India is set to import sugar for the first time in more than a decade as tighter domestic supplies raise concerns over availability. The move comes as more sugarcane is being diverted to ethanol production under India’s E20 fuel programme, which aims to blend 20% ethanol with petrol. Lower sugar output and changing production priorities have added pressure to domestic stocks. The government is considering imports to stabilise supplies and control prices. While the E20 policy supports cleaner fuel and reduces oil imports, the sugar shortage has sparked debate over balancing food security with India’s growing ethanol needs. (PC: Reuters)

A Swiss tourist has been sentenced to one year in prison in Indonesia’s Bali after being found guilty of posting content on Instagram that insulted a Hindu holy day. The court ruled that the social media post violated laws protecting religious harmony. The case drew attention in Bali, where Hindu traditions and religious ceremonies play an important role in daily life. Authorities said the post was considered offensive to the Hindu community. The verdict highlights Indonesia’s strict laws against religious insults and the potential legal consequences of social media posts deemed disrespectful to religious beliefs or practices. (PC: HT)

India’s space programme is set for a major shift, with ISRO gradually moving away from manufacturing launch vehicles and routine satellites. IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka said private companies and PSUs will take over launch vehicle production, allowing ISRO to focus on research, advanced technologies, scientific missions and space infrastructure. SSLV technology has already been transferred to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, while PSLV and LVM3 could also be moved to private industry. Goenka said ISRO has already transferred 120 technologies to the private sector as India aims to expand its space economy significantly by 2033. (PC: India Today)

Ashutosh Ranka has raised concerns over the condition of the Rampura government school in Kanwarpura, Rajasthan, which has reportedly been operating from a buffalo shed for years. Ranka said he had visited the school a year earlier but found its condition largely unchanged. Referring to alleged violence during his latest visit, he asked, “Who in their right mind would choose violence over fixing school?” He demanded immediate repairs, safe classrooms and accountability for the poor infrastructure. The incident led to complaints from both sides, while authorities continue to investigate the alleged violence and other claims.  

India’s men’s hockey team crashed out of the FIH World Cup semifinal race after losing 1-3 to reigning Olympic champions Netherlands in Amstelveen on Saturday. India defended strongly in the first half, but Duco Telgenkamp, Tjep Hoedemakers and Thijs van Dam scored to seal the Dutch victory. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored India’s only goal from a penalty corner in the 52nd minute. India needed a win to keep their semifinal hopes alive but remain without points in the second round. They will face Argentina on Monday before playing the fifth-eighth place classification matches. (PC: X)

India’s Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand won bronze at the BWF World Championships after losing their women’s doubles semi-final in New Delhi. The Indian pair beat three seeded teams on their way to the last four. They started strongly against world No.1 and defending champions Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning. Treesa and Gayatri won the first game 21-18. The Chinese pair then changed their approach and won the next two games 21-13 and 21-8. The bronze is India’s first women’s doubles medal at the championships since 2011. Treesa and Gayatri called the tournament a memorable experience.

A Panama-flagged cargo ship sank in the Bay of Bengal on Saturday, about 444 km from Odisha’s Paradip coast. The ship was carrying 24 crew members and was heading to Singapore with iron ore from Odisha. It had arrived at Paradip on August 20 and left the coast on Friday. The Indian Coast Guard and Navy have launched a search and rescue operation. Other ships in the area have also been alerted to help. Officials are still checking how many crew members were rescued. Most of those on board were reportedly Chinese. The cause of the sinking is not yet known.

A government primary school in Jaipur district has been moved from a cattle shed to a house after 18 children were forced to study there. The school building was declared unsafe. The move came after CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke issued a 48-hour ultimatum following a dispute during a school inspection. Villagers later approached the education department and requested a safer location. A local resident offered his house for classes, allowing lessons to resume on Saturday. Villagers also promised to support construction of a permanent school building. Rajasthan Education Minister Madan Dilawar urged people to keep political activity out of schools.

Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer after slapping Philadelphia Union player Quinn Sullivan during a heated match. The incident happened in the 101st minute of Miami’s 2-2 draw with Philadelphia. Messi slapped Sullivan on the back of the neck during a tense exchange. MLS rules ban players from hitting an opponent’s head, neck or face. Messi was fined an undisclosed amount. Union midfielder Ian Fray was also fined for a separate incident involving Sullivan. Meanwhile, Sullivan’s red card was overturned after an independent review. Messi scored one goal and provided an assist in the match.

Wildfires are becoming a bigger threat to homes and businesses across the UK, according to new analysis. Nearly 19% of large wildfires in England and Wales came within 500 metres of built-up areas this year. Fires are also burning for longer and covering larger areas. Wales has been hit hardest, with nearly 15,500 hectares burned in 2026. Fire chiefs said more than 1,100 wildfires have been reported across England and Wales. They warned that services are under pressure after years of cuts. Experts say climate change, heat and drought are increasing the risk. The danger could double in coming decades.