🫡 Nepalese Gorkha soldiers protest over Agnipath scheme

Young Nepalis, including former Gorkha soldiers, held a protest in Pokhara demanding entry into India's Agnipath scheme. This action follows Kathmandu's suspension of its citizens' enrollment in the Indian Armed Forces in 2022. The protest occurred ahead of the Indian Army chief's visit to Kathmandu on August 16. Veterans argue the hiring freeze deprives youth of jobs better than Gulf work. They seek resumption of recruitment, referencing the 207-year-old practice since the Sugauli Treaty. 🫡

⚖️ BCI-NALSAR row puts Manan Mishra in hot water

A controversy erupted after the Bar Council of India briefly halted the enrolment of NALSAR University's 2026 batch. This happened because the council acted over student protests regarding the Chief Justice of India's convocation invitation. The Supreme Court questioned the BCI's intervention, noting students have a right to protest. Manan Kumar Mishra, BCI chairman since November 2014, faces increased scrutiny over his long tenure. A petition is now in the Supreme Court demanding structural reforms within the BCI.

🌳 Ohio family transforms 60-acre mine site into forest

In 2021, an Ohio family started restoring 60 acres of abandoned mine land in Jackson County. They partnered with the Ohio AML Program and ARRI to heal the land, which had been a mining scar for over two decades. After coordination and delays, they planted approximately 700 native tree seedlings per acre. This project, supported by AMLER programs, now features native trees and a restored wildlife habitat. It serves as a model for transforming degraded land into thriving ecosystems. 🌳

🏡 Kerala launches PMAY-U 2.0 housing support 🏡

The Kerala government has approved the implementation of PMAY-U 2.0 for housing assistance in the state. Approximately 30,000 eligible beneficiaries across Kerala will receive this new support under the second phase. The total assistance per house is now Rs 4 lakh, effective as the first phase nears completion by September 30. Funding is shared between the Centre (Rs 1.50 lakh), Kerala government (Rs 1 lakh), and municipality/beneficiary (Rs 1.50 lakh). This move helps secure Rs 450 crore in Central assistance for the state.

🤖 Robot finds 121 marine life types near Scottish wind farms 🤖

A robotic submersible explored beneath five floating wind turbines off Scotland, discovering a surprisingly diverse underwater community. This survey took place at the Hywind Scotland Pilot Park, located about 25 kilometres east of Peterhead. The robot recorded 121 different taxa across 41 structures between 2017 and the survey dates. This offers researchers a rare look at how marine life settles around artificial offshore habitats in the North Sea. Future research will continue monitoring this developing ecosystem around the turbines.

🏅 CM Vijay honours 15 police officers on Independence Day

Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay will present police medals on Independence Day 2026. The awards will be given to 10 officers for Investigation and 5 for Public Service in Tamil Nadu. This event is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, recognizing dedicated service. These recipients will receive an eight-gram gold medal and ₹25,000 cash reward. The recognition celebrates outstanding commitment to duty across various police units.

⚽ Tata Steel exits ISL, sells Jamshedpur FC cheap

Tata Steel sold its entire stake in Jamshedpur Football and Sporting Private Limited (JFSPL) to Churchill Brothers Sports Club. This massive divestment took place in Jamshedpur, marking the end of Tata Steel's ownership in a professional football club. The transaction, approved on August 14, involved selling 4,08,00,000 equity shares for a token sum of Rs 100. This move signifies a wider pullback from top-flight club ownership despite continued academy support. The deal is set to close by August 31, allowing JFSPL staff to transition to Churchill Brothers. ⚽

🧐 Karnataka bill on public space use sparks RSS-BJP anger

A new bill mandates government permission for private events on public property in Karnataka. The BJP and RSS are opposing this legislation against the ruling Congress government in the state. The law, approved in 2026, formalizes rules replacing a 2025 executive order after a High Court stay. Critics argue it's a political move to curb RSS activities, especially route marches, under the guise of public order. The groups are concerned about the bill circumventing constitutional freedoms and targeting their operations. 🧐

🎬 Actor emailed Mark Zuckerberg before filming

Actor Jeremy Strong emailed Mark Zuckerberg before starting the movie The Social Reckoning. This was for the upcoming film where Strong portrays the Meta CEO, who is set to release on October 9th. The actor reached out to show respect and seriousness about the complex role. Zuckerberg replied to the email, though Strong kept the response private. The film focuses on the 'Facebook Files' investigation and is a companion piece to The Social Network. 🎬

🏥 Nadda heads to AIIMS after feeling unwell

JP Nadda recently rushed to AIIMS in Delhi after experiencing some uneasiness. The high-ranking leader underwent a coronary angiography to check his heart health. The procedure took place recently, as part of routine health monitoring. This move comes amid ongoing health protocols for political figures. Further updates regarding his recovery are expected soon.

🏭 FDA issues warning letter to Aurobindo's subsidiary

The U.S. FDA has issued a warning letter to Eugia Pharma Specialities, a subsidiary of Aurobindo Pharma. This action followed prior observations in February and an Official Action Indicated (OAI) status issued in May. Aurobindo Pharma stated on Friday, August 14, 2026, that existing U.S. market supplies are not expected to be impacted. The facility contributes about 2% to the company's overall group revenue, which hit ₹33,653 crore in FY26. The company remains committed to enhancing compliance and working with the U.S. FDA. 🏭