🏏 BCB clarifies umpire Sharfuddoula's contract status

The Bangladesh Cricket Board clarified that they will not be renewing ICC Elite Panel umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid Saikat's contract past April 2026. This decision was made following recent media reports that incorrectly suggested an earlier termination. His previous contract, which was extended until April 2026, will not be extended further. This is due to his increasing commitments as an ICC Elite Panel Umpire and scheduling conflicts. Despite this, the BCB might use him for specific series after April 2026. 🏏

🙄 Rahul Gandhi slams PM Modi's call to forgive students

Rahul Gandhi strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video message urging forgiveness for student protests. The Congress leader made these remarks outside Parliament on Tuesday, stating students face severe pain from systemic failures. This critique comes amidst issues like unemployment and exam paper leaks across the nation. Gandhi demanded structural accountability and fair education instead of top-down pardons. The BJP countered by defending the PM's gesture as paternal sensitivity. 🙄

😠 Rahul Gandhi slams PM Modi's message on protests

Rahul Gandhi criticized the Prime Minister's recent video message regarding ongoing student protests. The comments were directed at PM Narendra Modi, addressing the situation across various regions. These protests have been ongoing since early October 2023, involving thousands of students. Gandhi questioned the authority of the PM to offer forgiveness in the current context. He is expected to continue his political critique in upcoming public forums.

⚡ Ather enters mid-range e2W segment with new platform

Ather Energy is launching into the ₹1-1.25 lakh electric two-wheeler segment using its new EL platform, which will be shown at the end of August. This price bracket currently dominates 55-60 per cent of the Indian e2W market. The company currently produces around 35,000 EVs monthly from its Hosur plant but demand exceeds 60,000 units. Ather plans to start its new Shambaji Nagar facility by year-end, adding 42,000 EVs by March 2027. They won't enter the sub-₹1 lakh segment without equal government incentives.

🏙️ MLA quarters handover in Amaravati set for August 13

Revenue Minister Satya Prasad confirmed that the MLA and MLC quarters in Amaravati will be handed over to the GAD on August 13. This announcement came after officials inspected the construction progress of key structures in the capital region. The MLA quarters were reportedly completed within two years under the NDA government's tenure. Prasad also blamed the YSRCP for causing significant damage to the Amaravati project during its five-year rule. The government continues its commitment to developing Amaravati as a world-class capital. 🏙️

🩺 New guidelines lower statin age to 30 in US

New US medical guidelines expanded statin eligibility by over 20 million people, impacting American adults aged 30 to 79. In Spain, diseases linked to LDL cholesterol caused almost 27,000 deaths in 2025. The revised criteria in Spain now assess both fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events for risk assessment. The US study also found elevated LDL cholesterol caused 3.6 million deaths globally in 2023. Accurate assessment is key as high LDL remains a modifiable risk factor for global cardiovascular disease. 🩺

✊ Jharkhand students protest JPSC exam mess 😠

Students in Jharkhand are protesting against alleged corruption and rigged results in the JPSC exams. This massive youth agitation, centered at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, entered its 11th day on August 4, 2026. The protest was sparked by a viral OMR sheet showing irregularities in the 14th JPSC preliminary exam. CJP and Sonakshi Sinha have lent their support to the students' demands for an independent probe and exam cancellation. CM Hemant Soren has formed a high-level committee to address the issues within one to three months.

🏏 Ireland vs Afghanistan: 1st ODI Showdown 🏏

Ireland will host Afghanistan in the first ODI of their five-match series on Wednesday, August 05, at the Bready Cricket Club in Magheramason. Ireland comes off a drawn ODI series against the West Indies, while Afghanistan travels after being whitewashed by India in June 2026. Historically, Afghanistan leads the head-to-head record against Ireland in ODIs with 18 wins compared to 13. The pitch is expected to be batting-friendly, suggesting that chasing the target might be the smart move for the day. Jai Moondra and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are highlighted as key performers in this upcoming fixture.

🏛️ Tamil Nadu's first TVK budget incoming

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson is set to present the state's maiden budget on Wednesday. This budget marks the first for her and her party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). It will be the first real test of CM C. Joseph Vijay's government promises and growth path. Vijay claimed the previous DMK government had 'emptied the treasury' in his speech. Furthermore, the government released a white paper blaming the DMK for increased borrowing and narrow revenue base. 🧐

📊 Tamil Nadu's finance outlook ahead of new budget

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson will present the inaugural budget for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party on Wednesday. This budget will test CM C. Joseph Vijay's promise delivery amidst claims that the previous DMK government depleted state funds. Key indicators show strong growth, with Tamil Nadu's GSDP widening its lead over Gujarat between 2021-22 and 2025-26. However, outstanding debt rose to 27.5% of GSDP by 2024-25, outpacing revenue growth. The upcoming budget will determine how TVK plans to address the widening revenue and fiscal deficits.

🏏 Sri Lanka: The unsolvable knot for Indian cricket

The Indian men's cricket team is touring Sri Lanka for two Test matches in Galle and Colombo. Shubman Gill will lead the squad, which includes Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul, against the host nation. This tour marks their first World Test Championship match in eight months. Sri Lanka has historically posed a unique challenge to Indian cricket, having secured three series wins in thirty years. The teams are set to test their rivalry on pitches known for humbling visiting sides. 🏏