🏦 RBI members hint at possible rate hike soon

RBI MPC members signaled interest rate hikes might come sooner rather than later due to expected rising inflation. This discussion happened during the August review of the monetary policy committee by the six-member MPC. Headline inflation is projected to peak at 5.9% in Q3 2026-27, while core inflation is set to average 4.3% in FY27. Risks like food and fuel price increases could trigger policy tightening as per RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra. The next major decision will be made at the MPC meeting scheduled for October 5-7. 📈

⚽ East Bengal vs SC Delhi ends in goalless draw

The Durand Cup 2026 semifinal match between East Bengal and SC Delhi ended with a 0-0 scoreline at the Salt Lake Stadium. Both teams had several chances, including a penalty miss by Rodriguinho for SC Delhi. Rashid hit the crossbar, and East Bengal missed numerous opportunities during the first half. Coach Antonio Habas was reportedly unhappy with his side's finishing performance. The match continues into the second half with both sides still seeking a decisive goal.

💸 Amazon fined for fake Ram temple prasad listings

The CCPA fined Amazon Rs 1 lakh for listing ordinary sweets as Ayodhya Ram temple prasad. This action targeted listings by Chandu Trading Company in India. The penalty was issued after a complaint in January 2024 concerning sweets like ghee laddoos. The ruling clarifies that platforms cannot claim immunity as mere intermediaries in deceptive trade. Furthermore, restrictions are now expanded to 10 major religious institutions.

🚀 Firefly plans Moon mission with Zeno nuclear payload

Firefly has announced its intention to deliver a Zeno nuclear payload to the Moon. This ambitious project involves the company and its partners, though specific locations are not detailed. The mission is scheduled to take place in 2028. This move signifies a major push into advanced space exploration and nuclear technology integration. Future updates will provide more details on the mission's execution plan. 🚀

🤔 Russian influencer thought Mumbai's street food was pricey

A Russian influencer initially felt that Mumbai's Rs 60 pani puri was too expensive. This influencer was visiting Mumbai and commented on the local street food pricing. The reported price for the pani puri in Mumbai was Rs 60. She later observed the pricing in Dubai and realized her initial judgment was incorrect. This comparison prompted her to acknowledge that her earlier opinion about the cost was flawed.

🚨 Consultants blamed for road deaths, says Gadkari

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stated that consultants creating faulty Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are responsible for highway accidents and fatalities. He made this strong statement during the 4th Edition of the Tunnels & Bridges Conference in New Delhi, on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. Gadkari noted that 5 lakh accidents and 1.8 lakh deaths occur due to these defective DPRs. The minister warned contractors that quality compromise will lead to blacklisting and performance audits. Furthermore, his ministry is preparing tunnel tenders valued between Rs 2 lakh crore and Rs 2.5 lakh crore.

🗺️ US might review travel warnings for J&K

The US envoy, Sergio Gor, indicated that the US might review its current travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir. He stated this possibility was being considered by the US government. The review process is ongoing and has not yet been finalized as of the statement. This move follows ongoing security assessments in the region. Further updates on the advisory status are expected in the near future. 🗺️

📊 RBI Governor on Inflation: Supply Issues are the Main Cause

The RBI MPC minutes revealed that Governor Sanjay Malhotra believes inflation is primarily driven by supply-side factors. This assessment was made by the governor at the recent Monetary Policy Committee meeting. He projected that the average inflation rate for FY27 could settle around 5%. This perspective suggests that demand-side pressures are not the main concern for the central bank currently. The RBI will continue to monitor economic indicators closely as it decides on future monetary policy actions. 📊

🏛️ Supreme Court questions Shinde's disqualification status

The Supreme Court, led by Justice Joymalya Bagchi, questioned the Uddhav Thackeray faction about Eknath Shinde's potential disqualification. This discussion arose from the Maharashtra Speaker's order refusing to disqualify the splinter group MLAs. The bench heard Sunil Prabhu's plea challenging the Speaker's decision, alongside Uddhav Thackeray's petition. Lawyers argued whether the Court can bypass the Speaker's order to declare disqualification under the Tenth Schedule. The hearing, in the case of Sunil Prabhu v. Eknath Shinde, is set to continue tomorrow at 2 pm. 🏛️

⚖️ Supreme Court questions Shinde's disqualification status

The Supreme Court questioned if Eknath Shinde could be disqualified today based on the anti-defection law. This hearing involved the Uddhav Thackeray faction in the Supreme Court, dealing with the Maharashtra Speaker's order. The court examined the situation against the backdrop of the 10th Schedule of the Constitution and the March 2024 dates. The debate centers on whether the court can override the Speaker's decision and declare him disqualified. The hearing will continue tomorrow at 2 pm to further decide the matter. 🧐

✈️ US to re-evaluate J&K travel warning, says envoy

The US will re-evaluate its travel advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, according to US Ambassador Sergio Gor. This statement was made in Srinagar, J&K, following a meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The current advisory advises against travel due to terrorism and civil unrest, which has been in place for some time. Gor stressed that Jammu and Kashmir is an important part of India. Discussions are ongoing between Washington, CM Abdullah, and the Government of India regarding the region's safety.