⚡ KSEB power purchase spending projected to rise in 2026-27

The Kerala State Electricity Board projects an increase of ₹1,596.28 crore in its power purchase spending for 2026-27. This revised estimate of ₹13,344.11 crore was submitted to the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission. The initial provisional approval for the same period was set at ₹11,747.83 crore. This projection is part of a mid-year review petition, with a hearing scheduled for August 18 in Thiruvananthapuram. KSEB anticipates a 1,187.66 million unit deficit, needing external power sources. ⚡

🌿 SC extends 10km mining ban near wetlands nationwide

The Supreme Court has extended the 10-km prior-approval requirement for mining around notified wetlands and conservation reserves. This ruling applies across all states, reinforcing wetland protection nationwide. As of August 3, 2026, India had 101 Ramsar sites, with Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh being the newest addition. This decision addresses regulatory gaps left by the 2017 Wetlands Rules, which lacked explicit buffer prohibitions. The court mandates NBWL and MoEFCC clearances to safeguard vital aquatic habitats from industrial degradation. 🏞️

😠 Savarkar question sparks uproar in Kerala quiz

An Independence Day quiz for lower-primary students in Kasargod sparked a big row after featuring V.D. Savarkar in a tie-breaker. The quiz, organized by the Social Science Club Association, was held on Thursday in schools under Manjeshwaram and Kumbla sub-districts. The controversy involves the fifth question asking about the freedom fighter receiving the most severe punishment. Critics claim this glorifies Sangh Parivar leaders who allegedly weren't significant in the freedom movement. General Education Minister N Shamsudeen has since called for a government report on the matter.

⚽ Man Utd pivots on left-back search after Newcastle block

Manchester United is looking at four new left-back targets after Newcastle refused to sell Lewis Hall. The club must now find a replacement with 24 days left in the transfer window. Potential options include Antonee Robinson, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Jorge Salinas, and David Raum. These players offer different profiles, ranging from pace to experience, to challenge Luke Shaw's spot. United needs to make a quick decision on who fits their long-term plans. ⚽

📵 New Kansas law bans student phones, earbuds, smartwatches at school

A new law in Kansas prohibits students from using personal cellular devices, including phones, earbuds, and smartwatches during the entire school day. This mandate applies to students returning to school later this month in the Shawnee Mission School District. Many states already have restrictions, with 24 having a full bell-to-bell ban. Parent groups support these rules due to concerns over distraction and mental health. Furthermore, some parents are pushing for tighter limits on school-issued iPads for younger students. 📱

😥 Villagers ride excavator bucket across landslide road

A landslide blocked the Dewal–Wan road in Chamoli, forcing villagers to take a risky shortcut. Residents in Chamoli are using the bucket of a Poclain excavator to cross the damaged section. This road closure affects approximately 8,000 people living beyond Gamligad as of August 8, 2026. The situation is critical because essential travel for medical needs and supplies is disrupted. Locals are urgently demanding the administration restore the road to ensure safety. 😥

😥 Flick benched winger to send clear message

Hansi Flick excluded Roony Bardghji from Barcelona's Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup matches today. This decision at the pre-season camp serves as a clear signal regarding the player's future. Flick told Bardghji he won't be in the team next season, despite good pre-season form. The player did not travel with the squad while finalizing his exit from Catalonia. Ajax is one of the clubs interested in the winger this summer. 😥

🏙️ Clean cities needed; Shaw backs Seth's call

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has supported Suhel Seth's push for better city infrastructure as a national movement. This call came after referencing the 2014 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, highlighting public failure to maintain momentum over a decade. The movement needs sustained behavioural changes, as noted while discussing Bengaluru's clean city drive. Seth is asking citizens to send photos and videos of urban issues for public amplification. The focus now shifts to consistent action to make real change happen in urban living. 🏙️

🗳️ SAD backs women quota and delimitation bills

The Shiromani Akali Dal supported the immediate implementation of the Constitution Amendment Bill for women's reservation. This decision followed a meeting between party president Sukhbir Singh Badal and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party also demanded a fair and equitable delimitation, backing the government's proposal for a 50 percent seat increase. SAD draws inspiration from the Sikh Gurus who championed women's rights and dignity. The move sparks buzz amidst speculation of a potential alliance with the BJP before next year's Punjab assembly elections. 🗳️

📈 Gold jumps as Fed rate hike hopes dim 💰

Gold prices surged this week, driven by weaker US jobs data and hopes for a Strait of Hormuz reopening. The US employment report showed a loss of 23,000 jobs in July, while talks between Iran and Oman could restore oil exports. This has pressured Treasury yields and weakened the US dollar, boosting precious metals. Experts advise looking for dips as buying opportunities amid shifting economic outlooks.

🛡️ Is Russia eyeing other NATO countries?

US intelligence suggests Vladimir Putin is changing his risk approach beyond Ukraine. He might test NATO's response using hybrid operations or cyberattacks against an ally in the coming years. These actions would not necessarily trigger a full conventional military conflict. Putin previously claimed Western sanctions were ineffective and that adversaries used terrorist methods. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has consistently warned about Russia's multi-theatre threats to Europe.