🇷🇺 Russia's new talent visa for fast residency

Russia has introduced a multiple-entry talent visa to attract highly skilled foreign professionals. This programme is part of Presidential Decree No. 883, which was signed in December 2025 and became effective on April 15, 2026. It targets scientists, tech entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals who benefit Russia's tech and science sectors. Visa holders can bypass standard quotas and even avoid the Russian language requirement initially. Exceptional talent might qualify for a faster route to Russian citizenship depending on individual achievements. 🚀

😠 CPI(M) slaps BJP over complaints against Manik Sarkar

The CPI(M) has strongly criticized the BJP for filing police complaints against Manik Sarkar, the former Tripura Chief Minister. This action was taken by the ruling BJP in various police stations after a statement allegedly made by Sarkar at a recent rally. Sarkar was booked for calling a “Jangi-type” protest to oppose the BJP government's policies. The BJP countered by linking the term 'Jangi' to militancy, while Sarkar called the complaints a sinister ploy. Senior CPI(M) leader Pabitra Kar commented on this political exercise on Monday, August 17, 2026.

🇷🇺 Russian opposition leader jailed for war remarks

Russian opposition leader Lev Shlosberg was sentenced to 11 years and one month in a penal colony. This happened in Pskov, Russia, where he was convicted for discrediting the armed forces and spreading false information. The sentence was handed down on Monday, amidst a Kremlin crackdown ahead of the parliamentary election in September. Shlosberg had called for an immediate ceasefire, stating the nation would shudder at the list of martyrs. Yabloko, his party, called the verdict 'barbaric' and confirmed plans for an appeal. 😥

🚗 4 upcoming 7-seater hybrid SUVs in 2026-27

Four new 7-seater hybrid SUV models are expected to hit the market between 2026 and 2027. These upcoming vehicles are anticipated from various manufacturers in the competitive SUV segment. Specific models and their launch dates are yet to be officially revealed by the companies. The market is seeing a strong push towards hybrid technology for better fuel efficiency. Consumers should keep an eye out for these launches as they promise new options. 🚗

🔥 BJP's Partition event sparks internal Haryana clash

A disagreement erupted during the BJP's Partition Horrors Remembrance Day event in Gurugram on August 14. Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh complained about being sidelined in his own Lok Sabha constituency. This fallout was amplified when MLA Kuldeep Bishnoi supported Rao the next day. The incident exposed existing fault lines within the Haryana BJP's leadership structure. This controversy now fuels a larger debate about the party's treatment of its senior members. 😠

📱 Govt issued one social media block order per minute

The government issued a blocking order to social media firms every minute throughout the period from March to July. This action targeted various platforms across the country. The orders were issued continuously between March and July, showing high frequency. This regulatory action is part of the government's increased oversight on digital content. Future directives from the government are anticipated regarding social media governance. 📱

📱 vivo V80 Lite 5G design sneak peek 👀

A teaser image of the vivo V80 Lite 5G was shared on Instagram by a mobile store in Shajapur, India. The image hints at a curved screen and a central hole punch cutout for the front camera. If it is a rebranded vivo S2, it will feature a 6.83-inch 1260x2800 AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Specifications suggest it will pack a Dimensity 7360 Turbo chipset, 8GB RAM, and a massive 7,050 mAh battery. The phone is expected to launch with a 50MP main camera and 44W wired charging support.

🎓 Amit Malviya's degree breakdown revealed

Amit Malviya, the former head of the BJP’s national IT cell, holds degrees in business and finance. He earned his BBM from Dayalbagh Educational Institute in Agra between 1995 and 1998. Subsequently, he completed a PGDM in Finance Management from Symbiosis International University, Pune, between 1998 and 2000. His qualifications are strictly in business management, unlike a typical tech profile. This background contrasts with his extensive work in the BJP’s digital operations.

🎷 Jazz artist Pritesh Walia detained, then released by ICE

Indian Jazz musician Pritesh Walia was detained for 14 days at Adelanto ICE Processing Center in California. The New Delhi-born artist was taken into custody on August 2 after returning to Los Angeles. He later shared on Instagram that his detention was one of the most difficult times of his life. Walia, who studied at Berklee College of Music, found hope from community support during this period. The musician has since been released on bond, while his visa status remains unknown. 🎷

💔 Actor's Mess: Affair, Miscarriage, Divorce Drama

Veteran actor Om Puri confessed an affair with his maid just one day before his wedding to Seema Kapoor in Jhalawar. Their eight-month marriage ended when Seema alleged he involved himself with journalist Nandita while she was pregnant. She subsequently lost the baby and Om sent her Rs 25,000, which she refused out of self-respect. Om Puri later married Nandita in 1993, but that marriage also dissolved. Years later, Om reconnected with Seema, apologizing before a surgery in London.

🚗 Maruti raises prices on several models, up to ₹30k

Maruti Suzuki has increased prices across its Arena and Nexa cars in August 2026 due to rising input costs. For Arena cars, hikes range from ₹2,500 for Alto K10 to ₹10,000 for Victoris SUV. Nexa models saw bigger jumps, with Baleno increasing by up to ₹30,000 and Fronx by up to ₹7,500. This move happens as Maruti targets 3 million units annually, relying on small car sales. The company is also preparing a Baleno facelift set to launch on September 5, 2026. 📈