🎬 Kantara composer defends Toxic, talks about Lagaan

Music composer Ajaneesh Loknath defended the film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups despite negative reviews from critics. He stated that audiences should experience the cinema themselves rather than relying only on reviews. Loknath compared the current judgment to how a 25-year-old film like Lagaan might be dismissed today. He appreciated Yash's performance in Toxic, saying it was a very good film overall. He urges people to be responsible before judging, considering the hard work of the entire crew.

🧐 Manipur Census deferred over NRC demands

The Centre deferred the Census operations in Manipur on August 31 due to demands for a prior National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise. This decision followed a meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and state leaders in New Delhi. The original census was set to start on September 1, but opposition intensified over the NRC requirement. Pro-NRC groups argue the NRC is needed to identify 'illegal migrants' amidst the ongoing ethnic conflict. The deferment comes as elections to the 60-member Assembly approach in less than a year. 🧐

⚖️ Dhoni's huge defamation case takes a new turn

The Madras High Court on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, directed its Registry to number three applications from retired IPS officer G. Sampath Kumar. This action relates to M.S. Dhoni's ₹100-crore defamation suit filed in 2014 against Kumar and others concerning the 2013 IPL betting scam. Kumar sought court-monitored and video-recorded evidence of Dhoni's testimony. The judge confirmed Dhoni would get a chance to file a counter affidavit after the applications are numbered. This follows a prior order in August 2025 appointing a commissioner for the trial.

⚖️ J&K Bank Officer Fired, Court Says Rehire Him

A J&K Bank officer was dismissed from service on charges deemed 'anti-national'. The High Court recently intervened in the matter, ordering the reinstatement of the employee. This decision was made after the initial dismissal proceedings took place. The court's ruling emphasizes the need for fair process in such sensitive administrative actions. The bank administration must now comply with the High Court's directive.

🔥 Lava Agni 4N drops in the UK market

Indian handset maker Lava has launched its Agni 4N smartphone in the UK market. The phone is available through Lava and is set to go on sale via Amazon starting September 4. It features a metal build, 6.67" AMOLED display, and is powered by the Dimensity 8350 SoC. The device boasts a 50MP primary camera and runs stock Android 16 with Vayu AI integration. It is priced at £499 for the 8GB/256GB configuration and comes with a 2-year warranty.

⚽ Nwaneri heads to Dortmund on loan

Arsenal has allowed Ethan Nwaneri to complete a season-long loan move to Borussia Dortmund. The young winger is heading to Germany, with the deal reportedly including no option to buy at the end of the campaign. This move is partly due to needing regular minutes, as he was a fringe player at the Emirates. Nwaneri previously spent the latter half of last season with Marseille. He will be making this second loan spell, after failing to start any league games last term. ⚽

🎓 ABVP's Ankit Bidhan wins Panjab University President

Ankit Bidhan of ABVP has been elected as the President of Panjab University. The election took place at Panjab University, where he secured the top position. The results were declared following the polls held on an unspecified date. Bidhan stated that his victory reflects a genuine expression of the students' faith in his leadership. He plans to work closely with student bodies moving forward. 🎓

💧 Tamil Nadu CM releases Mettur water amidst Cauvery row 💧

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay released water from the Stanley Reservoir in Mettur on Tuesday. He conducted the release in Salem district, with thousands lining the roads as he traveled. This year's release is expected to benefit over four lakh hectares for Samba cultivation. The move comes amidst a dispute with Karnataka over the Cauvery share, as per the Tribunal. The government plans to sustain the release for at least 45 days.

⚽ Alvarez shuts down Arsenal move, keeps Barça dream alive

Julian Alvarez has rejected the potential move to Arsenal, which dampens his transfer hopes from Atletico Madrid. According to El Chiringuito TV, Arsenal's management confirmed there is no chance of the Argentina international joining the Emirates this summer. This development eliminates the Premier League exit option as Atletico remains unwilling to negotiate with Barcelona. Alvarez still strongly desires a move to Barcelona, which remains his preferred destination. Future opportunities might arise in January or next summer if interest remains mutual. ⚽

🌊 Nepal and China floods claim over 1000 lives

The death toll from catastrophic flooding in Nepal and China has surpassed 1,000 as rescue operations continue across affected zones. In Nepal, the NDRRMA revised deaths to 1,003, with over 3,916 people still missing as of Tuesday. Chinese authorities previously reported 16 deaths and 546 missing as of Sunday. This disaster began on August 26 following a glacial collapse in the Himalayas, triggering severe floods. Efforts are ongoing to rescue trapped workers and rehabilitate communities facing immense loss.

🚗 Maruti's August sales surge, PV up 35% YoY

Maruti Suzuki sold a total of 2,19,220 units in August 2026 across all segments. Domestic passenger vehicle sales hit 1,76,971 units in India. This marked a 34.81% year-over-year jump compared to August 2025. Despite this, monthly PV sales dipped by 9.80% from July 2026 figures. The company also crossed one million cumulative sales in the first five months of FY2026-27.