🍎 Kerala rolls out 2,000 Onam markets for stable prices

The Agriculture department is setting up 2,000 Onam markets across Kerala to maintain stable commodity prices during the festival. Krishi Bhavans will manage 1,074 markets, while Horticorp and VFPCK will handle 766 and 160 markets respectively. The government has sanctioned ₹10.24 crore under the Market Intervention Support for Price Stabilisation scheme. This initiative aims to ensure fair prices for farmers and reasonable costs for consumers. The department also launched a campaign that produced 2.52 lakh tonnes of vegetables ahead of Onam.

🏆 From 50% in 12th to Civil Servant: Manoj Pal's Grind

Manoj Pal finally became a civil servant after an intense 12-year preparation journey. He is a resident of Khapariya village in Narmadapuram district, Madhya Pradesh. He failed nearly 40 exams and scored around 50% in Class 12. Facing financial hardship and family pressure, he maintained a strict study routine throughout. His selection in the MPPSC State Service Examination 2024 ended years of struggle.

⚖️ SC forms panel to check police action on CJP protests 🚨

The Supreme Court established a five-member committee, led by retired Justice R Subhash Reddy, to investigate allegations of police excesses against CJP protestors. This panel includes former High Court Chief Justices and CBI Director, and was ordered on August 18th. The committee must examine police excess, protestor violence, and harassment allegations from the CJP protests. Additionally, the HPEC will look into compensation for the injured on both sides and submit periodic findings.

⏳ IBPS Clerk 2026 applications close tomorrow

The online application window for IBPS Clerk 2026 recruitment closes tomorrow, August 21. This drive is for 11,403 vacancies across participating banks under the Common Recruitment Process. Candidates can apply until August 21, 2026, with preliminary exams set for October 10 and 11, 2026. The main examination is scheduled to take place on December 27, 2026. Applicants must finalize registration, documents, and fee payment before the deadline. 🏦

⚽ Kaith saves penalties, Mohun Bagan bags Durand Cup spot 🏆

Mohun Bagan defeated NorthEast United 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the Durand Cup 2026 semi-final. The match took place between Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United. The semi-final was played on a date that led to a Kolkata derby final on Sunday, August 23. NorthEast United's 21-game unbeaten run in the tournament finally ended during this contest. The final showdown will determine the Durand Cup champion.

🦟 World Mosquito Day: Stay safe from bites 🦟

World Mosquito Day on August 20 highlights the necessity of awareness for mosquito-borne illnesses. This day calls attention to preventing bites, eliminating breeding spots, and getting early diagnosis. Diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya remain public health issues, especially during monsoon season. Factors like urbanization and climate change increase mosquito habitats, stressing continuous prevention. Therefore, community action and timely testing are crucial to curb disease spread.

💥 Ukraine Strikes Russian Oil Facilities

Ukrainian forces successfully struck several key Russian energy infrastructure targets. The attacks targeted the TANECO oil refinery and an associated oil terminal in Russia. These strikes took place recently, according to reports from the military. The operation is part of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Further military actions are expected as the situation develops.

⚖️ SC sets up committee to probe student protest violence

The Supreme Court formed a five-member High-Powered Enquiry Committee (HPEC) to investigate violence during student protests across the country. This committee is chaired by former Supreme Court Judge Justice R. Subhash Reddy and includes four other senior members. The court noted a prima facie case existed regarding excessive force and molestation allegations raised last month. The HPEC must examine police force use, protestor violence, and sexual harassment of female protesters. The committee needs to submit its first interim report at the earliest, with matters next considered on September 10, 2026. 🚨

😟 Alphonso Davies heartbroken over Jamal Musiala's health

Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies expressed deep concern regarding teammate Jamal Musiala's recent on-field episodes. The Canadian left-back shared that these two incidents, attributed to a 'neurological absence,' truly broke his heart. Davies noted that doctors are actively working to support Musiala through this challenging situation. The team is committed to giving him positive energy, supporting him both as a player and a friend. Davies remains hopeful that Jamal will recover and return stronger in the coming days or weeks.

⚖️ SC forms panel over police force during NEET protests

The Supreme Court established a 5-member High-Powered Enquiry Committee to investigate police and paramilitary force against students. This committee is headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice R. Subhash Reddy, and other members include former CJ Ravi Shankar Jha. The inquiry will look into allegations involving pellet guns, electric batons, and tear gas during the July 20 Sansad Chalo march. It will also examine police surveillance, the proportionality of crowd-control measures, and victim compensation. Furthermore, the panel will consider claims of violence against police personnel and property damage.

🏫 School inspections spark controversy in Maharashtra

A controversy has started regarding CJP Abhijit Dipke's unauthorized school inspections within Maharashtra. This action has led to significant backlash concerning accountability in the government's education system. The Bombay High Court has reportedly ruled that these entries might constitute trespassing. This incident has consequently sparked a heated debate across social media platforms. The situation continues to fuel broader calls for essential education reform across the state. 🏫