🌍 7.4 magnitude quake hits Colombia, 69 killed

A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia on Monday, August 10, with its epicenter in Choco province on the Pacific coast. The tremors affected large areas, including Bogota, and resulted in at least 69 fatalities across the country. The quake occurred at 7:34 am local time, with a recorded depth of 79 km, according to the UNGRD. This event follows major earthquakes in Venezuela in late June, which caused massive destruction. President Abelardo de la Espriella announced he will personally oversee the recovery efforts in San Jose del Palmar.

🌍 Major 7.4 Quake Hits Colombia, Evacuations Underway

A major magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Colombia this morning, with tremors felt in Venezuela and Ecuador as well. The epicenter was located in San José del Palmar, about 250 miles west of the capital, Bogotá. Governor Nubia Carolina Cordoba-Curi confirmed injuries and building damage in Quibdó, while damage assessment is ongoing. People quickly evacuated their homes to safety following the strong tremors. Officials are expected to release the first official report soon. 🌍

⚖️ Hindutva Ideologue TG Mohandas Gets Bail in Kerala

Hindutva ideologue TG Mohandas was granted bail by the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, August 10. The Thiruvananthapuram Cyber Police had arrested him on Sunday, August 9, for his harsh remarks about NEET protesters at Jantar Mantar. Mohandas argued his bail plea was about freedom of expression and claimed the case was politically motivated. He was released on the condition to cooperate with the investigation and avoid repeating the alleged offense. This followed his controversial YouTube videos where he made violent statements against student protesters. 😠

🌍 2025 climate report shows record gas levels 🌍

Global mean concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide all reached record highs in 2025. This was detailed in the State of the Climate in 2025 report, compiled by numerous authors worldwide. Temperature metrics were above the 1991–2020 average, though gas concentrations hit new records. Carbon emissions from fires globally dropped by 26% compared to 2024. Glaciers continued to show a negative mass balance for the 38th consecutive year. 🧊

🦕 Lost dinosaur fossil rewrites ancestry map

A fossil named Silescelida acristata, living around 240 million years ago, was found in Dona Francisca, Rio Grande do Sul. This small, four-limbed reptile helps fill gaps in archosauriformes evolution, which led to crocodiles and dinosaurs. Researchers from UFSM, UFRGS, and PUCRS published this finding in Scientific Reports. The fossil shows early relatives of archosaurs experimenting with locomotion before dinosaurs rose. This discovery expands the known distribution of related species across the globe. 🦕

👶 TVK leader notes shift from big families to questioning parenthood

TVK leader JCD Prabhakar discussed the changing mindset regarding having children on Monday. He spoke while flagging off the 5th National March for Life India in Chennai. He noted that families moved from having many kids to questioning if they should have any children. This shift is attributed to financial difficulties and other modern challenges. Prabhakar emphasized the value of life, even before a child is born. 👶

🚨 Odisha-Hyderabad drug ring busted, 6kg ganja seized

An inter-state drug supply network was busted by EAGLE Force and LB Nagar police, leading to the seizure of 6 kgs of marijuana. The arrests took place on Monday morning in LB Nagar, targeting a supply route between Odisha and Hyderabad. The contraband, valued at ₹3 lakh, was part of a deal for 6 kg placed five days prior to the interception. A woman, Sunitha Nag, was involved in transporting the drug, which she sourced from an Odia cousin for a significant markup. Police are now investigating further, with six consumers already identified and several individuals absconding.

♻️ Plastic Forks Shed Microplastics, Sugar Alternative Emerges

Traditional plastic forks are found to be shedding harmful microplastics into the environment. This issue was highlighted in a report published by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. The research details the release of these tiny particles from common utensils. An innovative alternative made from sugar-based plastic is being developed as a greener option. Further testing is required to fully assess the viability of this sustainable substitute. ♻️

🌾 MLA wants probe on crop insurance payout issues

Aland MLA B.R. Patil has called for an inquiry regarding alleged irregularities in the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana compensation. Farmers in Aland taluk enrolled in the scheme but are complaining that the insurance amounts have not reached their accounts. In some panchayats like Khajuri and Duttargaon, farmers were reportedly told their crops weren't eligible for compensation. Patil demanded a detailed investigation to identify and take action against negligent officials. He also urged authorities to implement VB-G RAM G works for immediate income support. 🌾

🦅 Critically Endangered Indian Vulture Makes Comeback

A six-month-old Indian Vulture was successfully rescued, treated, and released back into the wild on August 6. This bird was found in Ramanagara, Karnataka, by the People for Animals (PfA) Wildlife Hospital, in coordination with the Forest Department. The vulture was rescued on June 10 after showing signs of being unable to move. A hairline fracture in its leg required a two-month rehabilitation program to restore its mobility. This successful release highlights the urgent need to protect this critically endangered species.

🐠 Fish development links to local habitat conditions

A new study revealed how environmental shifts impact reef fish development via thyroid hormone signaling. Researchers at OIST and CNRS investigated this using a common reef fish model in Moorea Island. The findings were documented across various ecosystems between the first and eighth days of metamorphosis. This shows that environment and development are tightly coupled, which matters for climate change threats. Thyroid hormones act as the biological bridge letting fish adjust to local conditions. 🐟