📉 Google performance reports are glitching 📉

Reports indicated a sudden decline in impressions and clicks on Google Search and Generative AI features starting around August 12th. This widespread drop was noticed by site owners across various platforms, including GSC, on multiple properties. Google officially confirmed the problem, stating it was a logging error affecting data from August 13, 2026. This issue only impacts data logging and is not reflective of actual visibility changes in Search. Google is working to resolve this and will add an annotation in Search Console soon.

🌿 Opium farmers push for higher prices and more licenses

Opium farmers from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh protested for better terms before the 2026-27 licensing announcement. They demanded that the government hike the purchase price to ₹1,00,000 per kilogram and increase the number of medicinal opium cultivation licenses. Furthermore, farmers urged the reinstatement of cancelled leases from 1990 to boost cultivation since 2008. They also called for excluding poppy straws from narcotic acts and promoting traditional cultivation methods. The government previously indicated about 15,000 additional farmers would benefit under the 2025-26 policy. 🌿

🌱 Plant Diversity Boosts Soil Health at Ag in Motion

Plant diversity is being highlighted as a key factor for improving soil health during the Ag in Motion event. This focus is being discussed by Western Producer representatives at the event. Specific data points regarding soil health improvement were shared on October 26th. The conversation centers around sustainable agricultural practices and biodiversity. Future plans involve implementing more diverse planting strategies across various farms.

⚖️ Supreme Court: ECI must fight black money in polls

The Supreme Court ruled on August 17, 2026, that the Election Commission of India is responsible for eliminating black money from the electoral process. Justice Sanjay Karol noted that tainted money compromises democracy, the rule of law, and the electoral process itself. The court stressed the need for timely investigations into criminal cases related to recovering ill-gotten money during elections. Authorities must report cash seizures within 24 hours, and IOs must complete FIR investigations within one year. Both the ECI and State governments were asked to file a compliance affidavit by November 18. 🗳️

🚁 Private Helicopter Crashes Off Greek Island

A private Bell helicopter crashed into the sea shortly after taking off near Sifnos, a popular Greek island. Three people who were on board the aircraft tragically lost their lives in the incident. The crash occurred late on Monday, August 17, 2026, from a nearby helipad. Reports indicate the helicopter's pilot had only been hired about two months prior to the flight. Authorities have not yet determined the exact cause of this fatal accident.

⚖️ 26/11 accused trial set in absentia under new law

The trial in absentia against six Pakistani accused in the 26/11 terror attack has been initiated. This move involves LeT handlers Haafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi in Mumbai. A proclamation was issued by the special court, directing them to appear by August 18. This utilizes Section 356 of the BNSS, allowing trials for absconding offenders. The process follows evidence disclosed by Ajmal Kasab during the probe. ⚖️

⚖️ First trial in absentia for 26/11 accused

The process has started for a trial in absentia against six Pakistani accused in the 26/11 terror attack. This action is being taken by the special court in Mumbai against Lashkar-e-Taiba handlers Haafiz Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi. The court issued a proclamation against these six individuals, ordering their presence by August 18. This marks the first such trial since the introduction of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Authorities are utilizing this law to ensure these accused face justice for the heinous crime. ⚖️

🎓 CJI Surya Kant steps down from TISS convocation role

CJI Surya Kant has been removed as the chief guest for the TISS convocation ceremony. The role has been handed over to the director of Tata Memorial. This change was announced recently ahead of the scheduled event. The TISS convocation is a major academic event for the institution. Further details regarding the new chief guest's participation are expected soon. 🎓

🛠️ Malappuram reviews 602 projects under 100-day plan

Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer reviewed the progress of 602 projects across 50 departments in Malappuram on Monday, August 17th. These projects comprise 479 livelihood initiatives and 123 infrastructure projects in the district. So far, 3,700 out of 4,600 land-use conversion applications have been cleared under the programme. Officials were directed to speed up computer and vehicle purchases for schools using MLA funds. Additionally, construction of seven smart villages, six of which are slated for inauguration, will proceed. 🛠️

😥 Indian Grandma Held by ICE After Long US Stay

An Indian-origin grandmother was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the United States. She has been living in the US for a period spanning 27 years. The detention occurred following an investigation into her residency status. Her long tenure in the US had been under a green card, which is now under scrutiny. Authorities are currently determining the next steps regarding her case. 😥

🧐 Congress claims OBC column missing from census form

The Congress alleged that the Modi government deliberately omitted the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category from the census questionnaire. This happened during a press conference at the Congress office on August 17, 2026. Anil Jaihind stated that the OBC category was missing from the 10th question issued on August 14. This omission, according to Congress, jeopardizes determining the community's actual population and goes against social justice. The party vows to continue fighting for the rights of OBCs and Dalits.