🇮🇳 Kangana backs Isha on 'andhbhakt' label

Actress Isha Koppikar addressed being called an 'andhbhakt' while emphasizing her deep love for India's progress. She shared this on her Instagram handle on Tuesday, clarifying her devotion is for the nation, not any political party. Kangana Ranaut then reacted to the post, citing her own history of protesting injustice and violence. She affirmed her love for her country and people, regardless of external labels. This exchange shows a public endorsement of patriotic contribution over mere criticism. 🇮🇳

🏛️ Vijay govt faces first corruption charge on new office

Vijay's plan to move the CMO to a new building has sparked controversy over the Rs 5.54 crore tender. The BJP alleged irregularities, claiming work started before the tender was finalized, which happened on August 17th. The TVK dismissed this, citing a potential technical glitch in the initial tender filing. The issue was debated in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday, with the TVK claiming it was for better staff facilities. It remains to be seen how the Vijay government addresses this first major allegation. 🧐

🧐 Nepal's Gorkha Test: Army Recruitment Deadlock?

Nepal is facing a significant deadlock regarding the recruitment of Gorkhas into the Indian Army. This ongoing issue primarily involves Nepal and the Indian Army authorities. The situation has been persistent, with discussions spanning several years without a concrete resolution. The core of the problem lies in the complex administrative and bilateral agreements between the two nations. Moving forward, both countries are expected to engage in further high-level talks to resolve this sensitive matter. 🧐

🌿 Vivek Oberoi's Mumbai home is a Goan farmhouse vibe

Actor Vivek Oberoi designed his Mumbai home with a rustic Goan farmhouse aesthetic, featuring antique furniture and natural elements. The property, shared with his wife Priyanka Alva, was shown to viewers in 2024 via Urban Company's Reels to Rooms. Kamadhenu, a pet cow, is a key part of the setup, helping recreate a village atmosphere in the city. Vivek wanted the space to be a contrast to his fictional professional life. The home blends history and nature by blurring indoor and outdoor boundaries. 🏡

👮 Railway crackdown targets touts and staff

A major crackdown on touting activities has been launched across railway stations. Authorities arrested 13,580 touts along with 65 railway employees involved in the scam. This action was taken in response to widespread misuse of Tatkal booking systems. The operation aims to curb corruption and ensure fair ticketing for passengers nationwide. Further raids are expected to continue to dismantle the organized tout network. 👮

😠 Maliwal blasts Kejriwal over decade of Delhi corruption

Rajya Sabha member Swati Maliwal accused former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal of orchestrating a decade of corruption in the capital. She alleged Kejriwal allowed scams in projects like classroom construction and the liquor policy while staying away from ministerial duties. Satyendar Jain was reportedly acting as a collection agent for AAP in Punjab, according to Maliwal. The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) STP scam is highlighted as a serious issue related to Yamuna cleaning. The ACB has arrested six people in this case, following an FIR registered on May 11, 2024.

🚗 TN MLAs get new perks from CM Vijay

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay announced a new perks package for all 234 MLAs in Tamil Nadu. The package includes government vehicles and a monthly allowance of Rs 75,000 for fuel, drivers, and maintenance. Furthermore, MLAs will receive Rs 25,000 monthly to hire an assistant, and their health cover increased to Rs 25 lakh. These measures aim to help legislators travel easily to constituencies and monitor government projects. The decision followed a request from VCK MLA Jothimani regarding logistical support. 🚗

🤒 Detergent in school lunch sparks health scare in Bihar

At least 34 children fell ill after eating a midday meal containing detergent powder instead of salt. This incident occurred at Parsa Middle School in Nalanda district, Bihar, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Children experienced stomach pain and vomiting, leading to their hospitalization in Biharsharif. While the headmaster blamed a staff mistake, the District Education Officer is investigating. The Rural Development Minister has assured strict action and ordered surprise inspections. 😟

🗣️ Omar Abdullah on J&K talk with US Ambassador

CM Omar Abdullah announced he will discuss J&K's situation with US Ambassador Sergio Gor on Wednesday. This meeting is part of Gor’s maiden visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah clarified that the region's issues are internal matters for the Central government to resolve. He stated he would not complain or seek solutions for these grievances from Washington. The interaction is being closely watched as Gor visits the region for the first time since taking office.

💔 Anupama revealed ex-boyfriend made her ashamed

Anupama Parameswaran shared that her ex-boyfriend caused her to feel ashamed of being an actor, confident, and having periods. Speaking on Dhyan Varma's YouTube channel, she detailed how her partner blamed disagreements on her menstrual cycle. She mentioned her desire for 11 children vanished due to this controlling behaviour. Previously, she described the relationship as 'narcissistic abuse' and talked about emotional highs and lows. She has not confirmed if actor Dhruv Vikram is the person she discussed. 😔

⛽ Oil prices surge as Hormuz Strait traffic slows

Crude oil prices went up for the fourth consecutive day due to reduced traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. This situation is happening amid increased rhetoric from both Iran and the United States. Brent crude was at $91.53 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate was trading at $85.47 per barrel on this date. Ongoing attacks from Iran and Houthis are keeping oil prices supported in the short term. Gulf producers are exploring alternative export routes to potentially increase production from those regions.