🚨 Naga protesters allegedly injured by pellet guns in Manipur

Several Naga civilians were reportedly injured after security forces moved to disperse a gathering at Kanglatongbi in Manipur. The protest was organized by the Native Peoples' Committee, Manipur, demanding justice for six missing Naga men. The incident occurred on Thursday, with witnesses alleging the use of pellet-type projectiles against the crowd. One injured woman, the wife of one of the six men, was seen receiving medical attention for ear injuries. Authorities have not yet responded to the allegations regarding the use of force.

🐍 Snakebite Deaths Now A Notifiable Disease in Maharashtra

Deaths from snakebites are now officially declared a 'notifiable disease' by the Maharashtra Public Health Department. This mandate requires all government and private hospitals across the state to report every suspected, probable, or confirmed snakebite case. This decision follows a severe incident in Japtalai village, Gadchiroli, where three schoolgirls died after being bitten. The data collected will help in effectively monitoring incidents and planning for the availability of Anti-Snake Venom Vaccine (ASV). State and district officers will be appointed as Nodal Officers to oversee this crucial surveillance system. 🐍

🌍 M5.9 earthquake hits Flores region in Indonesia

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck Indonesia's Flores region on Thursday, according to the EMSC. The tremor was felt at a depth of 10 kilometres. This quake happened days after a major 7.7 magnitude quake on August 15th. The previous disaster killed 73 people and displaced nearly 60,000 residents. Authorities are still monitoring the area amidst ongoing aftershocks.

🏛️ Supreme Court wants NTA to be fully institutionalized

The Supreme Court directed the Centre to submit a roadmap for institutionalizing the NTA and overhauling its technology after NEET paper leaks. The bench, comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe, sought details on infrastructure, manpower, and expert advice for a permanent body. This follows concerns over repeated irregularities in NEET-UG, demanding more than temporary fixes. The court emphasized needing a dedicated body like UPSC, focusing on institutional memory and robust cyber security. The Centre must detail implementation of K Radhakrishnan and Nandan Nilekani task force recommendations moving forward.

🏏 Kuldeep might be out for 2nd Test in Colombo

India is reportedly planning a change in the playing XI for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Kuldeep Yadav, who took just one wicket in Galle, could be dropped from the squad. The match is set to begin on Sunday, August 23, 2026, following the first Test's conclusion. Madhya Pradesh off-spinner Saransh Jain is expected to make his India debut in his place. Saransh Jain is a seasoned all-rounder who has performed well in domestic cricket. 🏏

🏛️ TN govt cancels order against student protests

The Tamil Nadu government withdrew a directive issued on August 17 that barred students from joining Left and CJP protests. This controversial order targeted students in higher education institutions across the state. The directive, based on July 28 instructions, required officials to prevent student participation in political agitations. Critics argued this move restricted students' fundamental right to dissent and democratic participation. The withdrawal came after the order gained public attention and faced heavy criticism.

🚀 Astrophysicist wins major space award for India

Professor Annapurni Subramaniam has received the prestigious COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal for 2026. She was awarded this honour at the 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly held in Florence, Italy. This recognition marks her as the first Indian woman to win the award, making her the fourth Indian overall. Her work includes leading calibration for AstroSat and pioneering research on stellar populations. She continues to contribute to space science by leading the INSIST telescope project.

🇮🇳 Embassy invites applications for Know India Program

The Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. has announced the opening of applications for its Know India Programme. This initiative is aimed at fostering better understanding between India and the US community. Applications are being accepted starting from October 1, 2023. The programme encourages deeper knowledge of India's culture, history, and contemporary affairs. Interested individuals should check the official embassy website for detailed submission guidelines.

🕸️ Spider-Man keeps crushing the box office

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is set to continue its massive run against new competition this weekend. Sony Pictures is releasing Insidious: Out of the Further and Mutiny in North America. Insidious opens around $23 million, while Mutiny is tracking for high single-digit earnings. Brand New Day is expected to surpass Spider-Man: No Way Home as the No. 3 highest-grossing title ever in North America. This success contributes to the 2026 summer box office hitting $4.24 billion domestically so far.

⚖️ Lawyers protest BCI chief over NALSAR issue ⚖️

A protest has been called by the All India Young Advocates Association against BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra over a withdrawn directive concerning NALSAR University of Law students. The Cockroach Janta Party founder, Abhijeet Dipke, called on "legal cockroaches" to join the demonstration scheduled for Thursday at 10 am. This follows Mishra apologizing to law students regarding the controversial BCI order. The initial directive aimed to bar enrolment of NALSAR graduates after opposition to CJI Surya Kant's convocation guest spot. The AIYAA's action amplifies calls for Mishra's resignation.

⚖️ CJP calls for BCI chief's resignation

A protest has been called against Bar Council of India chairman Manan Kumar Mishra regarding a withdrawn directive concerning NALSAR University of Law students. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke announced this, inviting all legal professionals to join the demonstration. The AIYAA is set to stage the protest on Thursday at 10am, demanding accountability. This follows Mishra's apology for a controversial BCI order that initially barred NALSAR students from enrolment. The CJP is intensifying the push for Mishra's resignation amid ongoing legal fraternity criticism. ⚖️