🗣️ Parvathy defends past criticism amid new film debate

Parvathy Thiruvothu has once again addressed the controversy surrounding her critique of the film Kasaba. This resurfaced as Geetu Mohandas' new movie, Toxic, faces backlash for its portrayal of women. In July 2016, the Kerala Women's Commission took a suo motu case against Kasaba for certain scenes and dialogues. Parvathy maintained her stance, saying she still believes her initial comments about Kasaba were true. She clarified that Geetu has creative freedom and her views should not dictate her filmmaking. 🎬

🏏 MI likely keeps Jayawardene; Pandya trade chatter quiet

Mahela Jayawardene is expected to remain the head coach for Mumbai Indians in the 2027 IPL season. This decision comes as the franchise is hesitant to implement major changes to its structure. Despite disappointing seasons in 2026, there has been buzz regarding Hardik Pandya's potential trade. However, interest from other franchises and KKR has not led to any concrete movement yet. Management is keen on keeping Pandya but plans for a new captain, possibly Tilak Varma. 🏏

💉 Flu shots can help, but uptake in India is low

A 27-year-old Delhi resident found flu shots helped her avoid illness after a long Covid spell. Doctors confirm flu shots lead to milder symptoms or no sickness for those who get them. India sees two influenza seasons, with swine flu mortality rates around 2-5%. Despite availability, only 1.5% of adults aged 45+ took the vaccine in 2017-18. Health guidelines need updating as the senior population is expected to grow by 2036. 💉

📱 Srinagar MP's Facebook blocked by law enforcement

Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi's Facebook page was blocked after a notice from law enforcement agencies, which Meta revealed to the Delhi High Court. The MP, from the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, challenged this restriction in the High Court starting March 3, 2026. The page restriction is being disputed as Mehdi claims he was never told what content violated the rules. His lawyers argue this blanket block violates his fundamental rights as an MP. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma has asked Meta to file a reply and set the next hearing for September 20.

🚨 Dentsu India offices face regulatory raids in Mumbai and Delhi

Regulatory authorities conducted searches at Dentsu India's Mumbai and Delhi offices on Tuesday morning, September 1. Several employees were reportedly denied entry at the Mumbai office, and personal phones and laptops were allegedly confiscated. Specific reasons for these searches and the scope of the investigations are not yet clear. This action follows prior scrutiny, including an Income Tax search in 2022 and an ED probe in 2024. The company faces ongoing regulatory attention amid these recent incidents.

🎬 Kantara composer defends Toxic, talks about Lagaan

Music composer Ajaneesh Loknath defended the film Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups despite negative reviews from critics. He stated that audiences should experience the cinema themselves rather than relying only on reviews. Loknath compared the current judgment to how a 25-year-old film like Lagaan might be dismissed today. He appreciated Yash's performance in Toxic, saying it was a very good film overall. He urges people to be responsible before judging, considering the hard work of the entire crew.

🧐 Manipur Census deferred over NRC demands

The Centre deferred the Census operations in Manipur on August 31 due to demands for a prior National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise. This decision followed a meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and state leaders in New Delhi. The original census was set to start on September 1, but opposition intensified over the NRC requirement. Pro-NRC groups argue the NRC is needed to identify 'illegal migrants' amidst the ongoing ethnic conflict. The deferment comes as elections to the 60-member Assembly approach in less than a year. 🧐

⚖️ Dhoni's huge defamation case takes a new turn

The Madras High Court on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, directed its Registry to number three applications from retired IPS officer G. Sampath Kumar. This action relates to M.S. Dhoni's ₹100-crore defamation suit filed in 2014 against Kumar and others concerning the 2013 IPL betting scam. Kumar sought court-monitored and video-recorded evidence of Dhoni's testimony. The judge confirmed Dhoni would get a chance to file a counter affidavit after the applications are numbered. This follows a prior order in August 2025 appointing a commissioner for the trial.

⚖️ J&K Bank Officer Fired, Court Says Rehire Him

A J&K Bank officer was dismissed from service on charges deemed 'anti-national'. The High Court recently intervened in the matter, ordering the reinstatement of the employee. This decision was made after the initial dismissal proceedings took place. The court's ruling emphasizes the need for fair process in such sensitive administrative actions. The bank administration must now comply with the High Court's directive.

🔥 Lava Agni 4N drops in the UK market

Indian handset maker Lava has launched its Agni 4N smartphone in the UK market. The phone is available through Lava and is set to go on sale via Amazon starting September 4. It features a metal build, 6.67" AMOLED display, and is powered by the Dimensity 8350 SoC. The device boasts a 50MP primary camera and runs stock Android 16 with Vayu AI integration. It is priced at £499 for the 8GB/256GB configuration and comes with a 2-year warranty.

⚽ Nwaneri heads to Dortmund on loan

Arsenal has allowed Ethan Nwaneri to complete a season-long loan move to Borussia Dortmund. The young winger is heading to Germany, with the deal reportedly including no option to buy at the end of the campaign. This move is partly due to needing regular minutes, as he was a fringe player at the Emirates. Nwaneri previously spent the latter half of last season with Marseille. He will be making this second loan spell, after failing to start any league games last term. ⚽