📸 Canon solidifies dominance in global camera market

Overall digital camera unit sales rose from 8.7 million to 9.5 million units globally. Canon maintained its top spot in the market, increasing its share from 43.2 percent to 45.7 percent. Sony remained second with a 24.6 percent share, while Nikon dropped out of the top three places. Fujifilm jumped into third place, boosting its market share to 11.8 percent with increased sales. The industry will now track these shifting market patterns in the upcoming Nikkei Industry Map 2028.

🌿 Karnataka rejects Centre's Western Ghats ESA draft

The Karnataka government announced on Thursday that it will reject the latest draft notification regarding the Eco-Sensitive Area in the Western Ghats. Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Ramalinga Reddy made this decision in the Legislative Assembly in Karnataka. This draft proposed covering 20,668 square kilometres across 1,449 villages, with a 60-day objection deadline. The rejection stems from the state's stance that imposing further restrictions in already reserved forest areas would harm conservation. The government will officially inform the Centre of its decision soon. 🏞️

🎾 US Open boosts tennis prize money to record levels

The 2026 US Open is setting a new record with $5.5 million prizes for singles champions. This massive increase was announced by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) for the tournament held in the United States. The total player compensation has reached $108 million, a 44% jump since 2024. This financial boost comes alongside a new player support programme and the formation of a Grand Slam Player Council. The US Open kicks off on August 23 and finishes with the men's singles final on September 13. 🎾

🧐 Ohio man charged over camera damage gets no indictment

A grand jury in Ohio declined to indict a man accused of felony vandalism for destroying a Flock license plate reader camera. Police in Union Township, a Cincinnati suburb, accused Cody Morelock of disassembling the camera and its pole on June 13. The damage was estimated at over $1,000, and Morelock posted a $10,000 bond before his arrest. The charges were dismissed by the Clermont County grand jury amid rising backlash against Flock technology. This incident adds to a trend of vandalism while critics demand stricter warrants for data access. 🧐

💡 Dream big and stay future-ready, says SRM rep

Professor Satya Duvvuri urged students to take ownership of their careers during a seminar held at Andhra Loyola College in Vijayawada on Thursday. He spoke to students of ALC at a The Hindu FIC event, in association with SRM University-A.P. He stressed that communication skills and new tech proficiency are vital for career growth, referencing D. Seshagiri Rao's journey. Mr. Duvvuri advised dedicating the next 90 days to self-development, while V.V.S. Pradeep shared stories on innovative thinking. Students were encouraged to pursue meaningful careers beyond just earning money. 🚀

🏛️ Hyderabad greenlights ₹108 Cr for new Ambedkar Tower

The State government has sanctioned ₹108 crore for building a new Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Tower in Hyderabad. This new structure will replace the old Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhavan located at Lower Tank Bund. The proposed tower design includes a cellar, ground floor, and ten upper floors. The existing Bhavan was deemed old, dilapidated, and unused for the last 12 years. An initial ₹25 crore was already allocated in the Budget Estimates for 2026-27 for this project.

🧐 Parliament flags major gaps at NGT

A parliamentary panel has pointed out critical operational flaws within the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding staffing and digital systems. The committee reviewed the NGT's performance during the monsoon session, finding issues like weak IT infrastructure. As of June 30, 2026, the Tribunal had 5,879 cases pending out of 55,619 received since 2010. The panel suggests creating dedicated IT sections and a tracking mechanism for old cases to improve efficiency. Stronger enforcement and filling judicial vacancies are also urgently recommended by the report. 🧐

😠 Jharkhand students fight back after HC stays exam cancellation

Student leaders criticized the Hemant Soren-led government after the high court blocked job cancellation orders for JPSC exam appointees. They claimed the government's advocate general didn't appear during the PIL hearing in New Delhi. This came after a 26-day protest against alleged irregularities in recruitment exams. Students feel deceived by the government's actions and the court proceedings. A new fight is expected as students demand accountability from the authorities.

🏝️ Andaman Islands pull back data centre project call

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration has withdrawn an Expression of Interest for a private-sector-led green AI data centre. This EoI, which was published on August 10, was called for feasibility proposals for the project. The withdrawal happened due to administrative reasons, according to a notice issued recently. Locally, Nicobarese populations on Great Nicobar Island claim they weren't informed about these sea-area plans. This comes amid local protests against a larger ₹91,000 crore government infrastructure project. 🏝️

🚨 FBI raids ex-Congressman Eric Swalwell's home

Federal agents seized electronic devices from Eric Swalwell at San Francisco International Airport before raiding his Washington, DC, residence. This action is part of an ongoing federal investigation linked to sexual assault allegations against the former Democratic Representative. The raids follow his resignation from Congress and withdrawal from the California governor race. Multiple women have publicly accused Swalwell of various forms of sexual misconduct, including sending explicit messages. The investigation escalates previous probes opened by local authorities regarding these serious allegations.

🚗 MP's son charged after speeding Aston Martin crash

A 26-year-old woman was tragically killed after being hit by an Aston Martin in Hyderabad. The driver, Lingamaneni Sanjush, 21, was identified in the Madhapur area on August 16. The accident occurred around 3 pm when the woman was crossing the road near her workplace. The case is registered under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) due to rash driving. A notice has been served to the accused, who is currently not in custody.