🩺 ASHA workers' state meet coming to Palakkad

The Kerala State ASHA Workers Federation, affiliated with CITU, is hosting its State conference this Saturday and Sunday. A procession will kick off from Anchuvilakku junction at 10 a.m. on Saturday, heading to the stadium bus stand. CITU national secretary A.R. Sindhu will inaugurate a public meeting later on. The delegates' conference is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m., with Mr. Gopinath inaugurating the session. The event aims to discuss various issues currently faced by the ASHA workers.

✈️ Netflix's 'Operation Safed Sagar' dives into Kargil War

Netflix's new series, "Operation Safed Sagar," dramatizes the Indian Air Force's role in the 1999 Kargil War. It features fighter pilots and the political backdrop of the high-altitude conflict in Jammu and Kashmir. The six-episode series premiered on Thursday at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The production was heavily influenced by the widow of a fallen pilot, ensuring deep authenticity. This series contributes over $24 million to the Indian economy. 🎬

🚀 India's Top Gun: Netflix's Big Local Bet

Netflix has greenlit 'India's Top Gun,' signaling a major push into high-stakes local content. The ambitious production is set to showcase top talent from the Indian cinematic landscape. While specific cast and filming dates are not yet public, the project represents a significant investment by the streaming giant. This series aims to bring a similar level of blockbuster feel to the Indian audience as global hits. Fans can expect updates as Netflix moves closer to its release timeline.

🏡 Trump Jr buys out ex-fiancée from Florida mansion

Donald Trump Jr has acquired full ownership of a Florida waterfront mansion after paying Kimberly Guilfoyle $7.6 million. This property is located in Palm Beach County, and the transaction was finalized on July 25. The couple originally bought the $9.7 million home in 2021 after moving from New York to Florida. Guilfoyle, who is now the US ambassador to Greece, is listed with a Delray Beach address in the deed filing. Trump Jr is reportedly planning a move to a new home in West Palm Beach with his wife, Bettina Anderson. 🏡

🏛️ Temples are driving regional growth, says CUK VC

A three-day international conference started to discuss Temple Economy, Tourism, and Public Policy. The event took place at the Central University of Karnataka (CUK) in collaboration with ICSSR. Experts highlighted that major temples boost the economy, citing examples like TTD's impact on GDP. CUK Vice-Chancellor Battu Sathyanarayana urged more research on religious institutions for national development. A research report on Karnataka temples was also released during the conference.

📢 Rahul vows to speak for students despite permit cancellation

Rahul Gandhi stated that the BJP government cannot silence the voices of Allahabad University students fighting fee hikes and seat cuts. This came after the Kayastha Pathshala Trust revoked permission for his 'Chhatron Ki Goonj' event in Prayagraj on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The trust cited an Allahabad High Court order from August 14, 2025, and waterlogging at the KP Ground. Gandhi accused the administration of suppressing youth voices by filing FIRs against students. He asserted his commitment to raising the students' issues regardless of the government's efforts.

🩺 Man over 209kg finally had bariatric surgery

A 32-year-old man weighing 209 kg underwent successful bariatric surgery at AIIMS, Delhi after his size made the standard operating table unusable. Doctors stabilized his breathing for over a month, performing an emergency tracheostomy on his bed inside the theatre. His weight was reduced from 209 kg to 160 kg post-operation, which was a huge milestone. This case proves multidisciplinary care can help super-obese patients become surgery-ready candidates. The patient now walks independently and expects to reach around 70 kg with follow-up. 🩺

👮 240 new Kerala Police recruits pass out

Two hundred forty new recruit civil police officers completed their training at the Special Armed Police Parade Ground in Thiruvananthapuram. These recruits comprised 111 from the SAP Battalion and 129 from the Women Battalion as of Thursday. The nine-month basic training covered physical fitness, weapons, and legal knowledge like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The Home Minister highlighted the huge responsibility officers hold in safeguarding citizens' rights. Various cadets received awards for their top performance during the rigorous training period.

🧐 Agarkar's picks face heat from Wasim Jaffer

Concerns have surfaced regarding some selection calls made by BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Wasim Jaffer pointed out the omissions of Mohammed Shami and Sarfaraz Khan, along with the inclusion of Auqib Nabi. Jaffer acknowledged India's dominance in white-ball formats, citing wins like the ODI World Cup final and two T20 World Cups. Despite selection debates, the overall performance in white-ball cricket during his tenure has been considered successful. Further discussion remains on whether Agarkar will secure another contract extension after his initial term ends in June 2026.

😔 Actor Susmita Mukherjee on tough acting choices

Golmaal actor Susmita Mukherjee revealed she took on 'C-grade films' to repay a major debt. She and her husband faced a Rs 1 crore loan after their production company went bankrupt in 2002. This financial pressure forced her into undesirable roles for three to four years to survive. She also funded her daughter's education in Australia and New Zealand during this difficult time. Now, she only chooses projects that genuinely resonate with her soul. 😥

📈 Gold holds steady as Hormuz talks change the vibe

Spot gold prices were firmer while spot silver prices weakened in early U.S. trading on Thursday. This occurred despite a firmer U.S. dollar because of softer labor momentum and reduced geopolitical risk from Strait of Hormuz talks. Gold traded near $4,252.60 an ounce, and silver was at $61.390, with claims rising slightly to 199,000. The market is processing the Fed's decision and awaiting July nonfarm payrolls to guide future rate expectations. A sustained hold above $4,250 for gold keeps focus on labor weakness and lower real-yield pressure. 💰