⚖️ SC orders fast-track for dowry and cruelty trials

The Supreme Court issued ten directives on August 20 to speed up trials related to dowry and cruelty cases. Justices Sanjay Karol and AG Masih directed that courts should frame charges within 60 to 90 days of filing the chargesheet. This order specifically targets cases pending for over three years in various district judiciaries. The judgment emphasizes reducing unnecessary adjournments and increasing institutional support for victims. High Courts must now monitor progress and submit periodic compliance reports on case disposal. ⚖️

🤒 Flu surge raises concerns over self-medicated antibiotics

As influenza cases rise across parts of India, doctors are cautioning against patients self-prescribing antibiotics for flu symptoms. In Karnataka, there were 4,212 lab-confirmed influenza cases up to August 22nd, with Bengaluru being the highest contributor. Experts stress that antibiotics like azithromycin only treat bacterial co-infections, not the viral flu itself. Doctors advise seeking evaluation if symptoms worsen after initial recovery to check for secondary bacterial infections. The decision to use antibiotics must follow a clinical assessment, not just initial viral symptoms. 🤒

✨ Sabalenka's bold US Open fashion statement 💎

Aryna Sabalenka made a major fashion statement at the US Open during a Fan Week mixed doubles match. She wore a custom, see-through black Nike minidress at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, partnering with Novak Djokovic. The look was complemented by a bespoke jewellery collection featuring 83.20 carats of diamonds. This jewellery was designed to honour New York's diversity, reflecting the city's global cultural melting pot. The ensemble successfully merged high-fashion maximalism with elite sportswear for the tournament.

📈 Five stocks to watch this Thursday

Market analysts have shared high-conviction trading ideas for the upcoming session on Thursday. Top picks include Hero MotoCorp Ltd., JSW Steel Ltd., and Sai Life Sciences Ltd. Targets range from Hero MotoCorp's Rs 5,800 to Amber Enterprises' Rs 12,000. These recommendations come with specific entry levels, targets, and stop-loss limits to manage risk. Investors can look at these stocks for potential upside gains in the near future. 📈

😟 Ex-BF's tip exposes MPSC paper leak in Maharashtra

Six people, including MPSC officials and coaching class directors, were arrested over an alleged leak of the MPSC drug inspector exam paper. The incident took place in Mumbai, involving individuals across various roles. The leak concerned the March 22 question paper, with a total of 77 overlapping questions identified. The case came to light after a jilted boyfriend emailed the MPSC on July 22. Consequently, the MPSC has cancelled the selection process and will conduct a re-examination. 😟

⚖️ Delhi Riots Bail Plea Reaches Supreme Court

Co-accused Athar Khan has approached the Supreme Court seeking bail in the 2020 North-East Delhi riots 'larger conspiracy' case. This plea was filed by Khan in the Delhi High Court's July 7 order, which had previously denied him bail. He is arguing for parity with Shadab Ahmad, who received bail from the Supreme Court in January 2026. Khan was arrested under multiple sections of the UAPA Act and the Indian Penal Code. The court is currently reviewing the case, following prior judgments on UAPA bail standards. ⚖️

🚗 Bus-auto crash claims seven lives in Andhra Pradesh

Seven people died after a private travel bus collided with an auto-rickshaw on Thursday morning. The incident took place in Chilakaluripet, Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh. The accident happened on August 27, 2026, while victims were returning to Veluru village. The collision occurred as the bus travelled from Vijayawada towards Tirupati. Officials have been directed to ensure better medical care for the two injured people. 😔

🚨 Scam exposed: Leaked paper, breakup lead to MPSC chaos

A major exam scam surfaced when a leaked question paper moved from a coaching operator to a woman candidate and then to her ex-boyfriend. The Mumbai Crime Branch is now probing this issue in the Maharashtra Drug Inspector recruitment by the MPSC. This controversy involved six arrests, including Additional Secretary Abhijit Lendwe, following the March 22 screening test. The MPSC has consequently cancelled the entire Group-B Drug Inspector recruitment process for the Food and Drug Administration. A fresh examination will be conducted soon, and existing applicants won't need to re-apply. 🧐

📉 HDFC Bank tanks, dragging Indian market down

Indian stocks are underperforming the wider Asian markets today. HDFC Bank specifically pulled down the market across India. Trading saw significant fluctuations on the current date. This downturn contrasts with positive trends seen in neighboring Asian economies. Investors are now watching for signs of a market recovery in the coming sessions.

⚖️ India and Germany courts learning from each other

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated that Indian and German judiciaries share much to learn from one another. This exchange took place during a bilateral meeting with Dr. Ulrich Herrmann, Presiding Judge of the Federal Court of Justice, Karlsruhe, on August 26. The discussion covered topics like technology, AI, and mediation, despite structural differences between the two systems. CJI Kant highlighted India's eCourts Mission Mode Project and stressed AI should augment, not replace, judicial conscience. Future cooperation could involve a Memorandum of Understanding focusing on cross-border dispute resolution. 🤝

📊 Stocks to watch on August 27th: IT, HDFC Bank & more

The domestic stock market is expected to open lower on Thursday, August 27th, amidst varied corporate news. IT stocks are in focus due to strong performance from NVIDIA and Salesforce, while HDFC Bank faces a US lawsuit. Vedanta Resources denied media speculation about selling its shareholding in Vedanta Aluminium. IRB Infrastructure approved an investment of up to ₹351 crore, and BEL secured an additional order worth ₹730 crore. 📈