🎬 Ramayana team tackles VFX criticism head-on

The team behind 'Ramayana' addressed online backlash regarding the film's visual effects. Director Nitesh Tiwari, actor Ranbir Kapoor, and producer Namit Malhotra discussed the immense effort involved in the epic production. They confirmed 'Part 1' edit is locked, with finishing touches ongoing for the VFX work. Kapoor stated people assume AI was used, ignoring countless hours of artist work. The first installment is set for international release on November 6, 2026, and November 8, in India. 🎬

🇮🇳 Happy Independence Week Vibes

The nation is celebrating Independence Week with patriotic fervor and community events across the country. Various cultural programs and flag-hoisting ceremonies are being organized in cities and villages alike. Specific details regarding the number of events or dates were not provided in the source material. This week serves as a time to reflect on the nation's journey and sacrifices made for freedom. Citizens are encouraged to participate in these celebrations and express their national pride.

🚨 New MSRTC Bus Stolen, Then Abandoned After Flat Tire

A brand-new MSRTC bus was reportedly stolen from the Jamner ST depot in Jalgaon district, Maharashtra. The theft occurred late on Monday night, with a man seen driving the vehicle out of the depot. The thieves were forced to abandon the bus near a village after one of its tyres got punctured. This incident has brought up serious concerns regarding security protocols at the depot. Police are currently investigating the case to identify the culprits and determine their motive.

💰 GTA 6 early preorders favoring premium edition

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick revealed that early preorders for Grand Theft Auto 6 are trending towards the $100 premium edition. This trend is happening at the current stage, with the most dedicated fans being the ones making these initial purchases. GTA 6 is available as an $80 standard version and a $100 premium version featuring extra content. Take-Two has stated there are no plans to lower the game's official price point. Future sales trends remain uncertain, though the game reportedly cost billions to develop. 💰

🦠 DRC Ebola outbreak hits 4,000+ cases

The confirmed Ebola cases in the DRC have surpassed 4,000, leading to 1,887 deaths across Ituri and North Kivu provinces. The WHO declared this public health emergency of international concern on 17 May, though it might have begun in mid-January this year. The response is hindered by conflict and delayed detection, as the fatality rate remains high at 30–50 per cent. Scientists are exploring various vaccines, including MSD's Ervebo and ChAdOx1 BDBV, while testing antivirals like remdesivir. Effective containment remains a major challenge since over 80 percent of cases are not on contact lists.

🎬 'Ramayana' trailer review: Chauhan shares his thoughts

Gajendra Chauhan stated he was not impressed by Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana' trailer, criticizing Kaikeyi's modern dressing in the exile scene. He felt the scene lacked emotional weight, contrasting it with his 2002 portrayal of Dashrath in BR Chopra's Ramayan. Chauhan praised Arun Govil's casting as Dashrath, noting his past role as Lord Ram. The film's first part is set to release on November 8, 2026, with the concluding chapter in Diwali 2027. 🧐

🇮🇳 Modi, Kharge, Gandhi siblings at wedding

A video surfaced showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacting casually with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and the Gandhi siblings. This meeting took place at the wedding reception of NCP(SP) MP Supriya Sule's daughter in New Delhi. The light-hearted moment occurred on Monday, featuring an exchange where Kharge teased Modi. The interaction gained traction as users speculated about Modi's social media strategy towards Gen Z. Underlying political tensions remain despite this rare glimpse of unity. 🤝

⚽ PSG close to signing Barcelona's Ferran Torres

Paris Saint-Germain is reportedly close to finalizing an agreement to sign Barcelona forward Ferran Torres. The negotiations are ongoing regarding the transfer fee, as Torres is not expected to rejoin Hansi Flick's squad immediately. Barcelona is open to selling him to avoid him leaving as a free agent after 2026-27. Torres has scored 21 goals in 49 appearances for the club last season. This move would also see Barcelona lose one of their main strikers after Robert Lewandowski departed.

⚖️ Widow fought Trump and the state for her home

In 1983, Atlantic City widow Vera Coking rejected over $1 million from Donald Trump for her home. Later, in 1994, a state agency offered $251,250 while threatening eminent domain for a private casino parking lot. Coking fought the condemnation for years, standing up to massive developers and the government. In July 1998, a New Jersey Superior Court judge ruled in her favour, citing private interest over public use. Her victory highlighted the importance of property rights against powerful forces. ✊

⚖️ SC allows interim relief in arbitration challenges

The Supreme Court ruled that interim relief under Section 9 of the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, 1996 can be extended. This is to stop an award holder from enriching themselves while an award is being contested. The decision was made by a bench of Justice KV Viswanathan and Justice Alok on Tuesday, August 11. This measure aims to preserve the effectiveness of the challenge filed under Section 34. Consequently, it safeguards the rights of the award debtor in complex situations.

🚨 Police challenge acquittal in IB officer murder case

The police plan to appeal the acquittal of six individuals in the murder case of IB officer Ankit Sharma. The trial court had previously convicted former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and four others for the murder. The FIR was lodged on February 26, 2020, detailing violence during anti-CAA and pro-CAA protests. Ravinder Kumar alleged Hussain and his goons killed his son and dumped the body in a drain. This legal move follows the initial conviction of Hussain and others on July 13 this year.