Keralam: Excise busts MDMA racket smuggling drugs from Delhi using women as carriers

The Excise Department in Kochi has dismantled a significant drug racket smuggling MDMA from Delhi to Kerala, arresting four suspects, including an 18-year-old woman. Officers seized 279.3 grams of MDMA during two operations. The ring reportedly exploited young women for trafficking, with penalties for those convicted of up to 20 years in prison, raising concerns over youth involvement in drug crimes.

TMC rebels await official status after breaking off from Mamata's leadership

Rebel factions of the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal continue to face uncertainty regarding their official status, with 62 assembly legislators led by Ritabrata Banerjee and 20 Lok Sabha MPs under Sudip Bandyopadhyay seeking recognition or merger with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India. Their petitions to the Lok Sabha speaker remain unapproved, amid ongoing legal considerations affecting their party symbol and recognition.

Rahul calls for ‘end to patriarchy’ after PM Modi's ‘cultural shock’ remark

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi addressed women's rights and safety in Pune, condemning the "Manusmriti mindset" that restricts women under male authority. He criticized Prime Minister Modi's remarks on language used by girls during protests and emphasized the need to combat patriarchal views that limit women's freedoms. Gandhi urged women to assert their rights, highlighting widespread violence and discrimination against them.

Endoscopic camera, ₹11K deal: How a professor leaked exam paper in Chhattisgarh

A professor and five students were arrested in Durg, Chhattisgarh, for complicity in the alleged leak of an BSc. entomology exam at IGKV, where the professor used an endoscopic camera to photograph the sealed question paper. The exam, scheduled amid circulating questions, was canceled. Police traced the leak to student Anuj Minj within 36 hours of the initial complaint.

Where is the fire in Reno today? Location, map, latest updates on Hawk fire

A rapidly expanding wildfire, the Hawk Fire, has burned approximately 8,000 acres northwest of Reno, Nevada, prompting mandatory evacuations and road closures. Fire Chief Richard Edwards attributed the fire’s swift spread to high winds, complicating firefighting efforts. As conditions worsen under a Red Flag Warning, local authorities are mobilizing significant resources to combat the fire, which threatens numerous homes.

Man leaves ₹2.4 crore Meta job to coach startup founders

Jason Shen, a former Meta employee earning $250,000 annually, left his high-paying tech job in June 2023 to pursue executive coaching, establishing Refactor Labs. Frustrated by work stress and seeking fulfillment, he set aside $150,000 to support his transition, generating $369,000 in revenue in his first year while enjoying a flexible lifestyle focused on family and personal growth.

No more adoption homes: Retired police dogs to remain with force in Maharashtra

Retired police dogs in Maharashtra will now live with their handlers for life, following a directive by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. A Home Department report revealed that many dogs struggled after retirement, refusing food when separated. The police will provide food and medical care, ensuring comfort in familiar surroundings. This move has been praised by animal lovers.

Bobby Deol admits to being stereotyped as villain after Animal, Aashram success

Bobby Deol, a Bollywood veteran, is navigating a career resurgence primarily as a villain, despite his successful romantic lead roles in the 90s and 2000s. Speaking at the Jagran Film Festival, he expressed his desire to break away from being stereotyped in antagonistic roles, highlighting his diverse projects like *Aashram* and the upcoming *Teen Kauwe*.

Bengaluru man questions ‘long drives’ after spending an hour leaving city

A Bengaluru man's video highlighting the challenge of escaping the city's heavy traffic resonated with social media users, who found his frustrations relatable; he humorously noted it took him nearly an hour just to reach the outskirts for a supposed long drive. Many agreed, calling it a "Peak Bangalore experience," underscoring the city's notorious congestion.

Keralam: Guruvayur temple witnesses highest number of weddings on single day.

The Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple is hosting a record 437 weddings on Sunday, marking the highest single-day marriages in its history, according to officials. The auspicious timing coincides with the first Sunday of the Malayalam month of Chingam. Enhanced arrangements, including police support and limited guest numbers, ensure a smooth process for the ceremonies held in six mandapams.

Kartik Aaryan undergoes successful knee surgery, ‘will be back on set soon’

Kartik Aaryan won the Best Actor award at the 72nd National Film Awards for portraying Paralympic gold medalist Murlikant Petkar in *Chandu Champion*. While recovering from a successful knee surgery after an injury on set, Kartik expressed gratitude on Instagram for achieving a long-held dream. This National Award marks his first, shared with Mammootty, a four-time recipient.

'Not expecting neighbours to do only what’s in my interest’: EAM on Bangladesh

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized that India-Bangladesh relations must fulfill "mutual interest," amidst discussions on a potential visit by Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, linked to former PM Sheikh Hasina's extradition. He stressed the importance of recognizing each other's interests for bilateral cooperation, acknowledging current strains due to Hasina's presence.

I tracked my sleep with these smartwatches and here is what stood out

Buyers commend premium designs, bright displays, and robust fitness tracking in smartwatches, indicating a strong preference for style and functionality. Key offerings include sapphire protection, accurate GPS, and reliable battery life on both Android and iPhone devices. This summary also highlights background options, from the Amazfit Active series to Google Pixel Watch, for diverse fitness needs.

West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari sets Vande Mataram mandate to ‘stay in state’

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari declared that singing "Vande Mataram" is essential for anyone wanting to remain in the state, amid ongoing clashes between Left-leaning students and ABVP activists at Jadavpur University. He criticized "anti-national" elements on campus and emphasized the need for nationalism, following a series of protests and police complaints related to the unrest.

'Your face is their content': Delhi Police told how not to respond to protesters

The Delhi Police has issued new guidelines amid ongoing protests, instructing personnel to avoid engaging with demonstrators or reacting emotionally. Officers are advised to maintain silence, resisting tactics meant to provoke sympathy or anger. This strategy aims to prevent viral content that may cast them negatively, following incidents during NEET-UG protests where police reactions were filmed and shared widely on social media.

No new Tamil film releases from September, producers council announces

In a significant move, the Tamil Film Producers Council and the Tamil Nadu Active Producers Association announced no new Tamil film releases after September 1, 2023, due to unilateral decisions by the Distributors Association regarding an 8-week theatrical window. Shooting and post-production will also halt, affecting numerous upcoming films and industry workers. The organizations seek government intervention.

Leopard burnt alive after getting trapped in farm snare in Karnataka, 3 arrested

Three individuals in Tumakuru, Karnataka were arrested for allegedly burning a leopard alive after it was caught in an illegal snare trap. This act, spurred by crop losses to wildlife, sparked outrage when recorded videos circulated on WhatsApp. The accused, identified as GD Shivakumar, Narayanappa, and Chandrashekar, were remanded in custody while investigations continue.

Punjab Congress distances itself from Hooda’s remark on Sajjan Kumar

Controversial former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar, convicted for his role in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, died at 80, igniting protests outside Rahul Gandhi’s residence. Leaders demanded apologies for glorifying Kumar. Punjab Congress president distanced himself from party colleague Hooda’s praise of Kumar, emphasizing the ongoing trauma of the riots that still afflict victims’ families.

Miss Universe India 2026 date, time, venue, live stream: When and where to watch

The Miss Universe India 2026 grand finale will take place on August 23 in Jaipur, where reigning titleholder Manika Vishwakarma will crown her successor, who will represent India at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico. After extensive auditions, 52 finalists advanced through various rounds, showcasing their skills in public speaking and personal presentation.

Australia confirms first H5N1 bird flu case in local mammal

Australia confirmed its first case of H5N1 bird flu in a mammal when a long-nosed fur seal was found dead in South Australia's Beachport. With the first detections in June, the virus has led to mass seabird deaths and poses a risk to wildlife, though poultry remains unaffected. The nation previously reported H5N1 on Heard Island.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel meets industry leaders, diaspora in New York and New Jersey

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel met industry leaders in New York to enhance trade and investment ties between Gujarat and the US. Discussions included opportunities in the gems and jewellery sector, manufacturing, and technology partnerships. Patel invited investors to the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2027, aiming to strengthen India-US economic ties as part of the "Viksit Bharat 2047" vision.

Chandigarh: Not allowed to campaign in PU hostels, students hold protest

Student groups protested outside Panjab University’s girls’ hostel after allegations of unfair campaigning restrictions surfaced late Friday. Female students from Sath and AISA reported being barred from electioneering, prompting allegations of bias. Amid disputes over campaign rules, DSW YK Rawal convened a meeting with wardens. Various parties, including ABVP, have announced their candidates for upcoming elections, scheduled for August 31.

Chandigarh: Single-window system soon for Sarangpur concert venue

Organisers of concerts in Sarangpur will benefit from an online single-window application system to streamline event approval, significantly reducing delays caused by multiple department interactions for permits. This initiative addresses past challenges with crowd management and safety at large events, enhancing the venue's capacity for future national and international activities while establishing Sarangpur as a key cultural hub.

₹1-crore goods stolen from Zirakpur store; manager at large

Zirakpur police have initiated a case after approximately ₹1.5 crore worth of goods were stolen from a luxury store on Oxford Street, with store manager Mohina Diwani identified as the primary suspect. Employees discovered broken locks and missing items, including designer dresses and electronics, on August 9. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage, as Diwani reportedly vacated her flat prior to the theft.

Cyber fraud: 2 arrested in Delhi for duping Chandigarh man of ₹85,000

Two alleged cybercriminals, Manohar (30) and Ankit Gupta (20), were arrested in Delhi for their involvement in an ₹85,000 fraud case linked to a compromised ICICI Bank account. The investigation revealed that an APK file sent to the victim led to the theft. Police recovered two phones and an ATM card, with both suspects now in judicial custody.

Chandigarh Chord | The school that grew with Chandigarh

St. John’s High School in Chandigarh, established in 1959, has become a cherished symbol of the city’s history, shaping generations and values beyond academics. While Sector 26 evolves into a busy urban landscape, the school remains a repository of memories, fostering discipline and community among its students, who often return mentally to relive their shared childhood experiences.

Mohali: ‘Stalker’ pours sanitiser on minor girl, sets her afire

A 24-year-old man, Deepak, was arrested for allegedly pouring sanitiser on a 16-year-old girl and setting her ablaze in Phase 7, resulting in 80% burn injuries. Following a dispute with her family, he locked the room and fled after the attack. The girl is being treated at PGIMER. The incident stems from previous harassment claims by her family against Deepak.

HC stays construction of 144-metre link road in Mashobra forest area

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has suspended construction of a controversial 144-metre link road, alleged to have diverted forest land for private benefit. A PIL claimed the project misrepresented public utility, as it favors a private residence over villagers. Construction is halted until the next hearing on September 15, 2026, following concerns about previous approvals lacking proper justification.

Panchkula court awards life term to man for labourer’s murder

The Panchkula sessions court sentenced 32-year-old Parvesh Chaurasia to rigorous life imprisonment for the 2020 murder of 60-year-old Vishavnath, emphasizing that punishment must be appropriate and tailored to each case. The court also imposed fines under relevant IPC sections. The murder occurred in Chandimandir, with evidence linking Chaurasia to the crime after a police investigation revealed his frequent visits to the victim's home.

Weekly Career & Finance Horoscope, August 23 to August 29, 2026

This week, career insights highlight the importance of self-reflection and strategic choices across different zodiac signs. Grounding crystals like Smoky Quartz and Pyrite aid focus and ambition. For personal growth, embrace opportunities and delegate effectively. Understanding your professional direction and prioritizing responsibilities can foster confidence, stability, and ultimately lead to better financial outcomes, emphasizing personal and spiritual growth.