🗣️ Tamil Nadu MLAs want to drop 'maiden speech' term

Pattali Makkal Katchi leader Sowmiya Anbumani and CPI(M) member Latha asked the Speaker to stop using the term 'kanni pechu' for new MLAs. They argued that this gendered language supports patriarchal ideas within the Assembly. Ms. Sowmiya suggested using 'arimuga urai' or 'mudhal urai' instead. The Speaker noted that BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan had previously raised this issue. He confirmed that the suggestions would be considered and Question Hour resumes August 27, 2026.

🏏 Pant overtakes Gill as India's top WTC scorer

Rishabh Pant recently became India's highest run-scorer in the ICC World Test Championship after surpassing Shubman Gill. This achievement happened while playing the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Pant now boasts 2,948 runs across 42 Tests, edging out Gill's 2,917 runs. This milestone was reached during a crucial partnership with Dhruv Jurel, which helped India reach 419/6. Furthermore, Pant also surpassed MS Dhoni as the leading wicketkeeper run-scorer in away Tests.

⛽ Iran's Oil Cargo Dries Up Before US Moves

Oil cargo shipments from Iran are beginning to dry up even ahead of any official action from the United States regarding Tehran's threats. This situation involves Iranian oil exports and US policy decisions related to the country. Specifically, the decline is observed prior to any concrete moves on the part of US authorities. This trend reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran's energy sector and international sanctions. The next steps will depend on how the US chooses to escalate or de-escalate its stance.

🏏 Lyon's spot debated as Australia weighs pace attacks

The selection of Nathan Lyon into Australia's squad is facing debate if fast bowling dominates match conditions. Pat Cummins mentioned considering Scott Boland in an all-pace attack before the second Test against Bangladesh in Mackay. The team decided within five minutes that Lyon was necessary for the side after assessing the pitch. Lyon returned after a hamstring injury and performed well, claiming 3 wickets on the second day. Future selections will depend on conditions, but Lyon is expected to be a lock against India in January and February. 🏏

🧠 Faulkner's take on success: beat your past self

American author William Faulkner suggested that meaningful achievement is measured by personal growth, not by comparing oneself to others. This idea counters the common race-like perception of career success and milestones. Faulkner, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1949, advocated for self-improvement over external competition. The core message is to strive to be better than one's previous self, not someone else. This shift encourages setting ambitious goals while focusing on internal development.

🧑‍⚖️ CJI orders priority probe into sexual assault claims

The Chief Justice of India clarified that the High-Powered Enquiry Committee must prioritize sexual assault complaints from women protesters. This directive came after Senior Advocate Shobha Gupta urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognizance of the incidents. The Committee was tasked by the Supreme Court to examine violence allegations from Jantar Mantar student protests on July 20. CJI Surya Kant confirmed the committee must submit an interim report on these assault complaints at the earliest. Furthermore, the CJI agreed that the procedure and email ID for complaints will be notified soon. 🧑‍⚖️

🔥 Yash's 'Toxic' booking surge forces Mumbai to add early/late shows

Yash's film 'Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups' is seeing massive advance booking demand ahead of its August 26 release. Mumbai cinemas responded by adding early 6 AM and late 11:45 PM screenings to handle the crowd. Advance bookings started on August 21, causing ticket prices to spike in Mumbai and Bengaluru. Actor Yash recently addressed criticism about the film's portrayal of women during a Hyderabad promo. The movie has received an A certificate from CBFC and is a gangster action drama.

📺 Indian news channels get international notice

US Ambassador Sergio Gor commented on the international fame of Indian television news channels during an event in New Delhi. He noted that the shows become crazier the later they run, comparing them favorably to American fake news. Gor mentioned the Modi-Trump G7 meeting on June 17 in France, where media access was granted later than expected. Separately, CJP's co-convener questioned if Gor called a minister to curb Arnab Goswami's show. Government sources clarified that pre-visit arrangements are standard protocol. 🧐

😟 Mpox Cases Spiking in Guinea-Bissau Kids

Mpox cases are causing significant concern among children in Guinea-Bissau. Health officials in the region are closely monitoring the situation across various communities. As of the latest reports, there have been several documented cases recorded over the past few weeks. This surge is prompting urgent calls for increased public health awareness and faster medical responses. Authorities plan to intensify surveillance efforts throughout the coming months. 😟

🤨 Congress mocks TVK's PM ambitions

Congress MP Karti Chidambaram dismissed speculation about TVK chief Vijay aiming for the Prime Minister role. This statement came after Vijay attended the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Chidambaram stated that a leader needs support from at least 272 MPs to become PM. He suggested the ambitions of a party centered around a movie star are just fantasies. These comments follow a verbal spat between Congress and TVK regarding Vijay's rising influence in Tamil Nadu.

🤝 Maharashtra Cabinet Meeting Postponed, Fadnavis Holds Alliance Meet

The Maharashtra Cabinet meeting has been rescheduled as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis called a crucial coordination meeting. This meeting will take place at Fadnavis's residence and is expected to involve senior alliance leaders. Discussions are slated to cover alliance coordination, government priorities, and the political roadmap. This development is significant as the ruling alliance seeks to maintain synergy among its core partners. The focus remains on preparing for future political challenges in the state. 🤝