🏏 Kirsten vs Gambhir: Old Rivals Meet in Sri Lanka Tests

Gary Kirsten, who previously coached India to glory, is now coaching Sri Lanka against India. The two-match Test series kicks off at Galle this Saturday, pitting old allies against each other. Kirsten, 58, is focused on building strong relationships with the current Sri Lankan squad. He respects Gautam Gambhir's coaching abilities and aims to use his experience. The series starts on August 15, 2026, with matches live on Sony Sports Ten 1.

🩺 Spine Surgery Recovery Time Study Released

A new prospective study investigated the interval between extubation and first mobilization following major spine surgery. The research focused on patient recovery timelines within the hospital setting. The study tracked patients over a period, detailing specific recovery metrics. This research helps optimize post-operative care protocols for spine surgery patients. Future findings will guide better recovery practices in orthopedic surgery. 🩺

🏛️ YSRCP wants mining stopped near heritage site

YSRCP leader Y.V. Subba Reddy asked the Union government to halt mining near the Panchadarla heritage site in Andhra Pradesh. He raised this in the Rajya Sabha during a debate on the Minerals Amendment Bill, 2026, on August 13, 2026. He highlighted that mining threatens the ancient monuments and the five natural streams vital to the site. Subba Reddy called for an immediate inspection and a scientific study of the area's hydrology. He also requested that mining operations be paused until these assessments are complete. 🏞️

⚖️ Kejriwal, Sisodia challenge CBI's liquor case plea

AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia have asked the Delhi High Court to dismiss the CBI's revision plea in the liquor policy case. The leaders made this request at the Delhi High Court regarding the CBI's challenge to their discharge order. The CBI filed this revision petition within four hours of the discharge order passed on February 27. Kejriwal and Sisodia argue the plea is bare-shell and fails to point out any specific perversity in the extensive discharge judgment. The case is now scheduled to be heard by Justice Manoj Jain on August 17 and 18. ⚖️

🔬 SIAM denies pressure over E20 fuel concerns

SIAM is launching a scientific study to look into concerns surrounding E20 fuel in petrol vehicles. This comes after a Reuters report suggested SIAM retracted a caution letter despite internal automaker worries. The withdrawal was noted on August 13, 2026, following the investigative media report. SIAM clarified the initial communication only had preliminary data and was for internal discussion among members. The association stated it will use validated evidence for all future submissions. ⛽

📋 Kerala Minister inspects certificate delays

Kerala Minister N. Samsudheen visited Pareeksha Bhavan on Thursday, August 13, 2026, following complaints about slow certificate issuance. He heard grievances regarding two to three month delays in SSLC certificate corrections and duplicate issuance. The Minister directed officials to implement speedy methods to resolve these bottlenecks immediately. To fix this, 60 laptops were provided, and certificates must now be issued within 15 days of application receipt. He also ordered better staffing and mobile phones at the reception for faster service.

🛶 Safety first for boats at Berm Park

The APTDC Chairman, N. Balaji, inspected the boating unit at Berm Park in Vijayawada on Thursday. He directed officials to enforce regular checks on boats to ensure they meet all safety standards before tourist operations. This visit also covered the newly built washrooms and boating unit, ensuring construction quality. Balaji stressed that tourist safety must be the top priority for all staff. He called for continuous monitoring and immediate emergency response capabilities. 🛶

🛡️ Sikh Protest Turns Violent Against Police

Clashes erupted between Sikh protesters and police forces, resulting in injuries to both sides. The confrontation took place involving police personnel, including the DSP and ASIs. Reports indicate that several individuals sustained injuries during the ongoing protest action. The demonstration was sparked over specific political and religious grievances in the region. Authorities are currently managing the situation and monitoring the next steps of the protest. 🛡️

🏛️ Siddaramaiah misses first day of Karnataka session

Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah skipped the first day of the Karnataka legislature's Monsoon Session on Thursday. He and other members, like H.C. Mahadevappa and K. Venkatesh, were absent from the Assembly. Siddaramaiah was reportedly upset because the Congress leadership didn't induct Byadagi MLA Basavaraj Shivannanavar into the Cabinet. Meanwhile, former Minister Vinay Kulkarni attended after his membership was restored by the Assembly Secretariat. This restoration followed the High Court staying an April 15 judgment from a special court.

🚨 UP teen fakes kidnapping after massive online game loss

A class 11 student from Gorakhpur allegedly staged his own kidnapping after losing nearly Rs 3 lakh in online games. The teenager, aided by his Delhi-based girlfriend, used AI to create a fake injured image to demand ransom from his father. The initial demand was Rs 1 lakh, which later escalated to Rs 2 lakh in cash. The police traced the student to Sikriganj after he switched his phone to flight mode on Tuesday evening. The student confessed to the police that the whole kidnapping story was fabricated to clear his gaming debts. 💸

⚖️ BCI halts enrolment for NALSAR 2026 grads

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has directed all State Bar Councils not to enroll NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad graduates from 2026 as advocates. This action follows a student campaign opposing Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's convocation participation. The BCI Chairman, Manan Kumar Mishra, requested a factual report from the university within three days regarding the organizers. This move stems from last week's reports of students protesting the CJI's presence due to his comments on Delhi protests. The final decision on this matter is scheduled for August 19, 2026, pending the VC's report. ⚖️