🌾 Landslide victims get ₹2 lakh aid for livelihood

Around 150 families affected by the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslides will receive ₹2 lakh each for livelihood support. This assistance will be provided by the CMDRF through the Kudumbashree Mission in Kalpetta. The distribution inauguration is scheduled for Friday, August 21, at the Chandragiri auditorium. The scheme aims to restore livelihoods by promoting self-employment and stable income for these families. A total of ₹5.11 crore has been sanctioned for the remaining 269 families in the disaster-affected area.

⛽ India diversifies oil sources amid Hormuz risks

India is shifting its oil sourcing strategy due to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Venezuela has emerged as India's fourth-largest oil supplier, with supplies reaching about 444,000 bpd. Russia remains the top supplier, with imports nearing 2 million bpd in August ⛽. This change reflects a broader effort to have more options when global supply routes face uncertainty. Despite diversification, India's large reliance on imported oil means price shocks are still a major risk.

🔥 Clash erupts at Jadavpur University campus

A violent clash broke out between ABVP and Left student groups at Jadavpur University over a general body meeting. The confrontation occurred at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Students' Union (FETSU) late Wednesday night. ABVP claimed 70-80 people attacked them, while Left groups alleged ABVP members threw stones and bricks. A fire also broke out at Aurobinda Bhavan during the escalating tensions. BJP MLA Sarbari Mukherjee visited the hospital, blaming the Left organizations for the skirmish. 😠

🚨 Kathakali Teacher Charged in POCSO Case in Kerala

A POCSO case has been registered against Kalamandalam Venkitaraman, a Kathakali teacher at Kallekulangara Kathakali Village. The complaint alleges that he sexually abused a student from Edathara while she was attending classes. The alleged incident took place in 2019, leading to the student developing mental health issues. She recently disclosed the abuse to a doctor during counselling at a private hospital in Kochi. Following this disclosure, the police initiated an investigation and found Mr. Venkitaraman was absconding.

🚨 Disabled passenger dies after train fight

A 62-year-old specially-abled passenger died after being allegedly pushed from a moving Mumbai local train. This incident occurred on a Churchgate-Borivali local between Mahim and Bandra stations on Thursday afternoon. The victim sustained severe injuries after the argument inside the 'Divyangjan' coach escalated. A 48-year-old man, Amjad Safruddin Shaikh, was detained, claiming he pushed the man while trying to chase a crow. Police have registered a case and are continuing the investigation into the matter. 😥

😥 Special needs man dies after being pushed from Mumbai local

A 62-year-old specially-abled passenger passed away after being allegedly pushed from a moving Mumbai local train. The incident occurred on a Churchgate-Borivali local between Mahim and Bandra stations on Thursday afternoon. The victim sustained severe injuries after the confrontation in the Divyangjan coach, and emergency treatment at Bhabha Hospital at 2:45 pm was unsuccessful. Railway Police have detained 48-year-old Amjad Safruddin Shaikh in connection with the event. Shaikh reportedly told police he accidentally pushed the man while chasing a crow inside the compartment. 😥

🏛️ Texas Governor wants H-1B ban in public schools

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has asked lawmakers to prohibit public schools from hiring H-1B visa workers. This push comes after he previously froze H-1B hiring at state universities in January. Abbott wants to ban H-1B employees completely and stop schools from accepting foreign gifts or money. He cites concerns over foreign influence, specifically mentioning Islamic and Chinese influences in classrooms. The goal is to ensure student minds are shaped by policies approved by state lawmakers. 🏫

🌌 Solar eclipse experience was way more than just the sky

The author witnessed a spectacular solar eclipse, finding something profoundly moving beyond the astronomical event itself. This occurred in Medinaceli, a hilltop village in Castile and León, Spain, during the eclipse period. The author, an umbraphile, chose this location over Iceland for better clear-sky chances. The event was part of a three-day cultural celebration called 'Eclipse en la Ciudad del Cielo'. People shared moments of awe, realizing the eclipse offered a chance to pause and connect with the cosmos. ✨

🏛️ TN Minister denies scholarship denial claims

Tamil Nadu Social Justice Minister Vanni Arasu refuted claims that student Bharathidasan was denied the Annal Ambedkar Overseas Higher Education Scholarship. The Minister stated the sponsorship letter was issued on January 9, 2025, for his PhD research in Malaysia. Bharathidasan had received ₹48.22 lakh despite not submitting all required documents within the stipulated time. Vanni Arasu clarified that the government increased the scholarship to 362 students this year and there is no funding delay. However, former DMK MLA I. Paranthaman countered that documents were submitted in April and the failure is related to past government action.

😠 Siddharth Anand faces backlash over Telugu film comments

Director Siddharth Anand sparked outrage after commenting on a list of recent Telugu film releases that were labeled as flops. The director, known for 'Fighter,' reacted to the list by simply posting 'Oops' on X. Telugu fans criticized this dismissive remark, pointing out that other films like 'Devara' and 'Hanuman' were massive hits. His next project, 'King,' starring Shah Rukh Khan, is set for release on December 24, 2026. The controversy highlights the ongoing debate about commercial success in Indian cinema. 🎬

🎮 MW4 beta specs drop before early access

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 early access beta system requirements have been revealed ahead of its launch. This beta is available to pre-order customers starting August 21 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. The PC minimum specs require a Ryzen 5 1600 and a GTX 970, while the beta runs until August 25. The second weekend, starting August 28, will open to everyone, including Nintendo Switch 2 players. The game is slated for an October 23, 2026, release. 🎮