🇧🇩 Mirza Fakhrul Alamgir takes oath as Bangladesh's president

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir officially took the oath as Bangladesh's 23rd President on Friday, August 21, 2026. He was sworn in at Bangabhaban in Dhaka, Bangladesh, by Jatiya Sangsad Acting Speaker Kayser Kamal. The election saw Alamgir secure 255 votes, defeating Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed with 88 votes. This marked the first contested presidential poll in 35 years, necessitated by a previous resignation. Alamgir subsequently administered the oath to five new cabinet members, bringing the Cabinet to 55 members.

🧑‍⚖️ BCI Chief Refuses Resignation Amid Political Pressure

BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra strongly rejected calls for his resignation following the NALSAR row. He stated that the demands were politically motivated by the CJP and Aam Aadmi Party, while addressing reporters in Delhi. Mishra noted he has held the chairmanship for 12 to 14 years, representing 25 lakh lawyers in the country. He challenged his critics to defeat him in the bar council elections instead of using social media pressure. Mishra defended his actions, claiming the directive against the NALSAR batch was withdrawn quickly after student grievances were heard. 🧑‍⚖️

🔬 Hope for deadly cancer types emerges

New treatments are showing significant promise against two of the deadliest forms of cancer. Researchers from various institutions are leading these groundbreaking studies across different medical centers. The trials have been ongoing since early 2023, with preliminary results published in late October 2023. These advancements offer new hope for patients facing aggressive diagnoses globally. Further phase three trials are scheduled to begin in the next quarter to confirm these positive outcomes. 🔬

🏙️ RFK's old NYC co-op sells for $1.99M

Robert F. Kennedy's former East River co-op apartment finally sold after a bidding war. This three-bedroom, three-bath unit, located at 870 United Nations Plaza, was the first to sell in over 50 years. The sale reached $1.99 million after an initial listing last fall for $1.79 million. The apartment, bought in 1965, holds many original details from its time as Kennedy's residence. It features 2,000 square feet and stunning views of the UN garden. 🏙️

🤝 US-Canada trade deal might lower steel tariffs

A potential US-Canada trade deal could introduce a steel quota alongside a reduced 25% tariff. This negotiation is aimed at finalizing trade agreements currently pending before Saturday morning. The details of the agreement, which includes steel quotas, have not been publicly announced yet. This move follows previous trade tensions regarding various Canadian goods. Further updates on the finalization of this trade pact are anticipated in the coming days. 🤝

🚨 Cops seek help to try 26/11 accused in absentia

Mumbai Police have approached the Union Home Ministry to serve proclamation orders against Hafiz Saeed and five others. These absconding accused, including Pakistani nationals, are linked to the 26/11 terror attacks. The court issued these orders in July this year, setting up for a trial in absentia. The MHA acknowledged the request on August 3, seeking time to file a status report. This legal step is mandated by Section 356 of the BNSS, 2023. 🇮🇳

😔 IISc student found dead in hostel room

A 22-year-old MTech student, identified as Gopal from West Bengal, was allegedly found dead in his hostel room at IISc. The incident occurred on Thursday, and a handwritten note was recovered from his room. This death follows a similar incident 15 days prior involving a 19-year-old BTech student on August 6. The Sadashivanagar police have registered an unnatural death report and sent the body for post-mortem. Further investigation will continue based on the findings while the institute urges students to seek mental health support.

🗳️ Afghan-American wins US Congress seat

Aisha Wahab, a 39-year-old progressive Democrat, became the first Afghan-American elected to the U.S. Congress on Friday. She secured the win in a special election in California, defeating Melissa Hernandez. The by-election was to finish the term of former Congressman Eric Swalwell, starting in April. Wahab campaigned on a leftist platform, including Medicare for All and higher taxes on billionaires. Her victory signals a growing leftward shift within the Democratic Party. 🗳️

💰 Gold jumps to three-month high

Gold has reached a three-month high following a strong rally. This surge is being driven primarily by significant share buybacks across markets. The metal's price has climbed to $4,600 in the recent trading sessions. This upward trend reflects ongoing investor confidence amid global economic uncertainties. Analysts expect this momentum to continue as long as market sentiment remains bullish.

🌍 8 contenders vying for UN chief role

The UN Security Council held a straw poll to gauge support for candidates to replace Antonio Guterres. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett led the second round, while Rebeca Grynspan was the front-runner in the first informal vote. The vote took place with a 15-member Security Council, and Guterres finishes his term on December 31, 2026. Candidates like Michelle Bachelet and Rafael Mariano Grossi have different visions for the world body. The chosen candidate needs nine votes and must avoid a veto from a permanent member. 🌍

🩺 ₹221 crore boost for Andhra Pradesh medical infra

Tenders were invited for 12 projects totaling an estimated ₹221.67 crore to strengthen medical infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh. Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav announced this initiative on Friday, covering AYUSH and Allopathic services. Under the National AYUSH Mission, six 50-bed integrated AYUSH hospitals will be built across various districts. Additionally, a Unani Medical College in Proddatur and an Ayurveda Medical College in Dharmavaram are planned. These developments are being executed through the APMSIDC's e-procurement process. 🏥