✈️ Second airport privatization round gets go-ahead

The government secured in-principle approval from PPPAC for the next airport privatization wave. This process involves bundling 11 airports across five groups for a 50-year concession period with private entities. The proposed round covers major airports like Amritsar and Varanasi, with bids based on per-passenger fees for domestic throughput. A mandatory one-year joint management period is planned, keeping 60% of AAI employees for up to three years. Following this, the Ministry of Civil Aviation will conduct a market sounding exercise before seeking final approval.

🏦 SBI cash withdrawal rules changing soon

State Bank of India is updating its cash withdrawal guidelines starting October 1st. The change affects all customers across SBI branches nationwide. Previously, there were unlimited free transactions, but now there will be a fee after the first four free withdrawals. This adjustment aims to manage operational costs associated with ATM usage. Customers are advised to check their specific account details before the new rules take effect.

🏛️ SC petition challenges BCI chair's long tenure

A petition has been submitted to the Supreme Court challenging Manan Kumar Mishra's ongoing chairmanship of the Bar Council of India (BCI). Supreme Court lawyer Yogamaya MG filed the plea against Mishra's continuous tenure at the BCI. The petition contends that BCI Rule 12(2) limits the chairman's term to two years, making the April 2025 gazette extension to 2030 illegal. The petitioner is demanding Mishra's removal, a new court-supervised election, and a rotational mechanism. Additionally, the plea calls for an independent probe into the BCI Trust 'PEARL-FIRST' and All India Bar Examination finances.

🏛️ Rai blasts Misra over Ayodhya temple control

Champat Rai published an article alleging Nripendra Misra had near-complete control over the Ram temple construction. This controversy involves Rai, a former SRJTKT leader, and Misra, the temple construction chairman, in Ayodhya. The article, shared on August 18, details Misra's perceived authority during the project spanning from June 2020 to June 2026. Rai praised Misra for overcoming hurdles while criticizing his "sole in-charge" status in the process. The situation heats up amid political commentary regarding the differing allegiances of both figures. 🏛️

🗳️ Roundtable alarms over SIR process, forms voter forum in AP

Speakers at a roundtable meeting expressed serious concern over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process potentially threatening voting rights. This meeting, chaired by CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao, took place in Andhra Pradesh. The forum was formed to monitor irregularities, involving public organizations and political parties, with Senior advocate Sunkara Rajendra Prasad as convener. Mr. Srinivasa Rao alleged the SIR process was used to remove names and demanded the registration deadline be extended till the end of September. The forum will consult various groups before submitting a representation to the Chief Electoral Officer. 🗳️

🩺 CGM sensors are the next big thing for smartwatches

Wearables are now shifting focus from basic fitness to metabolic health, with Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) taking center stage. This is happening as more non-diabetic people are starting to use standalone CGM sensors. The goal is to move from just reacting to health issues toward proactive and preventive care for everyone. Medical giants like Abbott and Dexcom are partnering with tech brands such as Apple and Samsung to make this happen. This integration aims to give users a complete picture of their health, especially with rising obesity rates. 🩺

🗣️ Kharge backs Gandhi's protest over FIR

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge supported Rahul Gandhi's protest demanding an FIR against police officers. This protest took place at the Parliament Street Police Station in New Delhi. The issue stems from alleged pellet firing at students during a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar on July 20. Kharge stated the government failed to register an FIR despite giving assurances of action against the officers. He urged the protesters to continue their agitation peacefully. 🗣️

🎬 Spider-Man hits $100M+; Insidious starts low

Insidious: Out of the Further earned $3 million in previews on Thursday for its release. The movie is being shown alongside Spider-Man: Brand New Day at various theaters across the US. Spider-Man: Brand New Day cleared over $100.1 million in its third week, while Out of the Further is expected to earn $23M-$27M this weekend. This new Insidious film is a spinoff featuring Gemma who can access The Further. The franchise's previous installment, Insidious: Red Door, earned $5 million in previews.

🇧🇩 Mirza Fakhrul Alamgir takes oath as Bangladesh's president

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir officially took the oath as Bangladesh's 23rd President on Friday, August 21, 2026. He was sworn in at Bangabhaban in Dhaka, Bangladesh, by Jatiya Sangsad Acting Speaker Kayser Kamal. The election saw Alamgir secure 255 votes, defeating Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed with 88 votes. This marked the first contested presidential poll in 35 years, necessitated by a previous resignation. Alamgir subsequently administered the oath to five new cabinet members, bringing the Cabinet to 55 members.

🧑‍⚖️ BCI Chief Refuses Resignation Amid Political Pressure

BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra strongly rejected calls for his resignation following the NALSAR row. He stated that the demands were politically motivated by the CJP and Aam Aadmi Party, while addressing reporters in Delhi. Mishra noted he has held the chairmanship for 12 to 14 years, representing 25 lakh lawyers in the country. He challenged his critics to defeat him in the bar council elections instead of using social media pressure. Mishra defended his actions, claiming the directive against the NALSAR batch was withdrawn quickly after student grievances were heard. 🧑‍⚖️

🔬 Hope for deadly cancer types emerges

New treatments are showing significant promise against two of the deadliest forms of cancer. Researchers from various institutions are leading these groundbreaking studies across different medical centers. The trials have been ongoing since early 2023, with preliminary results published in late October 2023. These advancements offer new hope for patients facing aggressive diagnoses globally. Further phase three trials are scheduled to begin in the next quarter to confirm these positive outcomes. 🔬