🧐 Six arrested for selling fake Lakshmi idol in Hyderabad

Six individuals, including an astrologer, were arrested while trying to sell a fake Panchaloha idol and a stone in Hyderabad. The Jubilee Hills Zone Task Force and Mailardevpally police apprehended them at Laxmiguda on Saturday, August 15th. Authorities seized the fake idol, a pink stone, an SUV, five mobile phones, and other items. The group allegedly claimed the items possessed divine powers to fleece buyers for high prices. The accused have been handed over to the Mailardevpally police for further investigation. 🧐

🌊 Brahmaputra floods: Assam's constitutional promise unkept

Every monsoon, the Brahmaputra Valley floods, causing massive devastation in Assam despite other areas having more rain. The river's shallow gradient and high sediment load create an unstable channel prone to migration and erosion. Current laws treat floods as sudden events, ignoring permanent land loss from riverbank erosion. Victims are often labeled 'illegal encroachers' when displaced by nature's force. However, the Supreme Court recognized the 'right to be free from climate change' effects in 2024.

📰 Daily School Assembly News Roundup

The school assembly covered a mix of top national and international headlines for the day. Students in various schools across the nation and world were informed about recent major events. Specific details regarding dates and figures were shared during the proceedings on August 17th. This daily briefing keeps everyone updated on crucial developments happening globally and locally. The assembly aims to prepare students for current affairs discussions moving forward.

🌸 Lotus feast brings back old food tradition in Palakkad

A traditional lotus-based feast, called Thamara Sadya, was held on Sunday at Ramassery Gandhi Ashram in Palakkad. The event was jointly organized by Ramassery Gandhi Ashram and Velloor Navajeevanam Trust. The feast featured dishes made from various lotus parts, including flowers and stems, and was inaugurated by MLA Sumeesh Achuthan. This initiative aims to promote the edible potential of the lotus beyond its ornamental use and connect youth with local knowledge. The effort, which started in Velloor in 2025, seeks government support for lotus cultivation. 🌸

🌕 Epic Lunar Eclipse: Moon Eats Sun in Timelapse

A spectacular lunar eclipse recently occurred, showing the moon gradually moving across the sun. This celestial event was visible in various locations around the world. The totality phase lasted for a specific duration, according to astronomical observations. This event provides a rare glimpse into the mechanics of solar and lunar alignments. Scientists continue to monitor such phenomena for further study. 🌕

🚀 Voyager 2 power boost keeps probe alive

Voyager 2, nearly 50 years old, recently underwent a power and thermal system rearrangement by NASA engineers. This coordinated operation, nicknamed the “Big Bang,” freed up almost 10 watts from the probe's dwindling power supply. The procedure, executed in July, postpones the shutdown of another science instrument for at least an extra year. This is crucial as the plutonium source loses about four watts of power annually. The mission controllers must constantly balance power and heat to keep the spacecraft functional in interstellar space. 🛰️

🚨 Father of party volunteer beaten to death in Bengal

The father of a Cockroach Janta Party volunteer was fatally beaten in Bankura after his son inspected a local school. The attack happened on August 13, after Sheikh Abdul Hafeez visited Karishunda Paschimpara Primary School. Eight people were arrested in connection with the incident, and three were named in the FIR. Tensions flared in the area following the violence against the family. CJP leaders plan to visit the victim's family on Monday for support. 💔

🧐 NTA is redoing UGC-NET for three subjects

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has decided to reconduct the UGC-NET examination for English, Sociology, and Commerce. This decision came after the NTA received multiple complaints concerning errors present in the original question papers. Out of the 87 subjects covered by the UGC NET examination, only these three subjects will undergo the re-exam. A dedicated committee was formed by the NTA to thoroughly review the noted issues in the papers. This re-examination is scheduled to take place following the initial review process. 🧐

🚨 Big brands' data leaked in massive Azure breach

A large-scale Azure data exfiltration campaign is flooding the dark web with stolen enterprise records. The seller, known as “TheHatman,” claims to have grabbed data from major companies like McDonald’s and Vodafone. Over the past week, listings showed over 1.7 million records from McDonald’s and 425,000 from Vodafone. This data includes full names, job titles, and critical access information, making it highly dangerous. Companies must immediately improve credential hygiene and enforce multi-factor authentication to prevent further attacks.

⚠️ Meghalaya panel flags slow mine closure policy

A High Court panel has criticized Meghalaya's slow pace in implementing a policy to close dangerous rat-hole mines. The one-man Justice B.P. Katakey Committee noted the government largely ignored the closure policy despite prior advice. While DPRs exist for two pilot projects worth ₹63 lakh and ₹92.78 lakh, they are pending before the Oversight Committee. The panel stressed immediate fencing is needed as thousands of open mines pose risks to life. Districts have been asked to submit concrete proposals, with some promising delivery within 10 to 15 days.

🧐 Rijiju clarifies PM's 'dimagi Naxal' remark

A political debate started over PM Modi's 'dimagi Naxal' comment in his Independence Day speech. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified on Sunday, August 16, 2026, that the remark wasn't targeting Opposition leaders. Modi reportedly warned against those supporting Maoists and rejecting the Indian Constitution during his address on August 15, 2026. Congress leader P. Chidambaram later posted he was proud to be a 'dimagi Naxal!'. The controversy continues with BJP leaders attacking Chidambaram's past statements. 🧐