Below the line - The HinduBusinessLineSENSEX 77,264.51+ 330.92NIFTY 24,175.65+ 84.80CRUDEOIL 7,983.00+ 19.00GOLD 156,332.00 -2,664.00SILVER 236,835.00 -3,816.00SENSEX 77,264.51+ 330.92NIFTY 24,175.65+ 84.80NIFTY 24,175.65+ 84.80CRUDEOIL 7,983.00+ 19.00CRUDEOIL 7,983.00+ 19.00GOLD 156,332.00 -2,664.00'; } document.getElementById("lgdv").innerHTML = htmlElements; } function numberformat(i) { return Number(parseFloat(i).toFixed(2)).toLocaleString('en', { minimumFractionDigits: 2 }) } async function gatherResponse(response) { const { headers } = response; const contentType = headers.get('content-type') || ''; if (contentType.includes('application/json')) { return await response.json() } return response.text(); } function getWidth() { if (Math.max(document.body.scrollWidth,document.documentElement.scrollWidth,document.body.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.clientWidth) > 991) { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "none"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "block"; } else { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "block"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "none"; } } getWidth();]]>Sugar prices: Causing controversies | Photo Credit: GOVARTHAN MNot-so-sweet standoffThe surge in sugar prices has created a divide between manufacturers and traders. The manufacturers seem to be pinning the blame on traders for the commodity’s soaring prices.However, at least a couple of senior industry leaders among manufacturers have criticised blaming the traders. “How can you accuse your own customers?” remarked a senior leader.On the other hand, a senior trader wondered why the government has not even issued a show-cause notice to any sugar mill, while targeting traders. Even as the government’s press release points fingers at the manufacturers, but traders are puzzled at the inaction.E20 conundrumsThe Case of E20 fuel has turned into a high-octane drama where everyone is trying to pump up public confidence, but the underlying tension is proving hard to tank.At the recent BPCL press conference, things got a bit too “refined”. Chairman Sanjay Khanna found his words heavily diluted after telling journalists that rolling back the supply chain from E20 to E10 would face ‘no major logistical hurdles’ if policies shifted.The media immediately stepped on the gas, reporting it as an impending fuel rollback.Realising the narrative was veering dangerously off-course, BPCL quickly issued a clarification to put the brakes on the rumours, stating firmly that there is absolutely no proposal to switch back to E10.The company reiterated that after three years and millions of vehicles, E20 hasn’t caused any engine damage. Instead, it turned the narrative towards reduction in pollution, rural wealth boost, and foreign exchange savings. For now, the government is holding firm on its green mandate, leaving oil PSUs to carefully manage the public relations part.Instead of a smooth ride, the E20 transition is making everyone, from drivers to executives, to feel the heat!Meme warsThe BJP has started a virtual war against ‘Dimagi Naxals’, by posting violent clips on social media from Hollywood and Indian cinema and web series — KGF, Mirzapur, RRR and Spartacus.The KGF post, in particular, has drawn sharp criticism, with critics saying political opponents were being portrayed as targets of violence. A retired officer has urged DGPs of all States to take action against violence being incited through these posts.Published on August 30, 2026Sign into Unlock benefits!Access 10 free stories per monthAccess to comment on every storySign up/Manage to our newslettersGet notified by email for early preview to new features, discounts & offers${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }