🏏 Gill on prep time helping India in Sri Lanka Test

Captain Shubman Gill stated that extra preparation time significantly benefits the team in adjusting to local conditions. This was mentioned on the eve of the 600th Test in Galle, Sri Lanka, where India is aiming to revive its WTC campaign. The team has received almost five full days in Galle before the first Test on this three-day tour match. Gill noted that adapting to the heat and humidity, along with wind conditions, requires time for most players. With Jasprit Bumrah injured, creativity from other bowlers will be crucial for the team's success. 🏏

♿ SC drops charges against Samay Raina & 4 others

The Supreme Court quashed criminal proceedings against comedian Samay Raina and four other influencers on Friday, August 14, 2026. The decision covered FIRs against Raina, Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Sonali Thakkar, and Nishant Jagdish Tanwar. The court appreciated their efforts, which included organizing a chess tournament in March for disabled persons. The SC noted their positive direction and willingness to invite SMA sufferers on their shows. The matter for these five influencers is now closed, though the court will address broader dignity issues. ♿

🎬 Suriya and Mamitha in wholesome entertainer

The film Vishwanath & Sons showcases a middle-aged, emotionally guarded Olympic shooter, Sanjay, whose life gets complicated. Set in a lavish world, the story follows Sanjay and his family, including Nirmala Devi and the surrogate mother Maddy. The plot unfolds over 161 minutes, dealing with surrogacy and unexpected romance. Sanjay grapples with his in-securities while facing Maddy, who is 20 years younger than him. The movie explores progressive ideas despite its opulent setting. 🎬

🧐 SEBI reviewing stock auction after market concerns

SEBI is actively reviewing the new stock closing auction system due to mounting market concerns. Officials met with market makers and brokers this week to gather feedback on the mechanism launched on August 3rd. Data shows average turnover in the auction window has shrunk by 40% compared to the old system. High-frequency firms noted borrowing limitations, and brokers suggested reverting for passive funds. The regulator is open to tweaking the system to improve price discovery moving forward. 🧐

⚽ Merino calls Arsenal's midfield 'best in football'

Mikel Merino claimed Arsenal now boasts the best midfield in football after the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes. The midfielder joined Arsenal from Newcastle, making the £75million signing part of the squad. This move comes as Arsenal deepens its squad quality with top talent like Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi. Merino believes the team's depth and hunger for trophies are unmatched, regardless of last season's success. Arsenal continues to look for reinforcements across both defense and attack. 🤩

😟 Britain's lawns turning yellow due to extreme drought

Britain's green landscapes are turning yellow following the driest month ever recorded in England and Wales. This issue is affecting parts of Britain across four of the last five years due to increasing heatwaves. In July, the intense dryness forced lawns to shut down water loss mechanisms to survive. While grass can recover after rain, scientists question if these harsh summers will become the norm. Ultimately, the public must adapt to warmer, less predictable climates. 😟

🏞️ Arunachal Lake Earns Global Wetland Status

The remote Glaw lake in Arunachal Pradesh has been designated a Ramsar Site, gaining worldwide recognition for its ecological value. This freshwater lake, also known as Glaw Tuwi, spans 82 hectares at an altitude of about 1,168 metres above sea level. The area is sustained by 12 perennial streams and supports over 49 orchid species among 150+ tree species. It is a refuge for wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and the critically endangered white-bellied heron. Protecting this site requires safeguarding the entire wider Kamlang forest system and its connected streams. 🏞️

🛡️ India's tolerance isn't weakness, says Ajit Doval

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval stated that India's tolerance should never be confused with weakness. He discussed this in the Discovery docuseries, "Declassified: Operation Sindoor." This 88-hour military operation targeted enemy camps linked to the Pahalgam terror attack. Launched on May 7 last year, it involved precision strikes in Pakistan and PoK following the April 22 attack. The conflict concluded on the evening of May 10 after both nations reached an understanding. 🛡️

🛰️ PI's FSMs powering next-gen satellite comms

PI is offering advanced fast steering mirrors (FSMs) for free-space optical communication. These mirrors are designed for the needs of growing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks. They achieve angular resolution down to the nanoradian range with mechanical bandwidths reaching the kilohertz range. Piezo-driven systems offer fine stabilization, while voice-coil systems provide larger steering angles for these critical links. These space-qualified systems are already in use and PI supports high-volume cleanroom production. 🛰️

💧 Guntur gets major drainage upgrade at Mondigate

The modernization of the Mondigate drainage system was kickstarted on Friday by Minister Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar and MLA Naseer Ahmad. This project is situated in Guntur and will benefit over 50,000 families in Old Guntur. The ₹6.23 crore upgrade aims to boost discharge capacity from 30,000 to around 50,000 litres. This addresses a long-standing issue of sewage and stormwater overflow that has lasted for 40 to 50 years. The remaining work will wrap up after the monsoon season. 💧

🚚 NYC mayor pushes for Amazon driver direct hiring

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani supports a bill mandating companies like Amazon directly employ their delivery drivers. This move targets exploitative subcontracting practices across the five boroughs. The legislation, called the Delivery Protection Act, faces opposition citing potential cost hikes of $664 annually for households. Amazon warns the measure could force them to relocate delivery operations outside the city limits. City officials are currently cautious while stakeholders provide input on Intro 518. 🚛