# Today in India: 26 August 2026

2026-08-26T00:33:06+00:00 | Daily Digest | Indian Opinion Desk

26 August 2026 | 14 stories | Updated 22:34 IST

FSSAI issues hygiene notices to two Delhi five-star hotels, flash floods in Nepal and Tibet leave 16 dead and over 100 Indians missing, India's WTC final hopes hinge on avoiding rain in Colombo.

## FSSAI notices to JW Marriott, Andaz Aerocity over hygiene
Health & Science | 3 sources, 3 neutral
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India issued notices to JW Marriott and Andaz in Delhi's Aerocity after inspections found cockroach infestations, spoiled food and expired products. At JW Marriott, inspectors reported cockroaches, fruit flies, fungal growth on apples and a rusting water tank. Deficiencies were found across Chinese, Indian, Italian and bakery sections.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/fssai-issues-notices-to-jw-marriott-andaz-over-hygiene-violations/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/fssai-issues-notices-to-jw-marriott-andaz-over-hygiene-violations.md)

## Rain threat looms over India's WTC final hopes in Colombo
Sports | 2 sources, 2 neutral
India are in a strong position in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo, with Sri Lanka at 229 for six holding a 16-run lead at stumps on day four. Rain is the biggest threat to India's push for a win. A draw would see India share points instead of collecting 12, hurting their World Test Championship standing.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/indias-wtc-final-hopes-hinge-on-sl-test-result/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/indias-wtc-final-hopes-hinge-on-sl-test-result.md)

## SC judge seeks removal of Rajasthan HC acting chief justice
Politics | 2 sources, 1 neutral, 1 sensationalist
Supreme Court judge Justice Sandeep Mehta has written three letters to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant in August, seeking the immediate replacement of Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma. Justice Mehta alleged misconduct, favouritism and conduct unbecoming of a leader, and described a 'grim and disturbing scenario' in the high court.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/sc-judge-seeks-removal-of-rajasthan-hc-acting-chief-justice/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/sc-judge-seeks-removal-of-rajasthan-hc-acting-chief-justice.md)

## 16 dead, 105 Indians missing in Nepal flash floods from Tibet
World & Diplomacy | 5 sources, 4 neutral, 1 sensationalist
At least 16 people have died and 105 Indians are among 384 travellers listed missing after a flash flood swept through Nepal's Rasuwa district near the Tibet border on Wednesday. The flood surged through the Bhote Koshi River at around 9 am, reportedly originating from the Tibetan side. Officials are investigating whether a glacial lake outburst flood or heavy rainfall caused it.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/16-dead-105-indians-missing-in-nepal-flash-floods/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/16-dead-105-indians-missing-in-nepal-flash-floods.md)

## More from today

### 77 Isha Foundation pilgrims missing in Tibet flash flood
World & Diplomacy | 3 sources, 3 neutral
At least 77 pilgrims from Sadhguru's Isha Foundation are missing after a flash flood hit the Gyirong area of Tibet on Wednesday. The group was at an immigration office returning from the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra when the flood struck. Sadhguru said 495 pilgrims from 21 groups had returned safely, 743 remained in Tibet, and 148 were in Nepal.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/77-isha-foundation-pilgrims-missing-after-nepal-flash-floods/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/77-isha-foundation-pilgrims-missing-after-nepal-flash-floods.md)

### Maharashtra FDA chief defends Vimal ad notices to SRK, Ajay Devgn
India | 2 sources, 2 neutral
Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has defended show-cause notices issued to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn and Tiger Shroff over advertisements for Vimal Elaichi. Mundhe cited the Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2018, stating the ads amount to surrogate promotion of prohibited pan masala and tobacco products. He said the regulation casts equal responsibility on advertisers and promoters.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/maharashtra-fda-chief-tukaram-mundhe-defends-vimal-ad-notices-to-srk-ajay-devgn/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/maharashtra-fda-chief-tukaram-mundhe-defends-vimal-ad-notices-to-srk-ajay-devgn.md)

### IAF keeps transport fleet on standby for Nepal flood relief
World & Diplomacy | 2 sources, 2 neutral
The Indian Air Force has kept its transport aircraft fleet on standby for relief operations in Nepal after flash floods hit the country. A C-130J aircraft is ready to leave for Nepal, and the National Disaster Response Force has also been put on standby. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah and said India is ready to provide all possible humanitarian assistance.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/iaf-c-130-on-standby-for-nepal-flood-relief-offers-help/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/iaf-c-130-on-standby-for-nepal-flood-relief-offers-help.md)

### Sri Lanka reach 229 for six after follow-on, lead India by 16
Sports | 2 sources, 2 neutral
Sri Lanka reached 229 for six in their second innings at stumps on day four of the second Test in Colombo, leading India by 16 runs after being forced to follow on. Pasindu Sooriyabandara top-scored with 92, and Kamindu Mendis made 55, putting on a 115-run stand for the third wicket. India had bowled Sri Lanka out for 290 in the first innings.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/sri-lanka-229-6-after-follow-on-lead-by-16-runs/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/sri-lanka-229-6-after-follow-on-lead-by-16-runs.md)

### Veligonda inauguration on Aug 31 fuels Andhra-Telangana water row
Politics | 2 sources, 2 neutral
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is set to inaugurate the Veligonda project on August 31, as a fresh water dispute erupts between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana at Nagarjuna Sagar. Andhra irrigation officials released around 2,000 cusecs of water into the right canal without showing a KRMB authorisation to their Telangana counterparts, leading to a confrontation that turned physical.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/veligonda-inauguration-on-aug-31-reignites-ap-tg-krishna-water-row/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/veligonda-inauguration-on-aug-31-reignites-ap-tg-krishna-water-row.md)

### Rijiju claims Rahul Gandhi told Khera to target Himanta before polls
Politics | 2 sources, 2 neutral
Union minister Kiren Rijiju has escalated his social media spat with Congress leader Pawan Khera, claiming Rahul Gandhi asked Khera to make false allegations against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his wife before the 2021 state assembly elections. Rijiju said two senior Congress members told him this. The row began after Rijiju posted a video of himself swimming in Arunachal Pradesh.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/kiren-rijiju-hits-out-at-pawan-khera-in-swimming-video-row/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/kiren-rijiju-hits-out-at-pawan-khera-in-swimming-video-row.md)

## Useful today

### Sugar prices rise Rs 1 per kg to Rs 65, festive demand up
Business & Economy | 2 sources, 2 neutral
Retail sugar prices rose for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, with the all-India average price increasing by over Rs 1 per kg to Rs 65.05, government data showed. The maximum retail price touched Rs 76 per kg, while the modal rate was Rs 65 per kg. The increase comes despite the Centre allowing imports of 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/sugar-prices-rise-over-rs-1-kg-to-rs-65-amid-festive-demand/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/sugar-prices-rise-over-rs-1-kg-to-rs-65-amid-festive-demand.md)

### Onion prices spike 60%, chefs adapt with substitutes
Business & Economy | 2 sources, 2 neutral
Retail onion prices in Delhi have surged to Rs 55-65 per kg, nearly 60% higher than last year. The government has launched 'Kanda Express' supply trains to Delhi to ease shortages caused by delayed monsoons. Chefs are using dehydrated onion powder, cabbage or tomato-cashew bases, while others refuse to alter traditional recipes.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/chefs-beat-onion-price-spike-with-swaps-and-waste-control/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/chefs-beat-onion-price-spike-with-swaps-and-waste-control.md)

### Delhi schools told to enforce H1N1 mask rules as cases rise
Health & Science | 2 sources, 2 neutral
District Deputy Directors of Education in Delhi have been asked to ensure schools comply with H1N1 prevention measures, including mask mandates and hand hygiene, with a compliance report due by August 31, 2026. The Delhi Medical Association issued a separate advisory as the city recorded 2,308 H1N1 cases so far in 2026. The DMA advises N95 masks for those with flu symptoms.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/delhi-schools-directed-to-enforce-mask-advisory-amid-h1n1-cases/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/delhi-schools-directed-to-enforce-mask-advisory-amid-h1n1-cases.md)

### CBSE declares KVS, NVS, EMRS Tier-II results for four posts
India | 2 sources, 2 neutral
The Central Board of Secondary Education has announced Tier-II recruitment examination results for four posts under the hiring process for Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti and Eklavya Model Residential Schools. The results were released on August 25, 2026, for Post Graduate Teacher Mathematics, Trained Graduate Teacher Mathematics, TGT Sanskrit and Lab Attendant. Candidates can check through the application portal.
Brief: https://indianopinion.org/cbse-declares-kvs-nvs-emrs-tier-ii-results-for-four-posts/ (markdown https://indianopinion.org/cbse-declares-kvs-nvs-emrs-tier-ii-results-for-four-posts.md)

## The closing thought

The flash floods in Nepal and Tibet have left a trail of destruction and hundreds missing, testing India's readiness to assist a neighbour. The FSSAI action against five-star hotels in Delhi shows regulatory scrutiny is reaching places that seldom face it. On the cricket field, India's World Test Championship hopes hang on the Colombo weather. The day's events, from the courts to the hills, underline how quickly the news cycle shifts between disaster, sport, governance and regulation. What matters is how each is followed through.

## Earlier digests

- [26 August 2026](https://indianopinion.org/today-in-india-26-august-2026.md)
- [25 August 2026](https://indianopinion.org/today-in-india-25-august-2026.md)
- [24 August 2026](https://indianopinion.org/today-in-india-24-august-2026.md)
- [23 August 2026](https://indianopinion.org/today-in-india-23-august-2026.md)
- [22 August 2026](https://indianopinion.org/today-in-india-22-august-2026.md)
- [21 August 2026](https://indianopinion.org/today-in-india-21-august-2026.md)
- [20 August 2026](https://indianopinion.org/today-in-india-20-august-2026.md)

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