🚨 Microsoft Defender driver can disable your security

Researchers found that Microsoft Defender's BTR.sys driver can be weaponized for kernel-level attacks. This exploit uses a trusted, signed component within Defender's MpEngine.dll deployed on Windows systems. The driver can execute privileged operations during a 'golden window' before EDRs fully initialize, as noted in the Check Point research. Attackers can use a proof-of-concept tool to construct accepted transactions for this function. Security teams must monitor for suspicious driver deployment context, not just signatures, to stay safe.

🚨 Khasi Union Leaders Jailed Over Shillong Mayhem

Three senior leaders from the Khasi Students' Union were sent to 14 days' judicial custody following arrests related to recent violence in Shillong. The leaders, including Raymond Kharjana, were taken into custody by authorities in Meghalaya. This action followed a bike rally on Wednesday where statues were vandalized and vehicles were burned. The KSU is agitating for a five-point charter, which includes safety act implementation and recruitment reforms. The administration has deployed extra security forces to prevent any future incidents.

🚨 Man posing as trans rapes air hostess in Mumbai flat

A 25-year-old air hostess was sexually assaulted in an upscale Powai housing society on Tuesday. The accused, Anil Shinde (28), impersonated a transgender person to gain entry to her third-floor flat. The incident occurred between 12.20pm and 12.50pm, and Shinde reportedly took Rs 200 from the victim. Police arrested Shinde from a slum pocket in Kalwa after tracing him using over 100 CCTV cameras. Authorities are investigating whether he has committed similar offenses in the past. 😨

🧐 Kerala Govt Defends Suspension of ADGP Ajith Kumar

The Kerala government informed the CAT that police records concerning the 2023 Alappuzha assault case were allegedly altered under pressure from ADGP M.R. Ajith Kumar. The SIT report revealed serious claims about his misuse of official position and interference, leading to his suspension. This interim measure was to ensure fair disciplinary proceedings, as stated by the government. The state denied claims that the suspension was timed to block his DGP promotion, citing procedural rules. Mr. Ajith Kumar had been given a chance to explain before the suspension order was issued. 🧐

🏑 India's 2026 Hockey World Cup Pool E schedule is out

India has moved to the second round of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2026 after securing second place in Pool D. Under the new format, the Harmanpreet Singh-led squad will compete in Pool E against the Netherlands and Argentina. Their first match is set for Saturday, August 22 at 7:30pm IST in Amstelveen. The second crucial game against Argentina is scheduled for Monday, August 24 at 6:15pm IST. The team must finish in the top two of Pool E to qualify for the semifinals. 🏑

🏞️ Smallwood Lake is finally refilling after dam disaster

Water is finally returning to Smallwood Lake after a catastrophic dam disaster in 2020. This refill started on August 4th, following a $50.2 million rebuild, benefiting 721 waterfront properties in Michigan. The refill process is expected to take eight to 10 weeks depending on weather conditions. This marks a critical step in the wider restoration of Michigan's Four Lakes system. The Task Force is also hosting sessions to help property owners prepare for the lake's return. 🏞️

🔬 New AI framework boosts cancer diagnosis reliability

A new integrated AI framework called TRUECAM has been developed to improve the reliability of cancer pathology diagnosis. Prof. ZHANG Xiaoge and his team at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University applied it to whole-slide image analysis for non-small cell lung cancer subtyping. The framework is applicable across various cancer types and demonstrated better performance than standard models. It helps by flagging uncertain cases for pathologists, balancing AI power with human expertise. This work was published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, paving the way for real-world clinical use. 🩺

🚇 Kochi Metro name change proposal hits roadblocks

Kochi Metro Rail Limited’s plan to rename itself to ‘Keralam Metro Rail Limited’ has faced opposition. Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden sent an urgent message to the Chief Minister against the change. This opposition came on Thursday, August 20, 2026, when Mr. Eden deemed the move unacceptable. KMRL MD Loknath Behera clarified it was just a proposal based on metro policy precedents. The matter will conclude based on the State government's final decision. 🚇

🚫 Exam cancelled at Chhattisgarh university over paper leak

Indira Gandhi Agricultural University cancelled a second year entomology exam on Thursday, August 20, 2026, due to paper leak allegations. This incident occurred at the university in Raipur, impacting around 1,500 students enrolled in affiliated colleges. The exam, AENT 221, was scheduled for the second semester of B.Sc. (Agriculture). Students protested after questions were circulated on social media before the 10 a.m. start time. A committee has been formed to investigate, and strict action will follow the probe report.

😠 Karnataka Assembly deadlocked over minister's removal

Karnataka Assembly proceedings stalled for the fourth consecutive day due to BJP and JD(S) demanding Minister B Nagendra's removal. This political standoff occurred in Karnataka, where opposition members protested against alleged embezzlement of ST community funds. The issue has been ongoing since Nagendra's re-induction into the Shivakumar-led Ministry on August 3. Opposition leader R Ashoka accused Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara of misleading the House regarding the allegations. The Speaker managed to pass three Bills despite the continuous disruptions.

🔥 Honey Singh rates Yash's Ravana look higher than Ranbir's

Honey Singh recently shared his thoughts on the upcoming 'Ramayana' film via Instagram Live. He praised actor Yash's look as Ravana, stating it surpassed Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Ram. The singer mentioned watching the teaser and expressed hope the movie respects the epic's core emotions. This feedback came after the makers announced the first installment's release on November 6, 2026. The second part is anticipated around Diwali 2027. 🤩