💧 CPI(M) demands halt to Google data centre project

CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao demanded the cancellation of the proposed Google data centre project in Visakhapatnam. He inspected the Mudasarlova reservoir and the data centre site along with party leaders. The project involves 160 acres of Simhachalam Devasthanam land, and the concerns were raised on Thursday. Rao alleged the project strains city water and questions the prioritization of drinking water needs. The party is pushing the government to respect public opinion regarding the development.

🧐 Over 11 tonnes of bad spices seized in Hyderabad raids

Police conducted raids targeting adulterated and expired spices across two units in Hyderabad on Thursday. The operations involved SOT Malkajgiri, SOT Cantonment, Uppal Police, and the Malkajgiri Food Adulteration Surveillance Team as part of the M-FAST initiative. In one raid, 10,890 kg of food material, including chilli and coriander powder, was seized from Sai Thirumala Enterprises. The second raid at V Mehak Masalas found 330 kgs of expired products being repackaged, while 400 kg of jeera was also seized. Authorities warned consumers to check all product details before buying food items. 🧐

🌊 South Bengal floods cause deaths, damage

Two people died and over 3,000 houses were damaged due to severe flooding in southern West Bengal. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari surveyed the affected areas in Paschim Medinipur on Thursday, August 20, 2026. Initial estimates showed about 3,200 houses damaged, with ₹30,000 aid for families and ₹9 lakh for deceased families. Around 50,000 people were stranded near Sabang, while the government plans major drainage projects. TMC criticized the government's response to the recurring annual floods. 😥

⚖️ UBT challenges Shinde's symbol basis at SC

The Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) party argued before the Supreme Court that the Eknath Shinde faction is still benefiting from its defection. This legal battle took place in relation to the official bow-and-arrow symbol in Maharashtra. The party highlighted that the symbol was granted based on an erroneous reliance on the legislative majority test. UBT contended that if they cannot have the symbol, the Shinde faction shouldn't either, as they are reaping defection's rewards. They urged the court to decide whether the Shinde faction committed defection, which impacts the ECI's 2023 recognition. ⚖️

🙏 'Modi Chalisa' recited at Press Club of India event

A 'Modi Chalisa' was recited, and a cutout of the Prime Minister was worshipped during an event held at the Press Club of India. The event saw strong displays of support for PM Modi. Journalists' bodies have officially denied any involvement in the worship ceremony. This incident sparked discussions regarding political expression within journalistic circles. Further clarification on the event's organization is expected soon.

🍬 Govt allows duty-free sugar import to control prices

The government has permitted duty-free imports of 1 million metric tons of raw sugar until October 31. This decision was made by the commerce ministry in India to boost supplies and curb rising prices. Domestic sugar prices jumped 10% last month and almost 40% in two months due to weaker sugarcane production. Additionally, large consumers are now restricted to holding sugar inventories for only 15 days between September 1 and November 30. These measures aim to ease the supply squeeze before the peak festival consumption season. 🍬

♻️ Delhi's future plan upgrades crematoriums for cleaner practices

Delhi's Master Plan 2047 proposes significant upgrades for crematoriums, burial grounds, and animal last-rites facilities across the city. This plan sets population-based norms for these sites, encouraging cleaner options like gas-fired and electric crematoriums. Specifically, one cremation facility is proposed per five lakh people at the sub-city level, with a 2,000 square metre area. The guidelines also detail amenities like ritual sheds and parking for these locations. These norms are indicative and can be adjusted based on daily planning needs and land availability. ♻️

♿ South Asia LPG gives assistive devices to 350 people

South Asia LPG Company distributed essential assistive devices as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. This event took place at the Sri Gurudeva Charitable Trust in Mangalampalem, Vizianagaram district, on Thursday. A total of 350 needy, physically challenged persons received aid, including artificial limbs and wheelchairs. Trust founder Raparthi Jagadish Babu thanked the company’s MD and CEO Richa Shinde for the support. The Kothavalasa Thasildar also encouraged other industries to participate in similar charitable efforts. ♿

📉 Retail losses hit hard in F&O trading

Nearly 88% of individual traders incurred losses in India's F&O market during FY26, according to a new Sebi study. This loss-making group was primarily found in the equity derivatives segment across India. Aggregate net losses reached about Rs 91,685 crore in FY26, compared to Rs 1.12 lakh crore in FY25. The losses were heavily concentrated among smaller investors with small equity portfolios. Traders are expected to continue facing high risks despite regulatory changes. 📉

⚖️ Mom's Income Won't Cut Dad's Child Support

The Supreme Court ruled that a mother's financial independence does not automatically reduce a father's child maintenance liability. The court stated that the mother's daily care and upbringing of the daughters is a valuable contribution beyond monetary terms. This decision was delivered on Thursday by the Supreme Court of India. The ruling addresses the ongoing debate surrounding financial obligations of parents toward their children. Moving forward, the father must continue fulfilling his maintenance duties regardless of the mother's earning capacity.

✅ No more physical cards for fair price shops

Minister P. Venkataramanan stated that digital copies or card numbers with biometrics are enough to get essential commodities from fair price shops. This was mentioned during the Food department discussion in the State Assembly, addressing concerns from MLAs like S. Kamaraj and K. Karthikeyan. He also announced 15 new godowns across 13 districts costing ₹81.60 crore, with a capacity of 31,000 tonnes. Additionally, three modern godowns will be built at Ariyalur, Namakkal, and Mettupalayam for ₹13.50 crore. The minister assured action to stop loaders from charging farmers ₹50 per bag of paddy.