⛽ Ukraine pauses tanker drone strikes on Vance's ask

Ukrainian forces have reportedly stopped drone attacks on oil tankers at Novorossiysk port following a request from U.S. Vice-President JD Vance. The action was taken due to concerns that these attacks were further destabilizing the already volatile global oil market. These drone strikes had previously disrupted the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) twice over the last two months. The CPC is crucial as it moves most of Kazakhstan’s crude exports to Novorossiysk, serving as an alternative to Russian energy. Consequently, Kazakhstan is now exploring alternative export routes like the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan system. ⛽

🗳️ Madhava Rao to be YSRCP candidate for Deputy Chairman

Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy announced Thumati Madhava Rao as the YSRCP candidate for the Legislative Council Deputy Chairman post. The announcement was made during a meeting with party MLCs held at Tadepalli. This position was currently vacant, and the election process for it is anticipated to start soon. Jagan Mohan Reddy instructed all MLCs to support Madhava Rao. He also asked them to ensure the election process runs smoothly moving forward. 🗳️

📚 Amit Shah asks for NEET debate as Parliament winds down

Following three weeks of continuous protests in Parliament, Home Minister Amit Shah has formally requested a debate in the Lok Sabha. The request was made to the LS Speaker regarding the ongoing NEET Students' Protest. This action comes as the current Parliament Session is scheduled to conclude tomorrow. The protest has been a significant ongoing issue concerning medical entrance exam students. Next steps will depend on the Speaker's decision regarding the requested debate slot. 📚

🧐 Kangana Ranaut clarifies 'gutter' comments on youth

Kangana Ranaut clarified her controversial 'gutter' remarks, stating they were not a blanket criticism of all young people. Representing Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi constituency in the Lok Sabha, she said her comments targeted only specific individuals who identify as 'cockroaches'. She explained that if someone claims to be a cockroach, they naturally belong in a gutter. Ranaut emphasized that she was addressing segments related to drug addiction and betting trends among youth. She also predicted Rahul Gandhi's term as Leader of the Opposition would be his final one. 🧐

👮 Annamayya police ramp up drug crackdown

Annamayya district police have intensified measures to curb the transport and use of ganja and narcotics. Collector Shiv Narayan Sharma and SP Dheeraj Kunubilli addressed a district-level N-Cord meeting in Madanapalle on Wednesday. Since January 26, police have seized 206 kg of ganja in seven cases, leading to 26 arrests. The Collector mandated stricter enforcement of tobacco bans near schools and planned awareness programs. The public is urged to report any drug-related info via the toll-free number 1972. 🚨

🧐 Panel questions India on de-dollarization push at BRICS

Parliamentary committee members questioned the government about pushing a de-dollarisation agenda at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The questions were raised by members like Asaduddin Owaisi and John Brittas on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. They pressed why India wasn't pursuing greater financial sovereignty to bypass US sanctions. This follows RBI's advocacy for linking digital currencies among BRICS nations amid geopolitical tensions. Officials offered no clear response regarding this significant economic shift. 🧐

🏥 APSRTC Central Hospital upgrades with new diagnostic machine

APSRTC has installed a ₹22 lakh fully automated immunoassay analyser at its Central Hospital in Vidhyadharapuram. APSRTC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director N. Bala Subrahmanyam inaugurated the high-tech equipment on Wednesday. This analyser can run tests for thyroid profiles, cardiac markers, and viral markers, among others. The machine boasts over 99% accuracy and processes up to 100 samples per hour. This move aims to boost healthcare access and reduce expenses for employees and retirees.

🇮🇳 Shivamogga plans grand Independence Day celebration

Several organizations have teamed up under the banner “Sankalpa Shivamogga” to mark Independence Day in Shivamogga. C.S. Shadakshari, President of Karnataka State Government Employees Association, announced the event will be at Gopi Circle on Friday night. The program kicks off at 9 p.m. with the State anthem and ends with the national anthem at midnight on August 14. The event will feature patriotic songs and felicitation of soldiers without a traditional stage setup. Rotary Club and other local groups are participating in this unique celebration. 🇮🇳

📜 Lebanon passes amnesty law after death penalty repeal

Lebanon's parliament approved a general amnesty law on Wednesday, marking the first such legislation since 1991. This move benefits thousands of convicted prisoners, detainees, and wanted individuals across the country. The law significantly reduces certain sentences, lowering death and life imprisonment to 17 'prison years'. It also mandates the release of inmates detained over 12 prison years without charges. This follows the recent formal abolition of the death penalty by the same parliament. ⚖️

🎉 Kudumbashree hosting 201 Onam sales fairs in Thrissur

Kudumbashree’s Thrissur District Mission is launching 201 sales fairs across the district for the Onam season. These fairs will be organized in 100 Community Development Societies (CDSs) and one district-level fair. The initiative aims to offer fair prices and wider market access for Kudumbashree enterprises. The stalls will feature various products like snacks, handicrafts, and fresh produce from JLGs. Additionally, 26 canteen units will supply Onam sadyas, and free kits will go to disadvantaged families.

🏛️ Rajasthan HC flags Jodhpur court building collapse risk

The Rajasthan High Court initiated suo moto proceedings over its Jodhpur building due to structural concerns. An assessment by IIT Bombay revealed the 21-metre central dome was at risk of imminent collapse. The building, costing Rs 316 crore, saw issues emerge within a few years of completion by late 2013. The court noted past collapses in April 2023 and ongoing maintenance problems. Authorities must submit a plan by August 24 to strengthen or replace the dome. 🏛️