🏥 Activist hospitalized after 9-day hunger strike protest

Activist Devendra Nath Mahto was hospitalized after his health worsened during a protest march to the Jharkhand Assembly. He, a JLKM leader, was protesting alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment exams in Ranchi. The nine-day hunger strike led to his critical condition when his blood sugar dropped drastically on Monday. Protesters clashed with police using water cannons and lathi charges near the Assembly. Mahto vows to continue the agitation, demanding reforms and cancellation of several JPSC exams. 🏥

🧐 Honduras' mammal count is finally updated after 30 years

Eight years of research meticulously sifted through 300,000 records to document Honduran mammals. This comprehensive review was conducted by Manfredo A. Turcios-Casco and 14 co-authors in Honduras. The final inventory identifies 227 native mammal species, replacing an outdated 1998 record. This effort highlights how crucial local knowledge is in wildlife research outside formal surveys. Authors predict the total could rise to 258 as more data is confirmed. 🧐

⚖️ Lok Sabha passes bill to reform India's tribunals

The Lok Sabha recently passed the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, aiming to revamp the oversight of India's various tribunals. This move involves creating a National Tribunals Commission, based in New Delhi, to monitor performance and handle complaints. The bill lists 16 tribunals under this new commission's purview, although the NCLT is notably excluded from its direct scope. These reforms follow a Supreme Court judgment that found parts of the 2021 act unconstitutional regarding judicial independence. The commission will appoint members and manage a National Tribunals Data Grid for these 16 bodies. ⚖️

🏥 Fast-ing activist hospitalised during Jharkhand protest

Devendra Mahto, who had been fasting for nine days over exam anomalies, was hospitalized after his health worsened during a planned march. He was in Ranchi, Jharkhand, when the incident occurred on Monday. During the protest against recruitment irregularities, several agitators and four policemen were injured. Mahto's aide claimed he was injured by police during a lathi-charge near the assembly. The protesters are continuing their demands for a CBI probe into the exam irregularities. 🏥

🤖 Pixel 11 Pro XL vs Pixel 10 Pro benchmark showdown

The Pixel 11 Pro XL has posted a Geekbench score that slightly surpasses the Pixel 10 Pro. This comparison was made by tech enthusiasts across various online forums. The specific benchmark scores indicate a marginal performance edge for the newer model as of early 2025. These results suggest incremental improvements in processing power over the previous generation. Future performance benchmarks will further detail the real-world differences between the two flagships.

🚢 US sells seized Russian tanker fleet for scrap

The US government has sold two seized shadow fleet tankers, Era and Lileo, to the recycler GMS. These vessels are now being sent to Alang for demolition following the sale. This action concludes a complex sanctions case involving Venezuelan oil exports and Russian ownership structures. The disposal highlighted the difficulties banks faced with sanctioned vessels even post-seizure. The sale was finalized on August 10, 2026.

🧪 Salt helps push drugs into tough bacterial biofilms

Scientists have discovered a method to use salt to drive drug-carrying particles into complex biofilms. This research was conducted by researchers at the University of Glasgow. The study showed significant results when testing on biofilm structures. Biofilms are notoriously hard to treat because bacteria form a protective barrier. This technique offers a new avenue for developing better anti-infective treatments.

⚖️ Court slams 'jeans corrupts boys' mindset

The Delhi High Court convicted a man for sexually harassing his neighbour after overturning his acquittal. This happened in Delhi, where the accused was found guilty of harassing a girl in 2013. The court observed that blaming a girl's jeans for potential 'corruption' shows a deeply troubling mindset. The high court stated that clothing choice is personal and cannot justify doubting a woman's testimony. Parents and society must instead teach conduct and respect for dignity moving forward. 🧐

😠 Rijiju challenges Gandhi over NEET debate

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticized the Opposition for cowardice regarding NEET student protests. He stated that the Centre is fully prepared to address the issue in the Lok Sabha, especially regarding Home Minister Amit Shah's reply. Rijiju noted that Rahul Gandhi had been demanding this debate for days but was now evading it. He dismissed demands for a PM statement as theatrics, urging Gandhi not to run away from the discussion. The monsoon session has seen disruptions as the Opposition pushes for accountability regarding the police crackdown. 😠

✊ Workers block roads in Bhadrachalam against govt policies

Activists from CITU, AIKS, and AIAWU staged a road blockade at the Bridge Centre in Bhadrachalam on Monday. The protest was organized as part of a nationwide call by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and CITU. Protesters demanded the repeal of the four labour codes and the VB-G RAM G Act. Police detained several individuals during the demonstration and later released them. Other protests were also held in the erstwhile Khammam district as part of the ‘Jail Bharo’ movement. ✊

🏟️ Monkey whisperers for World Championships in India

Organisers have upgraded the Indira Gandhi Stadium for the BWF World Championships to avoid past issues. The Badminton Association of India and Sports Authority of India implemented anti-bird measures following problems at the India Open in January. For the event running from August 17 to 23, new double doors and US-sourced gel are being used. PV Sindhu praised the behind-the-scenes effort, noting the solutions are uniquely Indian. Specialists are also ready to manage stray animals around the venue. 🏸