📉 Maharashtra scraps extra 10% construction rate in tribal areas

The Maharashtra government has officially cancelled the provision allowing a 10% higher construction rate in tribal-dominated areas. This decision was made by the Public Works Department on Thursday, aligning these works with general area rates. This change follows a meeting of top bureaucrats and ministers who deemed the extra provision unnecessary. The move is part of a wider government push to curb expenditure across various departments. Consequently, the State Schedule of Rates 2022-23 will now apply uniformly to all construction works.

🇮🇳 TN Minister predicts Rahul Gandhi as PM in 2029

A Tamil Nadu Tourism Minister stated that Rahul Gandhi will become the Prime Minister following the 2029 elections. S. Rajesh Kumar made this comment in Coimbatore on Thursday, August 13, 2026. He clarified that this view was his own, separate from TVK Minister Aadhav Arjuna's suggestion. Rahul Gandhi is positioned as the prime minister candidate for the Indian National Congress within the state government. The state government is also planning a single window system to boost tourism infrastructure development.

🏫 Modi speaks on education, overlooks school demolition

Prime Minister Modi addressed the Vivekananda Memorial regarding the importance of education. He spoke at the memorial, which is located in a specific location not mentioned in the source. The event took place on a date not specified in the provided text. The speech highlighted the nation's focus on learning and development. Further details on the memorial's history and the demolished school are pending clarification. 🏫

😠 Rishika Singh confronts Yash over women's portrayal

Rishika Singh strongly criticized Yash for the toxic portrayal of women in his work. She voiced her strong stance against this depiction during a public statement. The criticism specifically targeted certain elements seen in his recent projects. This stance comes amid ongoing discussions about gender representation in Indian cinema. Singh has indicated she will take further action regarding these portrayals. 😠

🎉 Indian man gets US visa after H-1B rejections

An Indian data analytics professional, Sohan Sethi, successfully secured an O-1 visa after failing the H-1B lottery three times. Sethi, who is from Mumbai, arrived in Chicago in January 2022 after years of preparation for his Master's degree. Following his third H-1B rejection in March 2026, he started the O-1 process in April, spending around $13,000 on legal fees. The O-1 visa requires demonstrating extraordinary ability, which Sethi proved with extensive documentation. His approval allows him to continue his career in the United States for the next three years. 🥳

🚗 Bengaluru residents face big parking fees

Bengaluru residents parking outside homes may face annual fees up to ₹25,000 under the draft Greater Bengaluru Authority (Parking) Rules, 2026. These permits will be issued only to residents whose buildings meet minimum parking bylaws. The rules propose fees of ₹15,000 for hatchbacks, ₹20,000 for sedans, and ₹25,000 for SUVs. Parking without a permit, especially if internal parking is inadequate, is deemed illegal and can lead to fines. Citizens must adhere to road space and footpath requirements for residential parking areas. 🚗

🏛️ Karnataka Lok Bhavan open for Independence Day visits

The Karnataka Lok Bhavan will be accessible to the public for Independence Day celebrations. This access is scheduled for August 16, 17, and 18, running from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Visitors are strictly advised to only enter designated areas and follow all guidelines. Everyone must carry a government-issued ID, such as an Aadhaar card, for a mandatory security check. Private vehicles and many prohibited items, including electronic devices and weapons, are banned inside.

⚡ APSPDCL rolls out easy bulk electricity payments

Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited launched a new streamlined payment system for bulk electricity consumers. This system is available on their website for customers managing multiple service connections under one name. Previously, entities like the TTD and mobile towers had to pay each bill separately, which was quite tedious. The new platform offers a single login, allowing consumers to register and pay all their bills simultaneously with one click. APSPDCL aims to simplify processes and expand its digital services further.

📱 Police return 300 stolen phones in Cuddalore

Cuddalore district police successfully recovered 300 mobile phones reported missing or stolen. Superintendent of Police Vivekananda Shukla handed these recovered devices back to their rightful owners at the District Police Office on Wednesday. These cases were registered across various police stations following owner complaints. Cybercrime police tracked the phones using their IMEI numbers to make the recovery possible. Citizens are advised to use CEIR or local police to report losses and to avoid sharing bank details with fraudsters. 📱

🦠 Ebola outbreak in Congo hits dangerous levels

An Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is escalating, with the WHO warning it could be the deadliest epidemic in history. The disease has spread to a sixth province, Bas-Uele, after a death was reported there on August 13. Current figures show over 4,500 infections and 2,100 deaths since the official declaration on May 15. Control is difficult due to healthcare worker strikes and the virus spreading outside monitored contacts. Health officials are racing against the virus as it moves faster than the response. 🦠

🛡️ Trump slaps 100% tariff on certain drones

Trump has decided to impose a 100% tariff on specific unmanned aircraft systems and their components. This action follows a report from the Secretary of Commerce regarding the national security impact of these imports. The decision was based on an investigation conducted under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The policy ties the nation's economic welfare closely to its national security concerns. This move signals a significant shift in US trade regulations for drone technology. 🛡️