🏎️ Hamilton's take on Max Verstappen's Red Bull extension

Lewis Hamilton commented on Max Verstappen's new Red Bull contract, which keeps the Dutchman with the team until 2030. This reaction comes after a highly competitive rivalry since their 2021 title battle. Hamilton noted that Verstappen is with a great team that keeps improving, while acknowledging driver movement varies. He also mentioned his personal drive to win at the Zandvoort circuit this weekend. This track is special to him as he aims to conquer it before it leaves the 2027 calendar.

🏏 Sri Lanka changes squad for India Test in Colombo

Sri Lanka has added Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige to the squad for the second Test against India in Colombo. Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Dinesh Chandimal are out of the SSC Test roster. The second Test kicks off on August 23rd after India won the first Test by 165 runs. Mendis has a hamstring injury, and Chandimal is resting due to concussion protocols. Mishara impressed with a 72-ball 145 in the T20 tournament, securing his spot.

🏏 Sri Lanka drafts Mishara and Arachchige for Colombo Test

Sri Lanka has drafted batter Kamil Mishara and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige for the second Test against India in Colombo. The hosts are missing Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal, with Pathum Nissanka also likely out. Mendis has a hamstring injury from the Lanka Premier League, while Chandimal is sidelined due to concussion protocols. Arachchige impressed in unofficial 'A' tests with a 127, and Mishara recently scored a 145 in T20s. The second Test is scheduled to start on August 23.

📈 South States aim for $10T economy by 2047

Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu called for stronger cooperation among southern states to boost India's growth. He stated this collective progress could make the region an economy worth over $10 trillion by 2047. The 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting, chaired by Amit Shah, discussed 24 agenda items. Naidu proposed joint initiatives like a bullet train corridor and common logistics network. He urged the Centre to resolve pending issues like the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act divisions. 🤝

🏆 BJP claims victory over MDA site allotment controversy

The BJP called the State government's cancellation of 1,100 sites allotted by MDA a major victory for their ongoing fight. BJP Mysuru City spokesperson M.A. Mohan made this statement during a press conference held in Mysuru on Thursday. This follows the party's three-year campaign against alleged irregularities at the erstwhile Mysuru Urban Development Authority. Mohan also pointed to the return of 14 sites given to CM Siddaramaiah’s wife, B.M. Parvathi, as another win. The BJP claims the state government is protecting former MUDA Commissioner D.B. Natesh from action.

🏞️ Texas park started with a small river gift

In 1916, Isabella Neff gifted six acres of riverbank to the State of Texas, kicking off what would become the first state park. This happened in Texas, where she was a respected community figure. Her son, Pat Neff, later added 250 acres in 1934, leading to the park's opening in 1937. This donation helped establish a formal state park system in the region. Today, the park spans 399 acres, a massive growth from the initial small plot.

🚢 USS Washington lands in Arabian Sea after carrier drama

The USS George Washington arrived in the Arabian Sea on Wednesday as part of a scheduled deployment. This move follows an outcry concerning dire conditions reported aboard its sister ship, the USS Lincoln, deployed in the Middle East. The Lincoln, which has been on a record-breaking deployment, was facing issues with food, hygiene, and mental health for its 5,000 crew. This shift leaves the US without a carrier in the Western Pacific despite Washington's focus on the region. Meanwhile, the Lincoln is en route back to the US, and talks with Iran show no immediate signs of resuming. 🚢

🧑‍⚖️ Family caregiver is a homemaker, even with high degrees

The Karnataka HC ruled that any woman serving her family at home is considered a 'HOMEMAKER' regardless of her educational qualification. This decision was made while reviewing a motor accident case involving a biotech post-graduate victim in Bengaluru. The court ordered an additional compensation of ₹1,96,800, considering the accident happened in 2013. The judgment clarified that homemaker status is gender-neutral and includes those who care for the family. This sets a precedent for recognizing domestic contributions beyond formal employment status. 🧑‍⚖️

🌳 Court sides with Forest Dept on land eviction

The Karnataka High Court upheld the eviction proceedings against the Kamadhenu Co-operative Dairy and Fruit Processing Society Ltd. in Uttara Kannada. The society challenged the Forest Department's move to recover 389.07 acres of forest land in Sirsi taluk. This land was originally leased in 1969, but the lease expired and the High Court found no perpetual right to stay. The court affirmed that due process was followed by the authorities initiating eviction under Section 64-A of the Karnataka Forest Act 1963. The authorities will now proceed with recovery strictly according to the law. 🌳

🌺 Kozhikode's grand Onam celebrations are kicking off

Kozhikode district is getting ready for massive Onam festivities spanning from August 22 to August 30. The celebrations officially start with an Onam Pookkalam competition on August 22, overseen by MLA K. Jayanth and Collector M.S. Madhavikutty. Ninety-one local bodies will compete in the 'Local Body Pookkalam Competition 2026' with prizes up to ₹1,00,000. The main events will feature cultural programs daily at Kozhikode main beach from August 24 to August 30. The entire event is funded by a ₹40-lakh grant from the Tourism department.

🧐 Tahsildar's Assets Uncovered in ACB Raid

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) identified assets worth an estimated ₹6.87 crore during raids linked to a disproportionate assets case. The searches targeted Desani Srinivas Reddy, a Divisional Administrative Officer at the Ibrahimpatnam RDO office, in Rangareddy Range. The assets were found across multiple locations, including two residential flats and agricultural land, on Thursday. The case stems from allegations that he acquired wealth beyond his known income through corrupt means. Mr. Reddy will be produced before the Principal Special Judge for SPE and ACB Cases at Hyderabad for judicial remand. 🧐