✈️ Airlines hike Kerala to Gulf fares drastically 💸

Airlines have significantly boosted ticket prices from Kerala to the Gulf, specifically targeting passengers post-Onam vacation. The sharp increase was noted for the last week of August, with August 30 tickets costing between ₹80,000 and ₹1.5 lakh on average. For instance, a Kochi–Sharjah flight is priced at ₹84,457 on August 30. Travel agent K.V. Muraleedharan claims this is airlines trying to make windfall profits during the festival rush. Authorities in Kerala are urged to pressure the Centre to control these exorbitant fares.

🧐 Jadavpur University screening sparks student debate

A proposed screening of Vivek Agnihotri's 'The Bengal Files' at Jadavpur University has ignited student opposition. The Nationalist Students' Front (NSF) organized the event for August 16, claiming administrative permission. The film, set during the 1946 Great Calcutta killings, is slated for the Triguna Sen Auditorium. Opposition came from SFI and RSF, citing campus disruption concerns. University officials confirmed receiving the NSF letter but have not made a final decision yet. 🧐

😠 Akhilesh slams BJP over 'purification' at Kharge rally

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav heavily criticized the BJP regarding alleged 'suddhikaran' at a rally venue. This incident occurred in Haldwani, where Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had addressed a public meeting. Kharge alleged that BJP supporters performed a hawan to 'purify' the Ram Lila Ground after his speech on Thursday. Yadav called this act the most despicable form of social discrimination under BJP rule. He stated that the PDA community will unite against such social misconduct and mental harassment. 😠

🥵 Heat and Kookaburra ball test India's mindset in Sri Lanka

India arrives in Sri Lanka with the challenge of repairing their form and improving WTC standing. Morne Morkel highlighted that heat and humidity, along with Kookaburra ball dynamics, will be major hurdles. The Test series begins on Saturday, marking India's second red-ball game of the year. The focus is on building intensity and pressure due to recent limited red-ball cricket exposure. Success will heavily rely on the team's mental fortitude and precise execution in these tough conditions. 🏏

⚡ Farmer seeks ₹50 lakh after being electrocuted

The Andhra Pradesh Rythu Sangham is demanding ₹50 lakh compensation and a government job for a farmer's family. This incident occurred in Kasapuram, Guntakal mandal, when a 40-year-old farmer, Boya Anjaneyulu, was electrocuted by a snapped 11-KV power line on Tuesday. The accident resulted in his death on the spot, and an ox also perished during the event. The Sangham blamed the electricity department for the negligence, noting previous requests to replace the old power lines were ignored. They are also demanding ₹1 lakh for the deceased ox. 😥

😔 Nine-year-old girl allegedly assaulted in Tamil Nadu

A nine-year-old Class 4 student was allegedly sexually assaulted by an unidentified man while walking home. This incident occurred in Denkanikottai within Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district on the evening of August 12, Wednesday. The complaint was lodged around 1 am on Thursday, leading to an FIR registration under BNS and POCSO Act sections. The child was taken to Krishnagiri Government Hospital for a medical examination to confirm the assault. Police are currently at the scene collecting evidence as part of the ongoing investigation. 😔

🐬 Dolphins use seashells to catch fish in Australia

Scientists have captured world-first footage of dolphins using seashells to catch fish. This incredible behavior was recorded by researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. Two sightings of bottlenose dolphins performing this 'shelling' were documented between July and October 2025. The study suggests calves might learn this innovative technique by imitating their mothers. Further research is needed to fully understand how dolphins acquire and utilize these tools. 🐬

🚨 NCB busts massive drug ring in Mumbai

The NCB busted an interstate network involved in moving charas and diverted prescription opioids into Mumbai. The operation targeted the area around Mumbai, leading to arrests over the last few days. Authorities seized over 1 kg of charas, 15,000+ codeine syrup bottles, and 12,000+ Tramadol tablets across two busts. Traffickers exploited festive demand and fake invoices to evade drug checks and sell higher. Efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest several other associates in this network. 🚨

📱 Honor's Robot Phone drops with built-in gimbal

Honor has officially revealed its Robot Phone, which features a miniature motorized gimbal integrated directly into the device. This new phone was showcased at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. The initial models, including a 12 GB + 512 GB variant, start at CNY 9,999. Pre-orders are already active domestically before the full global launch on August 18. The higher-spec 16 GB + 1 TB version is priced at CNY 12,999. 📱

📉 Oil Prices Dip After Recent Gains

Crude oil futures have begun to pull back following several consecutive days of upward movement. This trend was observed in the global commodities market. Specifically, the prices saw a notable correction after hitting highs in recent trading sessions. Analysts attribute this pullback to fluctuating global supply concerns and slight economic uncertainty. Market participants are now closely watching upcoming OPEC+ meeting outcomes for future direction. 📉

🗣️ Congress MLA denies BJP joining rumors

Sagar MLA Belur Gopala Krishna has refuted claims of contacting a Sangh Parivar leader. This denial comes after former Minister Haratalu Halappa alleged he tried to switch to the BJP. Gopala Krishna stated he has friends in the Sangh Parivar who supported his Cabinet berth request. He emphasized that he would not join the BJP while the Congress party is in power. He also mentioned that Haratalu Halappa previously tried to join Congress via former CM Siddaramaiah.