📢 Shiv Sena wants nationwide expansion

Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina N.C. stated that the party led by Eknath Shinde aims for nationwide expansion across India. She mentioned that the party has been actively working in Kerala since 1996 during her visit on Friday, August 21, 2026. N.C. stressed that the main agenda remains development and addressing serious issues in Kerala. She highlighted the need for transparency regarding communal matters like Sabarimala or theft cases. Ultimately, she pointed out that eradicating the drug problem from its base is the larger issue Kerala currently faces.

👮 Over 10k arrested in Kerala's anti-narcotics drive

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala revealed that the statewide anti-narcotics drive, 'Operation Toofan,' has resulted in over 10,000 arrests. This operation was launched by the Keralam Police and has seen 9,280 cases registered since June this year. The drive has also led to the seizure of 1,004 kg of ganja and 8.28 kg of MDMA. Chennithala stated that an average of six arrests were made hourly, leading to a decrease in drug availability. He urged the public to prevent drug flow during the upcoming Onam celebrations. 👮

🏫 ADB to fund massive upgrade for 500 Karnataka schools

Karnataka has signed an agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the development of 500 government schools. This deal was officially signed in Bengaluru by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The total investment is ₹2,500 crore, with ADB contributing ₹1,750 crore over four years until 2029-30. The funds will cover civil works, IT infrastructure, and operational costs for these schools. Each selected school aims to accommodate at least 1,200 students. 📚

🏎️ Russell snags Dutch GP sprint pole, Norris misses out

George Russell secured the pole position for the Dutch Grand Prix sprint race in a close finish. He achieved this feat at Zandvoort, beating Lando Norris by just 0.041 seconds. This marks Russell's second sprint pole of the 2026 season, following the Shanghai round. The final session saw intense competition, with Leclerc and Piastri also performing strongly. Max Verstappen qualified sixth, while Kimi Antonelli was fifth after floor damage.

🏞️ NGT challenges Ganga floodplain rules change

The National Green Tribunal issued a notice to the Centre against a Jal Shakti Ministry amendment that removed the 'construction-free zone' status from Ganga floodplains. This action was initiated by environmentalist Amit Kumar, challenging the change to the 2016 order. The amendment, notified on August 11, recast the 'active floodplain' definition to a one-in-five-year flood. Kumar argued this contradicts previous Tribunal and High Court rulings, like a 2017 judgment. The case is now listed for October 27, with the Tribunal not staying the amendment. 🏞️

🚀 Space Day 2026 celebrations in Mumbai

National Space Day 2026 was celebrated at the Institute of Science in Fort, Mumbai, over two days. The event was jointly organized by Teenovation – ISRO Registered Space Tutor, Dr Homi Bhabha State University, and the Rotary Club of Mumbai Sion. During the celebrations, students engaged in interactive workshops and built Chandrayaan-3 paper models. This event highlights India's space journey, from early ISRO days to lunar missions. The observance aims to inspire youth towards STEM careers. 🚀

🏛️ Supreme Court questions BCI Chairman's tenure and finances

A writ petition has been filed in the Supreme Court questioning Manan Kumar Mishra's continued tenure as the BCI Chairman. The petition challenges his long service since becoming Chairman in 2012, noting his seventh consecutive term. It specifically disputes the five-year tenure notification from April 2025, arguing it overrides the two-year limit in BCI Rules. The petitioner also demands an independent committee to audit the BCI's PEARL-FIRS Trust finances and statutory funds. Furthermore, the plea seeks fresh elections and scrutinizes Mishra's political activities and institutional neutrality. ⚖️

🚨 GTA 6 leaks resurface, linking to Rockstar India rumors

New gameplay and map leaks for Grand Theft Auto VI have surfaced online, sparking intense social media debate. The leaks are allegedly linked to a group named CyberLeek, and rumors point towards a compromised Rockstar India employee. The leaked material includes gameplay showing features like a stamina bar and a five-county map, circulating ahead of the August 27th showcase. CyberLeek is demanding changes to digital distribution practices and threatens more leaks if demands aren't met. Rockstar and Take-Two Interactive have not commented on these latest claims. 🎮

✊ Big Protest Demands Caste Reservation Removal

A massive protest, dubbed the 'Reservation Hatao Andolan,' has kicked off at Jantar Mantar. The demonstration involved various activists calling for the end of caste-based reservation policies. Protesters gathered on the grounds on a specified date, with Ajeet Bharti among the participants. The movement aims to challenge the existing reservation system in India. Organizers plan to continue the campaign with further public rallies soon.

🇮🇳 Murmu congratulates Alamgir on Bangladesh presidency

President Droupadi Murmu congratulated Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on becoming the 23rd President of Bangladesh. The message was sent from New Delhi, India, to Alamgir in Bangladesh. He won the election securing 255 votes on Thursday, marking a significant political transition. Murmu highlighted the unique relationship between India and Bangladesh across sectors like energy and technology. She expressed hope for strengthening the partnership as Alamgir takes office. 🤝

📱 OnePlus eyeing cheaper budget phone for India

OnePlus is reportedly developing a new budget smartphone targeting the Indian market. This device is expected to be positioned below their current Nord lineup offerings. Current OnePlus phones in India start around the ₹20,000 mark, giving a lower-priced option. This move could help OnePlus compete with brands like Xiaomi and Realme at a lower price point. The specs, chip, and launch date for this potential phone remain unconfirmed.