📉 Sugar Prices Drop 18% After Record High

Sugar prices have cooled down by 18% after peaking at a record Rs 67 per kg last week. This drop is being seen across the country, with ex-mill rates falling to Rs 55 per kg, according to Food Secretary Sanjeev Chopra. The government allowed 1 million tonnes of raw sugar imports and cracked down on hoarding to curb the earlier price hike. Despite production estimates of 306 lakh tonnes for 2025-26, national demand remains around 280-285 lakh tonnes. Consumers have not yet seen this fall in wholesale or retail markets, however. 📉

🗣️ BJP says EWS quota addressed upper-caste concerns

BJP spokesperson Ajay Alok claimed the NDA government addressed upper-caste concerns through the 10% EWS quota. He stated this was an attempt to deepen caste divisions during protests in India. The EWS quota was introduced in 2019, and Alok cited the NCBC and Rohini Commission's work. Activists countered, accusing him of silencing voices affected by policy changes. The controversy adds tension to the ongoing mobilization against UGC regulations. 😟

⚖️ Journalist Tarun Tejpal must surrender in 2013 rape case

The Supreme Court has directed journalist Tarun Tejpal to surrender to authorities within two weeks. Tejpal, the former editor-in-chief of Tehelka magazine, was convicted of raping and sexually harassing a junior colleague in 2013 in Bombay. The court set a deadline of September 22 for him to submit his surrender certificate. This follows the Bombay High Court's conviction and the Goa government seeking life imprisonment. The case stems from an elevator incident in 2013, after an initial acquittal in May 2021.

🏛️ UPSC hiring for 80 Provident Fund Commissioner roles

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has opened applications for 80 Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner posts in the EPFO. This recruitment drive is for the Ministry of Labour and Employment, with applications open from August 22 to September 11. Of the 80 spots, 29 are for unreserved, 8 for EWS, 18 for OBC, 15 for SC, and 10 for ST categories. Selected candidates will be placed at Level 10 in the Pay Matrix, requiring a university degree for eligibility. The role involves statutory functions like handling claims and administrative duties.

🤝 CM invites Bidadi protestors for talks after 540 days

After 540 days of ongoing protests, Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar has invited opposing farmers for discussions concerning the Bidadi Township project. These farmers had been protesting at Bairamangala Circle before moving to Bengaluru's Freedom Park. The invitation targets 25 representatives from Samyukta Horata Karnataka and the Bairamangala-Kanchugaranahalli Horata Samithi, as of August 18, 2026. Farmer leaders, including Badagalapura Nagendra, will meet the CM at Vidhana Soudha to voice their demands. Their main plea is to cancel the Bidadi Township project and halt the ongoing land acquisition process.

🚨 Third player penalized in India vs Sri Lanka Test

Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya received an official reprimand and one demerit point for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct. This sanction occurred during the second Test against India in Colombo. The incident happened on Monday after Jayasuriya was dismissed on the second day's play. This follows punishments given to Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando for a previous on-field confrontation. Now three players have been sanctioned during this ICC World Test Championship contest. 🏏

🏏 Another Lankan player gets sanctioned in India vs SL Test

Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya received an official reprimand for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the ongoing Test match. This disciplinary action took place in Colombo during the second day's play against India. Jayasuriya struck the boundary wedges with his bat after being dismissed on Monday, leading to the sanction. This marks the third player punished in the Test, following incidents involving Yashasvi Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando. The demerit point is added to his record, concluding the disciplinary issues for this series. 🏏

🚀 Astronaut Menon's 3rd spacewalk in a row

NASA astronaut Anil Menon is set for his third consecutive spacewalk on August 25th. He will join Sophie Adenot of the European Space Agency aboard the International Space Station. This EVA is part of three planned spacewalks for NASA in August, marking the 283rd ISS EVA overall. The pair aims to replace a high-speed antenna and potentially fix a retroreflector. Live coverage will be available on the NASA+ app starting at 7 a.m. ET. 🧑‍🚀

🚨 US sanctions four India firms over Iran imports

The US has sanctioned four India-based companies for importing petroleum and petrochemical products from Iran. This action was announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday, August 24, 2026, during a press conference in Washington, D.C. The companies were involved in transactions worth around $69 million and $25 million each. These firms were listed for knowingly engaging in transactions related to Iranian petroleum products. The US is broadening secondary sanctions to cut off Iran's financial lifelines.

🏏 T20 Premier League kicks off: Rotterdam vs Amsterdam clash

The first match of the European T20 Premier League 2026 is set between Rotterdam Dockers and Amsterdam Flames on August 26th. The game will take place at Sportpark Westvliet in The Hague. The average first innings score there is 144, while the second innings averages 130. Rotterdam Dockers, led by Faf du Plessis, are predicted to win this exciting contest. Steve Smith and Faf du Plessis are noted as top batting contenders for the match. 🏏

🌧️ Gurugram's flooding: what's really causing it?

Gurugram experiences frequent flooding due to urban development patterns. This issue is happening across the city due to infrastructure changes. Recent reports highlight that the city's built-up area has significantly increased over the past decade. The rapid construction has replaced natural water absorption areas, leading to poor drainage. Authorities are now looking at comprehensive urban planning solutions to mitigate future flood risks. 🌧️