🔭 August sky is stacked with cosmic events

August promises a wild month packed with several major celestial events for stargazers. A total solar eclipse will sweep across northern Russia, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain on August 12th. The Perseid meteor shower peaks on August 12th and 13th under dark skies, while Venus glows brightly from August 14th to 16th. Additionally, a partial lunar eclipse will be visible across much of North and South America on August 27th and 28th. Observers must use certified eye protection for the solar eclipse viewing. 🌌

🏏 Gambhir's stern warning before Sri Lanka Tests

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir stressed total readiness to his squad ahead of the two-match series against Sri Lanka. The team began training at Colombo's NCC ground, with a warm-up match from August 7 to 9 before the first Test on August 15 in Galle. India is fifth in WTC with 48.150 points, one spot above Sri Lanka at sixth with 41.67. Gambhir emphasized meticulous preparation for spin-friendly conditions, welcoming new players like Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi. Jasprit Bumrah is out due to a knee injury, impacting the series start. 🏏

⚽ Infantino's Fifa grip: Is it over?

Gianni Infantino faces massive backlash over his 'Fifa Forward Enterprise' plans, causing a revolt across world football. Uefa members unanimously voted to boycott all Fifa competitions until the scheme was scrapped. This happened shortly after the FFE details emerged, with over 4 countries already withdrawing their support. Despite the controversy, Fifa confirmed on Thursday that Infantino will remain president, citing his revenue generation success. His chances of winning re-election look strong without a serious rival or major withdrawal of backing. 😟

🚨 Delhi on high alert for Independence Day 🚨

Delhi has been put on high alert ahead of Independence Day due to potential threats from terror groups and snap protests. Nearly 12,000 Delhi Police personnel are being deployed across the capital for the celebrations. Over 1,000 CCTV cameras with AI analytics have been installed at the Red Fort and other strategic spots. This heightened security includes QRTs, snipers, and strict frisking procedures for guests attending the August 15 event. Authorities are also circulating posters of wanted suspects to maintain a constant vigil.

🥇 CWG gold medalist faces UP reward eligibility query

Asmita Dey won India's first-ever judo gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The 23-year-old judoka, hailing from Tripura, represents Uttar Pradesh in the sport. She clinched the title in a dramatic Golden Score contest against Canada's Heidi Quach on August 2024. The controversy arises because UP's reward criteria require a bonafide domicile of Uttar Pradesh. If approved, she could receive Rs 1.5 crore, and the Sports Director is finalizing lists for CWG 2026.

🔬 Q-Line Biotech IPO details drop

Q-Line Biotech is launching its maiden book building IPO with a price band of Rs. 326 - Rs. 343 per share. This company, operating in IVD and diagnostic equipment, is based in India. The IPO is scheduled from May 21, 2026, to May 25, 2026, raising Rs. 214.48 cr at the upper cap. While top lines grew, FY25 bottom line showed a setback due to accounting adjustments. Investors are advised to consider moderate funds for the long term. 📈

📚 Zuckerberg's wife's free school closes down

Priscilla Chan co-founded The Primary School in East Palo Alto, California, in 2016 to give free education to underprivileged kids. This unique school, supported by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, blended learning with healthcare and family support for low-income families. Despite offering dental care and counseling, the school struggled because student performance in reading and writing was below the California state average. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative decided not to continue funding the school after the 2025-26 academic year. Consequently, the board shut down the institution as securing new donors proved very challenging.

🦠 Salmonella scares: Eggs, peppers, lettuce recalled

Multiple foodborne illness outbreaks are rocking the US, involving Salmonella and Cyclospora across several states. Jalapeño peppers from Sinaloa, Mexico, linked to Salmonella, caused 345 cases in 27 states as of August 4. Additionally, over 1.5 million dozen eggs from Texas were recalled due to Salmonella Enteritidis contamination. A Cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has resulted in 6,358 reported cases across 15 states. Authorities are actively investigating these incidents to prevent further public health risks. 😟

🚩 Congress backs students protesting Jharkhand exam leaks

Students held a long Tri-color flag during a protest against alleged JPSC exam paper leaks in Ranchi. The Congress expressed full support for the agitating students in Ranchi on Wednesday, August 6, 2026. The demonstration, which started on July 25, is demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand PSC Civil Services Examination. Protesters are also seeking an independent probe by the CBI or retired High Court Judges. Next, a Congress delegation met CM Hemant Soren to discuss solutions for the movement.

⚖️ Wife demanding separate home: Kerala HC says it can be cruelty

The Kerala High Court ruled that a wife demanding a separate residence away from her husband's family without a valid reason constitutes cruelty. This decision was made by a Division Bench comprising Justice Satish Ninan and Justice P. Krishna Kumar. The court stated that such a demand, on its own, amounts to an act of cruelty. This sets a legal precedent for family disputes in the state. The court's ruling clarifies boundaries regarding residential demands in marriages. ⚖️

🍳 EDT LUMA air fryer: Looks sleek, cooks good

The EDT LUMA air fryer features a striking glass design combined with PFAS-free materials for cooking. Technology Editor Shaurya Sharma reviewed it over a month, noting its premium look in Origin Orange. The dual-bowl version offers 4.5-litre and 2.5-litre options, with 1,500W heating and 360-degree air circulation. Its main plus is the visibility of food while cooking, leading to a smoother experience. However, users must be careful with the glass and potential water seepage in plastic nooks. 🍳