🌾 Karnataka MPs meet Amit Shah over illegal areca imports

A delegation of Karnataka MPs and areca growers met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Friday. The group, which included MPs B.Y. Raghavendra, Kota Srinivasa Poojary, and Vishweswara Hegde Kageri, submitted a memorandum. They highlighted that illegal foreign-origin arecanut imports are harming native growers who face yield issues and rising costs. The delegation urged stricter vigilance and enforcement of the minimum import price of ₹351 per kilogram. They requested coordinated action across multiple ministries to stop this illegal trade. 🌾

⚖️ Kerala PSC slams baseless allegations against its reputation

The Kerala Public Service Commission issued a detailed response to recent discrepancies allegations. This response addressed complaints related to examinations conducted by the PSC in Thiruvananthapuram. The PSC noted that numerous allegations are baseless and part of a deliberate attempt to tarnish its reputation. They clarified procedures for answer sheet destruction and syllabus revisions based on qualifications. The Supreme Court and KAT have previously found several of these specific complaints to be without merit. ⚖️

🏏 TNPL 2026 match predictions for Aug 8

Match 7 and Match 8 of the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2026 are scheduled for August 8th at NPR College, Dindigul. Siechem Madurai Panthers face VIDA Kovai Kings, while Salem Spartans compete against Trichy Grand Chola. VIDA Kovai Kings are predicted to win their fixture against Madurai Panthers, with Balasubramaniam Sachin being the top batter. For the other match, the predictions suggest VIDA Kovai Kings will also be favored in their encounters. Both teams have recent form and batting stats to consider ahead of the games. 🏏

🧐 Arsenal eyeing Barcola after Vinicius Jr misses out

Arsenal is reportedly looking at Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola after their bid for Vinicius Jr fell through. The Brazilian superstar chose to extend his contract with Real Madrid until 2032. Despite this setback, the Gunners are still seeking a left-wing reinforcement for the 2026 summer window. However, Liverpool's recent performance complicates talks, as PSG values Barcola at €150m. Other targets, like Julián Alvarez and Iliman Ndiaye, are also on the table. 🧐

📱 Redmi might skip K110, hinting at K200

Redmi might change its flagship phone naming by potentially skipping K110 for K200. This speculation arose after product manager Mia Xinxin mentioned that the proposed K110 name felt strange. While not confirmed, this suggests a major numerical jump after the K100 lineup. Meanwhile, the K100 series is set to launch in China on August 11, featuring the K100 Pro Max. This high-end model boasts a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and a massive 9,070mAh battery.

🚶 Hubballi hosting mega event for 'Drug Free India'

A mega-walkathon and bike rally are planned in Hubballi to raise awareness for 'Drug Free India' under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. Students and people from various backgrounds are expected to join the event on Sunday, August 9th. Forty-two health science institutions from the Hubballi-Dharwad region are organizing this awareness program. The campaign will kick off at KLE Society’s Nursing College, inaugurated by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi. Following the walkathon, a motorcycle rally will head to DIMHANS for another session.

🚢 Adani Vizhinjam stake sale pending central nod

Adani Group has yet to approach the Centre for central clearances regarding the proposed sale of a 49% stake in Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated the Kerala government received the proposal from AVPPL for prior approval. This development occurred over a month after the announcement of the deal with Terminal Investment Ltd. The transaction is a PPP project for the non-major Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala. AVPPL sources confirmed they will approach the Centre only after securing approval from the State government. 🚢

🚗 Witness identifies Basheer's clothes in death case

The 10th prosecution witness testified on Friday, August 7, 2026, in the K.M. Basheer death case. The witness stated that IAS officer Sriram Venkitaraman was driving the vehicle during the accident. He also identified the clothes journalist Basheer was wearing at the time of the collision. The witness informed the investigating officer that Basheer's motorbike was against a Public Office wall. The Vento car, bearing number KL 01 BM 360, was present at the accident site.

✅ UPI transactions remain free for users and small shops

The Payments Council of India has clarified rumors circulating about potential charges on UPI transactions. The industry body confirmed that consumers and small merchants will continue using UPI without incurring any transaction fees. UPI has been free for consumers since its launch in 2016, and this stance remains unchanged. The PCI addressed misconceptions regarding merchant discount rates and any proposed UPI charges. Therefore, every Indian can keep making instant digital payments without paying any fees.

📱 Amazon Great Freedom Sale drops major tech deals

Amazon's Great Freedom Sale is live, offering huge discounts on various tech products. Deals are available across smartphones, smart TVs, and home appliances in India. Offers include up to a 10 percent instant discount using select bank cards and massive price cuts on items. For example, the 65-inch TCL 4K TV is available for Rs. 61,999, saving almost Rs. 1 lakh. Shoppers can find deals on devices like the OnePlus N6x starting at Rs. 17,499. 🛍️

🧑‍⚖️ Chhattisgarh's UCC plan excludes tribal communities

Chhattisgarh is set to roll out a Uniform Civil Code after a government committee finalizes its draft. Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma stated this code will cover all communities except the Scheduled Tribes in the state. The committee, led by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, is currently collecting feedback until October 15. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai plans to introduce the UCC Bill in the winter session of the Assembly. Opposition leaders argue this exclusion ignores the constitutional rights of the tribal population. 🧑‍⚖️