🔬 Andhra University talks higher ed & chip research

The Department of Chemical Engineering at Andhra University College of Engineering (Autonomous) hosted a guest lecture on Thursday. Bontha Jagannadha Rao, who has a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Tulane University, U.S., delivered the talk in Visakhapatnam. He focused on higher education, research, and necessary interdisciplinary skills for the field. Specifically, he detailed chemical engineers' roles in semiconductor manufacturing and sustainable practices. This session also outlined various career opportunities available within the growing sector. 🔬

🌧️ Orange alert for eight Kerala districts

Intense rainfall hit flash-flood-affected areas in Kerala due to Bay of Bengal cyclonic activity. The IMD issued an orange alert for Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Kottayam, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod on August 7, 2026. These eight districts face very heavy rain, while six others have a yellow alert. The weather bulletin showed upper air cyclonic circulations over both the southeast and northwest Bay of Bengal. Moderate heavy rain is expected mainly in the hilly regions for the next two days. 🌧️

🧠 Future-proofing your brain health starts now

Concerns over brain fog and dementia are prompting increased interest in cognitive health. Natalie Mackenzie, a brain injury therapist, notes that many midlife women fall into categories involving family history or perimenopause. A £249 online cognitive assessment tests memory and reasoning skills over 45 minutes. Mackenzie advises that focusing on closing mental 'open loops' helps manage cognitive load. Proper sleep and understanding hormone fluctuations are key steps for brain maintenance. 🧠

🌊 Car plunges into river, one dead in Idukki

A car plunged into the Chinnar river on the Kuttikkanam-Kattappana State Highway on Thursday morning. The incident happened at Karuntharuvi in Peerumedu, involving a five-member family traveling from Thiruvananthapuram. One man, Jerin D. Ernest, died, and three others were injured on August 6, 2026. The driver reportedly lost control, possibly due to falling asleep while driving. The deceased's body is now at Idukki Medical College for post-mortem examination.

📢 Vedanta Aluminium clarifies funding rumors before Friday trade

Vedanta Aluminium's shares might be in the spotlight on Friday, August 7, after the company issued a clarification regarding media reports. The metals company, operating in India, stated on Thursday, August 6, that it evaluates various financing options without having undisclosed price-sensitive information. Previously, reports suggested the company aimed to raise ₹13,500 crore from major banks post-demerger. This follows the announcement of strong Q1 FY27 earnings, where revenue hit a record ₹21,105 crore. The company remains committed to high corporate governance standards moving forward. 📈

🇮🇳 RSS Chief: No Permanent Hatred for India-Pakistan

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that permanent hatred is not the solution regarding India-Pakistan ties. He addressed the issue while speaking on the bilateral relations between the two nations. Bhagwat mentioned that while government decisions must be supported during conflict, ties should not be permanently severed. He noted that Pakistan was part of Bharat less than 100 years ago, emphasizing that relationships can be paused, not erased. This comes amid ongoing tensions over cross-border terrorism and security matters. 🤝

🏛️ BJP ousted in Kerala panchayat

The BJP lost power in the Naranganam grama panchayat after a no-confidence motion passed on Thursday. This happened in Naranganam, Kerala, where the motion was carried by eight votes to six. The 14-member panchayat had a split house with UDF and NDA holding six seats each, and LDF having two. The LDF supporting the UDF was key to tipping the balance in favor of the motion. A new election for the president is set in 15 days, with vice-president Jessy Mathew taking charge until then.

😠 Zepto, Physics Wallah fined for shady online tricks

The Central Consumer Protection Authority fined seven e-commerce firms for using 'dark patterns' to mislead consumers. Zepto and Physics Wallah were among the penalized companies, operating in India. Penalties total Rs 20 lakh, with fines issued on August 4. These actions enforce guidelines against deceptive UI designs that trick buyers. The firms have since paid penalties and stopped the problematic online practices. 💸

☀️ AP pushing faster solar rooftop installs

Andhra Pradesh is pushing to speed up rooftop solar installations under the PMSGMBY scheme. Special Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand announced this during a review meeting on Thursday in Andhra Pradesh. As of August 4, a total of 4,11,915 rooftop solar systems had been installed across the State. This achievement placed Andhra Pradesh among the top four performing States nationally under the scheme. Officials were instructed to prioritize issue resolution and ensure easy access to low-cost loans for beneficiaries.

🏏 LPL 2026 Qualifier 2: Galle Gallants vs Colombo Kaps 🏏

Match 23 of the Lanka Premier League 2026 pits Galle Gallants against Colombo Kaps on August 7th at R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Colombo Kaps recently won the Eliminator against Kandy Royals by 68 runs, while Galle Gallants lost Qualifier 1 by 14 runs. Colombo Kaps' top scorer is Kamindu Mendis with 279 runs, and Galle Gallants' top scorer is Sam Harper with 347 runs. The prediction suggests Galle Gallants will win this crucial Qualifier 2 match. Top batter Charith Asalanka from Galle Gallants is favored for Player of the Match.

🧑‍🎓 Jharkhand students form team to talk to govt

Student protesters in Jharkhand formed an 11-member delegation to discuss alleged recruitment exam irregularities with the state government. This group was formed in response to an invitation received via the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in Ranchi. The protests started on July 25 under the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch, demanding a CBI probe. The demonstrators are seeking cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Examination and an independent investigation. They are now awaiting the official date and time for these crucial talks. ✊