⚠️ Pakistan issues strict warning to Hajj pilgrims in KSA

Pakistan has issued a strict advisory to its citizens heading to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage. The Pakistani Embassy in Saudi Arabia urged nationals to fully comply with Saudi laws and visa conditions. This warning comes as Saudi authorities maintain a zero-tolerance approach to begging, especially near Mecca and Medina. Visitors are advised to use legal channels for any financial collection and adhere strictly to their visa terms. Failure to comply could lead to arrest, detention, and deportation.

🚨 TikToker shot dead in Pakistan; funeral sparks debate

A 28-year-old TikToker named Shamso Bibi was shot dead by unknown assailants in Punjab province, Pakistan. Her brother is now asking Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for help due to police inaction in the case. The incident occurred on Friday, and the shooting video showed two men firing from a motorcycle. This killing highlights ongoing violence against women, following other cases in the Rawalpindi-Islamabad area. The social media debate over her funeral attendance has further fueled the conversation on women's safety. 😥

🏛️ 51,720 social security pensions cancelled in Karnataka

Social security pensions for 51,720 beneficiaries have been cancelled after they were deemed ineligible for the benefits. This update was provided by Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara during the Karnataka Legislative Assembly session at Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru on Monday. An exercise identified 23,14,544 beneficiaries with doubtful credentials against income limits and ration card data. Pension payments resumed in March 2026 for those who passed physical verification. Further payments can restart if suspended beneficiaries provide documentary proof of their eligibility. 🧐

🧐 AIDSO wants probe into UGC-NET exam errors

AIDSO, Mysuru district committee, is concerned about reported errors in the UGC-NET examinations. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced re-examinations for English, Commerce, and Sociology due to candidate complaints. These re-exams are being ordered nearly seven weeks after the originals, which AIDSO calls a serious management flaw. The alleged errors included factual inaccuracies and wrong book titles, showing lapses in quality checking. AIDSO demands the dismantling of NTA and an independent inquiry into these issues.

😠 Kalaburagi contractors protest over unpaid bills

Contractors from the Kalaburagi Mahanagara Palike Guttigedarara Abhivriddhipara Kalyana Sangha held a protest outside the city corporation office on Monday. They are demanding payment for completed works under the 15th Finance Commission grants for 2024-25 and 2025-26. Their bills have been unpaid for nearly a year despite completing tenders for both grant installments. These small-scale contractors face severe financial stress because lenders are pressuring them. They warned of intensifying their agitation if the payments are not cleared within a week. 😠

🏏 Delhi Premier League: Riders vs Kings on Aug 18th 🏏

Match 33 of the Delhi Premier League 2026 will feature East Delhi Riders against Central Delhi Kings on August 18th at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi. The East Delhi Riders are currently at the bottom of the points table with 5 losses. Central Delhi Kings are dominating the league, sitting in the first position with 7 wins and 1 loss. The predictions favor Central Delhi Kings to win this contest. All eyes will be on how the two sides perform in this upcoming fixture.

🚨 Apple warns millions about mercenary spyware attacks

Apple has issued high-confidence threat notifications to targeted users across 110 countries regarding sophisticated mercenary spyware attacks. These warnings are being delivered by Apple to specific individuals, such as journalists and activists, as part of a push against state-sponsored surveillance. The alerts include notifications on the Lock Screen, emails from `threat-notifications@email.apple.com`, and a banner on `account.apple.com`. Apple advises recipients to immediately enable Lockdown Mode on their devices for maximum protection. Users are also recommended to seek help from specialized organizations like Access Now's Digital Security Helpline.

🎬 ByteDance and Hollywood Ink AI Copyright Deal

ByteDance has officially signed a copyright pact with the Hollywood trade group, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. This agreement was reached in Los Angeles and aims to establish guidelines for AI use in content creation. The deal was finalized on September 10, 2023, and covers intellectual property rights across various media. This move is significant as it addresses ongoing concerns about AI infringing on creators' work. Further details on implementation are expected in the coming months. 🎬

📱 Apple foldable iPhone dropping in September?

Apple is expected to debut its first foldable iPhone alongside the iPhone 18 Pro lineup in September. This new device is anticipated to enter the foldable smartphone market, though initial supply might be restricted. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo projects only 7 million to 8 million units will ship in 2026. This limited production, due to manufacturing challenges, might push pre-orders later into 2026. The device is expected to have a 5.5-inch outer and 7.8-inch inner screen. 📱

🎓 CJP chief offers to show Boston degree

CJP chief Abhijeet Dipke has offered to show his degree from Boston University amidst questions about his education. He made this statement while challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to also show his credentials. Dipke, who holds an M.Sc. from Boston University, returned to India in June 2024. The controversy gained traction after his party agitated over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. He suggests Delhi University should also highlight Modi's association with the institution. 🎓

⛽ ONGC eyeing major Venezuela oil expansion

ONGC is looking at a bigger oil push in Venezuela following the clearance of US sanctions. The Indian energy giant could potentially take over projects currently managed by PDVSA in the nation. This strategic move is being watched closely by the international energy market. The plan aims to significantly boost India's crude oil reserves and energy security. Further details on the takeover negotiations are expected in the coming fiscal quarters.