🔪 Mumbai woman paid help to kill daughter-in-law

A 65-year-old woman named Dhanalakshmi was arrested in Mumbai for allegedly hiring help to murder her daughter-in-law, Sapna Ganji. She paid Rs 3 lakh to the domestic help and her family to carry out the crime in Ghatkopar. Initially, Dhanalakshmi claimed Sapna died after an accidental fall in the bathroom. However, police found signs of assault, revealing the motive was anger over a pending domestic violence case. Five people have been arrested so far in connection with this brutal incident. 💔

🚧 Punjab bandh tomorrow: what to expect

A bandh, or strike, is expected to take place in Punjab tomorrow, causing widespread disruptions. This action is anticipated across the state, affecting daily life significantly. Schools, markets, and major highways are all likely to be impacted by the protest. The bandh is a form of civil action against certain political or social issues currently being debated. Authorities are preparing contingency plans to manage the expected chaos and movement restrictions. 🚧

🏚️ Assam flood victims face tough comeback after water drops 😥

Even as floodwaters recede in Assam, many families find no home to return to after losing everything. In Sivasagar, a family lost 20 quintals of grain and damaged belongings after the floods. As of August 18, 105 people had died, while nearly 32,000 people across five districts remained affected. The receding water signals the start of a struggle for rebuilding, replacing essentials, and waiting for financial aid. The Assam government is focusing on damage assessment, with a final survey expected by September.

🔥 BJP confronts Congress over drought list and minister exit

The BJP disrupted the Karnataka Assembly demanding a list of drought-hit taluks and the removal of B. Nagendra from the Cabinet. Leader of Opposition R. Ashok raised these demands against the ruling Congress government in the assembly. The protest highlighted that the government had not released any list of drought-affected areas despite the deficit monsoon. BJP members also demanded Nagendra's sacking due to alleged embezzlement of ₹187 crore in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. The Speaker eventually proceeded with Question Hour despite the ongoing protests.

📉 Kotak's big call on defence stocks

Kotak Securities has narrowed its top picks down to just one defence company. This analysis focuses on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The firm projects potential downside of up to 45% across these three listed stocks. The assessment is based on recent market trends and future outlook for the defence sector. Investors are advised to watch closely for further updates from the brokerage.

⚖️ Jharkhand High Court Halts Job Exam Cancellations

The Jharkhand High Court has stayed the state government's order that canceled 22 recruitment examinations. This decision came after a 25-day student agitation regarding alleged exam irregularities. The cancelled tests included posts like drug inspectors and assistant professors, and the order was challenged by successful candidates. Petitioners argued the unilateral cancellation violated natural justice and jeopardized their jobs. The government has also announced a committee to review reforms in the JPSC and JSSC systems. 😟

💊 9-crore anti-cancer drug racket busted by Delhi Police 💊

The Delhi Crime Branch busted an interstate racket dealing in illegal anti-cancer drugs across multiple states. The network spanned areas including Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Authorities seized medicines worth around Rs 9 crore, along with Rs 50 lakh in cash and other materials on July 11, 2026. The syndicate allegedly sourced drugs from counterfeit sources and diverted them from hospitals and government institutions. Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of this massive illegal supply chain.

🔫 Bank Employee Kills Wife, Sister in Lucknow 🔫

A bank employee allegedly shot and killed his wife and sister before taking his own life. The tragic incident occurred outside an ICICI Bank branch in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, on August 20, 2026. The victims included Divya Mishra, a 37-year-old relationship manager, and her sister Sheeba Bajpai. Police suggest the husband, Manas Mishra, was facing marital discord with Divya. Authorities are currently investigating the crime scene at the location.

🛑 Niva Bupa hit with 6-month branch ban

Niva Bupa Health Insurance has been barred from opening any new places of business for a six-month period. This action comes from the country’s insurance regulator, IRDAI, which issued the order. The restriction stems from the insurer's failure to comply with expense of management limits for FY2024-25. This development happens amidst industry scrutiny over healthcare costs and service standards in India. The company has not disclosed if there will be any further financial penalties imposed on them. 🏥

♻️ Pilgrims asked to carry waste from Kedarnath

Environmental activist Pradeep Sangwan launched the #CarryMeBack campaign asking pilgrims to bring back 1 kg of waste from Kedarnath. The initiative is targeting the tens of thousands of visitors who make the trek annually to the sacred site. The goal is that one lakh pilgrims carrying one kg would remove 100 tonnes of waste from the mountains. This tackles the massive waste management challenge caused by mass tourism in the Himalayas. The campaign turns travelers into partners, aiming for better waste control at the source. 🏔️

🤒 Measles deaths hit 925 in Bangladesh

Three more children passed away from measles-like symptoms in the last 24 hours, bringing the total deaths to 925. This grim update came from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Bangladesh. As of today, August 20, 2026, there were 1,004 new suspected measles cases reported. The current tally shows 826 suspected deaths and 99 laboratory-confirmed measles deaths nationwide. Health officials are monitoring the situation closely as 1,28,026 patients have been hospitalized since March 15th.