🏗️ Mumbai 3.0: Big New City Plan in Raigad

MMRDA has appointed Surbana Jurong to create the master plan for Mumbai 3.0. This massive new town will be developed across 323.44 sq km spanning 124 villages in Raigad district. The plan positions it as a major growth centre between Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, with land acquisition starting in April 2026. This initiative aims to ease the infrastructure and population pressure currently faced by Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The new hub benefits from proximity to the Atal Setu and Navi Mumbai International Airport.

🕊️ Manipur reopens National Highways after year of blockades

The Manipur state government announced the immediate reopening of National Highways on Saturday, August 8, 2026. This decision was made by CM Yumnam Khemchand Singh and others during a visit to Kangpokpi district. The highways were blocked since the conflict started in May 2023, with further unrest in February. The government is pushing for peace, stressing that all communities must identify as Manipuri first. This move precedes a threatened total shutdown by civil society groups. 🕊️

🗣️ Pradhan says PM approved student protest concessions

Former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated he sought PM Modi's approval to accept the demands of protesters. This happened at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, following student protests that led to his resignation. Pradhan mentioned that approximately 20 crore young people will be in the 15-25 age group over a decade. He emphasized that fulfilling youth aspirations aligns with national interest, not personal prestige. The MP from Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency made these remarks on August 8, 2026.

🤝 Congress reshaping TPCC with four working presidents

Congress is reportedly restructuring the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee by appointing four working presidents this month. This move is happening in Telangana with the goal of strengthening the organization while keeping social and political balance. Discussions included representation for SCs, STs, minorities, and forward castes, as of August 8, 2026. The leadership is weighing various candidates considering caste, regional, and political factors. Subsequently, the party is also looking to fill the vacant TPCC Campaign Committee chairman post.

🏘️ Affordable homes shrinking, luxury stock up 43%

Unsold residential inventory across eight major Indian markets rose by 4% year-on-year to 5,25,695 units by H1 2026. This trend shows a clear divide, as inventory in high-priced segments is building up much faster than in affordable ones. Specifically, the Rs 2-5 crore segment saw a sharp 43% rise in unsold stock during this period. The overall Quarters to Sell (QTS) increased to 6.0 quarters in H1 2026. This signals that premium housing inventory accumulation needs careful monitoring going forward. 📈

💧 El Nino warns of big rainfall deficit this season

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu warned of a potential 39% rainfall deficit this season due to El Niño's impact. He stated that August alone is expected to see a 56% deficit compared to normal levels. The state normally gets 867 mm of rain from June to December, but only 525 mm is currently estimated. Reservoir storage is low at 563.05 TMC ft, down from 825.67 TMC ft last year. Officials were directed to manage drinking water and agricultural needs effectively. 🌧️

😠 Ex-MNF fighters challenge CM over peace accord remarks

Former Mizo National Front fighters' associations strongly criticized Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma for comments about the 1986 peace accord and ILP system. This happened on Saturday, with the criticism stemming from alleged remarks made by CM Lalduhoma on July 31 at Mizoram Law College. The former fighters argue that his statements belittle the safeguards and sacrifices that secured peace in Mizoram. They asserted that the accord, signed with various parties, cannot be altered without consulting the state government. Consequently, one leader demanded that if the CM cannot safeguard the accord, he should step down. 😠

🧐 Pistachios tainted with insects; food firm licence suspended

A food regulator recently discovered insects contaminating batches of pistachios. This contamination was found within products supplied by a specific food firm operating in the region. The inspection revealed the issue occurred across several batches during the past month. This incident has led the regulatory body to suspend the firm's operating license immediately. Authorities are now investigating the quality control lapses to prevent future occurrences. 🧐

🛡️ Tarun Tejpal's daughter defends father

Tarun Tejpal's daughter spoke out regarding the controversy surrounding her father's investigative journalism. She defended her father against accusations that he was targeted for his reporting. The situation has drawn significant attention in the media circles. Tejpal was known for his in-depth and sometimes critical journalistic work. His daughter continues to support his professional integrity amidst the ongoing discussions.

⚡ iQOO Z11 display and design specs confirmed

The iQOO Z11 is set to launch in the Indian market on August 20. The phone will feature a 6.83-inch 3D curved AMOLED screen, with a 93.82% screen-to-body ratio. It will be powered by the Dimensity 7500 Turbo chipset, coming with 12GB RAM and running Android 16. This combination of display and a one-piece narrow frame promises a premium look and immersive experience. Further details about the Z11 are expected before its official release on August 20.

👮 Two arrested for trying to extort money from officer

Two individuals, posing as journalists, were arrested by Asifabad police for intimidating an agricultural officer. The arrested men, B. Devender and D. Suresh, are residents of Kumram Bheem Asifabad district. They allegedly demanded ₹20 lakh and received ₹1.30 lakh on July 26th. This extortion attempt was linked to pressure to cancel a trader's license over a personal dispute. Further investigation into the matter is currently ongoing by the police. 👮