⛽ Russia ramps up fuel supply amid drone attacks

Russia is working hard to fix its ongoing fuel shortage concerns right now. This is happening because Ukraine intensified drone attacks on Russian refineries since the spring. As of today, several refineries have resumed operations, and Novak noted this should increase domestic supply soon. The crisis has led to fuel rationing and long queues across many regions. Russia is now importing fuel from South Korea and India to manage the situation.

📉 JPMorgan Chase cuts 63 jobs in Jersey City

JPMorgan Chase has submitted another workforce reduction notice for its Jersey City office. The company plans to eliminate 63 positions at its location in Jersey City, New Jersey. This is the fifth such filing this year, bringing total cuts at the facility to 541 workers as of this report. The layoffs, detailed in the WARN notice, will begin on August 19 and continue until November 15. JPMorgan stated these adjustments are part of their regular business management practices.

🗳️ India's elections are transparent, says CEC

The Chief Election Commissioner of India stated that elections in India are conducted transparently. This assurance was given by Gyanesh Kumar at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The statement was made on Monday, August 24, 2026, during a regional conference. The CEC emphasized that the process is under concurrent audit of all parties and candidates. This initiative aims to boost democratic awareness among young citizens ahead of next year's assembly elections. 🗳️

✈️ TN CM cancels mega airport to save farmland

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay announced the cancellation of the 27,400 crore rupee Parandur airport project in the state assembly. This decision was made to safeguard local agricultural land and wetlands from runway construction concerns. The move, which faced criticism from opposition leader K Annamalai, aims to protect vital water bodies. TVK ministers also pitched Vijay as a potential future Prime Minister candidate. Separately, Minister S Keerthana addressed online trolling after a viral video incident.

📈 Stocks to watch this week: TCS, Suzlon, ICICI Bank

TCS is set to acquire Porsche AG’s IT consulting subsidiary MHP for €320 million as part of a five-year AI partnership. Suzlon Energy plans to develop 1,325 MW of new wind projects in Andhra Pradesh's Rayadurg constituency. Hindustan Copper is selling a 3% stake via an OFS with a floor price of ₹514 per share. UCO Bank approved a foreign currency fundraise of up to $1 billion via an MTN Programme. ICICI Bank priced $1 billion of five-year senior unsecured fixed-rate notes recently. 💰

🚕 Fadnavis on Marathi Mandate Amid Driver Protests

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis stated that Hindi-speaking auto and taxi drivers do not need to be Marathi experts to work in the state. He confirmed efforts are underway to teach Marathi to those who do not know the language. The compliance deadline has already been extended twice and will be extended again if requested. Fadnavis assured that the Mahayuti government will prevent unfair treatment based on language, noting many residents are integrated into the culture. This came amid protests by drivers against the language proficiency drive, which started on August 20. 🚕

📱 Apple ordered to pay over ₹1.09 lakh for faulty iPhone

The Malappuram District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ordered Apple and its service center to compensate a consumer. The consumer, T. Faisal from Tirur, bought an iPhone 14 Plus on September 13, 2023, for ₹92,250. The phone suffered from excessive heating and a faulty camera, which remained unresolved despite multiple service visits. The commission found this to be a deficiency in service and an unfair trade practice. Apple must pay the total amount, including a fine, within 45 days. 📱

🔬 Can workouts cancel out sitting risks?

Debate is heating up over whether physical activity fully offsets health risks from sedentary behavior. Researchers at Norwegian schools of science analyzed data showing heavy exercisers had minimal risk increase even with long sitting times. Conversely, a team from Deakin University argues that self-reported data is inaccurate and prolonged inactivity has distinct physiological harms. The disagreement is set to be formally debated in an upcoming issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. This ongoing discussion challenges simple fixes to modern lifestyle diseases.

💧 Farmers protest Kabini reservoir water drop

Farmers staged a dharna at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Mysuru on Monday regarding the dropping water level of the Kabini reservoir. The protest was led by the State Sugarcane Growers’ Association, who demanded stopping water release to Tamil Nadu. The reservoir level dropped nearly 10 ft from being full just 25 days prior to the protest. Farmers alleged the water release prioritized Tamil Nadu over Karnataka's local crops. They warned they might take control of the reservoir if the government doesn't act. 💧

🎤 Kangana Ranaut slays CJP's Abhijeet Dipke on English skills

Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut posted a viral reel comparing her English speaking skills with those of CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. This comparison highlighted their public speaking styles, with Kangana captioning it as 'One is fire, the other needs a reboot.' Kangana has previously addressed public mocking over her English fluency, citing past experiences in the film industry. She also criticized CJP spokesperson Saurav Das, contrasting her 20 years in public life with his claims. Next, she is set to star in a pan-India psychological thriller alongside R Madhavan. 🎬

💜 Violet hills bloom: Neelakurinji opens in Chokramudy

The Chokramudy hills in Idukki have officially opened for the rare Neelakurinji bloom, which happens every 12 years. Munnar Divisional Forest Officer Abhay Yadav inaugurated the season at the Bison Valley Trail trekking centre on Monday, August 24, 2026. Currently, 450 tourists visited the site on the opening day, with full coverage expected by September. Botanist Jomy Augustine noted that this is the 2026 cycle in Chokramudy, following the 2014 bloom. Visitors can enter for ₹200 for adults, but drones are strictly banned. 💜