😟 Jaleel warns Basheer over college management issues

Former Local Administration Minister K.T. Jaleel warned PWD Minister P.K. Basheer about his ministerial security. Jaleel criticized Basheer for managing institutions facing allegations of charging high fees for admissions and appointments at EMEA College and School in Kondotty. Local IUML committees had filed complaints against Basheer in his managerial role. Jaleel suggested Basheer could be the first 'wicket' to fall from the UDF government. He warned that Parakkal Abdulla might get a ministerial berth sooner if Basheer stays in his current position. 😟

⚽ Barcelona teen back in action before trophy match

FC Barcelona is ramping up intensity in the week before the 2026/27 season starts. Academy player Xavi Espart returned to training at Ciutat Esportiva after a brief rest day. This happened as the team fine-tuned for the Joan Gamper Trophy and the La Liga opener against Elche on Sunday. Key players like Pedri and Gavi also remained integrated into the collective training sessions. The team will host Al Ahly for the Gamper Trophy on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ⚽

🏏 Rahane's Ravi Shastri impression wins over fans

Ajinkya Rahane delivered a hilarious Ravi Shastri mimicry during the first Test between India and Sri Lanka in Galle. Rahane, making his commentary debut with Sony Sports Network, entertained viewers with the impression. This moment was especially noteworthy given his long history with Shastri during his India career. Shastri was part of the setup when India won the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Fans are now seeing a relaxed side of the former captain in his new commentary role. 🏏

🚨 Bollywood stars warned over Vimal ad promotion

The Maharashtra FDA issued notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, and Tiger Shroff regarding a Vimal advertisement. These notices, sent on August 14, asked the actors to explain their role and brand association to the regulator. If their responses are unsatisfactory, they could face a fine up to Rs 10 lakh under the Food Safety and Standards Act. The FDA believes the ad indirectly promotes a pan masala product despite claiming to be for chewing elaichi. This action aligns with the FDA's crackdown on tobacco and pan masala products in Maharashtra. 😠

🐠 New tool tracks Great Barrier Reef health over time

Australian researchers developed a new framework to better gauge the health of the Great Barrier Reef against climate impacts. The University of Sydney team analyzed data dating back to 1995, focusing on coral cover and algae levels. They divided reefs into three states: healthy, coping, or struggling, based on historical conditions from the late 1980s. Reefs usually enter a 'coping' state when coral cover dips below 65% of their maximum. This tool helps scientists pinpoint high-risk reefs needing recovery support. 🐠

🚁 SRM Uni and APDC team up for drone tech boost

SRM University-A.P. and the Andhra Pradesh Drones Corporation (APDC) signed an MoU to advance drone tech across Andhra Pradesh. The signing ceremony took place with Union Minister K. Rammohan Naidu and Kurnool MP B. Nagaraju Panchalingala present. This collaboration focuses on skill development, research, and practical applications in various sectors. The partnership aims to connect academic knowledge with the state's development goals, according to the university. Future efforts will concentrate on interdisciplinary research and real-world drone demonstrations. 🚁

⚖️ NGO files case against Israeli soldier in India

The Hind Rajab Foundation filed a criminal complaint in India against an Israeli soldier vacationing there. The Belgium-based NGO alleged the soldier was involved in unlawful destruction in Khan Younis governorate. This complaint focuses on systematic civilian infrastructure destruction between March and April 2024. The foundation argues the acts constitute war crimes under international law. New Delhi is now seen as having an obligation to act on this complaint. 🇮🇳

⚖️ High Court says no need to cross-examine Renukaswamy's mother

The Karnataka High Court upheld the trial court's order against cross-examining Renukaswamy’s mother in the Darshan case. The court ruled that her answers did not show manifest antipathy towards the prosecution case under Section 154 of the Evidence Act. Justice M. Nagaprasanna made this decision while rejecting the prosecution's petition on August 18, 2026. The High Court noted that the witness had not shifted loyalty and did not abandon the prosecution's core case. Therefore, the prosecution cannot use Section 154 as a procedural second chance. ⚖️

📸 Realme 17 Pro+ leaks: 200MP camera & 1.5K display incoming

New leaks suggest the Realme 17 Pro+ will feature a 6.78-inch 1.5K flat OLED display and a 200MP triple camera setup. This upcoming smartphone is rumored to use an ultra-high refresh rate display and a 200MP primary camera system. The device is expected to be overseas-exclusive and has not been officially announced by Realme. While details like the chipset and battery remain unknown, these specs could make it a major highlight. More information is anticipated through future leaks or an official release. 📱

🍚 Rice distribution for Onam in Kerala

Four kilograms of rice are being distributed to schoolchildren as part of the mid-day meal scheme for Onam celebrations. This event will be inaugurated by Minister for General Education N. Samsudheen at the Government Model Higher Secondary School for Girls, Pattom. The distribution targets all students from pre-primary to class VIII in government and aided schools benefiting from the scheme. Minister for Health K. Muraleedharan will preside over the function, with Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Anoop Jacob as the chief guest. The state-level inauguration is scheduled to take place at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

🚢 Vizhinjam port boosts India's global trade goals

The full-fledged Export-Import (EXIM) operations at Vizhinjam have commenced, opening a major gateway for Indian enterprise to global markets. Ashwani Gupta, CEO of APSEZ, stated this supports India's goals for self-reliance and maritime leadership. Cumulative investment in Vizhinjam will hit ₹30,000 crore with Phase II, showing major infrastructure commitment. This shift aims to cut reliance on foreign transshipment hubs, improving supply chain efficiency significantly. The next phase targets completion by December 2028, increasing annual capacity to 5.7 million TEUs.