Good morning! Here’s your quick catch-up on the biggest stories making headlines.
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has accused the Modi government of silencing criticism of the E20 fuel policy, claiming social media posts and videos questioning it are being removed.
Meanwhile, Jharkhand students will continue their protest over alleged irregularities in the JPSC-JSSC examinations. The Soren government has accepted around half of their demands, including cancellation of the JPSC-PT exam, but the deadlock over the JSSC-CGL exam continues.
In another major development, the captain of an Air India Phuket-Delhi flight has reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances following the August 4 turbulence incident that left 17 people injured. Air India has not confirmed the report.
Along with these, we’ve rounded up the other top stories you need to start your day.
Today’s Top Headlines
Kejriwal sounds E20 alarm, says ‘being rolled out nationwide’
E20 fuel debate is moving beyond mileage and engine compatibility. The political fight is now shifting to free speech and public choice.
AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal has accused the Modi government of silencing criticism of the policy, claiming social media posts and videos are being removed.
Centre has yet to respond to the allegations. AAP wants fuel-test results made public and consumers given a choice between E20 and traditional petrol.
As the row widens, the questions over transparency, vehicle compatibility and consumer choice are unlikely to disappear soon. READ MORE
Jharkhand students’ protest escalates, Assembly gherao today
A partial breakthrough has failed to settle Jharkhand’s student agitation. After three rounds of talks, the Soren government accepted around half of the protesters’ demands, including cancellation of the JPSC-PT exam, but the deadlock over the JSSC-CGL examination remains.
With no full agreement in sight, students are pressing ahead with a planned Assembly gherao today.
Security has been tightened as both sides prepare for another confrontation. READ MORE
Air India Phuket-Delhi pilot reportedly fails dope test
A routine flight has drawn fresh scrutiny after the captain of an Air India flight reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances following a turbulence incident that injured 17 people.
The Air India Phuket-Delhi flight suddenly dropped around 300 feet on Aug. 4 before landing safely in Delhi, putting the crew under investigation.
Air India has not confirmed the reported test result. The captain and crew have been removed from flying duties as authorities examine what caused the incident and whether the test has any bearing on it. READ MORE
Biscuit to shampoo prices may rise; firms eye up to 5% hike
The cost of everyday essentials, including biscuits, soaps, and shampoo, is likely to hit household budgets as FMCG companies face rising input costs and shrinking margins.
After prices rose 2-5% in the April-June quarter, major players are preparing another round of hikes for July-September, while some may quietly cut pack sizes instead.
Palm oil, sugar and crude oil prices are adding pressure due to the West Asia war. With companies weighing price hikes and shrinkflation, consumers could soon feel the pinch at the checkout. READ MORE
Khamenei breaks silence? First video since war released
Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has reappeared in public, but the video may raise as many questions as it answers.
Mojtaba has appeared for the first time since the war began, as footage released by Iranian media shows him speaking to people seated on the ground.
The timing and recording date remain unclear. That matters because conflicting reports have circulated about his health and whereabouts. While the video challenges claims of a critical condition, questions over when and where it was filmed remain unanswered. READ MORE
The Day Ahead
1. Monsoon Session Day 16: Govt likely to table FCRA Amendment Bill, may trigger fresh flashpoint with opposition
2. Farmers, trade unions call nationwide ‘Jail Bharo’ protest on Aug 10, demand ₹31,000 minimum wage, end to privatisation
3. Delhi HC to hear ED plea challenging Kejriwal’s bail in liquor policy case; CAG flags ₹2,026 crore revenue loss over policy anomalies
4. Nepal PM Balendra Shah to meet Indian envoy; 1st one-on-one diplomatic engagement after over 100 days in office
5. Ducati Monster V2 set for India launch on Aug 10 with new 890cc engine
Visual Of The Day
PM Modi met India’s Commonwealth Games 2026 medal winners at his residence (Photo: PTI)
Today In History
Statement Of The Day
News With A Twist
News With A Twist
Gossip pays! Woman turns neighbours’ whispers into fortune, buys 2 houses
The day’s oddest stories have a way of reminding us that real life rarely follows a script. From a woman who turned neighbourhood gossip into a million-dollar career to a teenager who reportedly spent years living in a pond, the strange and unexpected can emerge from the most ordinary places.
Elsewhere, a cat has found a new role as a ‘police officer’, Dubai has created a street where rain falls even during summer, and a 24-year friendship has sent a man travelling 3,000 km to find his long-lost pen pal. Each story offers a curious glimpse into lives shaped by chance, persistence and a touch of the unusual.
Here are five quirky stories that grabbed attention across the world. READ MORE
News in Headlines
1. H1B visa holder could be deported if they lose jobs, 5 lakh Indians to be affected. READ MORE
2. Buying hybrid & EVs could be cheaper from 1st April 2027, diesel and petrol cars to become costly. READ MORE
3. Netanyahu rejects Trump’s Gaza plan, demands Hamas fully disarm first. READ MORE
4. Meta must comply with Indian law of force consequences, says centre. READ MORE
5. Mamata Banerjee’s convoy ambushed, villagers raise ‘chor’ slogans. READ MORE
