⚖️ Military Censure Upheld in Poonch Custody Death Case

The Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) upheld the censure against a Brigadier regarding a custodial death case. This decision was made concerning an incident that occurred in Poonch. The ruling specifically addressed the use of excessive force during the custody period. The AFT emphasized that the use of excessive force is strictly prohibited under military guidelines. Further proceedings will determine the final disciplinary actions against the officer. ⚖️

⚽ Barca's 3 backup plans if Balde leaves

Intense speculation surrounds defender Alejandro Balde's future as the transfer window nears its end. If Barcelona sells him, Sporting Director Deco has prepared three distinct plans for the backline. The first plan is to sign a low-cost, younger replacement for the starting left-back, Joao Cancelo. A second option involves moving Gerard Martin back to left-back, allowing them to sign a new centre-back. The final option is to rely on the impressive 17-year-old Jordi Pesquer, potentially saving money for a better centre-back. ⚽

🔬 Indians who sparked science culture in colonial India

In 1907, Chandrasekhar Venkata Raman began groundbreaking experiments at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science in Calcutta. This institution, founded by Dr Mahendralal Sircar on July 29, 1876, aimed to boost indigenous scientific research in colonial India. Raman's work on light led to the Raman Effect, earning him the Nobel Prize in Science in 1930. Sircar believed ordinary Indians needed spaces for independent experimentation, free from colonial control. These efforts were part of a larger movement to build a self-reliant scientific culture in the subcontinent. 🔬

💰 MDR returning to UPI: Who benefits?

The debate is heating up over how the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) will be distributed once it returns to the UPI system. Banks and various fintech companies are stakeholders in this upcoming change. The specific rollout details are expected around the coming months, with no concrete dates yet confirmed. This shift aims to restructure the financial incentives within the digital payment ecosystem. Stakeholders are keenly watching to see the final policy decisions from NPCI.

🤖 AI boosts jobs in India, but freshers feel the pinch 😟

AI is currently generating more jobs than it destroys within India's labour market. This impact is being seen across India as the country develops its IT-services hub. Nomura analyzed 69 company announcements, finding 131,000 AI jobs created against 61,000 lost up to August 2026. However, entry-level hiring is dropping sharply while senior roles remain in demand, creating a K-shaped split. This trend suggests fresh graduates face significant disruption as AI evolves rapidly.

🌟 Iconic songs, lost stars: The mystery of three actors

Three charismatic female actors, Nivedita, Yasmin, and Erica Lal, are remembered for their legacy Bollywood songs but have faded from public view. These actresses appeared in the 1950s and 1960s when the industry was highly dominated by established stars. While Nivedita and Yasmin received some second chances, Erica Lal never found a sustained career trajectory. Her song recently resurfaced in the 'Made in India: A Titan Story' soundtrack, bringing attention back to her past roles. It remains unclear exactly where Erica Lal eventually went after her film appearance. 🎬

🏏 Shadab fires Falcons to CPL top spot

Antigua and Barbuda Falcons clinched their second home win in CPL 2026 against Trinbago Knight Riders. Shadab Khan's all-round performance was key at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. TKR posted 165/6 in 20 overs, while Falcons chased it down in 18.3 overs. Shadab hit an unbeaten 52 off 20 balls, turning a tough chase into an easy one. This victory propelled the Falcons to the top of the points table. 🏏

🗳️ Kazakhstan snap election kicks off for Tokayev's agenda

Snap parliamentary elections are underway in Kazakhstan, aiming to solidify President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's grip on power. The voting is happening for the 145 seats of the new unicameral Kurultai legislature. These elections follow constitutional changes implemented since July 1, with seven parties contesting. The election is crucial as Astana tries to present itself as a major democratic force in Central Asia. International observers from about 30 countries will be present to monitor the process.

🎬 Yash's Toxic film nears ₹30 Cr in advance bookings

Yash's action thriller, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups, is seeing massive pre-release ticket sales. The film is performing strongly across domestic shows, currently grossing Rs 18.84 crore from over 4.73 lakh tickets. As of now, the Day 1 advance booking gross stands at Rs 27.38 crore, nearing the Rs 30 crore mark. Kannada and Hindi versions are driving much of this initial success across the film's 12,609 shows. The movie is set to release on August 26 in six languages. 🎬

🏗️ Building collapse in Hyderabad after prior notice

A seven-storey under-construction building collapsed in Anjaiah Nagar, Gachibowli, Hyderabad on Saturday, August 22, 2026, tragically killing two workers. The Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) had issued a show-cause notice 66 days prior over unauthorized construction. The structure, owned by Farheen Siddiq and Md. Sajid, was built without proper permissions and setbacks. CMC Commissioner G. Srijana suspended TPBO U. Santosh Kumar for neglecting his duties. The CMC is now inspecting other illegal constructions and pursuing criminal action. 🏗️

⚖️ Meta trial heating up over kids' safety

A massive trial began in Oakland, California, with 29 US states suing Meta over its platforms. The lawsuit claims Meta intentionally hooked children, misled the public, and violated kids’ privacy. The case, filed in October 2023, accuses the giant of prioritizing profit over teen well-being. Whistleblower Arturo Bejar testified, alleging Mark Zuckerberg misrepresented the company's safety commitment. The trial is set to run for another six to eight weeks, potentially changing social media forever. 📱