😟 US potentially hikes H-1B visa fees to $100k

The US government is reportedly considering a significant hike in the H-1B visa application fees. This potential change would directly impact Indian workers who rely on these visas. The proposed fee increase targets setting a new benchmark, though specific dates are pending. This move is being watched closely by the Indian IT sector for its implications. Future updates on the fee structure are expected from US immigration authorities soon. 😟

💰 Australia's CPI ticks up in July 📈

The Consumer Price Index in Australia rose by 3.5% over the last 12 months, slightly decreasing from the 3.8% recorded in June 2026. Housing (+5.0%), Food (+3.2%), and Recreation (+2.6%) were the main drivers of this annual inflation. The monthly CPI increase for July was 1.0% in original terms, while the trimmed mean inflation remained at 3.6%. These figures mean the possibility of another RBA rate hike is back on the table for the coming months.

✈️ Dubai Airports no layoffs despite regional conflict

Dubai Airports confirmed it made zero layoffs even amidst recent regional military conflict affecting the aviation sector. CEO Paul Griffiths stated that employee morale remained very high despite the challenging situation. Following attacks starting February 28, Dubai International Airport (DXB) saw second-quarter traffic at 31.5 million, down 31.3% from 2025. The CEO now projects passenger traffic to hit 70 million in 2026, revising down from earlier goals. The airport is rebounding, aiming for 100 million passengers again by early 2027.

💔 Bollywood actor Kuku Kohli dies after heart attack

Bollywood filmmaker Kuku Kohli passed away on Tuesday, August 25, at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai. He was 77 years old and died two days after being admitted following a heart attack. Doctors had previously placed a coronary stent during his treatment for the condition. Medical experts explain that while a stent opens arteries, it cannot reverse existing heart muscle damage. Therefore, severe damage or dangerous rhythms can still lead to a fatal outcome. 💔

⚖️ High Court orders release of betel nuts stuck at Customs

The Punjab and Haryana High Court directed Customs to release consignments of areca nuts held since 2024. This case involved Prenda Creations Pvt. Ltd. in Ludhiana against the Union of India. The nuts were held from November 2024, with the High Court ordering release on August 17, 2026. The court noted that Customs' test report relied only on physical appearance, not scientific parameters. The court also ordered physical delivery within a fortnight and released two other consignments.

😷 Air pollution linked to many cancers globally 😷

Long-term exposure to air pollution is now linked to millions of cancer cases worldwide, extending beyond just lung cancer. Researchers analyzed 109 million cancer cases across 34 countries between 2000 and 2020. The study estimated about 8.82 million cases were linked to PM2.5 over that 20-year period. This suggests a broader impact on cancers like breast and thyroid due to inflammation. The findings highlight the need for stronger global action to reduce harmful air quality.

🌧️ CM evades questions amid Gurugram flooding scare

The Haryana Chief Minister reportedly avoided answering questions regarding the recent flooding in Gurugram. Security personnel were seen pushing a reporter during the incident. Specific details about the flood damage or response timeline were not provided in the report. The situation highlights ongoing public scrutiny over local governance issues. Further updates on the flooding response are awaited from authorities.

🛡️ SIM card rules tighten starting August 2026

New telecom rules mandate providers stop new SIMs for users hitting connection limits from August 24, 2026. This applies to individuals in India, with limits of nine generally and six in J&K, Assam, and North-East. The Digital Intelligence Platform (DIP) will now help track and verify subscribers against these caps. This crackdown aims to curb cybercrime and prevent fraud using multiple identities. Consumers should check their current registered connections to stay compliant. 📱

🕊️ Filmmaker Kuku Kohli Passes Away at 77

Filmmaker Kuku Kohli passed away after suffering a heart attack at the age of 77. His funeral was held at the Oshiwara crematorium in Mumbai. Wife Aruna Irani, Katrina Kaif, and Vicky Kaushal attended the service. The late filmmaker worked with several veteran actors and industry friends. Further details regarding the service are expected from his associates.

🏛️ India slams UN report's 'malicious' claims

India rejected what it termed as 'politically motivated' and 'highly malicious' references in a UN committee's rights report. This rejection came from the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD) press release. The review, held on August 11-12, covered India’s 12th and 21st combined periodic reports submitted in 2023. India highlighted its constitutional safeguards and legal framework during the review to counter the allegations. The MEA confirmed it will respond to the committee’s observations through the established procedure. 🇮🇳

🏡 UP village skips Raksha Bandhan due to old curse

A specific village in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal district reportedly avoids celebrating Raksha Bandhan every year. This tradition is followed by families in Benipur Chak and others belonging to the same lineage. The practice dates back generations to an incident involving a Thakur family and a Yadav family in Aligarh’s Atrauli area. A playful demand for property made during a Rakhi exchange turned into a serious ancestral promise. Consequently, the families stopped celebrating the festival to avoid unwanted situations. 🤷