⚖️ Abhimanyu murder trial must wrap up fast

The Kerala High Court has ordered the Ernakulam District and Sessions Court to conclude the Abhimanyu murder trial within four months. Justice Kauser Edappagath considered the petition from Bhoopathi, Abhimanyu’s mother, who wanted the trial sped up. The case involves 16 accused and is related to Abhimanyu being stabbed to death on the Maharajas College campus in 2018. Earlier, the High Court set a nine-month deadline, which was extended by three months on October 31, 2025. The trial faces delays due to missing court records and the absconding accused. ⚖️

🌊 Most US wetlands are sinking with rising seas

A new nationwide study tracked nearly 450 coastal wetlands across the US over up to 20 years. Researchers found that 84% of these wetlands are sinking towards open water, while only 16% can keep pace with rising seas. Coastal wetlands are vital as they buffer storms and support wildlife habitats. The Gulf Coast is noted as the most vulnerable area due to human pressures. Managers can help by protecting inland migration corridors for these ecosystems. 🌊

😠 Thirumavalavan slams Udhayanidhi's speech

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader Thol. Thirumavalavan criticized Udhayanidhi Stalin's speech during a protest in Thanjavur. He called Udhayanidhi's use of a "double entendre" inappropriate for his position as Leader of Opposition. The incident has become a national controversy, with media debating the comment. Thirumavalavan suggested the state government should avoid imprisoning Udhayanidhi before the Budget Session starts on August 5. He urged against tailoring words to please crowds and condemned remarks belittling womanhood.

🚗 No Insurance, No Fuel: SC Proposes Big Rule Change

The Supreme Court has proposed a pilot project to deny fuel to vehicles lacking valid insurance to boost road safety. This measure is being directed to IRDAI and MoRTH to implement a mechanism across India. The court noted that about 16.54 crore vehicles are uninsured out of 30.48 crore nationally. This is crucial because many accident victims lack timely compensation due to this gap. The system will use ANPR cameras and real-time checks to enforce the mandatory third-party insurance under the Motor Vehicles Act. 🚦

⛽ ONGC Q1 results smash estimates with gas boost 💰

ONGC reported a surprisingly strong June quarter, significantly beating market expectations due to better revenue from new well gas. The state-run company posted a net profit of ₹17,034 crore for the quarter ending June 2026. This performance came while maintaining a ₹40,000 crore offshore investment plan. Operational production remained mostly flat due to various site challenges mentioned. ONGC anticipates these pressures will ease as major development projects start gaining speed.

🌧️ Holiday declared in Pathanamthitta due to floods

The Pathanamthitta District Collector, A. Nizamudeen, announced a holiday for all educational institutions in the district on Wednesday. This decision affects professional colleges, tuition centers, and other schools across Pathanamthitta. The holiday is in response to the ongoing flood situation and active relief operations. However, any university or other scheduled examinations will proceed as originally planned. This announcement was published on August 04, 2026.

🤖 Google is back in food ordering game with AI

Google has relaunched a restaurant ordering feature directly within Google Maps, integrating it with the Ask Maps AI chatbot. This feature allows users to chat about nearby restaurants and place pickup or delivery orders through natural language prompts. Currently, Ask Maps integrates with Toast and Square and is soon adding Uber Eats for thousands of restaurants. Restaurants only need a Google Business Profile, and there are no added fees or commissions for using this new channel. This move positions Google as a major player in the growing trend of agentic commerce.

🌾 Markfed profits big from maize e-auction

Telangana Cooperative Marketing Federation made a profit by e-auctioning nearly 11 lakh tonnes of maize procured in the Rabi season. The agency sold this grain in three phases, with the average price hitting ₹25,370 per tonne. A total of 3.8 lakh tonnes was sold urgently due to rain threat, while the rest was auctioned between July 31 and August 3. This move followed Markfed procuring a record 14.6 lakh tonnes of maize overall. Officials are now asking FCI to increase storage capacity in the state. 🌽

🚧 BJP slams 'unscientific' canal work in Thrissur

The Bharatiya Janata Party protested the canal construction on Kuruppam Road, calling it unscientific. Raghunath C. Menon, BJP mandalam president, led the protest in Thrissur city. The current UDF council is spending nearly ₹2 crore on concrete slabs, a move that has caused inconvenience. This construction follows a six-month closure of the road by the previous LDF council. The BJP warned of stronger protests if this development work continues to negatively affect the public. 🚧

🌿 Poisonous plants holding keys to future meds 🧪

Scientists found six key enzymes in wolfsbane and larkspur that could help replicate complex natural compounds. This research was conducted by a team from Michigan State University and the Czech Academy of Sciences. The discovery involved tracking thousands of genes across various species and testing the pathway in tobacco plants. This work shows how nature's toxic chemistry can be turned into safer, scalable medicines for pain and cancer. The ultimate goal is to use these blueprints to create sustainable new drug treatments.

🕊️ US-Iran talks continue, but no direct talks planned yet

Qatar confirmed that mediation efforts involving Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman are still underway to prevent escalation between the US and Iran. The focus remains on achieving a short-term resolution to potentially reignite Washington-Tehran discussions. While US officials hint at a quick deal, Iran insists its talks are only with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz reopening. This waterway, vital for global oil, has been effectively closed since late February due to regional tensions. Further developments are awaited as mediators work behind the scenes. 🚢