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Alia Bhatt’s Anti-Drug Campaign Video Ignites Firestorm: Trolls Target Her and Ranbir Kapoor

On August 14, 2025, Bollywood superstar Alia Bhatt stepped into the spotlight for a noble cause, lending her voice to the Narcotics Control Bureau’s (NCB) Chandigarh division for a “Nasha Mukt Bharat” (Drug-Free India) campaign. In a 30-second video, the Jigra actress delivered a heartfelt plea against drug addiction, urging fans to say “yes to life and no to drugs.” But what was meant to be a powerful public service announcement turned into a social media storm, with trolls flooding the internet with sarcasm, memes, and pointed jabs at Alia and her husband, Ranbir Kapoor. Citing Ranbir’s 2011 admission of using weed during Rockstar’s filming, critics labeled the campaign “ironic” and forced the NCB to disable comments on their post. From Bollywood’s drug controversies to Alia’s unflappable star power, here’s the full story for www.masalamirror.com, capturing the drama, the irony, and the diaspora’s take on this fiery saga.

Russia’s 5% Oil Discount Ignites India’s Energy Strategy Amid US Tariff Firestorm

In a move that’s set pulses racing across New Delhi’s corridors of power, the Russian Embassy in India dropped a bombshell on August 20, 2025, announcing a 5% discount on Russian crude oil supplies to India. This strategic offer, revealed amidst a fierce tariff war sparked by US President Donald Trump’s 50% levies on Indian exports, underscores Moscow’s unwavering commitment to its energy partnership with New Delhi. As India powers its economy with Russian oil—now accounting for nearly 40% of its crude imports—this discount is a lifeline, keeping inflation in check and boosting refinery profits. Yet, with Washington accusing India of “funding” Russia’s war in Ukraine, this deal is more than a trade agreement—it’s a bold defiance of Western pressure, cementing India’s strategic autonomy. Here’s the electrifying story for www.masalamirror.com, packed with intrigue, economics, and global power plays.

Starlink’s Cosmic Leap into India: Aadhaar-Powered KYC Lights the Way

In a bold move that blends cutting-edge satellite technology with India’s digital backbone, Elon Musk’s Starlink Satellite Communication Pvt Ltd has partnered with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to revolutionize internet access across the nation. On August 20, 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and IT announced that Starlink will harness Aadhaar-based e-KYC for customer verification, promising a seamless, secure, and paperless onboarding process. As Starlink gears up to beam high-speed internet to India’s remotest corners, this collaboration marks a historic synergy between global innovation and India’s trusted digital identity system. From Himalayan villages to coastal hamlets, the promise of connectivity is sparking excitement, but with regulatory hurdles and spectrum allocation still pending, the journey is just beginning. Here’s the full story for www.bharattone.com, weaving a tale of ambition, innovation, and digital destiny.

BCCI Extends Ajit Agarkar’s Contract as Chief Selector Until June 2026: A New Era for Indian Cricket

On August 21, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a significant decision to extend the contract of Ajit Agarkar, the chairman of the Senior Men’s Selection Committee, until June 2026. This move, confirmed ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, underscores the BCCI’s confidence in Agarkar’s leadership during a transformative period for Indian cricket. Since taking the helm in July 2023, the former India all-rounder has guided the team through an ICC title drought, a successful Test transition, and bold squad selections, earning accolades for his strategic vision. As India prepares for the 2026 T20 World Cup and a potential 2036 Olympics bid, Agarkar’s extended tenure signals stability in a time of change. Here’s the full sports news story for www.masalamirror.com.

National Sports Governance Act 2025: President Murmu’s Assent Ushers in a New Era for Indian Sports

On August 18, 2025, President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the National Sports Governance Bill, transforming it into the National Sports Governance Act, 2025, a seismic shift hailed by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya as the “single biggest reform in Indian sports since independence.” This landmark legislation, passed by the Lok Sabha on August 11 and the Rajya Sabha on August 12 amidst heated opposition protests, establishes a powerful National Sports Board (NSB) to regulate all sports federations, including the financially autonomous Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). With provisions for transparency, athlete empowerment, and a dedicated National Sports Tribunal, the Act aims to align India’s sports ecosystem with global standards, paving the way for a 2036 Olympics bid. However, amendments sparing the BCCI from Right to Information (RTI) scrutiny have sparked debate, making this a saga of reform, resistance, and ambition. Here’s the full story for www.masalamirror.com.

Russia Cheers India-China Rapprochement as It Powers India’s Oil Needs Amid U.S. Tariff Storm

As the global geopolitical chessboard tilts, Russia is playing a bold hand, celebrating a warming bond between India and China while cementing its role as India’s top oil supplier. On August 20, 2025, Russian diplomats in New Delhi hailed Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India as a “very successful” step toward mending ties strained since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. With Russia supplying over 40% of India’s crude oil despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s punitive 50% tariffs, Moscow is doubling down on its strategic partnership with New Delhi, proposing trilateral India-China-Russia talks to counter Western pressure. This unfolding saga, set against a backdrop of trade wars and diplomatic pivots, reveals India’s deft balancing act and Russia’s unwavering support, promising to reshape Asia’s power dynamics. Here’s the full story for www.masalamirror.com.

Modi Backs Radhakrishnan’s Vice President Nomination in NDA Show of Unity

New Delhi, August 20, 2025 – In a powerful display of coalition unity, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) candidate for Vice President of India, C.P. Radhakrishnan, filed his nomination papers in New Delhi on Wednesday, accompanied by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of senior NDA leaders. The event marks a significant step toward the September 9, 2025, vice-presidential election, with the NDA projecting Radhakrishnan as a seasoned leader poised to take on the prestigious constitutional role.

Hyderabad Plunged into Internet Chaos as TGSPDCL Cuts Cables Without Notice

Hyderabad Plunged into Internet Chaos as TGSPDCL Cuts Cables Without Notice

A Knee-Jerk Reaction to Tragedy Hyderabad, a bustling IT hub, was thrown into disarray on August 19, 2025, as the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TGSPDCL) launched an aggressive campaign to remove internet and cable TV wires from electricity poles across the city. The move, described as a “knee-jerk reaction,” followed two tragic […]

Starlink and UIDAI Team Up for Aadhaar-Driven Internet Expansion

Starlink Joins Hands with UIDAI to Bring Aadhaar-Powered Internet to India’s Heartlands

New Delhi, August 20, 2025 – In a bold move to light up India’s digital landscape, Elon Musk’s Starlink has teamed up with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to use Aadhaar’s e-KYC system for customer verification, paving the way for lightning-fast satellite internet in India’s rural corners. Announced on August 20, 2025, this partnership […]

India’s Agni-5 Missile Test

India’s Agni-5 Missile Test: A Fiery Leap Toward Global Powerhouse Status

August 20, 2025, Chandipur, Odisha – Picture this: a serene coastline along the Bay of Bengal, where the calm of the evening is shattered by a blazing streak of fire piercing the twilight sky. On this historic day, India’s nuclear-capable Agni-5 ballistic missile roared to life from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, under the vigilant […]