🏏 Litchfield's takeover fuels Sunrisers' turnaround

Phoebe Litchfield's batting has significantly boosted Sunrisers Leeds' performance in the Hundred tournament. She joined the team at No. 3 after an early batting struggle during the group stage in Leeds. Litchfield has maintained an amazing strike rate of 228.26 across her four innings at the top of the order. Her strong play has helped the side move from a slump to a winning streak of four games. Now, she has the chance to play in two Lord's finals within six weeks. 🤩

✈️ Leonardo ups Eurofighter Typhoon pitch to Philippines

Leonardo has ramped up its pitch to sell the Eurofighter Typhoon to the Philippines, offering new customization options for Manila. The company, led by Enrico Fossatti, presented this during the Philippines' search for a new multi-role aircraft amid South China Sea tensions. They previously offered up to 32 Tranche 5 fighters back in September 2025. This acquisition is key for the Philippines' modernization program to build air deterrence against China's claims. The consortium promises full transparency and tailored delivery plans should a contract be signed. ✈️

🇮🇳 Puttaparthi hosts rally for national pride

A 'Har Ghar Tiranga' rally was organized in Puttaparthi to boost patriotism and national unity. Sri Sathya Sai district Collector A. Shyam Prasad and SP Satish Kumar led the event on Thursday. The rally, which started at Satyamma temple, saw participation from officials, students, and children on August 13, 2026. The Collector encouraged people to hoist the national flag at home and maintain its dignity. Participants concluded the event by taking the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' pledge for national integrity.

😠 CPI(M) slams Kerala CM over MDMA case claims

The CPI(M) accused Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan of making false claims regarding his meeting with an MDMA accused. CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan presented photos showing the meeting happened before the alleged police action. Govindan further challenged Satheesan's denial of the accused being his social media coordinator, referencing a five-year posting. He also criticized the CM for perceived attempts to implement RSS agenda regarding Vande Mataram singing. The controversy surfaced following the Navakerala Sadas event on August 13, 2026.

🎭 Rahul mocks Modi's 'hug diplomacy' at convention

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi mocked PM Narendra Modi's foreign policy during the Rachnatmak Congress Organising National Convention in New Delhi. He used a mock hug with Sandeep Dikshit, playfully involving Italian PM Giorgia Meloni in the joke. This incident drew sharp criticism from the BJP, which labeled the gesture as 'gutter-level' behaviour. Gandhi also questioned India's role in the West Asia war and border issues with China. He suggested India missed a major opportunity to broker peace leveraging its global friendships. 🇮🇳

💖 Dutch friends find out they're sisters from India

Two childhood friends, Meena Geltink and Minal Tijssen, discovered they are biological sisters after nearly 40 years. Both were left as infants at an orphanage in India before being adopted in the Netherlands. Minal found out via a MyHeritage DNA test in April, showing a 100% sibling match with Meena. Though they grew up apart, they first met in 1996 and later reunited in the Netherlands. The sisters expressed deep emotions upon realizing they were related all along. 🫂

📚 Vidya scholarship starts at Moyan school in Palakkad

The Vidya scholarship scheme was officially launched at Government Moyan Model Girls Higher Secondary School in Palakkad on Thursday. Balakrishnan Mahadevan, a post-doctoral fellow from IIM Bangalore, instituted this program to aid students from economically weaker backgrounds. The scheme also includes subscriptions to The Hindu Teen Digest for the beneficiaries. Satyanarayanan T., the Principal in-charge, presided over the event, highlighting educational support. This program, which began years ago, has already helped dozens of students continue their studies. 📚

🐅 School trip dives into climate change in tiger reserves

The Department of Environment and Climate Change organized a two-day experiential learning tour for government school students. The tour took place at Anamalai and Parambikulam tiger reserves, with the District Collector flagging it off on Wednesday. The program aims to boost awareness on climate change, biodiversity, and environmental conservation among students. Students will see firsthand the Western Ghats' flora and fauna and learn about carbon sequestration. This exposure is designed to make students future environmental ambassadors. 🐅

🇮🇳 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign picks up in Vizianagaram

The 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign is gaining traction across Vizianagaram after a rally led by Collector S. Ramsundar Reddy. Officials encouraged residents to display the tricolour in their homes and colonies. Jana Sena Party leaders Avanapu Vikram and A. Bhavana participated by hoisting the flag at their residence near Mayuri junction. Mr. Vikram noted the significance of the 150th year of the Vande Matram song before the 80th Independence Day. He also asked activists to upload selfies to the portal for Union government certificates.

🚨 Influencer vs Coach: Threats Go Viral 😡

Social media influencer Dr. Medusa sought police action after alleged death threats from FC Brawlers coach Shashank Tripathi. The incident occurred after screenshots of Tripathi's inflammatory posts circulated online, with the threats directed at Ms. Kakoti. These remarks, seen on August 11, 2026, suggested finding a 15-year-old patriot to 'show Ms. Kakoti her place'. Hyderabad City Police requested details, and Ms. Kakoti proceeded to file a written complaint in Lucknow. Organizations like Mahindra University have since distanced themselves from Coach Tripathi.

⚖️ Legal row escalates: BCI stops NALSAR grad enrollments

The Bar Council of India ordered state bar councils to halt the enrolment of NALSAR’s 2026 law graduates as advocates. This action comes after students questioned the proposed participation of CJI Surya Kant at a university event in Bengaluru. The order was issued on Thursday, escalating a dispute that started over the CJI's convocation invite. The controversy stems from students' concerns regarding the CJI's recent courtroom observations and handling of protests. Abhijeet Dipke, founder of Cockroach Janta Party, weighed in on this high-stakes legal matter. 🧐