💖 Friends turned sisters after DNA test 🤯

Two Indian-born women, Meena Geltink and Minal Tijssen, discovered they were biological sisters through a DNA test. They were adopted by separate Dutch families and grew up about 130 km apart in the Netherlands. The match came in April, after they first met as friends in 1996. This discovery explained the strong connection they felt as teenagers, which they now call family. The sisters finally reunited in the Netherlands on August 11, sharing an emotional moment.

🚨 Constable allegedly kills couple over ₹3 lakh debt

A 2024-batch police constable allegedly beat a couple to death with a stick due to a ₹3 lakh debt. The incident took place in Suryapet, where the bodies of Buba, 40, and Nagulu, 48, were found on August 12. Investigations, aided by CCTV footage and a confession, led to the constable's arrest on Friday. The constable, Mohd Shareef, reportedly lent the couple the money with interest and grew angry over delayed repayments. He was remanded to judicial custody as police continue their probe. 🚨

🚒 AP CM launches ₹40 crore advanced fire vehicles

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, launched advanced firefighting vehicles on Friday. This event took place at Seed Access Road in Amaravati, showcasing the modernized Fire Services Department. The rollout included 58 vehicles costing around ₹40 crore, funded by the 15th Finance Commission. These new vehicles aim to strengthen protection against disasters, with specialized units for rural and urban areas. The government plans further procurement in a third phase, alongside building 17 new fire stations.

📺 TDP functionary becomes Chairman of SVBC

B. Sridhar Varma has been appointed as the Chairman of Sri Venkateswara Bhakti Channel (SVBC). He is a TDP functionary, and the appointment was made by the SVBC board of directors. The decision was formalized in a resolution passed at a recent board meeting, effective from August 14, 2026. The State government had previously approved filling the post, which had been vacant for over two years. Mr. Varma has since assured the TTD Executive Officer he will do justice to the role.

🏞️ Kabini pollution row escalates: Siege threat looms 🚨

Activists from Save Kabini Forum and KRRS (Collective Leadership) have threatened a siege of the Mysuru SP office if FIRs are not filed. They lodged complaints against MLA Anil Chikkamadu and other officials regarding untreated sewage polluting the Kabini River in H.D. Kote and Saragur. These complaints were filed on August 12, 2026, supported by lab reports showing the water was unfit for bathing. The police asked for 14 days to investigate, but activists warned of a siege if action isn't taken. A four-member committee has been formed to investigate the discharge of untreated waste into the river.

🏏 Rodrigues out, Rawal makes T20I debut

Rodrigues has been ruled out of both the Asia Cup and the Asian Games due to injury. This news impacts the team in the region, where he was a key player. Rawal has received his first-ever T20I call-up in this development. The team management decided this move for the upcoming tournaments. Further updates on the team's lineup will be provided soon. 🏏

⚽ Barca pauses striker hunt for Rodri deal

Barcelona is prioritizing the signing of midfielder Rodri before fully focusing on Julian Alvarez. The club is currently negotiating with Manchester City for Rodri, whose approval has already been secured. The deal could reach around €80 million, with negotiations aiming for a resolution by the weekend or Monday. Alvarez remains the preferred centre-forward option, but his situation is more complicated and will take more time. Barcelona is not letting the uncertainty around Alvarez delay their more advanced Rodri transfer efforts.

🌾 Jute mandate failing against plastic tide in Bangladesh

Bangladesh, a top jute producer, struggles against the ongoing use of harmful plastic packaging despite a 16-year-old mandate. In Sherpur district, Sakhina Rice Mill exclusively uses jute, arguing it's economically better and more durable than plastic. The government has seen high production figures, like over 8 million bales in FY 2025-26. However, supply chain issues force mills to sometimes use synthetic bags, leading to unfair fines from mobile courts. The government aims to restart closed jute mills by December 2026 to boost local production.

😔 Assam BJP leader found murdered, 5 arrested

A local BJP leader aged 52 was discovered murdered in Assam. The incident involves the victim and five individuals who have since been taken into custody. The murder occurred recently, with the arrests being made on the same day of the report. The investigation is ongoing to determine the exact motive behind this brutal act. Authorities are continuing to probe the matter to bring the perpetrators to justice. 😔

💧 Naidu orders water use plan strictness

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu chaired a review meeting on the Water Resources Department's work at the State Secretariat in Amaravati on Friday. He directed officials to manage state water resources according to the Water Movement Plan, prioritizing drinking water needs in urban and rural areas. Officials reported that 89.9% of Polavaram civil works are done, with a target to finish the Left Main Canal by March next year. The CM also stressed awareness among farmers against water-intensive crops due to deficient rainfall. He further directed the completion of 36 priority projects with fixed monthly targets to ensure progress. 💧

🏛️ President Murmu addresses student exam concerns

President Murmu stated that the government is implementing comprehensive measures to upgrade the examination system. She made these remarks while addressing the nation on the eve of Independence Day in India. The reforms aim to curb unfair means and boost transparency in public exams by 2026. This follows PM Modi's announcement of a high-powered panel led by Nandan Nilekani. Additionally, Parliament passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.