😠 Poonawalla claims Congress is paying rivals to attack him

Shehzad Poonawalla alleges that the Congress ecosystem is funding right-wing journalists to target him after his BJP exit. He claims the Congress expected him to attack PM Narendra Modi upon leaving the saffron party. Instead, Poonawalla stated he continues to criticize Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He further alleged this supposed attack campaign is backfiring since those same platforms post his stories daily. He also declared he will never support Rahul Gandhi becoming Prime Minister in his lifetime.

⌚ Pixel Watch 5 drops factory images with single build

Google has officially released the factory and OTA images for the Pixel Watch 5. The watch, codenamed “goteria,” features a unified build, CD5A.260611.00, for all models. This release follows the Pixel 11 series announcement earlier today. This unification might simplify Google's internal development process for the watch. The next anticipated software update is expected around September with the Q3 Pixel Drop.

🎬 'Spirit' exit drama: Brother spills tea on Deepika's departure

Deepika Padukone's exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga's 'Spirit' sparked major controversy with new allegations from his brother. Pranay Reddy Vanga claimed the reasons included remuneration demands, scheduling issues, and other factors. Specifically, he alleged the actress sought a 10% profit share, which caused issues with the film's economics. Furthermore, Pranay stated that internal discussions about the story and her character were leaked publicly. 'Spirit' is currently scheduled for a March 2027 release. 🎬

💔 Teen driving liquor consignment kills pedestrian near Mumbai

A 16-year-old boy allegedly driving a car with a liquor consignment hit two pedestrians in Nalasopara (East) on Wednesday evening. The victims, Shreya Misal (34) and Pragati More (36), were residents of Nagindas Pada working as domestic help. Misal tragically died around 9:45 pm, while More was seriously injured and underwent surgery on Thursday. Authorities arrested the minor, the vehicle owner Rajesh Shah, and driver Mahesh Naik. Police are investigating the purpose of the liquor transport amidst public outcry for strict action.

🚨 Crane collapse injures at least 10 near Kurla railway

A crane operated by MMRDA fell onto the overhead equipment (OHE) of the single-line Kurla-Trombay section early Friday morning. This incident took place around 2:40 am near Qureshi Nagar in Kurla, Mumbai. At least 10 people sustained injuries from the crane falling from the nearby work site. No fatalities were reported, and train movement remained unaffected as the section handles goods traffic. Railway authorities have placed the responsibility for this event on the MMRDA.

🚗 VW is bringing a new small SUV to India

Volkswagen has confirmed plans to launch a new sub-four-metre SUV aimed at the Indian market. This vehicle will be based on the Skoda Kylaq and directly compete with models like the Hyundai Venue and Tata Nexon. The new SUV is expected to arrive by 2027 and will utilize the India-specific MQB A0 IN platform. It will be powered by the 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine, similar to the Kylaq's setup. More specifics regarding its name and design are expected as the launch date nears. 🚗

🇵🇰 Imran Khan allegedly won't confront Army chief

An aide has stated that Imran Khan is unwilling to engage in conflict with the Army Chief. This development concerns the political landscape in Pakistan. The aide made this statement recently, indicating a shift in his stance. This move suggests a potential change in the dynamics between Khan and the military establishment. The future implications of this decision for Pakistani politics remain to be seen. 🇵🇰

🛡️ Taiwan's F-16s might challenge China's stealth jets

Taiwan is finally getting its first two F-16 Viper Block 70 fighters amid high tensions with China. These jets are being supplied to Taiwan from Lockheed Martin's South Carolina factory. The first two jets departed on August 17, and full delivery is targeted by the end of 2026. This strengthens Taiwan's air defense capabilities against advanced Chinese aircraft like the J-20. The new jets will operate from Chihhang Air Base in Taitung County. 🛡️

🎾 WTA Cincinnati quarterfinals heat up before US Open

The Western & Southern Open quarterfinals in Cincinnati serve as a crucial prep for the US Open, featuring intense matchups on the hard court. Sara Bejlek faces Madison Keys, and Coco Gauff is set against Marta Kostyuk in the top half of the draw. With the tournament already seeing seeded losses, these matches promise high drama and tactical clashes. Keys is favored against Bejlek, while Gauff is expected to overcome Kostyuk due to experience. The outcomes will heavily depend on serving consistency and how players handle high-pressure moments. 🎾

🧐 UPSC Mains 2026 Exam Starts Today With Key Rules

The UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2026 commenced today with Paper-I (Essay) at 9 AM. This initial session runs from 9 AM to 12 noon, with specific dual-shift dates on August 22, 23, 29, and 30. Candidates must bring two recent passport-sized photos for every session as per the official notice. Face authentication is mandatory for all test-takers at the venue. Strict rules prohibit all mobile phones and communication devices inside the examination center. 🧐

🇮🇳 1942: A Love Story review - A visual treat

1942: A Love Story is a patriotic film about Indians fighting the British during the Quit India movement. The movie stars Anil Kapoor and Manish Koirala and was released in 1994. It blends revolutionary drama with crime thriller elements, featuring historical context and romance. The film showcases strong technical aspects and memorable music, despite some uneven character writing. It serves as a visually pleasing cinematic experience with notable musical moments. 🎬