Bautista Agut has officially retired from professional tennis after a long career. The Spanish player announced his decision to step away from the ATP Tour circuit. His retirement comes after a substantial period of competition on the global stage. Agut plans to transition his focus to professional football instead. Fans will now watch him take on a new challenge in the boots. ⚽
The Samajwadi Party criticized the Uttar Pradesh government's pilot project focused on collecting cow urine from farmers. This initiative was launched in Bulandshahr through a farmer producer organisation, aligning with CM Yogi Adityanath's vision. Currently, 500 litres of cow urine are being collected daily from 15 surrounding villages at ₹10 per litre. The project aims to give cattle-rearing families an extra income source, with plans to expand statewide. Future plans include increasing the procurement price to ₹20 per litre.
india A firing incident involving Village Defence Guards (VDG) members resulted in one death and one injury in Udhampur district on August 14, 2026. The event reportedly took place in the hilly Pancheri area, where VDG member Surjeet Singh allegedly fired upon two civilians. Baldev Singh was killed, and Romesh Singh was critically injured and hospitalized. Officials confirmed that the incident is under investigation, suggesting it might stem from an altercation. This is the second such incident in two years in the Jammu region. 🔫
india Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra alleged that the Nadia district administration in West Bengal ordered her to vacate the Krishnanagar Circuit House late at night. She arrived around 6:30 pm and was initially allotted the room, but received a call at 9:47 pm asking her to leave. A formal order was later sent around 11 pm stating the circuit house would not be available from August 14, 2026. Moitra claimed the authorities were trying to harass her despite court protection assurances. She stated the Supreme Court had asked her to face ground realities like a freedom fighter. 😟
science The Green India Mission achieved a mere 0.03 million hectares increase in forest cover against the 1.4 million hectares target. This shortfall of 97.57 per cent was reported by the CAG after examining 16 states and Union territories. Furthermore, only 0.11 million hectares showed improvement in forest cover quality, missing its target by 91.87 per cent. The report highlighted issues like lack of convergence and poor financial management in the mission's execution. Moving forward, the findings suggest major structural and implementation flaws within the GIM framework. 🌲
india A heated exchange erupted between BJP leaders and Home Minister Priyank Kharge over a new Karnataka Bill. The BJP claims the bill indirectly targets the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) by requiring permission for private associations to use public spaces. This dispute surfaced on Friday, with BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra accusing the government of targeting the RSS. Kharge countered, questioning if the BJP implied RSS was a terrorist or criminal organization. The bill, related to the Karnataka Regulation of Use of Government Premises and Public Property, is likely to be tabled in the Monsoon Session.
india Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra alleged she was ordered by the Nadia district administration to leave the circuit house late at night. This incident occurred on August 14, 2026, in Nadia district, where she is a Lok Sabha MP from Krishnanagar. She received a call at 9:47 pm and an order at 10:52 pm, despite entering at 18:30 hrs. Moitra claims she has the right to stay as an MP and refused the order, citing a large crowd outside chanting 'Jai Shree Ram'. Opposition leaders have since raised concerns about her security and well-being. 🚨
Etcherla BJP MLA N.Eswara Rao stated that the Har Ghar Tiranga rally educated youngsters on the great sacrifices of freedom fighters. He organized a major rally covering over 30 villages across four mandals of Etcherla constituency in Srikakulam district. This event took place on the eve of the 80th Independence Day celebrations on August 15, 2026. Rao urged students to study the history of the Indian freedom struggle and biographies of national icons. He emphasized citizen participation in hoisting the flag for a Vikasit Bharat-2047.
business Former CM Naveen Patnaik called for a special Assembly session to protest the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. He sent a letter to CM Mohan Charan Majhi in Bhubaneshwar on Friday regarding the bill. The bill, passed by Parliament on Thursday, is seen as threatening Odisha's fiscal autonomy and causing massive revenue losses. Patnaik highlighted that the bill restricts state power to levy taxes on minerals, impacting crucial welfare schemes. He urged Majhi to convene an all-party meeting immediately to address these concerns. 😠
india A proposal to build a new plant at Brahmapuram for 150 tonnes of biodegradable waste was passed by the Kochi Corporation Council on Friday, August 14. The proposal, put forward by G3 Renewables Private Limited, required a ₹25–30 crore investment and three acres on lease. The vote passed with 40 votes to 19, with BJP councillors supporting the decision. Opposition leader V.A. Sreejith questioned the approval process, citing lack of site visits. Mayor V.K. Minimol defended the move, noting 100 tonnes of waste are currently dumped daily. ♻️
india Gurupadagouda Sanganagouda Patil was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Friday. He hails from Ron in the Gadag district and is the 18th Speaker since 1972. The 78-year-old was nominated by CM D.K. Shivakumar and seconded by Deputy CM G. Parameshwara. His political background includes contesting eight Assembly elections, and he is known for being a farmer and sportsperson. The BJP boycotted the election, criticizing the Congress high command's role.
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