📈 Nasdaq to run almost 23-hour trading day

Nasdaq is planning an extended trading session that will last nearly 23 hours starting in December. This operational change will affect the Nasdaq exchange in the US. The new schedule is set to begin in December and will significantly alter normal market hours. This move is being implemented to accommodate global trading demands and increased market activity. Details on the exact implementation phases are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

📚 AI chaos hits book publishing industry 🤯

AI use is causing massive turmoil in the book publishing world recently. Allegations surfaced against authors like Jerry Falade and Mia Ballard in the US. These incidents occurred following recent scandals, including in March and July. The situation forces a reckoning on authorship and the industry's future viability. Publishers are currently reacting to fires while grappling with necessary safeguards.

🏏 Labuschagne dropped in Australia's second Test squad

Marnus Labuschagne was left out of the squad for the upcoming second Test match. Australia coach Andrew McDonald noted that the right-hander needed more work to secure his spot in the team. Specifically, McDonald mentioned Labuschagne scored 31 in the second innings, which was considered a small score. The coaching group is reportedly working hard with him to improve his performance. Josh Inglis and Scott Boland remain in the squad and could be recalled.

🚀 India builds Mars-like infra, questions Mars water claim

India is reportedly creating infrastructure comparable to what is found on Mars. This massive project is being developed by various agencies across the nation. Key milestones mentioned include targets set for the coming fiscal year and the successful completion of preliminary surveys in Q3 2024. The development aims to test advanced life support systems in extreme environments, challenging previous assumptions about Martian habitability. Further details on resource extraction strategies are expected to be released by the end of the year. 🚀

🇮🇳 Smriti Irani back in BJP leadership

Smriti Irani has been appointed as a National General Secretary of the BJP, making her the only woman in the new team. This move is highly significant ahead of the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. She has a history of political impact, notably defeating Rahul Gandhi in 2019. Her aggressive campaigning skills are seen as crucial for the BJP's goal of a hat-trick win in UP. The party plans to leverage her popularity among women voters for the crucial state polls. 🗳️

😂 Pant's hilarious banter with Jadeja during Test match

Rishabh Pant engaged in funny banter with Sarfaraz Khan during Day 3 of the Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Sarfaraz told Ravindra Jadeja to be patient, saying, "It is a long game, we will share the spoils." Pant then joined in, jokingly stating, "And everyone will swing swords!" This lighthearted exchange occurred while India was putting pressure on the hosts. Suthar debuted with 4-76, and Jadeja took 3-57, contributing to India's bowling effort. 🏏

📈 Gold Price Dip? Bulls Taking a Break Before Next Surge

Gold prices have experienced a slight pullback after recent upward trends. This movement is observed in the XAU/USD market, suggesting a temporary pause in the bullish momentum. Specific price targets and resistance levels are being closely monitored by traders. Analysts suggest this breather could be a consolidation phase before the next significant rally. Investors are advised to watch upcoming economic data for further direction.

🗣️ Godse was active RSS member, grandnephew says

Satyaki Savarkar stated in a Pune court that Nathuram Godse and his brother Gopal Godse were active members of the RSS. He made this revelation while being cross-examined in a defamation case against Rahul Gandhi. The statement was made on Monday, August 17, before Special Judge Amol Shinde. Satyaki also mentioned that Gopal Godse and Vinayak Savarkar were accused in the Gandhi assassination case. The case, filed over Gandhi's March 5, 2023 speech, will continue on September 1.

🇷🇺 Russia's new talent visa for fast residency

Russia has introduced a multiple-entry talent visa to attract highly skilled foreign professionals. This programme is part of Presidential Decree No. 883, which was signed in December 2025 and became effective on April 15, 2026. It targets scientists, tech entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals who benefit Russia's tech and science sectors. Visa holders can bypass standard quotas and even avoid the Russian language requirement initially. Exceptional talent might qualify for a faster route to Russian citizenship depending on individual achievements. 🚀

😠 CPI(M) slaps BJP over complaints against Manik Sarkar

The CPI(M) has strongly criticized the BJP for filing police complaints against Manik Sarkar, the former Tripura Chief Minister. This action was taken by the ruling BJP in various police stations after a statement allegedly made by Sarkar at a recent rally. Sarkar was booked for calling a “Jangi-type” protest to oppose the BJP government's policies. The BJP countered by linking the term 'Jangi' to militancy, while Sarkar called the complaints a sinister ploy. Senior CPI(M) leader Pabitra Kar commented on this political exercise on Monday, August 17, 2026.

🇷🇺 Russian opposition leader jailed for war remarks

Russian opposition leader Lev Shlosberg was sentenced to 11 years and one month in a penal colony. This happened in Pskov, Russia, where he was convicted for discrediting the armed forces and spreading false information. The sentence was handed down on Monday, amidst a Kremlin crackdown ahead of the parliamentary election in September. Shlosberg had called for an immediate ceasefire, stating the nation would shudder at the list of martyrs. Yabloko, his party, called the verdict 'barbaric' and confirmed plans for an appeal. 😥