✨ 90-year-old Co-optex gets a modern glow-up

The 90-year-old legacy handloom brand, Co-optex, is undergoing a major revamp to attract younger buyers. Located in Tamil Nadu, the cooperative is expanding its product line to include items for men, like silk ties and linen shirts. This strategic shift was announced with the launch of its new retail concept, 'Vetri Thari', recently unveiled by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. The brand is also evolving towards fast fashion to meet modern consumer demands and is increasing its digital presence on platforms like Instamart. Over the next five years, the department aims to open six new stores to support this expansion.

📱 iPhone 17 might break a 15-year flagship streak

The iPhone 17, launched last September, is rumored to break a major record set by a previous model. This record belongs to the iPhone 4, which was Apple’s top iPhone from June 2010 until October 2011. The iPhone 17 is projected to sit at the top for about 18 months, surpassing the iPhone 4’s 15.7-month run. Unlike the past, the iPhone 17 cycle will feature annual Pro models and a potential folding iPhone. This sets a new benchmark for the longest standard iPhone availability. 🚀

🔪 Gorakhpur man hacked to death; revenge suspected

A 52-year-old man, Shivkumar Tripathi, was hacked to death in Gorakhpur district after being attacked at a brahm bhoj. The attack occurred on Saturday evening in Ahirauli village under the Sikriganj police station area. Police suspect the killing may be revenge for a 2024 murder case involving the accused's cousin, Adesh Chaudhary. Several people have been detained as investigators probe the exact motive and the role of those involved. A case has been registered, and the body has been sent for post-mortem investigation.

🙏 Christian leaders urge Amit Shah to pause FCRA Bill

Christian bodies and the Mizoram CM made public appeals to Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday, August 9, 2026. These leaders contacted the Centre from Mizoram to request the rollback of the Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The bill, introduced on March 25, 2026, includes a provision for a 'designated authority' over NGO assets. Concerns were raised that the bill is detrimental to minorities and the Christian community in particular. They are asking for the Bill to be referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for review.

🏏 TNPL 2026: Spartans vs Panthers clash on Aug 10

Match 11 of the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2026 is set between Salem Spartans and Siechem Madurai Panthers on August 10th at NPR College, Dindigul. The Spartans are currently at the bottom of the table with 2 losses, while Panthers sit in second place with 2 wins. Salem Spartans scored 152 for 9, whereas Panthers recently chased 239 for 4. NS Chaturved of the Panthers is predicted to be the top batter, supported by a predicted Panthers win. The toss is also expected to go to Siechem Madurai Panthers.

🎬 Kiara credits Yash for her intense role in Toxic

Kiara Advani discussed the recently released trailer for Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown Ups, where she plays Nadia. She credited her co-star Yash and director Geetu Mohandas for enabling her to take on this intense revenge role. Kiara stated that they believed in her capability even before she realized her own potential as an actor. She expressed deep gratitude for the creative environment provided during the film's shoot. The actor is excited for the audience to finally experience the character Nadia on screen.

☕ KFDC launches 'Athma' tea and coffee brand

The Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) is set to release tea and coffee sourced from its own plantations under the new 'Athma' brand. This launch will take place in September, as announced by KFDC Mananthavady Divisional Manager Sajeer K.V. The products will be marketed using KFDC's existing Vanopahar brand identity. Athma will feature tea from the Mananthavady plantation and coffee from Nelliyampathy, Munnar, and Gavi. This marks KFDC's first venture into the tea market, expanding beyond its current unblended coffee powder sales. ☕

⚖️ Daughter claims father's innocence in rape conviction

Tarun Tejpal's daughter, Cara Tejpal, has strongly asserted her father's innocence following his conviction. The conviction happened in the Bombay High Court, which sentenced him on Thursday. The case stems from allegations of sexual assault in November 2013 during the ThinkFest event in Goa. Cara Tejpal claims the conviction was engineered by the BJP due to Tehelka's fearless journalism. He plans to approach the Supreme Court regarding the matter.

🛡️ Deco eyeing center-backs after Araujo exit

The unexpected departure of Ronald Araujo to Liverpool has left a gap in Barcelona's defense. Deco and Co. are actively scouting the market for replacements, admiring Aymeric Laporte as a top option. The pair formed an impenetrable wall for La Roja during the FIFA World Cup. However, Barcelona has several other targets like Castello Lukeba and William Saliba under consideration. The club's final defensive signings may depend on the fees from departures like Ferran Torres. 🛡️

✨ Betelgeuse's secret blue partner found 👀

Astronomers discovered a small, blue companion orbiting the giant orange star Betelgeuse. The finding was made by Dr. Miguel Montargès and colleagues using the Very Large Telescope in Chile. The detection occurred in December 2024, after proposals from Goldberg and MacLeod's teams. This binarity is fundamental, as the companion might be affecting the supergiant's dust and brightness cycle. The next key observation to confirm Betelgeuse B is scheduled for spring 2027. 🌟

⚛️ Humanitarian Atom Fest wraps up in Trivandrum

The Humanitarian Atom Fest concluded on Sunday, marking the 55th anniversary of the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation. This event, organized by the Honorary Consulate of Russia in Thiruvananthapuram with the International Russophile Movement, showcased India-Russia collaboration in peaceful nuclear energy use. Former diplomat T.P. Sreenivasan inaugurated the closing ceremony of the fest. Key speakers included M.G. Rajamanickam, Ratheesh Nair, Dmitry Savvin, and Anastasia Morozova. The gathering reinforced the ongoing strong ties between India and Russia in this vital sector.