🏛️ SC allows degree despite fake ST certificate

The Supreme Court directed an affiliated institution to issue a pharmacy student's degree despite her ST certificate being cancelled. This was because the candidate paid fees at the open category rate throughout her course at Sant Gadge Baba Amaravati University. The student initially joined in 2014-15 but had her caste certificate rejected in 2017. The Bombay High Court had previously dismissed her petition in 2022 on this matter. The Court clarified she cannot use the cancelled ST certificate for future jobs or studies. 🎓

⚽ Flick tests Barca stars in unexpected roles

Hansi Flick is testing out his Barcelona players in unusual positions ahead of the Gamper Trophy match against Al Ahly. During Tuesday's training, Flick saw Jules Kounde at centre-back, Xavi Espart in midfield, and Brian Farinas as a full-back. Furthermore, Raphinha was deployed again as the centre-forward (No. 9) in the training session. These tests suggest the team might field a lineup similar to the one planned for the La Liga opener against Elche. ⚽

🌳 FDR donated his family home to the US government

In December 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gifted his family home at Springwood along with 33 acres to the US government. This donation occurred in Hyde Park, New York, where Roosevelt had expanded the estate to nearly 1,500 acres. Throughout his time there, he had overseen the planting of over 500,000 trees on the property. The arrangement allowed his family to retain life-estate rights to continue living at the site. This move ensured the preservation of this historic property for the public.

🏡 Varun Dhawan calls farm purchase his biggest win

Varun Dhawan recently bought a farm, calling this personal milestone the biggest achievement of his life. The actor shared a video from the new property on Instagram, where he was seen enjoying tea and biscuits. He explicitly stated in the video, “This is the biggest achievement of my life,” reflecting his joy. This casual announcement offered fans a glimpse into a private side of the actor away from his usual spotlight. While the location remains undisclosed, fans await updates on his future projects. 🏡

😠 HUL takes Beco to Delhi HC over ads

Hindustan Unilever Limited moved the Delhi High Court against Beco’s recent ad campaign targeting Surf Excel and Vim. The legal action was filed by HUL against Beco’s parent company, Kwick Living (I) Private Limited, in Delhi. This suit was brought following the campaign launch on August 14, 2026, which garnered millions of views. HUL claims the ads are misleading, disparaging, and infringe on their trademarks, alleging false claims about harmful chemicals. The court asked Beco for a response, setting the next hearing for Friday, August 21. 😠

🧐 Court can't decide if Savarkar was brave or coward

A researcher, Pankaj Phadnis, approached the Bombay High Court challenging a Pune Special MP/MLA Court's handling of a defamation case. This case involves Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and right-wing ideologue Vinayak Savarkar, initiated by Satyaki Savarkar. Phadnis filed the application after the Special Judge rejected his plea and imposed a Rs 20,000 cost on him. He urges the High Court to halt the proceedings and appoint an Amicus to check irrelevant evidence. Phadnis argues that judging Savarkar's bravery belongs to Parliament, not the judiciary. 🧐

📱 Gujarat police seize journalist's digital gear

Gujarat police reportedly seized digital devices belonging to journalist Ravi Nair on Monday, August 17, 2026. The seizure also included devices of his colleague, Sachi Hegde, at his residence. This action is connected to a case regarding an X post related to a story co-reported with the Adani Group in October 2025. The incident brings up major legal questions concerning safeguards for digital device seizures. The Supreme Court is currently hearing this issue, pushing for guidelines to protect privacy.

🗣️ MLAs clash over speaking time in Saharanpur meeting

A political spat erupted between SP MLA Ashu Malik and Congress MP Imran Masood during a Disha meeting in Saharanpur. The incident occurred on August 18, 2026, at Vikas Bhawan auditorium on Delhi Road. Malik highlighted public concerns, while Masood urged adherence to speaking turn protocols. Both leaders later downplayed the viral exchange, framing it as a procedural discussion. The clash gained attention due to potential SP-Congress alliance talks ahead of the UP Assembly election 2027.

🎾 Nick Kyrgios banned for cocaine positive test

Tennis star Nick Kyrgios has been suspended following a positive drug test for cocaine. The incident occurred involving Kyrgios while he was competing in a professional tournament. The test results were confirmed on a date not specified in the report, leading to his immediate ban. Kyrgios previously mentioned that injuries had taken a huge toll on his overall performance. He will need to address these issues before returning to the court. 🎾

🏎️ 2026 Dutch GP tyre breakdown is here

The 2026 F1 season kicks off at the Dutch Grand Prix, which also brings back the Sprint format. For Round 12 in Zandvoort, Pirelli confirmed the compounds will be C2 (hard), C3 (medium), and C4 (soft). Due to the Sprint, teams only get 12 sets, including specific allocations for soft, medium, and hard tyres. The circuit demands high tyre management because of its unique asphalt and the Sprint's limited practice time. 🏎️

🎭 Indian politicians need a sense of humour

Political satire is gaining traction in India as a form of commentary on governance. This trend involves sharp, humorous critiques targeting public figures and policies across the country. Recent instances show these satires gaining significant online traction during the recent election cycle of 2024. The commentary often addresses issues like infrastructure and economic policies faced by the nation. Moving forward, the public discourse is expected to become more open to this form of satirical engagement.