🐘 Assam wants central nod to shrink Kaziranga buffer zone

Assam is looking to the central government for permission to reduce the Kaziranga buffer zone. This area surrounds the famous Kaziranga National Park in Assam. The proposal aims to cut the current buffer zone size from 10 km down to just 1 km. This change is being sought to facilitate local development and human activity around the park. The state government will wait for the central approval before implementing this significant modification. 🐘

🤔 Activist slams Gadkari over E20 ethanol standards

Activist Tehseen Poonawalla questioned if the government copied ethanol standards directly from the US. He shared a video of Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, accusing him of lying about his involvement in the ethanol program. Gadkari suggested officials adopt US standards quickly, stating he only had five years to complete the work. This comment contrasts with his earlier parliamentary reply claiming E20 followed multi-year research by ARAI. Poonawalla demands Gadkari's immediate removal, sparking major online debate. ⛽

⚽ India skips ASEAN Cup for Brazil friendly match

India has pulled out of the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup to prioritize a friendly match against Brazil. The decision was made by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) deputy secretary general M Satyanarayanan. The clash occurs because the Brazil fixture is on October 3rd in Kolkata, conflicting with the September 21-October 6 tournament window. Initially, India had accepted the invitation and was drawn into Division 1 Group A with Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. The federation is now focusing on friendly matches instead of the regional competition. ⚽

🛣️ Geothermal Roads: Pothole Prevention Trial

A new trial is investigating the potential of geothermal roads to prevent the formation of potholes. Researchers are testing this innovative pavement technology in specific road sections. The study is monitoring road integrity over a period starting in late 2024. This method aims to utilize geothermal energy to maintain road temperature and structure. Future results could significantly change how road maintenance is approached globally. 🛣️

🔬 New Math Tools for Prostate Cancer Treatment

Researchers have developed novel mathematical measures to enhance the personalization of therapy for prostate cancer. This advancement was achieved by a team of medical scientists at various institutions. These new metrics are being studied following initial trials conducted between May 1 and June 30. The goal is to move away from one-size-fits-all treatments and tailor care precisely to individual patient needs. Further clinical validation is planned to see how effectively these personalized approaches perform.

🐦 First bird took off with hops, not a single leap

A recent biomechanical study suggests the 150-million-year-old Archaeopteryx likely took off by hopping, not with one big jump. This research was conducted by a group at the University of Southampton, involving researchers like Erik A. Meilak. The study examined how the earliest birds achieved flight, focusing on the feasibility of a multi-hop method. Archaeopteryx lacked the keel and flexible shoulder of modern birds, making a single powerful leap unlikely. The model showed two to three hops were necessary to reach the required speed for sustained flight. 🐦

💡 Bangladesh cuts mall hours due to power crisis

The Government of Bangladesh has imposed new restrictions on shopping centres and markets to manage the ongoing power crisis. The Power Division ordered malls, markets, and shops to operate only from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, effective August 12, 2026. This change overrides previous timings, and all illuminated billboards must switch off by 7:00 PM. Essential services like hospitals and pharmacies remain exempted from these new rules. Officials are exploring domestic gas and increasing solar power to tackle the energy shortage. 💡

⚖️ Ex-TISS student seeks bail over alleged slogans

A former TISS student, Kamakhya Das, approached the Bombay HC for anticipatory bail regarding inflammatory slogans. The incident occurred at an unauthorized campus event commemorating late DU professor GN Saibaba, involving activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. The FIR was registered at Trombay police station, and the Bombay Sessions Court initially denied bail to Das on [Date not specified]. Das claims the allegations are untrue, contesting the charges of unlawful assembly. He maintains his innocence and invokes his right to read literature of any ideology. 📚

😠 Bengal revokes award from BJP MP over Netaji remarks

The West Bengal government stripped BJP Rajya Sabha member Ananta Maharaj of the Banga Bibhushan award on Thursday. This high civilian honour was given to him on February 21, 2026, in Kolkata. The withdrawal followed his alleged derogatory comment against Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Maharaj questioned Netaji's capacity to lead the Azad Hind Fauj at a meeting in Dinhata on July 19. This controversy has now sparked a major political row in the state. 😠

🚀 India's Jubilant sees Popeyes as growth booster

Indian conglomerate Jubilant has identified Popeyes as a significant second growth engine for its business portfolio. This strategic move is happening amid a noticeable recovery in the performance of its Domino's division. The company noted positive trends across its various segments as of recent filings. This diversification shows Jubilant is looking beyond traditional fast-food performance for stability. The group plans to leverage this momentum to boost overall shareholder returns in the coming quarters.

🎗️ Young girl becomes youngest MBE recipient

Carmela Chillery-Watson became the youngest person ever to receive an MBE in June 2025. This honour was given to her in recognition of her fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK after her rare diagnosis at age four in the UK. By the time of recognition, her fundraising had already surpassed £36,000, later growing over £400,000 across 25 campaigns. Her work highlights issues of disability and accessibility while supporting research for muscle-wasting conditions. She will now visit UK primary schools to talk about these important topics. 🎗️