🏏 Kartik picks Jurel over Sarfaraz for Sri Lanka Test

The debate over Sarfaraz Khan versus Dhruv Jurel for the No. 6 spot in India's Test XI has been addressed. Former spinner Murali Kartik weighed in during a roundtable discussion with journalists. Kartik explicitly stated that Dhruv Jurel should be in the playing XI over Sarfaraz Khan. This decision must balance individual merit with long-term squad stability and clear communication for the players. This perspective comes as India prepares for the first Test against Sri Lanka at Galle. 🏏

⚖️ Kerala faces Supreme Court heat over dam dispute

The TVK government has complained to the Supreme Court about Kerala's alleged obstructionist attitude regarding the Mullaperiyar dam. This dispute involves the dam located in Idukki district, Kerala, which is owned by Tamil Nadu. A 2014 Supreme Court ruling allowed Tamil Nadu to raise the reservoir level to 142 feet, but progress has been stalled. Tamil Nadu claims Kerala has delayed safety strengthening works and hasn't granted necessary permissions. The state is now seeking court permission to fell trees and complete grouting for the structure.

🚗 Hyundai Exter Knight drops at ₹8.13 Lakh

Hyundai India has launched the new Exter Knight at an ex-showroom price of Rs 8.13 lakh. This facelifted version is available in the HX 6 and HX 10 variants, featuring blacked-out styling. The price points range from Rs 8.13 lakh for the petrol MT to Rs 9.60 lakh for the CNG HX 10. The Knight edition adds sporty touches like blacked-out accents and amber ambient lighting to the standard Exter. It competes in the micro-SUV segment against rivals like the Tata Punch. 🖤

🗓️ KVS NVS Tier 2 Results dropping soon in mid-August

The KVS NVS Tier 2 Results for 2026 are anticipated to be released shortly, as CBSE confirmed the phased announcement starting mid-August. The recruitment exams were held from March 27 to March 31, 2026, filling 15,762 total posts. These vacancies break down into 9,921 for KVS and 5,841 for NVS. The evaluation process is nearing completion after the answer key was released on May 13, 2026. Candidates should check the official CBSE, KVS, or NVS websites for updates.

🧐 Messi Kerala plan flagged for procedural issues

The Kerala Sports Department recommended a vigilance inquiry into the previous LDF government's efforts to bring Lionel Messi to the state. This report, submitted to CM V D Satheesan, found that sponsor selection was non-transparent and arbitrary. It also called for a central agency review of a questionable $15 million USD foreign remittance through TourProdEnter LLP. The department noted several steps were taken without a formal agreement, and the estimated expenditure was Rs 210 crore against Rs 82 crore revenue. Further scrutiny is recommended regarding the source of capital linked to RBC and GoatAD Global Limited. 🧐

🔋 Redmi Note 17 5G drops with huge battery

Xiaomi India just launched the new REDMI Note 17 5G, featuring an AMOLED display and Snapdragon 4 Gen 4. This phone comes with an massive 8000mAh silicon-carbon battery and starts at ₹24,999. It runs on Android 16 and promises 4 years of updates for smooth use. The device boasts a 6.9-inch 120Hz display and is IP65 rated for durability. Users can grab it in Dark Night, Arctic Blue, or Starlight Purple. 📱

⚖️ SC pushes policy on illegal structure demolition

The Supreme Court dismissed a PIL concerning unequal demolition practices for unauthorized buildings. The case, involving Centre for Law and Good Governance versus the Union and states, noted issues in places like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Delhi. Authorities sometimes let structures exist for decades while collecting taxes, then demolishing them. The Court deemed this a policy matter, urging the petitioner to approach the relevant governments. It hopes authorities will balance law enforcement with the right to shelter. ⚖️

🔮 Xbox CEO teases Elder Scrolls 6 title

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma hinted at The Elder Scrolls VI: ******** on August 11, noting its incredible scale and grand story. This post came after Xbox announced a massive restructure in July 2026, cutting 3,200 jobs, which affected Bethesda Softworks. The censored eight-letter title is speculated to be Sentinel or Dominion, fitting the Tamriel lore. While Fallout 5 is in preproduction, The Elder Scrolls 6 remains Bethesda's primary focus. However, the game is still at least two more years away, with staff fearing future delays.

📱 iOS 27 code leaks six new iPhone models

Apple released the fifth beta of iOS 27 to developers, which reportedly contains hidden code pointing to six future iPhone models. These references were discovered within the battery drivers and Battery Intelligence system files. The models mentioned include the iPhone Air 2, iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, iPhone 18, iPhone Ultra, and iPhone 18e. While no specs are revealed, this aligns with prior leaks about foldable displays for the iPhone Ultra. Apple is expected to launch the Pro and Ultra models in September, with the others coming out in early 2027.

⚖️ Kangana Ranaut faces case over NEET protest comments

A case has been filed against Kangana Ranaut concerning her controversial remark about NEET protesters. The incident took place in Agra, where her comments drew significant attention. The court hearing is scheduled for August 21st. This legal action stems from her description of the protesters as 'Generation Gutter'. The court proceedings will determine the next steps in this ongoing case.

🏏 Dickwella and Madushanka back in Sri Lanka Test squad

Niroshan Dickwella and Dilshan Madushanka have returned to the Sri Lanka Test squad for the upcoming series. They join the team as Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are unavailable due to injuries. The squad includes four specialist quicks and only three frontline spinners for the home series. Dickwella is likely to bat at position 6 or 7 in the lineup. The team is set to face its opponents with these key additions. 🏏