⚖️ Telangana HC flags govt error in welfare scheme case

The Telangana High Court took serious note of a government affidavit that incorrectly quoted Article 162 of the Constitution. This error was made by the Backward Classes Welfare Department while seeking to lift the stay on Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak schemes. The Additional Advocate General admitted this was a typographical blunder, leading the judge to order a rectified affidavit. The court also questioned the government's priority between welfare schemes and paying land compensation. The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on Monday. ⚖️

🏛️ YSRCP disrupts Council over DSC irregularities

YSRCP members disrupted the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Council proceedings on Thursday regarding DSC-2025 recruitment issues. Chairman Moshenu Raju rejected their adjournment motion and proceeded with the Question Hour. Municipal Minister P. Narayana stated ₹150 crore was allocated for Godavari Pushkaralu, alongside ₹1,144 crore for local municipalities. Minister Savitha confirmed significant funding allocations for Kapu upliftment across three fiscal years. Despite protests, the Council eventually passed several Bills before Moshenu Raju adjourned the House sine die. 🏛️

💡 Pixel 11 Pro's HiLight feature gets a major upgrade

A coder has made the Pixel 11 Pro's HiLight feature significantly more functional using an open-source app. Initially, the HiLight feature, a notification LED, was restricted to only working with Gemini and favorite callers on the phone. Dhananjay Bhosale developed HiLight Studio, which lets the HiLight LED work with any application and customize light effects. The app also includes safety limits, like dimming after ten seconds, to prevent misuse of the feature. This upgrade finally gives the HiLight system the expanded utility it was originally supposed to have. 💡

🇯🇵 T-Hub teams up with OKI for Indian deeptech startups

Startup incubator T-Hub and Japan's OKI Electric Industry Co. have launched a new programme for Indian deeptech startups. The collaboration aims to help these companies validate tech and find commercial chances in Japan. Over 150 applications were received, leading to eight startups being shortlisted for the program. These companies will work with OKI on industrial use cases in water infrastructure and logistics. This move supports the growing tech and innovation partnerships between India and Japan.

🇮🇳 Ranganathan questions national song's return

Author Anand Ranganathan stated that it took a century to bring India's national song back, crediting Narendra Modi for the effort. The comments have triggered a broader discussion regarding the song's history and its complete rendition. He questioned whether the full version of the national song could be restored for public performance. This raises important questions about cultural preservation and national identity debates. The conversation continues on the necessity of restoring the song's entirety.

🚨 Woman Found Dead in Lingsugur; Murder Suspected

A 35-year-old woman named Ranemma was found dead near Karadkal village in Lingsugur taluk on Thursday. The Lingsugur Deputy Superintendent of Police, Dattatraya Karnad, believes the victim was murdered. Preliminary investigations suggest she may have been crushed to death using a stone. A case has been registered by the Lingsugur Police following a complaint from her husband, Tippanna. Authorities have now launched a full investigation into the incident.

🏛️ SC asks CBSE to ease three-language rule for Class 6

The Supreme Court asked the CBSE to grant a one-time reprieve for current Class 6 students regarding the mandatory third-language Board exam. This decision was made on Thursday, August 20, 2026, after the court reviewed the existing policy implementation. Currently, the Class 6 batch faces full implementation leading up to a Class 10 exam by 2031. The court advised CBSE to streamline the policy, suggesting starting it in earlier classes to allow adaptation. The court also questioned the categorization of English as a foreign language within the scheme. 📚

🧐 IUML orders probe on Basheer resolution; Jaleel questions ED inaction

The IUML district committee has ordered an inquiry regarding a resolution against Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer. This resolution, presented at the Thenhipalam panchayat committee's monsoon camp, alleged money collection related to EMEA College admissions. The district committee directed the camp facilitator and constituency committee to investigate this incident. Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader K.T. Jaleel questioned the Enforcement Directorate's silence on these allegations. Jaleel also called for an inquiry into ED officials' functioning at the Kochi office. 🧐

📢 Punjab bandh on Aug 21; schools open

A Punjab bandh has been called by the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha to protest police action and the detention of Sikh prisoners. This protest action is scheduled for August 21, affecting traffic from 7 am to 2 pm across the state. The QIM is demanding the release of 'Bandi Singhs' who have completed their sentences, alongside parole for Jagtar Singh Hawara. While government schools will remain open, many private schools in Mohali and Chandigarh have decided to close down. Supporters from SGPC and SKM have backed the call to pressure the government for prisoner release. ✊

✈️ India-Japan air drill set for September in Jodhpur

The third edition of the Veer Guardian air exercise is scheduled for September 13 to 20 in Jodhpur. The Indian Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force will participate in this expanded air cooperation. India will deploy Su-30MKI, Rafale, and LCA Tejas jets, while Japan’s F-2 fighters will operate from an Indian airbase. This exercise deepens the strategic and defence partnership between the two nations in the Indo-Pacific region. It marks the first time this event is hosted in India, focusing on air combat training. ✈️

🤢 Garbage trucks near school in Bengaluru cause major health hazard 🤢

Garbage dumping near a government school and pre-university college in JC Nagar, Bengaluru, is causing major health issues. Students and teachers are enduring foul smells and unhygienic conditions because of garbage from trucks parked there year-round. Over the past year, two garbage trucks have been parked almost daily, with leachate causing a burning sensation. School principals note that rats are entering classrooms and people are dumping varied waste around the area. The Bengaluru North City Corporation Commissioner has assured that the issue will be looked into and the garbage will be cleared soon.