🦠 M23 tightens travel rules amid huge Ebola spike

The AFC/M23 rebel alliance is tightening movement restrictions in eastern DRC due to new Ebola cases. This action follows two travelers from Lubero testing positive in M23-controlled territory on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026. The outbreak has now surpassed 5,000 confirmed cases, with 2,378 deaths reported. These measures highlight the extreme difficulty of controlling the epidemic amidst ongoing armed conflict. Health experts stress that sufficient resources are needed to bring this massive outbreak under control.

🏔️ Road closures are part of Indian travel planning

Sudden road blockages are common on scenic routes across Ladakh and Kashmir. Travelers need to secure an Environment and Development Fee online, replacing the old Inner Line Permit. High-altitude routes require valid government photo IDs to be shown at army posts. In the Northeast, permits like the Inner Line Permit vary by state, demanding careful route mapping. Travelers must also account for weather risks, as landslides frequently close highways like the Joshimath–Badrinath route. ⛰️

🔋 Moto G Max with big battery lands in India

The Moto G Max, the latest in Motorola's G-series, is now officially on sale in India. It features a 6.72-inch 120Hz display and runs on the Snapdragon 6s Gen 4 chipset. The price is set at Rs. 27,999, but effective pricing drops to Rs. 26,999 with offers. This device boasts a massive 7,000mAh battery and is available in Blue, Dark Grey, and Pink. Buyers can also get Jio benefits, with the phone available on Flipkart.

😟 Rajpal Yadav claims massive outstanding debt

Rajpal Yadav revealed that he still owes approximately Rs 25-30 Crore amidst an ongoing Rs 9-Crore debt case. This financial situation involves the actor and the creditors involved in the legal proceedings. The debt case was brought forward to address outstanding financial obligations. The revelations come as the legal battle continues to unfold in the public eye. Further updates on the case are expected as the proceedings advance. 😟

😠 CPI(M) blames TN Chief Secretary over student protest circular

CPI(M) State secretary P. Shanmugam condemned the TN Higher Education Department's circular advising students against joining Left party protests. He specifically held Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar responsible for the directive. This controversial circular was issued around August 20, 2026, aiming to suppress student participation in democratic party rallies. Shanmugam argued the decision denied students their right to protest and allowed police entry onto campuses. The CPI(M) passed a resolution demanding the Chief Minister prevent such actions going forward. 😠

💔 Mother and infant found dead in Karnataka

A woman and her infant son were discovered deceased in Alur, Hassan district of Karnataka on August 19. The victims have been identified as Anushree, 27, and her son, Aryan. Police currently suspect that Anushree ended her life after killing her child. The couple had recently moved from Bengaluru to Alur about two months ago. Alur police have since registered a case and started a thorough investigation.

🚨 Fake CBI raid attempt in Delhi foiled

A staged raid mimicking the style of a CBI operation was attempted in Delhi. The suspects involved were reportedly trying to carry out the fake raid. The incident occurred recently, with the specifics of the date and number of people not detailed. The plan was disrupted when the wife of a businessman demanded an official warrant. Authorities are now looking into the matter to understand the full scope of the deception.

🇧🇩 Bangladesh presidential election kicks off with two candidates

Bangladesh has started its first contested presidential election in 35 years, with lawmakers voting for the 23rd president. The candidates are Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir from BNP and Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed from LDP, competing in Jatiya Sangsad. Voting is open until 5 pm local time, with 349 lawmakers eligible to cast a vote. This election follows the resignation of Mohammed Shahabuddin, prompting the constitutional mandate for a new president. Results are anticipated soon, with the new president set to take the oath on Friday evening.

🚦 Bengaluru ORR revamp delayed amid traffic woes

An industry body representing over 500 companies urged the Karnataka government to pause the Rs 450-crore Outer Ring Road revamp until the Metro Blue Line is done. This body expressed serious concern over worsening the existing severe traffic crisis with ongoing road works. The association noted that nearly 70% of participants at the August 4 meeting pushed for metro completion first. They argued that WFH cannot replace proper infrastructure planning for 1.3 million employees. Despite this, tender documents are reportedly being prepared to be floated within the next 15 days. 🚦

🏸 Jolly-Gopichand stun 7th seeds in BWF Worlds

The unseeded Indian pair Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand achieved a dominant straight-game win against Japan's seventh seeds. This victory took place in New Delhi during the Women’s Doubles pre-quarterfinal at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. The Indians won with scores of 21-16 and 21-12 on Thursday, bringing them one win away from a medal. This performance showcases their comeback after Treesa's injury sidelined them for around three months. Reaching the semi-finals will guarantee them a medal at the World Championships. 🏸

🌧️ Rain cancels free petrol langar in Chandigarh

A free petrol langar announced by influencer Rakesh Trehan drew many people to a fuel station in Chandigarh on August 18. The influencer, known as Raja D King, is based in Amritsar, and the event was called off due to heavy rain and waterlogging. Initially, two-wheelers and three-wheelers were promised Rs 500 coupons, while four-wheelers were promised Rs 1,000 coupons. Following the backlash, Trehan promised a three-day comeback, starting Friday, August 21. This initiative is part of Trehan's larger goal to donate a significant portion of his wealth. ⛽