🛵 Yamaha sales jump in July, Ray leads the charge

Yamaha Motor India saw total dispatches reach 72,579 units in July 2026, showing a strong 44% year-on-year growth. The company achieved this performance across India, with the Yamaha Ray scooter being the top seller. Specifically, July 2026 saw a 45% YoY increase for Ray, while the R15 posted a 59% YoY jump. The standout growth came from the Aerox, which grew by 103% YoY, signaling strong momentum. Yamaha is heading into the second half of 2026 with significantly boosted product momentum across key segments.

🧐 Congress slams govt over caste census plans

The Congress party has started an attack on the central government, alleging a deep conspiracy to undercount the OBC population in the 2027 caste census. This opposition targets the BJP-led NDA government over the methodology used in the upcoming decadal census. The Congress questions the open-ended question format, contrasting it with pre-defined lists used in Bihar and Telangana. The party also accused the Modi government of deliberately excluding the OBC category from the questionnaire. This debate heats up ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. 🧐

🎓 Odisha labourer earns engineering degree in Kannur

Rinku Uthan Singh, a migrant labourer from Odisha, successfully completed his BTech in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering. He studied at Vimal Jyothi Engineering College in Chemperi, Kannur, after working as a construction labourer. He pursued this goal despite financial struggles and language barriers over several years. The college offered him a full scholarship and support from faculty members to help him achieve his dream. Currently, he is in a three-month placement course aiming to support his family. 🎓

⚡ KSEB reopens power line shifting scheme for BPL housing

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has restarted a scheme offering expense concessions for moving power lines for houses. This benefit is available to BPL applicants under the LIFE Mission housing scheme in Kerala. Previously, the scheme allowed up to ₹50,000 per case from KSEB funds for shifting 11 kV and LT lines, with the initial period ending on February 16, 2026. The extension, directed by Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph, now runs until March 31, 2027, and includes PMAY-LIFE beneficiaries. Furthermore, cases where the applicant doesn't have absolute land ownership can now be considered. 🏠

💰 Another arrest in Payyannur gold robbery case

The special investigation team (SIT) arrested a fourth accused in the gold robbery incident. Abhinav, 36, from Chokli, was taken into custody from Iriitty on Tuesday, August 18, 20206. The gang allegedly robbed gold merchant Kumar Jalandhar Nigam and his family on June 2 near Edat. They reportedly stole about 30 sovereigns of gold and nearly ₹1.5 crore in cash. Abhinav will now be presented in court as part of the ongoing investigation.

📚 NCERT political science team formed with RSS links

NCERT has reconstituted its Textbook Development Team for Classes 11 and 12 political science textbooks to embed themes like cultural rootedness and Indian knowledge systems. The panel, led by Sandeep Shastri, must complete the Class 11 book by November and the Class 12 book by July next year. Several team members have documented associations with RSS-linked organizations, including ABVP and BJP. Key members include Yadunath Deshpande and Vandana Mishra from JNU and other institutions. The team will integrate topics like inclusion and educational technology into the revised curriculum. 📚

🏏 Deepesh's post-fast-bowling advice is simple

Deepesh shared his checklist following a session where he bowled at 146kph. He shared these insights while practicing at a venue not specified in the article. This high speed was maintained during his recent bowling drills. The advice focused on sustaining high pace while also enjoying the process of cricket. He emphasized the importance of keeping the momentum going and having fun on the pitch. 🏏

🗳️ Trump ally Lindell refuses to concede in MN primary

Mike Lindell has refused to accept his defeat in the Minnesota Governor Republican primary last week. He lost to Lisa Demuth in the August 11 primary, despite Trump's endorsement. Lindell is offering to fund a full recount of every paper ballot, which would cost about $825,000. He claims this is necessary due to perceived irregularities in the election reporting data. Lindell must submit the request and payment by August 24th. 🗳️

🔥 Brahmastra 2 set for April 2027 with Ranbir, Alia

'Brahmastra 2' is gearing up to continue the Astraverse story after the 2022 release. Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt are set to reunite under director Ayan Mukerji. Filming is expected to start around April 2027, following Ranbir's work on 'Ramayana Part 2' by January 2027. Ayan Mukerji is reportedly in talks with Deepika Padukone for the role of Amruta in the sequel. The film will feature Ranbir in a demanding dual role as both Shiva and Dev.

🏀 Cavaliers snag $88M star in big 5-team trade

Peyton Watson has been acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers in a complex five-team trade deal. The move involves the Denver Nuggets, Clippers, Wizards, and Kings, concluding an offseason standoff. Watson signs a four-year, $88 million contract, which was confirmed on Wednesday evening. This acquisition bolsters Cleveland's potential lineup, replacing Max Strus on the roster. The teams' next focus will be on clarifying Cleveland's cap situation with James Harden's new contract.

😔 9yo girl raped, murdered in Pune; man arrested

A nine-year-old girl was tragically raped and murdered in a district of Pune. The incident involved a specific man who has since been apprehended by authorities. The crime occurred recently, with police actively investigating the details surrounding the case. This horrific event has sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted a major investigation. Further legal proceedings against the arrested individual are expected to follow the trial process. 😔