🧐 Rijiju clarifies PM's 'dimagi Naxal' remark

A political debate started over PM Modi's 'dimagi Naxal' comment in his Independence Day speech. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified on Sunday, August 16, 2026, that the remark wasn't targeting Opposition leaders. Modi reportedly warned against those supporting Maoists and rejecting the Indian Constitution during his address on August 15, 2026. Congress leader P. Chidambaram later posted he was proud to be a 'dimagi Naxal!'. The controversy continues with BJP leaders attacking Chidambaram's past statements. 🧐

⚖️ LIC ordered to hire 7 long-term temp staff

The Karnataka High Court directed LIC to absorb seven employees who were wrongly kept on temporary contracts. These individuals, Shreedhar Gouda and others, were employed between November 1999 and April 2014 in Kalaburagi. The court ruled that LIC cannot keep staff in temporary roles after they were selected through regular processes. The Division Bench found the employees' case differed significantly from older Supreme Court judgments. LIC must regularize their services within three months of receiving the certified copy of the order. 💼

♟️ NMDC and The Hindu honour young chess champs

Young chess champions from Hyderabad and surrounding areas were celebrated at a prize distribution event. The ceremony took place at the NMDC Corporate Office, where NMDC chairman Amitava Mukherjee presented awards to winners. The tournament, which ran earlier this month, gathered 470 players from over 170 schools. This event is the fourth consecutive time NMDC has organized this tournament with The Hindu Group. The initiative aims to encourage strategic thinking and sportsmanship among young players. ♟️

⚖️ FSSAI clamps down on fake food claims

The FSSAI noticed six food businesses for violating food safety and labeling rules. These companies were in various locations across India. The regulatory body noted these actions on Sunday, detailing the compliance measures taken. The corrective steps involved removing misleading claims and updating packaging across the businesses. This crackdown aims to protect consumers from potentially inaccurate product information. 🧐

🚁 Peeking at NASA's Skyfall Helicopters

NASA has provided a sneak peek of their Skyfall helicopters in operation. These advanced aerial vehicles are being tested by NASA scientists at various locations. The demonstrations occurred on July 15, 2024, showcasing their capabilities. These helicopters are part of a new series of research tools for space missions. Further details regarding their deployment timeline are expected soon. 🚁

🚨 Police foil terror plot, seize 690g IED near Amritsar

Amritsar Rural Police successfully thwarted a terror plot aimed at a police establishment. The recovery took place during the night between August 15 and 16, according to PTI. The police seized a 690-gram IED along with an electronic detonator and other components. This action averted a potential threat to public safety from anti-national elements. Further investigation is currently ongoing after a case was registered at Ramdas police station. 💣

😠 Tejashwi plans protest over Bihar exam chaos

Tejashwi Yadav announced a protest march to Raj Bhavan on August 19 regarding the complete collapse of the examination system in Bihar. He stated this was because recruitment and exam papers repeatedly leak across the state. This issue gained urgency after an incident in Siwan where an AK-47 was reportedly fired at protesting students. Yadav criticized the Bihar government for not taking major action against officials involved in the Siwan firing. The march aims to demand accountability and justice for Bihar's students. 😠

💔 Techie's voice note before wife's death

A 32-year-old civil engineer allegedly left a voice note to his mother detailing his plan to die. He and his wife, Padmavathi, 29, were found dead in their Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Bengaluru apartment on Friday. The voice note, sent around 1:30 am on Thursday, asked his mother to take his gold and manage his EPF funds. The incident reportedly followed a dispute where the wife claimed the rented house was hers. Padmavathi's family has filed a murder case as police investigate all possibilities. 😥

📱 Apple skipping standard iPhone 18 launch this year

Apple is reportedly skipping the launch of the standard iPhone 18 model this year. The company will instead unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and the first foldable iPhone, the "iPhone Ultra," next month. Pegatron indirectly confirmed this change during its second quarter 2026 earnings call. The standard iPhone 18 is now expected to launch in the first quarter of 2027. This shift breaks Apple's long-standing tradition of launching the standard model alongside Pro versions. 📱

⚡ AP suggests climate moves for energy sector

The AP State Climate Change Cell recommended eight adaptation measures for the energy sector to handle climate change impacts. This plan targets the state's energy vulnerability, noting high risk in northern and central regions. By 2025-30, the goal includes boosting renewables to 40% of the total energy mix. These steps aim to mitigate risks from rising temperatures and extreme weather events affecting power plants. The proposals align with UN's Sustainable Development Goal No. 7 for clean energy. 🔋

🏦 PSB Confluence targets youth & deposits for banking boost

Public Sector Banks (PSBs) will focus on deposit mobilization and youth banking during PSB Confluence 2026 in New Delhi. Nearly 125 senior leaders from PSBs and public financial institutions are attending the two-day event on August 17-18. PSBs achieved a net profit of ₹1.98 trillion in 2025-26, with deposits reaching ₹156.3 trillion. The goal is to convert balance sheet strength into sustainable growth and better engage digital natives. This event follows a policy shift towards growth and global competitiveness for the sector. 🏦