🚕 Fadnavis on Marathi Mandate Amid Driver Protests

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis stated that Hindi-speaking auto and taxi drivers do not need to be Marathi experts to work in the state. He confirmed efforts are underway to teach Marathi to those who do not know the language. The compliance deadline has already been extended twice and will be extended again if requested. Fadnavis assured that the Mahayuti government will prevent unfair treatment based on language, noting many residents are integrated into the culture. This came amid protests by drivers against the language proficiency drive, which started on August 20. 🚕

📱 Apple ordered to pay over ₹1.09 lakh for faulty iPhone

The Malappuram District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ordered Apple and its service center to compensate a consumer. The consumer, T. Faisal from Tirur, bought an iPhone 14 Plus on September 13, 2023, for ₹92,250. The phone suffered from excessive heating and a faulty camera, which remained unresolved despite multiple service visits. The commission found this to be a deficiency in service and an unfair trade practice. Apple must pay the total amount, including a fine, within 45 days. 📱

🔬 Can workouts cancel out sitting risks?

Debate is heating up over whether physical activity fully offsets health risks from sedentary behavior. Researchers at Norwegian schools of science analyzed data showing heavy exercisers had minimal risk increase even with long sitting times. Conversely, a team from Deakin University argues that self-reported data is inaccurate and prolonged inactivity has distinct physiological harms. The disagreement is set to be formally debated in an upcoming issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. This ongoing discussion challenges simple fixes to modern lifestyle diseases.

💧 Farmers protest Kabini reservoir water drop

Farmers staged a dharna at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Mysuru on Monday regarding the dropping water level of the Kabini reservoir. The protest was led by the State Sugarcane Growers’ Association, who demanded stopping water release to Tamil Nadu. The reservoir level dropped nearly 10 ft from being full just 25 days prior to the protest. Farmers alleged the water release prioritized Tamil Nadu over Karnataka's local crops. They warned they might take control of the reservoir if the government doesn't act. 💧

🎤 Kangana Ranaut slays CJP's Abhijeet Dipke on English skills

Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut posted a viral reel comparing her English speaking skills with those of CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. This comparison highlighted their public speaking styles, with Kangana captioning it as 'One is fire, the other needs a reboot.' Kangana has previously addressed public mocking over her English fluency, citing past experiences in the film industry. She also criticized CJP spokesperson Saurav Das, contrasting her 20 years in public life with his claims. Next, she is set to star in a pan-India psychological thriller alongside R Madhavan. 🎬

💜 Violet hills bloom: Neelakurinji opens in Chokramudy

The Chokramudy hills in Idukki have officially opened for the rare Neelakurinji bloom, which happens every 12 years. Munnar Divisional Forest Officer Abhay Yadav inaugurated the season at the Bison Valley Trail trekking centre on Monday, August 24, 2026. Currently, 450 tourists visited the site on the opening day, with full coverage expected by September. Botanist Jomy Augustine noted that this is the 2026 cycle in Chokramudy, following the 2014 bloom. Visitors can enter for ₹200 for adults, but drones are strictly banned. 💜

🎬 Yash's Toxic gets gag order before Aug 26 release

A Bengaluru court issued an ex parte temporary injunction against false or defamatory content related to Yash’s movie, Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups. The order was granted to KVN Productions against defendants including X Corp and an unidentified person. This injunction remains active until the next hearing scheduled for September 28th. The ruling specifically blocks malicious news but does not restrict film reviews or criticism. The action comes as producers increasingly seek such injunctions ahead of movie launches. 🎬

🕉️ Srisailam darshan tickets drop on Aug 25

Tickets for various darshan and sevas at Srisailam temple will be available online starting Tuesday, August 25. The temple executive officer, M. Srinivasa Rao, confirmed that 90% of tickets will be accessible via the 'Mana Mitra' WhatsApp service. Only 10% of the tickets will be available through the APTS website, www.tms.ap.gov.in. This system is part of a government initiative for efficient citizen service delivery. Devotees are advised to aim for Tuesday through Friday for better booking chances.

🏛️ Trump admin pushes massive fee for H-1B visas 💸

The Trump administration released a proposed regulation to enforce a fee exceeding $100,000 on new H-1B visas. This move targets highly skilled foreign workers, building on a temporary proclamation from last year. The proposed fee is set at $103,265 and will be subject to a 30-day public comment period starting August 24, 2026. Previously, a federal judge blocked the initial fee, but an appeals court is currently reviewing the legality of the charge. The final rule could be established by the end of the year, despite ongoing legal challenges.

🏛️ New Lokayukta office in Haveri to finish in nine months

Lokayukta B.S. Patil laid the foundation stone for a new office building at Basaveshwar Nagar in Haveri on Monday. The ₹4.15-crore project was assigned to the contractor with a completion timeline of nine months. This initiative is part of the Lokayukta's role in investigating administrative lapses and corruption cases. Currently, 38,000 to 40,000 cases are pending before the Lokayukta for review. The new building aims to serve as a benchmark for quality government infrastructure in the district. 🏛️

🗣️ Jagan to meet key YSRCP leaders on August 25

Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the YSRCP president, is scheduled to hold a state-level meeting on Tuesday, August 25th. The gathering will take place at the YSRCP Central Office in Tadepalli and include various party functionaries. Key attendees will comprise regional coordinators, district presidents, and state general secretaries. The agenda covers public issues, party organization strength, and local body election readiness. Mr. Jagan will review these matters and give directions for the next steps. 🗣️