💰 TVK govt promises to launch TAPS pension scheme

The TVK government assured the Legislative Assembly that it will implement the Tamil Nadu Assured Pension Scheme (TAPS). Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson made this assurance in the Legislative Assembly. The scheme aims to provide 50% of the last pay drawn as pension, gratuity, and family pension. The previous DMK regime had formed a committee led by IAS officer Gagandeep Singh Bedi on this matter. The government has already started interim payouts while framing the necessary rules and guidelines. 💰

🏛️ ED case against Mamata Banerjee heard in Supreme Court

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) wrapped up its arguments before the Supreme Court regarding allegations against Mamata Banerjee. The case involves interference by Banerjee and state officials during I-PAC raids at Kolkata offices. The matter was heard by Justices PK Mishra and NV Anjaria on August 18, 2026. The ED claims the interference caused the loss of physical and electronic investigation material. The hearing is scheduled to resume on September 2 for further arguments. ⚖️

🗳️ Trump praises India's voting system globally

Donald Trump praised India's electoral system while advocating for stricter voting rules in the United States. This praise followed a conversation between Trump and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Trump highlighted India's massive electorate of 646,000,000 voters during the last election. The SAVE America Act seeks tougher ID and citizenship checks for US federal elections. The White House is using India and Brazil as examples for stronger US safeguards. 🗳️

🏏 Rajasthan's Mahipal Lomror joins Surrey for County Championship

Rajasthan captain Mahipal Lomror has been signed by Surrey for the final six matches of the 2026 County Championship. He will be joining Surrey, where he will play alongside Rahul Chahar. Lomror has played 63 first-class matches, averaging 42.62, and holds an unbeaten triple-century. This move fills a gap after Will Jacks and Dan Lawrence are unavailable for the remaining games. Surrey looks forward to welcoming him ahead of their match with Nottinghamshire. 🏏

🎤 Rosie O'Donnell targets Trump on Kimmel Live

Rosie O'Donnell revived her long-running feud with Donald Trump on her debut night as a guest host of Jimmy Kimmel Live. She brought up her move to Ireland, linking it to her opposition to Trump's administration and reading Project 2025. The feud originally started back in 2006 when she criticized the businessman during her time on The View. O'Donnell also paid tribute to actress Hayden Panettiere, who passed away on Sunday at age 36. She will continue hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live throughout the week. 😔

🐍 8-foot snake rescued from SRK's Mannat

An 8-foot non-venomous Dhaman snake was safely rescued from Shah Rukh Khan’s Mannat residence in Bandra West. The incident happened on the evening of August 17 when two snakes were spotted beneath a shed on the property. Rescuer Vicky Dubey captured one reptile, which measures about 8 feet, and informed Forest Department officials. The captured snake was identified as an Indian Rat Snake, posing no threat to humans. The rescued snake was subsequently released into the wild after officials completed the necessary protocols. 🌿

📢 Rahul Gandhi on Minister's Student Protests Remark

Rahul Gandhi responded to a remark made by a Union Minister regarding student protests. He stated that students possess eyes, implying they are aware of the situation. This comment was made in the context of ongoing student activism across the country. The exchange highlights the political friction surrounding student movements. Further statements from both sides are anticipated in the coming days.

💪 Aging body changes: what to do about it

Researchers tracked nearly 1,900 older adults aged 70-79 who showed that even with maintained muscle mass, leg strength declined significantly faster. This decline in strength is separate from visible muscle loss and is not entirely fixed by age. Progressive resistance training reliably improves strength and function in older adults, which is key. For fall prevention, programs combining balance work with resistance training reduced falls by 34%. Therefore, focusing on controlled movements and balance is crucial for managing age-related changes. 🚶‍♂️

⭐ Umashree shares life journey after becoming Deputy Chairperson

Congress MLC Umashree was unanimously elected as the Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council on Tuesday in Bengaluru. The veteran actor and former Minister shared an emotional speech recalling her journey through triumphs and tribulations. She highlighted her experiences as a single mother of two and her struggles in both the film and political industries. Umashree emphasized how public service helped her overcome loneliness and connect with people. She also mentioned the intense political contest involving Sonia Gandhi and Sushma Swaraj in 1999.

🚨 Mumbai food spots lose licenses in FDA crackdown

Several food establishments in Mumbai faced closure due to strict regulatory actions. The Otters Club, Prince Of Wales, and Chembur Zepto were among the businesses affected by the FDA's inspection. These licenses were revoked following a recent enforcement drive by the FDA. This crackdown aims to ensure higher hygiene and safety standards across the city's food industry. Authorities will continue monitoring the situation to maintain public health safety.

🏏 Galle Test wild: Fast bowlers sweep up wickets

The ongoing Galle Test saw an unexpected 14 wickets fall on Day 4, with eight of them taken by fast bowlers from both sides. This happened during the first test match between India and Sri Lanka at Galle on Tuesday. India was bundled out for just 193 in 48.5 overs after an initial collapse. Despite the setbacks, Rishabh Pant fought hard, keeping India in the game for a while. The bowlers, including Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara, executed smart plans against the Indian batsmen. 🏏