🛡️ Army's Cyber Quest 2026: Apply Now! 💻

The Territorial Army, with CyberPeace Foundation, has launched the Indian Army Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 for tech enthusiasts. Eligible individuals can register via the official portal until August 20, 2026. The process includes an online CTF qualifier from September 1 to September 10, 2026. The Grand Finale, featuring 10 top teams, will take place in New Delhi from October 6 to October 8, 2026. Winners will receive awards, certificates, and interact with senior defence officials.

👵 Farmers' group pushes back on pension changes

Kisan Janata, a farmers’ organisation under RJD, strongly opposed the state government's plan to remove cooperative banks from welfare pension distribution. The group alleged that moving disbursements to Aadhaar-linked commercial banks would break the efficient doorstep delivery system. They pointed out that this change would force elderly and vulnerable people to wait long hours at bank branches and Akshaya centres. Kisan Janata demands the restoration of the home-delivery mechanism due to senior citizens' difficulties. This opposition was voiced by State secretary Johnson Kulathingal and State vice-president P.K. Kunjikkannan on August 06, 2026.

🐐 Rahane names Sachin Tendulkar India's GOAT

Former captain Ajinkya Rahane named Sachin Tendulkar as the greatest Indian cricketer of all time after announcing his retirement. Rahane stated this choice was difficult while acknowledging all the eras of Indian cricket. Tendulkar had a massive 24-year international career, playing 664 matches across Tests and ODIs. He is the highest run-scorer in both Test and ODI history, having won the 2011 World Cup. Rahane, who debuted in 2011, played with Tendulkar and captained India across all three formats.

💼 CEO hired Gen Z candidate who refused Saturdays

A Delhi-based CEO hired a 25-year-old Gen Z candidate even after he declined to work on Saturdays. The founder, Abhishek Agarwal, initially thought the candidate was lazy due to his commitment to a life outside the office. The candidate reasoned that successful international colleagues only work weekdays, prompting the CEO's change of view. He ultimately hired the candidate, who then outperformed everyone on the team for two quarters. This showed that the candidate maintained great results while keeping his cricket and family time. 🚀

📈 Regional parties see big jump in donations

Regional political parties experienced a massive 85% surge in donations exceeding ₹20,000 during the 2024-25 financial year. The Association of Democratic Reforms found that donations rose from 2,861 in 2023-24 to 5,297 the following year across these parties. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) reported the highest donations at ₹365.78 crore, while the TDP topped the 2023-24 list. Some parties, like BRS and TDP, saw a dip in donations for 2024-25. Many parties were also late or failed to submit their 2024-25 contribution reports on time. 📊

🏛️ Tejpal claims political vendetta after rape conviction

Tarun Tejpal strongly criticized his conviction in the 2013 sexual assault case, asserting he was targeted due to a political vendetta. He made these statements in Goa after the High Court convicted him, detailing his allegations to reporters. Tejpal likened his situation to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, suggesting he was falsely implicated like them. He stated he would challenge the verdict by approaching the Supreme Court with evidence. The 62-year-old sought leniency while his lawyer requested a stay on the conviction order. ⚖️

🏆 Argentina sets July 15 as national football day

Argentina's Football Association unanimously declared July 15 as National Football Teams Day. This decision celebrates the national team's comeback win against England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinal. Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez scored late goals to secure a 2-1 victory on Wednesday. This historic win also reignited Argentina's claim over the Falkland Islands, which are 8,000 miles from Great Britain. Argentina eventually lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain. 🏆

🚂 SWR GM checks Mysuru railway infra

South Western Railway General Manager P. Ananth inspected railway infrastructure in Mysuru division on Wednesday. He visited the Railway Hospital, Mysuru, to assess healthcare quality and interacted with staff and patients. Mr. Ananth also did a window trailing inspection of the Mysuru–Chamarajanagar section, checking station yards and ABSS progress. He directed officials to speed up the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme works to meet quality standards. Finally, he chaired a review meeting at the DRM office to boost operations and passenger services.

🍄 Mushrooms making major fashion statement

Scientists are developing innovative alternatives to traditional leather using mushrooms. Researchers at the University of Manchester created a material from mycelium, the root structure of fungi. This bio-material has shown promising strength and texture in initial tests conducted in 2023. It presents a sustainable option for the fashion industry, reducing reliance on animal products. Further scaling up and market testing are the next steps for this eco-friendly innovation. 🍄

🙏 Christian Leaders Meet Amit Shah on FCRA Bill

Christian leaders recently met with Amit Shah regarding the upcoming debate on the FCRA bill in Parliament. The meeting took place in New Delhi, where the leaders expressed their concerns about the proposed legislation. They highlighted several specific clauses of the bill that they felt were detrimental to their community's rights. The group is actively seeking the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to review the bill's provisions thoroughly. This meeting marks an important step as the FCRA bill prepares for its crucial parliamentary discussion soon. 🙏

🏛️ Telangana struggles with AP government holding staff quarters

Telangana government faces issues allocating staff quarters to its officers despite owning many prime buildings. Over 600 quarters remain under the Andhra Pradesh pool, with 221 occupied by Telangana staff and 368 vacant. In Banjara Hills, 34 of 44 allotted quarters are still held by neighboring state officers. The AP government cites a Supreme Court petition for asset division as the reason for the delay. Officials suggest ministerial or Chief Minister level negotiations are needed to resolve this impasse. 🏠