🏛️ Varma's exit won't stop probe, says Lok Sabha panel

A Lok Sabha committee stated that Justice Yashwant Varma's withdrawal from the probe into burnt currency notes cannot halt the statutory inquiry. The committee found the charges against him to be 'proved' and tabled its report on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. This occurred after the discovery of notes in the capital while he was a Delhi High Court judge. Justice Varma had informed the committee of his decision to withdraw on April 9, 2026. The panel argued the inquiry was substantially complete, meaning his absence could not end the process.

🛑 Centre Bans Pre-Ride Tipping on Ride Apps

The Central government has mandated that ride-hailing apps must stop demanding tips before a trip starts. The Road Transport Ministry issued a notification stating that pre-booking tips violate consumer protection rules. Specifically, prompts like "Advance Tip" or "Choose an Add-on" must be removed from the interface. Clause 14.15 of the guidelines requires that any tip feature only becomes visible after the journey is completed. This move follows earlier requests from the consumer protection authority to curb this practice. 🛑

🛂 New US Visa Rules Could Impact Student Numbers

A recent report indicates that stricter visa policies are set to affect international student enrollment in the United States. This change primarily impacts students coming to the US from various global regions. The policies, which are being rolled out, are expected to take effect from the start of the next academic year. This move is part of a broader trend of stricter immigration enforcement by US authorities. Further details on the policy adjustments are anticipated to be released by the Department of State soon.

⚔️ Elden Ring Tarnished Edition drops on Switch 2

The Elden Ring Tarnished Edition is launching on the Nintendo Switch 2 system on August 28. This highly anticipated game takes players to the mythical Lands Between, where ancient mysteries await discovery. The edition boasts a vast open world, complex dungeons, and intense combat mechanics. Players can create unique characters and engage in cooperative or competitive multiplayer sessions. The regular price for the Tarnished Edition is set at $79.99. ⚔️

✈️ US troops leaving Iraq by September 30

The US is set to withdraw its final troops from Iraq by September 30, marking the end of a military presence since the 2003 invasion. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi confirmed this as the "fixed and final date" during a meeting with US Central Command chief admiral Brad Cooper on Wednesday. Previously, around 2,500 US troops remained for training after combat operations ended in 2021. This withdrawal coincides with an Iraqi drive to disarm armed groups by the same deadline. However, many Iran-backed militias have rejected surrendering their weapons. 🗺️

🚨 CJP spokesperson claims police intimidation in Puducherry

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das alleged that Puducherry police intimidated his family at their home on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. A senior Puducherry police official confirmed a visit but called it a routine security exercise. The official rejected the allegations of harassment and intimidation entirely. Das questioned the motive behind the police action, suggesting it might be at the behest of the Union government. He further questioned if this tactic was planned during Amit Shah's visit to Puducherry just two days prior. 😟

🔬 AI designs 16 new bacteria-killing viruses

Scientists successfully used GenAI and massive genomic data to design novel biological systems. A team from Stanford University and the Arc Institute generated potential viral genomes to target E. coli. After testing nearly 300 synthesized designs, sixteen effective, new bacteriophages were identified. This work shows AI can design entirely new biological blueprints, moving beyond just analyzing existing life. The research suggests combining these phages could counter bacterial drug resistance.

💧 Florida tackles water pollution with new massive wetland project

Florida has finished a 2,560-acre stormwater treatment landscape designed to clean runoff before it hits coastal areas. This major project is being managed by the USACE Jacksonville District and the South Florida Water Management District. The new facility can store up to 4,750 acre-feet of water, marking a step in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. This system uses wetland plants to filter excess nutrients that cause harmful algae blooms in the Indian River Lagoon. Next, the wetland plants need time to grow in to effectively absorb nutrients from the water.

🇮🇳 MP demands West Bengal be renamed Paschim Banga

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya asked for West Bengal to be renamed Paschim Banga during a Rajya Sabha debate. This demand was made while discussing the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, which proposes renaming Kerala as Keralam in the southern state. The state was born on June 20, 1947, under Syama Prasad Mukherjee's leadership, according to Bhattacharya. He criticized previous attempts to change the name to Bengal, stating it would insult those who fought for the original state. Next, he also backed demands to rename Bihar's capital as Patliputra. 🏛️

💣 Ukrainian Drones Hit Putin's Palace Defences

Ukrainian drones successfully struck an S-400 air-defence missile system protecting Vladimir Putin's luxury residence near Gelendzhik. This missile launcher was located approximately 12 miles from the estate, which is estimated to be worth Rs 12,000 crore. Major Robert Brovdi stated the launcher burned for three hours after the drone attack. The complex features extreme luxury amenities and is part of a larger security network. Kyiv hopes these attacks will force Moscow toward peace talks. 💣

😠 Leader objects to Mysore University Registrar appointment

Chalavadi T. Narayanaswamy, Leader of the Opposition, demanded the cancellation of B.K. Kempegowda's appointment as Registrar (Evaluation) of the University of Mysore. He addressed the Chief Secretary and Higher Education Secretary regarding this controversial decision. The government issued the appointment order on August 10, 2026, despite Narayanaswamy's objections. Narayanaswamy argued the appointment violated rules requiring a senior faculty member from affiliated universities. Furthermore, he cited allegations of sexual harassment and grant misuse against Prof. Kempegowda.