Daily Mirror Brief: Daily News Recap, Top Headlines & Must-Read Stories - 8th August

Daily Mirror Brief is your daily news digest—bringing you the top headlines, key updates, and essential stories you may have missed across politics, tech, culture, and global affairs. Quick, clear, and curated—your trusted news recap, whenever you’re ready.



8th August, Friday: 7pm

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) member trying to sell gem for Rs. 500 million, arrested

A Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) member of the Kundasale Pradeshiya Sabha and two accomplices were arrested by Nuwara Eliya police for attempting to sell a gem worth Rs. 500 million without a permit. A decoy buyer lowered the price to Rs. 1 million, facilitating their arrest. The gem will be examined by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority to verify its authenticity.



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Haider Ali: Pakistan’s cricket sensation arrested over rape allegations

Pakistani cricketer Haider Ali, aged 24, has been arrested by Greater Manchester Police in connection with an alleged rape that occurred on 23 July in England. The Pakistan Cricket Board has provisionally suspended him and will provide legal support during the investigation.



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US offers $50 m reward for arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro



The US has doubled its reward for information leading to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro—from $25 million to $50 million—accusing him of being “one of the largest narco-traffickers in the world.” The move has been criticized by Venezuela’s foreign minister as political propaganda.



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Satellite remains in orbit: SupremeSAT confirms



SupremeSAT has confirmed that its communications satellite remains in orbit at 87.5° East, as intended since its launch. The company emphasized that no government funds were used and expressed dissatisfaction with misleading commentary from others.



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Israel’s security cabinet approves Netanyahu plan to occupy Gaza City

Israel’s security cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, approved a plan to take military control of Gaza City. Plans include evacuating civilians and launching a ground offensive. Netanyahu stated that Israel does not intend to administer the territory long-term, though details on future governance are unclear.



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Around 20,000 children drop out of schools annually: PM

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya revealed that approximately 20,000 children drop out of school in Sri Lanka each year, out of around 300,000 new admissions. The issue was raised during a discussion with Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith and underscores the need for education reforms.



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