⚠️ MaaS combo weaponizing WordPress for malware drops

A new Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) campaign merged ClickFix, ErrTraffic, and Cruciferra components to spread malware. This threat was observed in late July 2026, targeting users via compromised WordPress sites. The attack involved a fake security lure that tricked victims into running a malicious PowerShell command. Cruciferra then used a vulnerable driver to kill endpoint security processes, injecting the Remus stealer. Operators are leveraging these combined services to bypass defenses without building tools themselves.

🧐 Trump's second term documented in chilling new book

The book 'Regime Change' details the first year of Donald Trump's second administration, written by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan. The journalists covered Trump's behavior during this period, which included intense confrontations with the press. The book examines his willingness to upend international law to wield maximum power, targeting various groups. It reveals his apparent enjoyment in association with figures like Mao, Hitler, and Stalin. Readers are left feeling disturbed but significantly more informed about the administration's actions. 🧐

🔬 Stem cells boost blood vessel health for diabetic wounds

Scientists have successfully used stem cell vesicles to reverse the ageing process in blood vessels. This research was conducted by a team at a specific research institution, focusing on diabetic wound healing. The study demonstrated significant reversal of vascular ageing markers in lab models. This mechanism offers a promising new pathway for treating chronic diabetic ulcers. Future work will focus on testing these vesicles in clinical settings.

⚽ Atletico firmly rejects Julian Alvarez move to Barcelona

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo stated that his club has no plans to sell Julian Alvarez to Barcelona this summer. Cerezo confirmed that they have wanted to keep Julián at the club since the initial discussions began. He believes Alvarez is a crucial part of the team and intends to have a magnificent season in the Spanish capital. The president is confident that Alvarez will win over the fans with his performance. Atlético's main goal remains winning the league this season. ⚽

⚖️ SC grills Coast Guard over denying PC to women officer

The Supreme Court urged the Indian Coast Guard to grant Permanent Commission to officer Priyanka Tyagi. This matter was heard by a bench of CJI Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana. The Court specifically questioned the denial of PC when men officers were receiving extensions, despite Tyagi having 4500 flying hours. The Coast Guard argued about infrastructure differences compared to the Indian Navy. The CJI warned that an order would be passed if the ICG did not accommodate her, urging them to show sportsmanship. 🫡

🕸️ Spider-Man: Brand New Day smashes box office records

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has become the fastest movie to cross $800 million at the domestic box office. The Tom Holland-led film is starring Zendaya, Sadie Sink, and Jon Bernthal in the feature. As of 19 days of release, the North American total hit $803.9 million, ranking it fourth domestically. This massive success follows an opening weekend of $360 million, surpassing Endgame's domestic debut. The film continues its record-breaking run as it heads into its fourth weekend of release. 🕸️

🏸 Shetty & Sindhu advance; Lakshya & Unnati exit

Ayush Shetty and PV Sindhu qualified for the pre-quarterfinals of the BWF World Championships 2026 on Wednesday in New Delhi. Shetty defeated Sri Lanka's Dumindu Abeywickrama, while Sindhu won against Canada's Wen Yu Zhang. Lakshya Sen and Unnati Hooda suffered heartbreaking exits after close matches in the tournament. Shetty will face Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan in the Round of 16 on Thursday. Despite the setbacks, Shetty and Sindhu keep India's singles hopes alive. 🏸

🚓 Telangana Police Restructuring for New Crime Challenges

Telangana Police is rationalizing its manpower to handle evolving crime and public safety issues. DGP C.V. Anand announced the redeployment of 513 personnel across various units including traffic, cybercrime, and drug control. The largest group of 224 personnel is being assigned to Traffic Management and Road Safety, following a review on Wednesday. This shift addresses modern threats like cybercrime losses of ₹1,750 crore last year and drug use among 835 students. The new deployment aims to bolster accident prevention and enforcement across the state. 🚨

😠 Mann slams BJP over ED letter; calls allegations baseless

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann rejected an ED letter seeking an FIR against individuals linked to his OSD. He stated that the allegations, which concern influencing government transfers and land deals, hold no truth. The ED communication was reportedly linked to a money laundering investigation involving fake consent letters for Change of Land Use. Mann accused the BJP of using central agencies to target political rivals, citing the arrest of Satyendar Jain. He asserted that Punjab does not require any 'certificate of honesty' from anyone. 😒

🍛 BJP denies eating meat during Sawan; claims it was jackfruit

The Chhattisgarh Congress criticized BJP President Nitin Nabin for allegedly eating non-vegetarian food during Sawan. The accusation surfaced after the Congress shared a video of party leaders at a recent state event. This controversy gained traction on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, prompting the BJP to issue a strong rebuttal. The BJP clarified that the dish in question was a traditional raw jackfruit curry from Uttarandhra cuisine. The political spat now continues with both parties challenging the narrative over the meal footage. 🍛

💪 Sohail Khan's glow-up: no meds, just discipline

Sohail Khan recently revealed the secret behind his noticeable weight loss after appearing on the reality show Alliance. He participated in Prime Video's Alliance, hosted by Kunal Kemmu, which started with him feeling unwell in the first week. He stayed for five whole weeks because of the camaraderie and support from the housemates. Khan stated that his transformation came from controlling his diet, emphasizing no Ozempic or fat burners were used. The show concluded with Mini Mathur winning the title and Aly Goni as the runner-up.