💻 New Malware Blends Social Engineering with Defense Evasion

A new malware-as-a-service campaign combines social engineering with defense evasion tactics. eSentire’s Threat Response Unit observed this sophisticated operation in late July 2026. The attack starts via compromised WordPress sites using ErrTraffic JavaScript linked to the Ethereum blockchain. Victims are tricked into running a malicious PowerShell command, sideloading the Cruciferra DLL. This loader disables 145 security processes using a vulnerable driver, injecting the Remus information stealer. 💻

😠 Congress cracks show in Pala municipality politics

Tensions are surfacing within the rebel Congress councillors following the LDF-led ruling combine taking control of Pala municipality. The discord erupted after Biju Mathews and Tony Thaiparambil disagreed on legal action initiated by the District Congress Committee. Mathews blamed DCC president Nattakom Suresh, alleging influence from Binu Pulikkakandam's Independent Collective. Thaiparambil distanced himself from Mathews' statements, defending Suresh's actions as fulfilling his duty. The UDF parliamentary party also objected, and Sebastian J. Panakkal sought disqualifications for four councillors. 😠

🏛️ Caste abuse indoors not an SC/ST Act offense: SC

The Supreme Court quashed proceedings under the SC/ST Act regarding caste-based abuses. This happened in a case filed against a school manager in Uttar Pradesh. The ruling was made on August 20, 2026, concerning an appeal against the Allahabad High Court's judgment. The court held that the alleged utterances inside an enclosed room without public access do not meet the statutory requirement for the offense. However, the Supreme Court clarified that the related proceedings under the IPC will continue. ⚖️

🏏 UP T20 League: Mavericks vs Super Kings match preview

The 13th match of the Uttar Pradesh T20 League 2026 pits Meerut Mavericks against Noida Super Kings on August 21st. The game will take place at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Noida Super Kings currently hold the 4th spot, while Meerut Mavericks lead the table in the 1st position. The Mavericks are predicted to win the toss and the match, with Rinku Singh highlighted as a top performer. The Mavericks are favored to score over 180 while the Super Kings are expected to score around 175. 🏏

💡 IIT Dhanbad patents temperature-proof tilt sensor

Researchers at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad secured a patent for a temperature-independent optical tilt sensor. The technology was developed by the institute's electronics engineering department, with inventors Associate Professor Dr Amitesh Kumar and Randhir Kumar Sah. The patent application was officially filed on February 10, 2025, for the 'Temperature Independent 2-D Optical Tilt Sensor'. This lightweight sensor uses Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) technology to measure tilt in two directions while minimizing temperature errors. It is set to be useful in monitoring bridges, robotics, and aerospace structures. 💡

💊 IPS officer to head fake drug probe in Bengaluru

Senior IPS officer C. Vamshikrishna will lead a six-member SIT investigating a spurious drug bust case near Bidadi. The team includes officials from the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, Karnataka. Authorities seized medicines worth ₹4.91 crore from an unlicenced facility near Bidadi. These fake drugs were allegedly relabelled and sold cheaply to hospitals from Himachal Pradesh and Telangana. The SIT is empowered to register FIRs and conduct full criminal investigations. 💊

🤖 Robot has a seizure at China tech conference

A humanoid robot malfunctioned during a demonstration at the 2026 World Robot Conference in Beijing. The robot suddenly lost control after its remote connection supposedly failed, causing it to thrash violently. Operators struggled to immediately power down the machine while it convulsed on the exhibition floor. This dramatic incident overshadowed the technology showcase meant for the event. The incident highlighted that even advanced robots still require human intervention to shut down. 🤖

💳 Quick credit card application guide

Credit card applications are now simplified, requiring fewer documents for eligible applicants. This process depends on employment type and income source, with KYC records being key. Most applications need identity proof like Aadhaar or PAN, along with income documentation. Applicants should check eligibility, choose the right card, and keep documents ready beforehand. Following these steps helps avoid delays and increases the chances of approval. 💳

🦾 New electronic skin could bring feeling back to prosthetics

Researchers developed a custom electronic skin that can detect pressure and temperature for advanced prosthetic sensing. This work, led by Washington State University researchers, can sense ten times finer than current commercial glove sensors. The system was created using a "scan-model-print" method, allowing for personalized, 3D fabrication of thin-layered sensor sandwiches. This approach makes medical-grade e-skins more accessible for widespread clinical use. Next, they are developing an actuator to convert sensing signals into haptic stimulation for amputees. 🦾

🌾 Landslide victims get ₹2 lakh aid for livelihood

Around 150 families affected by the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslides will receive ₹2 lakh each for livelihood support. This assistance will be provided by the CMDRF through the Kudumbashree Mission in Kalpetta. The distribution inauguration is scheduled for Friday, August 21, at the Chandragiri auditorium. The scheme aims to restore livelihoods by promoting self-employment and stable income for these families. A total of ₹5.11 crore has been sanctioned for the remaining 269 families in the disaster-affected area.

⛽ India diversifies oil sources amid Hormuz risks

India is shifting its oil sourcing strategy due to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Venezuela has emerged as India's fourth-largest oil supplier, with supplies reaching about 444,000 bpd. Russia remains the top supplier, with imports nearing 2 million bpd in August ⛽. This change reflects a broader effort to have more options when global supply routes face uncertainty. Despite diversification, India's large reliance on imported oil means price shocks are still a major risk.