🚧 Thiruvananthapuram cracks down on illegal buildings

The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation has started a major drive against illegal constructions across the city. Mayor V.V.Rajesh announced that those responsible must remove the structures themselves or face demolition costs. Special squads will be formed to stop illegal building during the Onam holidays, following past misuse. Authorities have already spotted five illegal structures, including one ignoring a stop memo. The Mayor also mentioned action against a corrupt official and scrutiny for wayside eateries.

🔋 Poco M8x 5G battery specs drop before launch

Poco has officially revealed key battery details for its upcoming M8x 5G smartphone. The device will be equipped with a substantial 7,900mAh battery and support 45W wired charging. Poco confirmed that the M8x 5G is scheduled to launch in India on August 21. It will feature the Snapdragon 4 Gen 5 chipset and a 6.9-inch 120Hz LCD display. Tipsters suggest the phone will be priced under INR 20,000. 🔋

🌍 BRICS slams EU's climate tax

BRICS countries strongly condemned the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAMs) as punitive and protectionist measures. This opposition was voiced during the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi, under India's chairship. The ministers highlighted that these border measures could hinder developing nations' climate resilience efforts. They also urgently demanded increased, accessible adaptation finance from developed countries. This stance is critical as the EU's CBAM is in its definitive phase and India navigates new trade requirements. 🌍

🔥 Skull and Bones Season 2: Crimson Waters is here!

Skull and Bones Year 3 Season 2: Crimson Waters has launched, introducing the new large ship, The Junk. Players can now fight the invading Abyssal Fleet across the Indian Ocean with new threats. The update brings new Adept Mods and Seasonal Perks like Impetus. Furthermore, Modification Transfer lets players customize gear more intentionally. A new Brig ship campaign will also start later in the season.

🚜 JD(S) demands Karnataka scrap Bidadi Township Project

JD(S) supremo H.D. Deve Gowda demanded the Karnataka government drop the Bidadi Township Project during a protest in Bengaluru on Tuesday. He argued the project would severely impact small farmers and dairy farmers across the region. Public hearings by Justices Santosh Hegde and V. Gopala Gowda had previously recommended dropping the project, but the government ignored this advice. JD(S) leaders countered Congress claims by stating they made changes to the projects initiated by JD(S) governments. The leaders challenged Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to an open debate regarding both the township and NICE Road projects. 🚜

🛡️ NTA major overhaul after NEET/UGC-NET issues

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a massive overhaul following recent lapses in UGC-NET and NEET-UG exams. This involved removing 600 experts and implementing a new four-tier paper checking system across the agency. Furthermore, NTA offices are moving to new premises with enhanced security provided by CISF teams. Education Minister Pralhad Joshi directed these changes to ensure smoother and more secure examinations going forward. The NTA is also set to induct 20-25 new officials in the coming weeks.

🧐 Lawyer for Choksi detained in London over immigration

Indian criminal lawyer Vijay Aggarwal, who represented Mehul Choksi, was reportedly detained in London over alleged immigration violations. The detention occurred at a Mayfair property after a complaint was allegedly made by the landlord in May. Authorities examined his activities, which reportedly included working without a necessary work permit. A significant amount of cash was also reportedly found during the inspection at the property. The situation remains unconfirmed by any official UK government body. 🧐

🗑️ Protest over Karimnagar dumping yard location

Cadres of the Telangana Rakshana Sena held a dharna at the dumping yard near the bypass road in Karimnagar on Tuesday. The protest was led by the party’s district in-charge, G. Hariprasad. The protesters demanded the immediate relocation of the yard away from the town center. They also urged the government to clear existing garbage using biomining techniques. The Sena called for scientific waste management to protect public health within the municipal corporation limits. 🗑️

🚢 Chief Engineer Killed in Strait of Hormuz Attack

A bulker named Minoan Dignity was attacked by an unknown projectile near Oman, resulting in the death of the chief engineer. This incident occurred overnight between Monday and Tuesday, August 18, while the 76,800 dwt ship was near the Omani coast. The International Maritime Organization currently lists 17 confirmed fatalities since August 11. This event comes amid heightened regional tensions regarding Iran's position on the Strait of Hormuz. INTERCARGO is calling for respect for international law for all involved parties. 🚢

✊ RJD marches against Bihar govt's 'dictatorship'

RJD has announced a protest march to Lok Bhavan on August 19, 2026, against the Bihar government's alleged dictatorship. The protest will be attended by Mahagathbandhan allies to submit a memorandum to the Governor. The demands focus on student issues like paper leaks, poor education, and unemployment. Specifically, they seek the suspension of former Siwan SP Puran Kumar Jha over an AK-47 firing incident on July 25, 2026. The march will start from RJD headquarters in Patna and head towards Lok Bhavan. ✊

😔 Dior loses PR director in tragic accident

Christian Dior Couture lost its long-time PR director, Mathilde Favier, who passed away in a car accident. The accident happened in Airvault, France, on Monday, involving Favier and her partner, Nicolas Altmayer. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on the D938 road, and an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter is underway. Dior acknowledged her passing, praising her talent and loyalty to the house. The company is mourning this loss, which impacts their fashion world presence. 😔