🧐 Agarkar's picks face heat from Wasim Jaffer

Concerns have surfaced regarding some selection calls made by BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Wasim Jaffer pointed out the omissions of Mohammed Shami and Sarfaraz Khan, along with the inclusion of Auqib Nabi. Jaffer acknowledged India's dominance in white-ball formats, citing wins like the ODI World Cup final and two T20 World Cups. Despite selection debates, the overall performance in white-ball cricket during his tenure has been considered successful. Further discussion remains on whether Agarkar will secure another contract extension after his initial term ends in June 2026.

😔 Actor Susmita Mukherjee on tough acting choices

Golmaal actor Susmita Mukherjee revealed she took on 'C-grade films' to repay a major debt. She and her husband faced a Rs 1 crore loan after their production company went bankrupt in 2002. This financial pressure forced her into undesirable roles for three to four years to survive. She also funded her daughter's education in Australia and New Zealand during this difficult time. Now, she only chooses projects that genuinely resonate with her soul. 😥

📈 Gold holds steady as Hormuz talks change the vibe

Spot gold prices were firmer while spot silver prices weakened in early U.S. trading on Thursday. This occurred despite a firmer U.S. dollar because of softer labor momentum and reduced geopolitical risk from Strait of Hormuz talks. Gold traded near $4,252.60 an ounce, and silver was at $61.390, with claims rising slightly to 199,000. The market is processing the Fed's decision and awaiting July nonfarm payrolls to guide future rate expectations. A sustained hold above $4,250 for gold keeps focus on labor weakness and lower real-yield pressure. 💰

🛑 Writers' Group Wants Govt to Scrap RSK Plan

The Andhra Pradesh State Document Writers Association is protesting against the proposed Registration Seva Kendras (RSKs) in Andhra Pradesh. The association, based in Vizianagaram, claims RSKs will cause property registration complications due to inexperienced staff. This move threatens the livelihoods of nearly three lakh document writers, DTP operators, and support staff. While RSKs might help 18,000 people, the group argues it jeopardizes the work of three lakh others. They have raised these concerns with the Minister for Revenue and senior officials in Amaravati.

🚨 Man dies after falling from moving train in Secunderabad

A 54-year-old senior assistant died after falling from a moving train. The deceased was Tallapalli Narsing Rao, a resident of Madikonda in Warangal district. This incident happened on Tuesday afternoon at Platform No. 8 in Secunderabad Railway Station. He suffered severe injuries to his left leg and abdomen after losing his balance. His condition worsened, leading to his death on Thursday while receiving treatment.

🩺 VTU hosts HIV/AIDS awareness drive

The NSS Unit of VTU, in partnership with KSAPS, organized an HIV/AIDS awareness program on Thursday. This event took place at the VTU Centre for UG and PG Studies in Kalaburagi. The program was part of the AIDS Suraksha Abhiyan 2026 initiative, inaugurated by Regional Director Shubhangi D.C. Experts from ESIC Medical College provided technical sessions on transmission and prevention. Students and faculty showed strong interest in the health awareness drive.

🤔 Mohan Bhagwat on Pellet Gun Allegations

Mohan Bhagwat stated that he does not know the facts regarding the pellet gun allegations. He mentioned that he would trust Gen Z completely on this matter. The statement came in response to recent controversy surrounding the incident. This reflects a surprising trust shown by the leader towards the younger generation's perspective. Further developments on the case are awaited by the public.

😠 Pinarayi Vijayan claims UDF bowed to RSS agenda

Pinarayi Vijayan accused the UDF government of fully adopting the RSS agenda on Thursday, August 6. He made these claims while addressing a protest meeting organized by the CPI(M) Kasaragod district committee. Vijayan stated the UDF abandoned its opposition to the Sangh Parivar and entered an 'unholy alliance' with it. Specifically, he criticized the inclusion of non-Muslims in the Wakf Board and the PM SHRI scheme implementation. He suggested the current government’s actions show submission to the RSS agenda. 😠

🏏 Jaiswal recalls Rohit Sharma's strict training moment

Yashasvi Jaiswal shared old training pictures while India preps for the Sri Lanka Test series. He referenced a famous on-field instruction given by Rohit Sharma during the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rohit scolded Jaiswal for standing up early while fielding against Steve Smith in Australia. This exchange, where Rohit said, 'Neeche baith ke rah,' became a viral light-hearted moment. Jaiswal is set to open with KL Rahul in the first Test at Galle International Stadium on August 15. 🏏

💸 Free UPI might change: Law passed in Lok Sabha

The Lok Sabha passed the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, enabling merchant charges on UPI transactions. This legislation modifies the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, affecting digital payment rules. The changes, effective from April 1, 2026, allow the Union government to notify which payment modes will be exempt from charges. While UPI isn't mentioned, the law grants future power to levy charges, potentially around 0.3–0.5% MDR on large transactions. The Bill also brings tax reforms to boost investment and ease doing business. 💰

🔥 Excise burns ₹3.5 Cr worth of seized weed

The Excise department incinerated 696.1 kg of marijuana, valued at approximately ₹3.5 crore. This action took place in Khammam district across four excise stations. The destruction occurred on Thursday, August 06, 2026, as ordered by Khammam Deputy Commissioner Somireddy. The contraband was collected from 32 different cases registered across the region. Officials ensured the incineration followed the prescribed procedure in the presence of department staff.