🎬 Ram Gopal Varma on Sridevi's 'Empress' bio

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma contributed a chapter to Sridevi's biography, 'The Empress', which was announced by Priyanka Chopra on August 13. Varma shared that working with Sridevi on 'Kshanam Kshanam' felt like staying at a 7-star hotel because of her immense talent. He noted that she had 15-20 interpretations for every single scene she performed. Despite years passing since her death, he still struggles to fully comprehend her screen craft. Varma is now focused on his next project, the action-crime drama 'Police Company'.

🤫 Politician silenced media with smart moves

A prominent political figure revealed that media scrutiny was his sole vulnerability. This individual, operating across various political spheres, implemented strategies over two decades. These measures aimed to control the narrative and prevent substantive questioning from journalists. The actions detailed reflect a calculated effort to manage public perception effectively. Future political moves from this personality will likely incorporate these established communication tactics.

🕵️ CID raids JSSC office over exam leaks

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) started raids at the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission office regarding exam irregularities. This investigation is happening in Jharkhand, where job aspirants have been protesting for 24 days. The students are demanding cancellation of the JSSC-CGL exam from September 2024 because they claim 120 out of 135 questions were leaked. The state agency has already arrested 20 people, including former JPSC Chairman L Khiangte. Moving forward, protestors are demanding reforms in JPSC and JSSC, along with a CBI probe. 🕵️

🗣️ Congress MP's stance on Vande Mataram

Congress MP Imran Masood clarified his position regarding the patriotic song Vande Mataram. He stated his view was that he would 'rise for it, won't sing it' in the context of the song. This statement was made by Masood while addressing recent discussions about nationalist songs in politics. His comments reflect a specific political viewpoint on the usage and expression of nationalistic sentiments. The ongoing discourse suggests that this stance may fuel further debates on cultural and political expression.

⚖️ Supreme Court monitors Cauvery water sharing progress

The Supreme Court decided to monitor the progress of Cauvery water sharing between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu on Monday, August 17, 2026. A bench led by Justice Vikram Nath addressed Tamil Nadu, stating that Karnataka is providing water. Karnataka asserted that over 12,000 cusecs were released by 8 a.m. on August 17, despite Tamil Nadu seeking 21.357 TMC as of August 12. The court will seek a fresh status report and has posted the case for August 24. Karnataka claimed compliance despite a distress year and El Nino conditions.

🌧️ Rain alert across India today, check local updates

Heavy rainfall is forecast across multiple parts of India today, August 18, due to the active monsoon. The IMD predicted heavy to very heavy rain in places like Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Currently, there is no blanket school holiday announcement for August 18, 2026. Closures depend on local conditions, such as flooding or landslides, decided by state authorities. Parents must check official district notices before sending kids to school. 🌧️

🚨 Mom allegedly trained son to kill for jewellery in Telangana

A Telangana woman is accused of training her minor son to target and kill women for their gold jewellery. The duo was linked to two murders and one robbery in Bhoompalli village, Siddipet district. The victims identified were 45-year-old Atikam Vijaya and Kunta Rekha, with incidents occurring around August 8, 2026. Investigators found the duo selected victims to frame others, while also uncovering plans against the mother's husband. Rajitha was arrested, and her son was sent to a juvenile home. 😟

🕊️ Kushner meets Hamas, heads to Netanyahu next

US envoy Jared Kushner had a rare meeting with Hamas' new leader, Khalil al-Hayya, in El-Alamein on Sunday. He is scheduled to meet Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to push a US-backed Gaza peace plan. Hamas agreed to the roadmap for the ceasefire's second phase, provided Israel meets its commitments first. The group stated they will only disarm if Netanyahu publicly commits to the plan's terms. Next, Kushner will discuss corresponding Israeli steps, like troop withdrawal, with Netanyahu.

🚨 Karnataka forest killing recalls 20 woodcutters' massacre

The killing of three Tamil-speaking men by Karnataka foresters on August 15, 2026, brought back memories of a 2015 forest massacre. This event occurred in Andhra Pradesh, where 20 Tamil Nadu woodcutters were gunned down in Seshachalam forest on April 7, 2015. The incident happened during a combing operation against red sanders smuggling, which was described as the bloodiest in the menace's history. The Taskforce claimed self-defense after the woodcutters allegedly attacked them with stones and sickles. This renewed scrutiny over the encounter has sparked further public debate on the matter. 😥

😔 Karnataka killing sparks old forest tragedy memories

The killing of three Tamil-speaking men by Karnataka foresters on August 15, 2026, has brought back old trauma. This incident mirrors the 20 Tamil Nadu woodcutters gunned down in Andhra Pradesh on April 7, 2015. The 20 workers were killed during a combing operation near Seshachalam forest hills. While foresters claimed self-defense, the encounter sparked major political and human rights debates. Authorities are currently looking into the events to prevent recurrence.

⚽ Barca midfielder rejects Saudi offer for top league play

Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado is set to leave the club, but he is steering clear of a potential move to Saudi Arabia. He is keen on staying in European football to compete at the highest level and be a key player. Despite Al-Hilal's interest and earlier €30 million offers, Casado prioritizes his playing environment. Barcelona is keen on accelerating sales to manage squad space and finances. Al-Hilal is reportedly preparing an improved bid as the transfer window nears. ⚽