🧑‍🎓 Jharkhand CM cancels exams after student protest

The Jharkhand government decided to cancel the JSSC-CGL exam and all other exams by TDPL following student demands. Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced this decision on Monday after a Cabinet meeting in Jharkhand. The action comes after 24 days of student protests, with some observing a 14-day hunger strike. Furthermore, Soren directed the CID to investigate irregularities in all recruitment exams held since 2014. A committee under Amitabh Kaushal will also be formed to suggest structural reforms in the examination process. 🧑‍🎓

🔬 Alaskan permafrost thaw impacts carbon cycle study

A University of New Mexico team studied how thawing permafrost affects water quality and carbon movement in Arctic watersheds. The field campaign focused on the Kuparuk, Atigun, and Sagavanirktok River watersheds on the North Slope of Alaska. Data was collected during the July campaign to understand groundwater chemistry changes caused by the active layer deepening. Researchers are developing a model to simulate future changes, including potential acidic groundwater from pyrite oxidation. This work connects local Arctic processes to the larger global carbon cycle. 🌎

👮 Kochi police ramp up security for Onam rush 👮

Police have intensified safety measures across Kochi city anticipating large crowds during the Onam festival. The number of police picket points increased from 42 to 86, while control room vehicles rose from 17 to 24. Surveillance has been boosted in key spots like KSRTC station and Marine Drive for the upcoming festival period. Special operations like 'Operation Toofan' are running to tackle drug trafficking and 'Operation Grip' targets goons. Authorities are also managing traffic issues caused by parking shortages during the rush.

🚨 Life convict in ₹1 crore kidnapping case finally caught

A convict sentenced to life imprisonment in a ₹1 crore kidnapping case was arrested by the Delhi Police Crime Branch after 26 years on the run. The accused, 57-year-old Amit Yadav from Baghpat, was tracked down after evading authorities for decades. The original kidnapping incident occurred on September 12, 1995, when Rishi Sethi was abducted in Delhi. Yadav was convicted and sentenced in 1999, but his life sentence was upheld in December 2000. He was eventually arrested in a Dehradun raid and is now in Tihar Jail. 🚨

🧐 JSSC-CGL exam cancelled amid protests; CID to probe

The Jharkhand government has cancelled the JSSC-CGL examination and all recruitments done via TDPL, as announced by CM Hemant Soren on Monday. The protests were ongoing for the last 24 days, leading to this major decision. All examinations conducted by TDPL since 2014 will be investigated by the CID, while a retired judge will head a separate inquiry. This action follows inconclusive talks between the government and the agitating students. The government is committed to reforming the system with transparency, with Amitabh Kaushal leading initiatives. 🧐

⚖️ Delhi HC halts JNU admissions based on deprivation points

The Delhi High Court has issued an interim order restraining Jawaharlal Nehru University from finalizing postgraduate admissions using deprivation points. This decision was made after Justice Jasmeet Singh observed that the points alter the scores from the CUET, compromising the exam's integrity. The restriction was enforced on August 14, 2026, against JNU, which uses these points for regional representation. JNU has since filed an appeal against this order, and the matter is set for further hearing on August 24. The court also noted that JNU had already issued 1,500 PG and 451 UG offer letters. ⚖️

🍚 Rice Millers Busted Over ₹24 Crore Rice Scam

Two rice millers were arrested for allegedly not delivering custom-milled rice to the government. The individuals, Renikunta Madhu and R. Ravinder Reddy, were apprehended by Sultanabad police in Rajanna Sircilla district. This failure to provide the rice, meant for the 2023-24 crop year, resulted in an estimated loss of ₹24.18 crore to the State exchequer. The arrests came after an investigation based on a complaint from the TGSCSCL district manager. Authorities stated that strict action would be taken against all those involved in the rice diversion. 🍚

🚦 Traffic changes due to JD(S) protest in Bengaluru

Bengaluru Traffic Police have issued advisories regarding traffic for Tuesday, August 18th. This is due to a JD(S) protest planned at Freedom Park, which runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Motorists turning right from Mysore Bank Circle via K.G. Road must now use Maharani Underpass Road. Vehicular movement between Freedom Park Junction and Kanakadasa Circle is temporarily restricted for the day. Additionally, the Subbanna Junction to MTR Junction road has been changed from one-way to two-way for those heading to Gandhinagar. Drivers are asked to cooperate with the new arrangements to minimize congestion. 🚦

🎮 GTA 6 PS5 marketing back in action

PlayStation has resumed marketing for GTA 6 on a new YouTube video titled "It Happens on PS5." This campaign features recycled footage from previous trailers alongside fresh audio elements. The video reminds audiences of the GTA 6 release date while showcasing the game in scenes involving jet skis and car chases. Fans hoping for new gameplay should wait until the Netflix Extended Look on August 27th. Analysts expect a big surge in GTA 6 PS5 reservations in the final week before its release.

🧐 Jharkhand govt to cancel JSSC-CGL exam amid protests

The Jharkhand government announced the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL examination following sustained job aspirant protests. Chief Minister Hemant Soren made this announcement on Monday while aspirants have been agitating for 24 days over recruitment exam irregularities. The state will also conduct a comprehensive inquiry into all exams conducted since 2014. Furthermore, the government plans to implement the Centre’s Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026. Next, the government will convene meetings to discuss amendments to the MMDR Act and other related issues. 🧐

🔬 AP students shine at national quantum computing course

Andhra Pradesh students clinched four gold and 14 silver medals at a national quantum computing course. This achievement took place during the four-week "Quantum Algorithms and Qiskit" course, jointly run by IITs and IISc. The results were declared on Monday, with A.P. accounting for these medals against other states' haul. The course, guided by IIT Madras and IBM Research experts, saw 1,04,220 applications from A.P. alone. The CM congratulated the winners, reinforcing the goal of creating one lakh quantum professionals in Andhra Pradesh. 🚀