🧐 Kangana Ranaut clarifies 'gutter' comments on youth

Kangana Ranaut clarified her controversial 'gutter' remarks, stating they were not a blanket criticism of all young people. Representing Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi constituency in the Lok Sabha, she said her comments targeted only specific individuals who identify as 'cockroaches'. She explained that if someone claims to be a cockroach, they naturally belong in a gutter. Ranaut emphasized that she was addressing segments related to drug addiction and betting trends among youth. She also predicted Rahul Gandhi's term as Leader of the Opposition would be his final one. 🧐

👮 Annamayya police ramp up drug crackdown

Annamayya district police have intensified measures to curb the transport and use of ganja and narcotics. Collector Shiv Narayan Sharma and SP Dheeraj Kunubilli addressed a district-level N-Cord meeting in Madanapalle on Wednesday. Since January 26, police have seized 206 kg of ganja in seven cases, leading to 26 arrests. The Collector mandated stricter enforcement of tobacco bans near schools and planned awareness programs. The public is urged to report any drug-related info via the toll-free number 1972. 🚨

🧐 Panel questions India on de-dollarization push at BRICS

Parliamentary committee members questioned the government about pushing a de-dollarisation agenda at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The questions were raised by members like Asaduddin Owaisi and John Brittas on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. They pressed why India wasn't pursuing greater financial sovereignty to bypass US sanctions. This follows RBI's advocacy for linking digital currencies among BRICS nations amid geopolitical tensions. Officials offered no clear response regarding this significant economic shift. 🧐

🏥 APSRTC Central Hospital upgrades with new diagnostic machine

APSRTC has installed a ₹22 lakh fully automated immunoassay analyser at its Central Hospital in Vidhyadharapuram. APSRTC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director N. Bala Subrahmanyam inaugurated the high-tech equipment on Wednesday. This analyser can run tests for thyroid profiles, cardiac markers, and viral markers, among others. The machine boasts over 99% accuracy and processes up to 100 samples per hour. This move aims to boost healthcare access and reduce expenses for employees and retirees.

🇮🇳 Shivamogga plans grand Independence Day celebration

Several organizations have teamed up under the banner “Sankalpa Shivamogga” to mark Independence Day in Shivamogga. C.S. Shadakshari, President of Karnataka State Government Employees Association, announced the event will be at Gopi Circle on Friday night. The program kicks off at 9 p.m. with the State anthem and ends with the national anthem at midnight on August 14. The event will feature patriotic songs and felicitation of soldiers without a traditional stage setup. Rotary Club and other local groups are participating in this unique celebration. 🇮🇳

📜 Lebanon passes amnesty law after death penalty repeal

Lebanon's parliament approved a general amnesty law on Wednesday, marking the first such legislation since 1991. This move benefits thousands of convicted prisoners, detainees, and wanted individuals across the country. The law significantly reduces certain sentences, lowering death and life imprisonment to 17 'prison years'. It also mandates the release of inmates detained over 12 prison years without charges. This follows the recent formal abolition of the death penalty by the same parliament. ⚖️

🎉 Kudumbashree hosting 201 Onam sales fairs in Thrissur

Kudumbashree’s Thrissur District Mission is launching 201 sales fairs across the district for the Onam season. These fairs will be organized in 100 Community Development Societies (CDSs) and one district-level fair. The initiative aims to offer fair prices and wider market access for Kudumbashree enterprises. The stalls will feature various products like snacks, handicrafts, and fresh produce from JLGs. Additionally, 26 canteen units will supply Onam sadyas, and free kits will go to disadvantaged families.

🏛️ Rajasthan HC flags Jodhpur court building collapse risk

The Rajasthan High Court initiated suo moto proceedings over its Jodhpur building due to structural concerns. An assessment by IIT Bombay revealed the 21-metre central dome was at risk of imminent collapse. The building, costing Rs 316 crore, saw issues emerge within a few years of completion by late 2013. The court noted past collapses in April 2023 and ongoing maintenance problems. Authorities must submit a plan by August 24 to strengthen or replace the dome. 🏛️

😠 Trump aide slams India's Russian oil trade spat

Peter Navarro claimed India's buying Russian oil sustained Russia's war efforts in an op-ed. This comment drew intense online backlash from Indian users after its publication last year. India strongly rejected these remarks, labeling them as "inaccurate and misleading" in September. Navarro later stated the issue was resolved and that Trump and PM Modi have a good working relationship. Meanwhile, the US Senate passed a bill allowing up to 100% tariffs on Russian oil buyers. ⛽

⚽ PSG vs Aston Villa: History on the Line

Paris Saint-Germain is facing Aston Villa in an upcoming match that promises to be historic. The clash will take place between the two major European clubs. Specific dates and exact match details were not provided in the source material. This game represents a significant opportunity for both teams to make a strong statement in European football. Fans are eagerly anticipating how this high-stakes encounter will unfold.

🚄 Telangana MPs push for faster infra project approvals

A delegation of Telangana Congress MPs met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi on Wednesday to push for quicker clearance of major infrastructure projects. The MPs, including Gaddam Vamsi Krishna and Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, discussed pending railway lines and station upgrades across the state. Specifically, they asked for updates on the ₹4,000-crore Ramagundam-Manuguru railway line and ROB/FOB completions. They also met Nitin Gadkari, seeking approval for the Hyderabad Regional Ring Road and the Hyderabad-Amaravati-Bandar Port Greenfield Expressway. These projects are crucial for boosting Telangana's connectivity and economic growth. 🚄