📊 PSBs Outshine Private Banks in Efficiency Study

A working paper by EAC-PM suggests public sector banks are more efficient than private and foreign banks. The study analyzed 47 banks across FY15 to FY26, including 12 PSBs, 21 private, and 14 foreign banks. PSBs improved to 93.12% efficiency in FY26 from 72.46% in FY20, while private banks hit over 86%. The paper notes SBI performed best among PSBs, scoring 97.49%, while JP Morgan ranked first overall. Moving forward, banks are expected to adopt AI for hyper-personalization and data-driven services. 📈

🔥 Kuwaitis questioning US alliance amid regional fire

Kuwaitis are increasingly questioning their alliance with the US after Iranian attacks intensified following the US-Iran war. The presence of US troops has placed Kuwait directly in Tehran's line of fire, which has seen recurrent barrages targeting civilian and military sites. Since the conflict began in late February, Iranian strikes have killed at least 15 people, including six US troops. Despite internal dissent, analysts suggest Kuwait cannot abandon the US as Iran grows bolder in the region. The nation faces a tough balancing act due to its geography and power dynamics. 😟

✈️ US military plane lands in Moscow amidst Ukraine talks stall

A Boeing C-17 Globemaster III landed at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport on Tuesday morning. The US-registered aircraft flew directly from Riga, Latvia, arriving around 0700 GMT on August 25, 2026. This flight comes as diplomatic talks between the US and Russia regarding the Ukraine war have largely stalled. The Kremlin stated it has no information concerning this specific US military aircraft's arrival. The purpose of this unusual landing remains unconfirmed by either side. ✈️

🧐 VW tax case back to square one in Bombay HC

Volkswagen must re-argue its petition regarding a $1.4 billion tax demand from Indian customs. This case involves Skoda Auto Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd versus the Union of India at the Bombay High Court. The matter was reserved for judgment on April 28, 2025, and was initially questioned on the time-bar status of the show-cause notice. The bench decided to release the matter as the judgment was not ready for pronouncement due to work exigencies. Now, the case will be placed before a regular co-ordinate bench for an entirely new hearing. 🧐

🌕 China's lunar mission delayed, US gets a boost

China's Chang’e 7 mission to the lunar south pole has been postponed sine die due to a tropical storm. This delay gives the US an opportunity to take the lead in the race to the Moon. The mission, targeting the Shackleton crater, seeks frozen water resources near the pole. Previously, Chang’e 7 was set for November, but now the US probe, Lunar Base 1, aims for Q1 2027. First to establish a presence there gains a major strategic advantage for resource access. 🚀

🔥 Minister pushes for ₹55,000-cr payment to SCCL

Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy asked the Telangana Government to clear ₹55,000 crore in dues owed to SCCL. This funding is needed to help SCCL bid for the Koyagudem Block-3 in Bhadradri Kothagudem district. The block is being reauctioned because the original private winner failed to start production on time. Reddy stressed that SCCL needs these funds to improve its financial standing and secure more coal blocks. The minister also noted recent Central support for strengthening SCCL's operations. ⛽

🛑 Revanth's US trip blocked by MEA

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) unexpectedly halted Telangana CM Revanth Reddy's planned trip to the United States. This action was not related to the Mamdani issue as some might have thought. Separately, Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay insisted on scrapping the airport project in Parandur. This update comes from this week's edition of Powertrip, curated by Dhanya Rajendran and Shabbir Ahmed. Subscribers can read the full details every Tuesday.

🌱 CAZRI boosts farming in dry Rajasthan

The Central Arid Zone Research Institute (CAZRI) is enhancing agricultural practices in Rajasthan’s arid regions. The institute, established in 1959, helps farmers manage harsh climatic conditions through various research methods. Current focus includes water conservation and technologies to boost farm incomes, utilizing agroforestry and arid legumes. CAZRI earns about ₹40 lakh yearly from sapling sales, showing growing demand for these resources. The institute continues to develop climate-resilient farming and resource conservation methods for the area.

🏗️ Pakistan Eyes $10B US Facility Deal

Pakistan is actively pursuing a significant $10 billion US facility project. This major infrastructure push is being sought by the government in collaboration with US partners. The expected timeline for a response to this proposal is reportedly soon. This initiative aims to boost regional economic stability and energy infrastructure. Further details are anticipated as discussions move into the final stages. 🤝

🩺 KGMOA rejects Kollam's doctor reshuffle plan

The Kerala Government Medical Officers’ Association decided against cooperating with the working arrangement order in Kollam district. This decision was made because the Health department lacks sufficient human resources to sustain current services. Currently, there are 799 vacancies across the health service as of August 25, 2026. KGMOA urged the government to fill existing vacancies before implementing the 24x7 specialty care initiative. They also demanded adequate staffing for casualty services and specialist posts across all hospitals.

🗳️ Over 3 Lakh Voter Names Removed in Raichur District

A total of 3,21,396 voter names were deleted from the electoral rolls during the Special Intensive Revision in Raichur district. Deputy Commissioner Poovitha S confirmed this during a press conference held on Monday in Raichur. These deletions include 61,385 deceased voters and 1,87,941 who have permanently relocated. The revision shows an 18.75% variance compared to the 2025 electoral rolls. The window for objections runs from August 27 to October 22, with final rolls set for October 27.