the issue arose because he hadn't completed pre-season, only having four or five days before the game. The coach stressed that the player needs to be brought up to speed gradually on new demands. Arsenal is also missing defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba for now. 🤕

😨 Lindsay Clancy's disturbing statements in trial

Lindsay Clancy is currently on trial for the January 2023 deaths of her three young children in Massachusetts. A hospital chaplain testified that Clancy stated she was 'so glad' her children were safe after the incident. She also claimed to have heard a persistent male voice instructing her to kill her children and herself. Clancy's defense argues she suffered from severe postpartum psychosis, while prosecutors maintain she acted deliberately. The trial is now entering its final stage with closing arguments expected soon.

💥 Russian drone hits mall in Kryvyi Rih, 15 dead

Russian drones struck a busy shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and over 130 injuries. The attack occurred on Friday, targeting the city's largest shopping complex and causing a fire. Regional governor Oleksandr Hanzha confirmed 22 children were among the wounded, with 29 people in serious condition. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike as 'cynical and despicable,' calling it a terrorist act. The world is urged to apply real pressure on Russia for peace to be possible. 😔