🏸 Shetty stuns World No. 1 Shi Yu Qi in BWF Worlds

Ayush Shetty delivered a sensational performance to defeat World No. 1 Shi Yu Qi at the BWF World Championships. The match took place in New Delhi, where Shetty won in three games with scores of 21-14, 13-21, and 21-19. This victory was highly anticipated, as Pullela Gopichand believed Shetty could be a major threat against the Chinese player. Despite a close battle, Shetty showed strong mental fortitude to secure the win on his maiden World Championships appearance. The Indian contingent continued their strong start, with PV Sindhu also winning her match easily.

🔥 Modi's 'Dimagi Naxal' comment sparks political firestorm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the term 'Dimagi Naxal' while discussing individuals spreading disinformation to destabilize India. This comment immediately drew sharp reactions from opposition figures like P. Chidambaram and Arvind Kejriwal. They subsequently embraced the label while heavily questioning the government's position on free speech. The controversy reignited the national debate concerning dissent and freedom of expression in India. Moving forward, this political exchange is set to continue across various platforms.

🍚 Huge rice debt hits 38 millers in Peddapalli

Authorities have registered seven criminal cases and invoked the Preventive Detention (PD) Act against rice millers. This action targets 38 millers in Peddapalli district for allegedly defaulting on custom-milled rice (CMR) delivery. The total pending CMR dues amount to ₹238 crore as of August 17, 2026. Millers were supposed to deliver CMR to FCI/TGSCSCL based on allotted paddy, per collector Koya Sree Harsha. The Revenue Recovery Act will be used to recover dues, alongside criminal charges for any irregularities.

📉 Wall St mixed as Middle East drama dominates markets

Wall Street experienced a mixed session as geopolitical tensions took center stage. Investors in New York reacted to escalating conflicts in the Middle East. Trading on Tuesday saw significant volatility across major indices. This uncertainty overshadowed the otherwise solid performance of the tech sector. Markets are now closely watching for de-escalation signals from the region.

🛡️ India alerts Chrome users: update now to avoid hacks

CERT-In has issued a high-risk warning for all Google Chrome users regarding serious security flaws. This advisory targets Chrome desktop users on Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms. The vulnerabilities affect versions older than 151.0.7922.137/.138 and 151.0.7922.137, respectively. These flaws could lead to remote hacking, data theft, or system takeover by attackers. Users must update their browser immediately to patch these critical security gaps. 🚨

🏛️ Speaker claims limited inquiry before accepting MLAs' resignations

Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar told the Madras High Court about his process for accepting six AIADMK MLAs' resignations. The resignations were submitted between May 26, 2026, and June 29, 2026, from various constituencies. The Speaker stated he conducted a 'limited inquiry' to confirm the MLAs were resigning voluntarily and without coercion. He clarified that all six MLAs submitted their resignations in person and in their own handwriting. The court adjourned the hearing until September 1, 2026, pending a reply from the petitioner. 🏛️

🤡 It: Welcome to Derry gets a second season on HBO

The series "It: Welcome to Derry" has officially been renewed for a second season on HBO. The show, which is based on Stephen King’s "It" novel, serves as a prequel to the 2017 and 2019 films. Season 1 was set in 1962 in Derry, Maine, detailing early encounters with Pennywise. Season 2 will shift to 1935 during the Great Depression, focusing on the Bradley Gang massacre. The creators plan for three seasons, including an earlier 1908 chapter. 😱

🚨 800kg gelatin sticks seized at Bengaluru construction site

Police seized over 800 kg of gelatin sticks allegedly stored illegally at a construction site in Bhoganahalli, Bengaluru. Arun Kumar, owner of a private construction company, and site engineer Jagan were booked in connection with the seizure. This occurred while a large construction project on nearly 25 acres was underway, where explosives were allegedly brought to break rock formations. The police registered a case under the Explosives Act, 1884, due to unauthorized possession and use of the materials. Authorities are now investigating the source of the explosives and whether safety regulations were breached.

🤔 LDF skips internal drama, targets UDF in bypolls

The Left Democratic Front (LDF) leadership meeting recently sidelined several heated internal disagreements within the alliance. Instead, the group has chosen to focus on the upcoming local body byelections across 38 wards. This strategic move aims to criticize the three-month-old Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government. LDF convener T.P. Ramakrishnan confirmed that the CPI’s demands were not on the agenda for the Monday meeting. The LDF plans to highlight the UDF’s poor flood response and budget cuts before the byelections.

🗳️ BJP resets strategy with Nitin Nabin's new team

The BJP announced a new national team of office-bearers to gear up for the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. This reshuffle, led by Nitin Nabin, saw Ram Madhav and Smriti Irani return, while Amit Malviya was dropped. Nearly 50 out of 65 new office-bearers were appointed, representing 23 states and Union territories. Uttar Pradesh is a major focus, with 8 leaders from the state securing positions in the revamped team. The first meeting of this new leadership team is scheduled for August 22. 🗳️

⚖️ NLSIU V-C wants meeting over convocation clash

The Vice-Chancellor of NLSIU, Bengaluru, requested a meeting with a student delegation following student and alumni opposition. The opposition targeted the presence of CJI Surya Kant and BCI Chief Manan Kumar Mishra at the university's convocation. Graduating students confirmed the V-C asked for a five-member delegation from all batches to discuss the path forward. This follows the students supporting NALSAR, Hyderabad, against the same dignitaries. The group is currently having internal discussions about their next moves. ⚖️