QWrap: EPS & OPS Shake Hands; Lt Col Purohit Granted Bail

Here’s a quick look at the biggest headlines of the day.

Months after the AIADMK split into two warring camps, their respective heads joined hands on 21 August 

(Photo: The Quint)

1. AIADMK Merger: OPS Sworn-in, Sasikala Likely to be Expelled

After weeks of ‘will-they, won’t they’, two factions of the AIADMK — under O Panneerselvam and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami — have merged. OPS has been sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and will hold portfolios of Finance, Housing, Urban Development, and CMDA. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted congratulating Panneerselvam on taking oath as Deputy Chief Minister.

Also Read: Sasikala to Be Expelled From AIADMK, OPS to Be Deputy CM

2. Lt Col Purohit, Accused in 2008 Malegaon Blasts, Granted Bail

After nine years in jail, Lt Colonel Shrikant Purohit, an accused in the 2009 Malegaon blast, has been granted bail by the Supreme Court on 21 August. Harish Salve, arguing for Purohit, urged the SC to grant interim bail in the “interests of justice”.

Also Read: Political Interference in the 2008 Malegaon Blasts Investigation

3. Nawaz Has a Message for Those Promoting Fairness Creams

‘Babumoshai Bandookbaaz’ Nawazuddin Siddiqui spoke to The Quint on why he thinks its time Bollywood moves past its fair skin obsession and how the film industry should break the hero-falls-in-love-with-heroine pattern and opt for character driven films.

Also Read: I Have Faced Prejudices All My Life, Nawazuddin Siddiqui Speaks Up

4. Public Service Announcement: Why Should Women Shut Up?

“Let it go, yaar. At least, he is not following you!”

Women are always asked to keep quiet when reporting instances of sexual harassment and stalking, but why should they? As a part of The Quint’s #TalkingStalking campaign, we argue that being silent is not an option.

Also Read: Public Service Announcement: Dear Women, Please Shut Up!

5. Wrestling & Badminton World Championships: Indians To Watch Out For

Forget cricket, two world championships — badminton and wrestling — are set to begin 21 August. In Paris, wrestlers like Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, and Sandeep Tomar will battle it out for world domination. On the other hand, in Glasgow, PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth will eye the title in badminton.

Also Read: Sindhu and Saina Preview Their Chances at World Championships

Anchor & Script: Maanvi

Video Editor: Sandeep Suman

Video Producer: Anthony Rozario

(#TalkingStalking: Have you ever been stalked? Share your experience with The Quint and inspire others to shatter the silence surrounding stalking. Send your stories to [e-mail] or WhatsApp @ [phone].)