😥 Poonawalla demands income tax scrap for middle class

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla called for the scrapping of personal income tax for the salaried middle class on Monday. He made this demand while he was in the BJP, making his statements from his post on X. Poonawalla cited issues like bad roads, air pollution, toxic water, and corruption as reasons for the proposal. He announced his resignation from the BJP citing pressing financial and personal circumstances. Poonawalla stated he would move to the private sector but continue to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. 😥

😥 Poonawalla demands income tax scrap for middle class

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla called for scrapping personal income tax for the salaried middle class. He made these remarks while in the BJP, stating the middle class isn't getting adequate public services in return. Poonawalla highlighted issues like bad roads, air pollution, toxic water, and corruption. He announced his resignation from all BJP positions due to personal and financial reasons. He will move to the private sector but continue to support PM Narendra Modi and the BJP's vision. 😥

☕ Coffee might help with less fat, more muscle

A new study suggests that drinking coffee could lead to a leaner body composition and more muscle mass. Researchers from the University of Oulu in Finland conducted this investigation. The study surveyed over 2,200 people and was published in the European Journal of Nutrition on August 17, 2026. Participants who consumed more coffee showed lower total body fat and less visceral fat compared to non-drinkers. While the link exists, the findings do not prove that coffee directly burns fat or builds muscle.

🚨 High-level probe demanded after Hanur shoot-out

People’s Legal Forum has requested a high-level inquiry into the shooting incident that resulted in three deaths at Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. The incident took place in Hanur taluk, where the victims were local residents accessing forests under the Forest Rights Act and PESA Act. This happened early on Saturday, August 17, 2026, according to the forum's claims. Forum director Baburaj Palladan questioned the immediate removal of bodies without police notification and noted no spot mahazar was done. He insists a high-level probe is necessary to hold erring officials accountable.

🗳️ YSRCP asks EC to fix electoral roll revision issues

YSRCP General Secretary Lella Appi Reddy urged the Election Commission for more transparent electoral roll revisions. He specifically addressed issues for students and voters residing outside Andhra Pradesh or abroad. Reddy requested that parents or relatives be allowed to submit documents for verification. Furthermore, he asked for uniform procedures for all verification methods, including video calls. The leader stressed that no eligible voter should be excluded without proper notice or chance to prove their eligibility.

🌊 Godavari suicide bid: Man dies, two missing

A 61-year-old man, K. Nooka Raju, was found dead after jumping into the Godavari River. He was in Rajamahendravaram city along with his wife, daughter, and 10-year-old grandson. The incident occurred on Sunday night, August 16, with the body retrieved Monday evening. The suicide note alleged harassment by SK. Sadhik Khan after his wife's husband passed away. Search operations are ongoing for the missing wife and daughter. 🌊

🗳️ Actors and groups ask CM to check voter roll drive

Actor Prakash Raj and several civil society organizations have sent an emergency letter to Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. These groups raised concerns about the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls happening in Karnataka. They noted that 1.09 crore voters are on the ASDDO list, with over 60% proposed deletions at almost 3,000 polling booths. The signatories demanded a three-month extension and systematic revision over a year for fairness. They also urged the government to approach the Supreme Court if necessary to protect citizens' voting rights. 🗳️

🏏 Gorakhpur Lions vs Kashi Rudras T20 showdown

The 7th match of the Uttar Pradesh T20 League 2026 pits Gorakhpur Lions against Kashi Rudras on August 18th in Lucknow. Gorakhpur Lions are currently fourth in the points table while Kashi Rudras sits comfortably in second place. The venue's average first innings total is 180, and the second innings average stands at 165. Kashi Rudras are predicted to win the toss and the match based on current form and stats. Fans are watching to see if Kashi Rudras maintain their strong momentum. 🏏

🎉 TVK completes 100 days; DMK faces tough questions

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government has officially completed 100 days in office following its 2026 Assembly election win. This milestone brings scrutiny over the government's formation and various political controversies. The election served as a major setback for the DMK, while the AIADMK did not become the main opposition. Shabbir Ahmed and journalist Mani discussed Vijay's victory and the TVK administration's initial performance. The series aims to analyze the impact of TVK on Tamil Nadu's Dravidian politics moving forward.

⛽ ONGC gets green light to expand in Venezuela ⛽

ONGC has received a license from the US Treasury's OFAC to significantly boost its operations in Venezuela. This clearance allows the state-run company to invest more in its assets and increase oil production in the country. The license could also help ONGC recover a pending dividend exceeding $500 million from its Venezuelan holdings. The company is exploring taking over some projects currently managed by PDVSA, Venezuela's state oil company. ONGC is focusing on shallow and onshore fields, leveraging its experience from Western India.

✊ AKSSA protests in Dharwad despite police denial

The All Karnataka State Students Association (AKSSA) is launching an indefinite satyagraha from Tuesday near the Michigan Compound in Saptapur, Dharwad. This action is being taken by the association across the district to push for student and job aspirant issues. AKSSA demands a re-examination for police constable recruitment irregularities and an inquiry into KPSC recruitment issues. Furthermore, they want the State Budget announcements, like Indira Canteens, to be implemented immediately. The police denied permission citing law and order concerns, though they suggested conditions for a protest at Nehru Stadium in Hubballi. ✊