🏆 Athapaththu and Nissanka rock Sri Lanka Cricket awards

Chamari Athapaththu and Pathum Nissanka bagged the top honours at the Sri Lanka Cricket Awards ceremony held on Thursday night. They were celebrated for their outstanding performances across Test, ODI, and T20I formats for the 2025 calendar year in Sri Lanka. Nissanka scored 1414 runs at an average of 40.40, while Athapaththu swept ODI and T20I allrounder awards. The awards also recognized emerging talents like Kamil Mishara and Imesha Dulani. The ceremony highlighted individual brilliance and showcased the growth of women's cricket in the nation. 🏏

✊ Ink thrown at AISA president during Ranchi student protest

Ink was thrown at AISA president Neha Bora during a protest in Ranchi on Friday. She was there supporting job aspirants demanding action on alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC CGL exams. The incident led to the arrest of the person who threw the ink, who is now in police custody. Bora demanded greater transparency, urging the cancellation of the 14th JPSC and re-exams for JSSC CGL. Protesters also called for a CBI probe and strict action against corrupt agencies. ✊

🏛️ Horatti steps down as Karnataka Legislative Council Chair

Basavaraj Horatti has submitted his resignation from the post of Karnataka Legislative Council Chairperson on August 7. This move clears the way for the Congress to have one of its own members lead the Upper House in Karnataka. With 75 members in the Council, the change is happening ahead of the monsoon session starting on August 13. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar facilitated the resignation to avoid a no-confidence motion, with Saleem Ahmed named as the successor. Horatti will serve as pro-tem Speaker until the official transition on August 14. 🏛️

⚽ Atletico targets Romero to keep Alvarez happy

Julian Alvarez's transfer saga continues with Atletico Madrid making moves to retain the Argentine forward. Atletico is working to sign Tottenham defender Cristian Romero to strengthen their squad at the Metropolitano. Deco met with Alvarez's agent, Fernando Hidalgo, this week to explore a deal structure. The club believes adding Romero will convince Alvarez to stay, as he admires the defender highly. Barcelona is still pursuing a signing, but time currently favors Atletico's efforts. 🤝

🔥 Lava phones drop prices on Amazon sale 📱

Lava International Limited is hosting exciting smartphone offers during the Amazon Great Freedom Festival Sale. These deals are happening for consumers in India between August 7 and August 12, 2026. Key devices like Agni 4, Bold N2 5G, Bold N2 Lite, and Bold N2 are available with special pricing. Customers can benefit from HDFC Bank Credit Card and EMI offers on these purchases. The sale is exclusively on Amazon.in and requires valid HDFC Bank payment methods.

🎬 GTA 6 showcase coming exclusively on Netflix

Rockstar Games is partnering with Netflix for an exclusive premier window of GTA 6's extended showcase. This special presentation will premiere globally on Netflix on August 27, 2026, at 12:00 PM PT / 3:00 PM ET. The event offers an in-depth look at gameplay, open-world systems, and characters in Leonida. This collaboration expands Netflix's involvement with the franchise ahead of the November 19, 2026 launch. The high-profile campaign continues to fuel debate on GTA 6's pricing and digital strategy.

⚖️ SC rejects probe plea in Justice Varma currency case

The Supreme Court dismissed a petition demanding an SIT probe into alleged burnt currency found at former Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma's residence. This case involves a fire that occurred in March last year, prompting legal action. A fact-finding report was submitted in May 2025, leading to the CJI asking for Varma's resignation. Varma subsequently resigned before a Lok Sabha committee could report in August 2025. The Supreme Court's decision addressed the lawyer's claim that criminal liability survives his resignation. ⚖️

🤖 AI sentries giving Kerala's wildlife conflicts a new shot 🐘

An AI-driven digital sentry system, named 'Farmguard', has shown near-100% success in repelling wild animals in Kerala. This tech was first piloted in Mankala and then expanded across six high-risk zones in Kollam, Thrissur, and Palakkad. The system uses machine learning and acoustic defense to scare away animals like elephants and tigers. Villagers in Kulathupuzha report a long-awaited calm as elephant incursions have stopped since the system went live. Authorities are now evaluating its long-term durability across Kerala’s rugged terrains.

✨ Apple bumps trade-in values before iPhone 18 Pro drop

Apple has quietly increased trade-in values across its device lineup ahead of the iPhone 18 Pro launch. This update affects iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches in the US trade-in program. For instance, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is now worth up to $720, up from $695. The Mac lineup saw big boosts, with the MacBook Pro now worth up to $855. These revised estimates could help offset the cost of the expected high-priced new devices. 📱

🔥 Congress rethinks Telangana game after 'black magic' drama

The Congress in Telangana is facing political heat due to 'black magic' allegations involving senior BRS leader T Harish Rao. Congress leaders accused Harish Rao of performing tantric rituals in Tiruchirappalli and Shivamogga. Harish Rao denied these claims and issued legal notices to the Congress members involved. The BRS also criticized the Congress for misrepresenting traditional Hindu practices in politics. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge appointed Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy to manage media, signaling a shift in strategy.

🧠 Science-backed buys to chill out your system 😌

Certain purchases can measurably lower stress levels by affecting biological systems. Weighted blankets apply even pressure to encourage parasympathetic balance and aid sleep. Active noise canceling headphones block low-frequency sound, reducing subconscious mental load from noise pollution. Bright light therapy lamps help regulate the body's internal clock, especially in the morning. Blackout curtains or a sleep mask ensure proper darkness for melatonin release and better sleep quality.