🏏 Dravid wants Sooryavanshi to boost Test cricket

Former coach Rahul Dravid suggested that teen talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could help grow Test cricket. Sooryavanshi, who impressed in white-ball formats, is set to play for East Zone in the Duleep Trophy. He was the leading run-getter with 776 runs for Rajasthan Royals in the IPL season. Dravid believes balancing white-ball exposure with red-ball experience is key for his development. Hopefully, his success in Test cricket could be huge for the future of the game. 🏏

⚖️ BCI Chairman Mishra defends 14-year stint

BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra is defending his extended tenure amid calls for his resignation. He stated that the Advocates Act, under which the BCI was created, places no restriction on the chairman's term. Mishra has served for 12 to 14 years, having been unanimously elected on six previous occasions. He rejected demands to step down, asserting his position is based on his election by BCI members. A Supreme Court petition is challenging his tenure, arguing for a two-year limit based on BCI Rules. ⚖️

✈️ New international travel rules kick in Sept 1

The Bureau of Immigration has released new regulations affecting international flyers. These updated orders pertain to boarding procedures at entry points. The changes are set to take effect starting September 1st. This move aims to streamline and enhance border security protocols for travelers. Travelers should check the official guidelines before their next trip.

🏟️ India heads to Colombo for next Test clash

India is set to play the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo from August 23-27, 2026. The match will be held at the Sinhalese Sports Club, which is known for its different vibe compared to Galle. This will be the 47th India Test at this Asian venue, contrasting with the 14 drawn Tests previously held here. The heat is expected to be intense, testing both batting and bowling endurance across five days. A win in Colombo would boost India's belief for future WTC chances. 🏏

🏏 Starc hits major Test milestones in Mackay

Starc became the first bowler to start a Test with a wicket four times in his career. This achievement occurred while playing for Australia in Mackay, against Bangladesh. He took a five-wicket haul in 22 balls, making it the sixth-fastest in men's Tests. This performance also marked the second earliest a bowler achieved a five-for in a Test innings. Starc now holds records for wickets in the first over and five-fors against all eight opponents.

🌍 Social Media's Role in Climate Action

Eco India Episode 331 explored how social media platforms can effectively drive climate awareness into tangible action. The discussion featured various experts who highlighted the potential of digital outreach in environmental advocacy. Specific metrics and examples from different campaigns were shared during the episode's broadcast. This segment aimed to show how online trends can translate into real-world ecological change. The focus remains on leveraging digital tools for greater sustainability efforts moving forward. 🌍

✍️ Spurs boss hints at more signings, Savinho deal close

Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi confirmed the club is still active in the summer transfer market. This news came while the club is reportedly nearing an £85 million deal for Manchester City winger Savinho. De Zerbi praised the character of the players already signed during the off-season period. He stressed that big names do not guarantee success in the Premier League. Spurs will face Brentford on Saturday as they push to finalize the Savinho transfer.

🔬 UK bans TPO in gel nails, not the service

The UK has implemented a ban on the chemical trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) in certain gel nail products. This change affects products in England, Scotland, and Wales, with full restrictions starting in February 2027. TPO is a photoinitiator flagged as a reproductive toxicant after experimental studies showed potential risks. Experts clarify that occasional manicures do not mean infertility, but repeated exposure is a concern. This measure is viewed as a chemical safety step, not a ban on gel manicures themselves. 💅

🏰 Zuckerberg buys haunted Irish castle

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently acquired a massive 440-acre castle in Ireland. He purchased Strancally Castle from Michael and Giancarla Alen-Buckley in a deal valued between €20 million and €30 million. This estate, built between 1827 and 1830, is linked to a chilling murder legend described in 1847. The story claims a 'murderous device' near the river Blackwater trapped and killed people. Zuckerberg plans to use the castle when visiting Ireland for Meta's European headquarters. 🏰

🏏 Diplomacy needs Test matches, not T20 sprints

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that diplomacy cannot always be judged by quick wins, drawing a comparison to cricket matches. Speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum, he noted that complex geopolitical situations unfold over extended periods rather than short bursts. He cited the five-year Ukraine war and the extended Gulf situation as examples defying T20 expectations. Jaishankar stressed that diplomatic outcomes are often slow investments in relationships, not just immediate headlines. Therefore, people must understand international affairs as evolving processes, not isolated events.

🏗️ Seven-storey building collapses in Kondapur

An under-construction seven-storey building unexpectedly collapsed in Anjaiah Nagar, Kondapur, on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred near a drain, causing it to tilt towards a nearby apartment complex in the Whitefields area. One resident, Ramana Reddy, sustained injuries and was hospitalized after the collapse. The event sparked panic among occupants of a nearby hostel, who quickly evacuated the premises. Madhapur police are currently investigating the collapse to determine the exact cause and damage.