🏏 Root's captaincy comeback: soft landing, but not always easy

Joe Root displayed new authority in his return as England captain during a match against Pakistan. This performance occurred at a time when the Test side was considered beleaguered but needed direction. Root's record is now 27 wins to 26 defeats across 66 matches. While this win was a soft landing compared to his past captaincy struggles, he knows long-term things won't be this easy. He is building on tactical changes and bowler relationships moving forward. 🏏

⛽ Iraq aims to double oil output; needs OPEC's green light

Iraq is pushing to more than double its oil production to reach 8 to 10 million barrels per day. The country has dispatched ministers to Saudi Arabia to lobby for a higher OPEC production quota. OPEC+ has hired a consultancy to assess sustainable production capacity by the end of September. Furthermore, Iraq faces logistical issues due to the Strait of Hormuz disruption from Iran. The nation plans to expand exports via Turkey and Syria to meet its massive production goal. ⛽

🧑‍🚀 French astronaut becomes first woman in space

Sophie Adenot became the first French woman to walk in space during a spacewalk on August 18. She and Nasa astronaut Anil Menon performed the EVA outside the International Space Station. The initial six-and-a-half-hour operation focused on replacing a space-to-ground antenna on the Z1 truss. However, time ran out before the antenna could be fully installed and connected. They are scheduled to return on August 25 to resume the work using the Canadarm2 robotic arm. 🚀

🛑 Telangana CM's US trip cancelled by Centre

Telangana CM Revanth Reddy's scheduled visit to the US has been called off. This cancellation reportedly happened after the Central government denied the necessary political clearance for the overseas travel. The decision has created significant political buzz across the state. The Congress party has strongly criticized the Centre, labeling the move as "petty politics." This controversy raises questions about permissions granted to sitting Chief Ministers.

😠 BJP goons allegedly attack CJP volunteers near Jaipur

Arvind Kejriwal sharply criticized the BJP following an alleged assault on CJP volunteers near Jaipur. The incident occurred in Rampura-Kanwarpura village while the team was assessing a government primary school for their "School Thik Karo" campaign. On Friday, the volunteers were allegedly beaten, their clothes torn, and their car windows smashed. CJP co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka claimed BJP workers were mobilized to disrupt the inspection, not ordinary villagers. This confrontation is expected to escalate the political dispute regarding school infrastructure transparency. 🏫

😥 Bangladeshi tourists stranded as Kolkata budget hotels close

Budget hotels in Kolkata have unexpectedly shut down, leaving many tourists, predominantly from Bangladesh, stranded. These travelers were asked to vacate rooms booked weeks prior and now face much higher accommodation costs. On Friday, individuals like Rehena Rahman and Sheikh Saidul Islam Raju faced sudden displacement from places like Hotel Arfaan International. Previously affordable rooms, costing around Rs 900 to Rs 1,000, are now being quoted between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,500. Hotel owners' association leaders criticized the administration for not giving guests time to find alternatives.

🌟 The Miz & Maryse's $14M Empire

Mike “The Miz” Mizanin and Maryse Ouellet have built a massive entertainment empire from their WWE careers. The couple has successfully diversified their income through acting, reality TV, and business ventures. In 2026, their combined net worth is estimated to be around $14 million. Their financial strength comes from multiple streams beyond wrestling, including real estate investments. Both stars are expected to continue growing their wealth through ongoing entertainment projects. 💰

💸 J&K power bills to see 6.83% hike starting Sept 1

Electricity consumers in Jammu and Kashmir will face a tariff increase starting September 1, 2026. The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission approved this revised tariff for JPDCL and KPDCL across the region. The order, issued on August 20, sets the average tariff hike at 6.83% for the period until March 31, 2027. While rates are rising, concessions are maintained for BPL and small agricultural consumers. Consumers' final bills will depend on their category, load, and usage patterns. ⚡

✈️ 20k+ Pakistanis deported from Gulf nations

Over 20,000 Pakistani nationals were deported from Gulf countries between March 1 and July 13. Saudi Arabia and the UAE were the main actors in this deportation drive. During this period, Saudi Arabia deported 15,500 people while the UAE accounted for 3,803 cases. Reasons included begging, security concerns, and various immigration violations. Future actions will depend on the formal documentation processes for these cases.

🧐 India slams US call to sanction RSS

India firmly rejected the US Commission on International Religious Freedom's demand for RSS sanctions and restricting Mohan Bhagwat's US visit. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the USCIRF a biased organization with its own agenda. This reaction followed USCIRF Commissioner Gene Mills' call for sanctions against RSS members for Freedom of Religious Belief violations. The USCIRF had previously recommended targeted sanctions against the RSS and designating India as a country of particular concern. India is now escalating the long-running dispute over religious freedom claims with the US. 🧐

🛡️ Pakistan passes new military law, boosting CDF power

Pakistan has enacted the Defence Forces Act 2026 and amended the National Command Authority Act to reshape its military structure. The legislation grants Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Chief of Defence Forces, operational command over the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This follows the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which established the CDF role and made the Army Chief hold both positions. The National Assembly approved these measures despite an opposition walkout, while PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari voiced objections. These changes also alter the nation's strategic and nuclear command framework going forward. 🛡️