🚨 Consultants blamed for road deaths, says Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stated that consultants creating faulty Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are responsible for highway accidents and fatalities. He made this strong statement during the 4th Edition of the Tunnels & Bridges Conference in New Delhi, on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. Gadkari noted that 5 lakh accidents and 1.8 lakh deaths occur due to these defective DPRs. The minister warned contractors that quality compromise will lead to blacklisting and performance audits. Furthermore, his ministry is preparing tunnel tenders valued between Rs 2 lakh crore and Rs 2.5 lakh crore.

🗺️ US might review travel warnings for J&K

The US envoy, Sergio Gor, indicated that the US might review its current travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir. He stated this possibility was being considered by the US government. The review process is ongoing and has not yet been finalized as of the statement. This move follows ongoing security assessments in the region. Further updates on the advisory status are expected in the near future. 🗺️

📊 RBI Governor on Inflation: Supply Issues are the Main Cause

The RBI MPC minutes revealed that Governor Sanjay Malhotra believes inflation is primarily driven by supply-side factors. This assessment was made by the governor at the recent Monetary Policy Committee meeting. He projected that the average inflation rate for FY27 could settle around 5%. This perspective suggests that demand-side pressures are not the main concern for the central bank currently. The RBI will continue to monitor economic indicators closely as it decides on future monetary policy actions. 📊

🏛️ Supreme Court questions Shinde's disqualification status

The Supreme Court, led by Justice Joymalya Bagchi, questioned the Uddhav Thackeray faction about Eknath Shinde's potential disqualification. This discussion arose from the Maharashtra Speaker's order refusing to disqualify the splinter group MLAs. The bench heard Sunil Prabhu's plea challenging the Speaker's decision, alongside Uddhav Thackeray's petition. Lawyers argued whether the Court can bypass the Speaker's order to declare disqualification under the Tenth Schedule. The hearing, in the case of Sunil Prabhu v. Eknath Shinde, is set to continue tomorrow at 2 pm. 🏛️

⚖️ Supreme Court questions Shinde's disqualification status

The Supreme Court questioned if Eknath Shinde could be disqualified today based on the anti-defection law. This hearing involved the Uddhav Thackeray faction in the Supreme Court, dealing with the Maharashtra Speaker's order. The court examined the situation against the backdrop of the 10th Schedule of the Constitution and the March 2024 dates. The debate centers on whether the court can override the Speaker's decision and declare him disqualified. The hearing will continue tomorrow at 2 pm to further decide the matter. 🧐

✈️ US to re-evaluate J&K travel warning, says envoy

The US will re-evaluate its travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, according to US Ambassador Sergio Gor. This statement was made in Srinagar, J&K, following a meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The current advisory advises against travel due to terrorism and civil unrest, which has been in place for some time. Gor stressed that Jammu and Kashmir is an important part of India. Discussions are ongoing between Washington, CM Abdullah, and the Government of India regarding the region's safety.

📈 Q-Line Biotech IPO details drop 💸

Q-Line Biotech is launching its maiden book building IPO to raise capital for its operations. The company, based in India, offers 6253200 equity shares with a price band of Rs. 326 - Rs. 343 per share. The IPO is open from May 21, 2026, to May 25, 2026, aiming for a market cap of Rs. 800.16 cr. Financials show top-line growth but FY25 saw lower net profit due to adjustments. Investors are advised that the issue appears fully priced, suggesting moderate long-term investment. 🧐

🐗 Wild boars still cause chaos in Smoky Mountains

European wild boars, which escaped from a North Carolina ranch in 1912, continue to cause serious ecological issues in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The animals originated from 13 wild boars brought to a preserve on Hooper Bald in Graham County, North Carolina. Park officials now remove about 275 wild hogs every year to manage the population and limit habitat damage. This non-native species damages fragile high-altitude balds by digging up roots and impacting native flora and fauna. Current control efforts involve live trapping, targeted shooting, and protective fencing to manage the persistent problem. 🐗

🛂 US offers expedited tourist visa appointments; India's status unknown

The United States has announced the availability of $750 expedited tourist visa appointment slots. These slots are being offered across various locations globally for travelers needing quick processing. The specific details regarding the inclusion of India in this expedited program have not yet been officially released. This move is intended to help travelers with urgent travel needs and unforeseen circumstances. Applicants are advised to monitor official US embassy websites for the latest updates on eligibility. 🛂

⚽ Arteta says Arsenal is attacking, not defending title

Mikel Arteta declared that Arsenal is focused on 'attacking' the Premier League title instead of merely defending it. This statement was made during an interview with Men in Blazers concerning the team's current status. Arteta stressed the need to aim for something much bigger after establishing a solid foundation. He emphasized that the team possesses the ability and ambition to repeat past successes with renewed intensity. This mindset aims to move beyond simply retaining the title to achieving greater club milestones. 🏆

🔪 Dowry dispute leads to brutal murder in Bihar

A man named Subhash Yadav murdered his wife, Reena Devi, over demands for a motorcycle and a buffalo. This horrific incident took place in Baira Bazar Tola Mushahari in West Champaran district, Bihar. The murder happened around July 2020, and Yadav subsequently dismembered the body into three parts. The Bagaha court found him guilty of murder and evidence destruction, sentencing him to life imprisonment and fines. The court also ordered state support for their two minor children.