🛣️ Madras's 4 roads still run from Fort St. George

Four key roads originating from Fort St. George dictate much of Madras's traffic planning. These roads include Rajaji Salai, Kamarajar Salai, EVR Periyar Salai, and Anna Salai, connecting to various parts of the region. North Beach Road, now Rajaji Salai, saw British businesses shift north in the late 1790s. South Beach Road, or Kamarajar Salai, became known for Indo-Saracenic architecture and leisure spots. These four routes remain central arteries for navigating Chennai today. 🗺️

⚖️ BCI Chief rejects 'cockroach' slur, refuses to quit

BCI Chairman Manan Mishra strongly rejected the derogatory term 'legal cockroaches' used against advocates. He made these remarks in New Delhi, amidst calls for his resignation from groups like CJP. The demands surfaced after an order to freeze 2026 NALSAR graduates was issued and later withdrawn. Mishra asserted he was elected to represent 2.5 to 2.6 million lawyers and will not resign due to social media posts. He stressed that lawyers belong to a respected and intelligent class. ⚖️

🏏 Starc and Shoriful dominate Mackay Test

Australia secured a commanding lead on the opening day of the Mackay Test match. The Australian team batted first, scoring 165 for 8, while Bangladesh managed only 64. Starc took 6 wickets for 12 runs, and Shoriful Islam also picked up 6 wickets for 35 runs during the session. This performance followed Bangladesh's struggle to build momentum against the Australian attack. The match now proceeds with Australia holding a substantial 101-run advantage.

🏏 Starc demolishes Bangladesh in a quick spell

Mitchell Starc delivered a massive five-wicket haul in just 22 balls during the first session of the Mackay Test. He achieved this feat against Bangladesh at the venue, where the team was reduced to 35 for 6 at lunch. This rapid bowling performance occurred on Day 1, while the match was in its early stages. Starc's aggressive spell put Bangladesh in a precarious position early in the innings. The focus now shifts to how the remaining batsmen handle the pressure moving forward. 🏏

🔥 Punk holds WWE title against Owens in Toronto clash 🏆

CM Punk retained the WWE Championship in a DQ/COUNT-OUT loss to Kevin Owens on Friday night's episode of SmackDown in Toronto. The rivalry started at SummerSlam when Punk beat Cody Rhodes, and Owens earned the No. 1 contender spot later. Owens' participation was surprising after missing 17 months due to a neck injury requiring surgery. The feud stems from decades-old locker room disagreements between the two wrestlers. Punk ultimately kept his title, denying Owens a second world championship win.

💔 Teen suicide over iPhone leads to tragic deaths

An 18-year-old boy jumped from Khavdya Dongar near Tisgaon after his parents denied his request for an iPhone. His father Murlidhar and mother Sangeeta tragically lost their lives while attempting to save him. This devastating incident occurred around 1 pm on Friday after the teen was seen at the hill since 10 am. Local residents and police tried for nearly three hours to persuade him to step back from the steep cliff. Authorities are currently investigating the exact sequence of events leading to the tragedy. 😔

🙏 Odisha plans big tribute for VHP leader

The BJP government in Odisha announced plans for a grand tribute to Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, a VHP leader killed by extremists in 2008. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declared his birthplace, Gurujang, a 'Heritage Village' on August 21, 2026. Rs 13 crore is sanctioned for Jalespata Ashram development, including a 300-seat hostel and water project. CM Majhi criticized past government negligence regarding his 2008 murder, promising justice for him. He urged the younger generation to reconnect with Sanatani traditions and nation-building. 🕉️

💰 Why Indians are ditching personal loans for gold loans

Gold loans are rapidly becoming India's fastest-growing retail credit type, with JPMorgan predicting a 10% share of system credit over five years. This shift involves NBFCs like IIFL Finance and Manappuram Finance, as gold moves from heirloom to asset. Gold loan disbursements jumped to 41% in FY26 from 18% in FY23, replacing unsecured personal loans. Borrowers are drawn by the 300-600bps rate arbitrage versus personal loans for needs like education or working capital. JPMorgan sees ample room for growth, especially since gold loans have a very low bad-loan ratio. 💰

🇮🇷 Iran claims victory, calls for US war end

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged an end to the months-long war with the United States, stating Tehran holds a position of strength. These comments were made while diplomatic efforts remain stalled following the expiration of a memorandum of understanding. Pezeshkian also defended the June agreement against hardliners, claiming the world recognized Iran's victory over US attacks. However, Iran's military leadership continues to signal readiness for further conflict and retaliation. Meanwhile, Oman and Iran discussed resuming dialogue amid the ongoing flashpoint in the Strait of Hormuz. ⚔️

📰 US military paper editor fired over censorship clash

The editor-in-chief of Stars and Stripes, Erik Slavin, and others were fired for insubordination after speaking out against DoD interference. This happened at the prominent US military newspaper amidst rising tensions over editorial independence. The dismissals occurred recently, following Slavin's objection to potential censorship during a CBS interview. Slavin asserted the newspaper must remain editorially independent, a principle challenged by the Pentagon. Moving forward, the newly installed military deputy aims to tailor content specifically for warfighters. 🫡

📉 West Asia tensions keep Nifty rangebound

Indian equity indices ended another week on a subdued note due to West Asia geopolitical tensions and rising crude oil prices. Nifty closed at 24,252 and Sensex was flat at 77,540.83 on Friday, marking a weekly decline. The escalation pushed Brent crude oil futures above $94 a barrel, while earnings season delivered strong growth. Analysts predict Nifty will likely stay in the 24,000-24,500 range unless oil prices drop or positive geopolitical news emerges. 📉