🎬 Suriya's Vishwanath & Sons starts strong at box office

The Tamil film Vishwanath & Sons, starring Suriya and Mamitha Baiju, had a good opening day run at the Indian box office. It performed best in Telugu states, collecting around Rs 7 crore, while grossing a total of Rs 17 crore across India on its debut. The movie also earned Rs 6.50 crore in Tamil Nadu and Rs 1.75 crore from Karnataka. This romantic drama has received favorable word-of-mouth and is expected to spike on the Independence Day holiday. However, it is facing competition from holdover releases like DC and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

🇮🇳 Kharge on Nehru: Legacy, not arrogance

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge spoke on Independence Day, remembering leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. He stated Nehru built a modern, democratic, and secular India, establishing IITs and IIMs. The Congress chief also recalled Gandhi's 'Do or Die' call during the Quit India Movement. Kharge criticized the ruling party for claiming sole credit for national development and past achievements. He pledged support to protesting youth, arguing their rights are being trampled. 🇮🇳

🇮🇳 Omar Abdullah vows to restore J&K statehood

CM Omar Abdullah announced his government's commitment to restoring statehood and constitutional guarantees to Jammu and Kashmir. He made these remarks during his Independence Day speech held in Srinagar on August 15, 2026. Abdullah mentioned that these guarantees were revoked in August 2019. He also referenced past protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, praising his ancestors' resolve. The Chief Minister stated they are keeping seats vacant in hope of future fulfillment. 🇮🇳

📢 Kejriwal: Gen Alpha now demands school accountability

Arvind Kejriwal stated that Gen Alpha is now voicing demands for better facilities in government schools nationwide. He mentioned instances from Hamirpur, Dehradun, and Barmer where students protested for roads and teachers. Kejriwal highlighted that despite 75-80 years of independence, many schools still have poor infrastructure. He claimed his party's Punjab government improved schools, leading students to excel in NEET and JEE. This shift shows children are now challenging the long-accepted poor conditions in public education.

🚨 Priest arrested after temple incident

A 66-year-old temple priest was taken into custody after being allegedly found in an objectionable situation with a girl inside a temple. The incident occurred at Ramachandrapuram, where the accused, Sayanna alias Sailoo, reportedly locked the temple from outside. Locals spotted suspicious activity and informed the police on the night of August 13. Ramachandrapuram Police have registered a case and started an investigation into the matter. Further action will depend on the girl's statement, which is yet to be recorded, and her age verification.

🦇 Solar farms boost bat activity by 50%

Bat activity significantly increased by 50% over solar farms compared to nearby fields during warmer months. This was observed across 12 commercial solar facilities in the American Midwest by researchers. Data from May and June 2023 and 2024 showed this clear difference during early planting season. The vegetation beneath the panels provided insect habitat when surrounding cropland was cleared for farming. Future research needs to confirm if this means better actual feeding for the bats. 🦇

🎬 Kashyap and Shetty: Navigating a 20-year age gap

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and Shubhra Shetty recently discussed their long-term relationship in a joint interview with Janice Sequeira. The couple maintains an age difference of approximately 20-21 years, and their romance first went public nearly a decade ago. Shubhra initially faced her parents' concerns, but they eventually accepted the relationship. Kashyap admitted to being self-conscious about the age gap at one point, leading him to push her away. Their bond ultimately strengthened over shared interests like books and films.

🇮🇳 Pawan Kalyan: Democracy Needs Thinking Youth

Deputy CM K. Pawan Kalyan addressed the youth during the 80th Independence Day celebrations at District Police Grounds in Kakinada city on August 15, 2026. He stressed that a strong democracy requires informed citizens, not just blind followers in the digital age. Kalyan encouraged youth to question policies and express dissent against injustice, while avoiding destructive anger. He emphasized that the responsibility for nation-building now rests on the shoulders of the current generation. Ultimately, he called for youth who seek solutions and create opportunities for the country. 🇮🇳

🏏 Kingsmen vs TKR: CPL 2026 showdown 🏏

The Jamaica Kingsmen face the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League on August 16, 2026, at Sabina Park. Rovman Powell is captaining the Kingsmen, who are currently on a three-game losing streak. Sunil Narine's bowling threat and the Kingsmen's recent struggles present a tough challenge for the hosts. Key batters like Reeza Hendricks must perform well to give the Kingsmen a chance against the strong TKR lineup. The match is scheduled to kick off at 05:30 in Kingston, Jamaica.

🏔️ AP Police Sub-Inspector Conquers Europe's Highest Peak

Andhra Pradesh Police Sub-Inspector V Venkateswara Rao reached the summit of Mount Elbrus on Saturday. He scaled the highest peak in Europe, which is located in Russia at 5,642 metres. Rao unfurled a nearly 100-metre-long Indian Tricolour at the peak around 8 am IST. This unique feat marked India's 80th Independence Day, and he dedicated it to fallen police personnel. Next, Rao is training for his next big goal, which is Mount Everest.

📈 Modi talks growth strategy with students

Prime Minister Modi addressed students regarding India's economic growth trajectory. He held the session at a university campus in a specific undisclosed city. The discussions focused on several key growth indicators and future plans. This outreach aims to connect youth with national development goals. Further details on the specific growth metrics will be shared soon. 📈