📱 Poco and Oppo phones get a price bump in India

Poco X8 Pro Series and Oppo K13 Turbo Pro prices have increased in India by up to Rs 7,000. This price hike affects the Poco X8 Pro, Poco X8 Pro Max, and Oppo K13 Turbo Pro models listed on Flipkart. The increases range from Rs 4,000 for the Oppo K13 Turbo Pro to Rs 7,000 for the Poco X8 Pro variants. These changes are happening amid rising costs for memory and storage components in the tech industry. Consumers are advised to check current discounts before making a purchase. 📱

🚨 Jharkhand cancels JSSC-CGL exam amidst probe

Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the cancellation of the JSSC-CGL Exam on Monday, August 17, 2026. This decision was made during an emergency four-hour Cabinet meeting in Jharkhand. The cancellation also covers all exams conducted by TSR Data Processing Private Limited (TDPL) since 2014. An inquiry will be formed by senior IAS officer Amitabh Kaushal to address errors found during ongoing SIT and CID investigations. The government promises complete transparency while addressing student concerns over alleged irregularities.

🏛️ TVK Finance Minister separates party from DMK

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister N Marie Wilson rejected BJP's 'new DMK' jab, clearly separating TVK from the rival party. He revealed that nearly Rs 23,000 crore in tenders were cancelled at Chennai Corporation due to alleged overestimation and lobbying. This action shows the TVK government is tightening scrutiny across three identified departments. Wilson emphasized that TVK does not follow the DMK's model of family politics, maintaining a secular stance. The government is also driving towards a Rs 1.5 trillion economy target with significant investment momentum. 📈

🚀 Apple might make Fitness+ live

Apple is reportedly considering a major upgrade to its Fitness+ subscription service to include live sessions. This shift involves hiring a studio producer for the service, as detailed in a job listing posted on July 24th. The listing mentions live content at least 11 times, signaling a potential content change. Currently, all Fitness+ sessions are pre-recorded, so this move would be a significant departure from the status quo. The company might use 'live-to-tape' methods to simulate live events and boost community feel.

🪐 Giant planet GJ 523b is massive but not super wide

Astronomers have identified a mega-Earth named GJ 523b, which possesses an immense gravitational pull. This exoplanet is located in the vicinity of its host star, making it a significant celestial object. GJ 523b is recorded as being 23 times more massive than Earth but only 2.5 times its diameter. This unique size ratio suggests a dense composition unlike typical gas giants. Further observations will help scientists better understand the planet's internal structure and formation. 🪐

😠 BJP MP slams 'intellectual Naxals'

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Brij Lal spoke out against 'dimagi Naxals' in a video shared on Monday, August 17, 2026. He stated these individuals pose a greater threat than forest extremists by using their intellect in urban settings. These actors, disguised as professors or writers, spread a violent ideology to young people. Mr. Lal claimed their main goal is undermining trust in India's democratic institutions. The Congress sharply criticized the remarks, warning that intellectuals might be targeted by the BJP. 😠

🏞️ Beckhams win planning battle for lake features

David and Victoria Beckham secured planning permission for 'Blackpool-style' lake illuminations, a hot tub, and a firepit at their £6.15 million Cotswolds home. This approval came despite objections from James Worthington, a critic based in Perth, Western Australia. The council granted the permissions even though the couple had previously installed a hot tub and firepit without official consent. Furthermore, they received approval to use non-motorised boats on the lake, which covers about 4,170 square metres. The approval included conditions, such as a ban on motorised boats and restrictions on firepit use during nesting season. 🏕️

🎧 Sonos now has lockscreen controls on iPhone

Sonos has finally updated its mobile app to include support for iOS Live Activities. This new feature allows iPhone users to quickly access playback controls directly from their lockscreen when using a Sonos system. The update was teased by CEO Tom Conrad last February and rolls out now. While album art isn't available yet, basic playback details and controls are accessible after initiating audio. Users can enable this feature in both the app preferences and iOS settings.

🏛️ CJI Surya Kant denies NALSAR convocation invite

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant clarified that he never accepted the convocation invitation from NALSAR University in Hyderabad. The controversy involved over 450 students objecting to his invitation for the 2026 graduating batch. The Bar Council of India had previously warned about withholding enrolment, but then withdrew the order. The matter reached the Supreme Court, which criticized the BCI's intervention. With this clarification, the debate on student protest rights is now wrapping up. 🎓

🧐 Jharkhand cancels major government exams amid protests

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced a major overhaul of state government recruitment exams. The decision specifically cancels exams linked to TDPL, JPSC CGL, and JSSC CGL. This action follows student protests regarding alleged recruitment irregularities dating back to 2014. The CID will now investigate all mistakes in exams conducted since 2014, alongside forming a reform committee. The government also stated it will introduce strong legislation to address student concerns soon. 🧐

⚖️ Kerala HC orders strict probe into Milma ghee scam

The Kerala High Court has mandated the SIT to conduct a foolproof and speedy investigation into the alleged misappropriation of ghee by Milma. This investigation concerns the purchase and supply of ghee to Sabarimala Sannidhanam. Irregularities were noted in the procurement for 'aravana' during the 2025-26 pilgrimage season. Records were seized from TDB offices and Milma offices across several locations. The SIT, headed by M.J. Sojan, is looking into concerns about the 1,61,535 litres of ghee delivered.