🚧 Bengaluru bandh: Schools and banks status update

Kannada organizations have called for a Karnataka bandh on August 13 due to the escalated Cauvery water-sharing row between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. This statewide protest follows the CWMA ordering Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water daily starting August 12. Schools are expected to function normally on August 13, though staff may wear black ribbons in solidarity. Essential services like banks and hospitals are anticipated to remain operational throughout the day. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar stated the government will assess the situation while balancing farmer protection and court compliance.

💪 Gadkari's massive 46kg weight loss journey

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari revealed how he lost 46 kg after the COVID pandemic by drastically changing his lifestyle. He previously weighed around 135 kg and now weighs about 89 kg, according to his discussion on Farah Khan's YouTube channel. This transformation was driven by prioritizing health after experiencing personal losses during the pandemic. Gadkari now wakes up at 7 am to exercise for two to two and a half hours daily, making it non-negotiable. He emphasizes that this was a broader health shift, not just a cosmetic goal. 🏋️‍♂️

🦴 Wool turns into material to help bones regrow

Scientists have discovered that keratin extracted from sheep's wool can serve as a sustainable material for repairing damaged bones. Researchers at King's College London tested this wool-based keratin in animal models to support bone regeneration. The material was implanted in rats with skull defects, showing promising results over several weeks. Unlike collagen, the keratin scaffold produced bone that was more structurally organized, closely resembling natural bone. This milestone moves the technology significantly closer to potential use in real patients. 🦴

🦠 Ebola Deaths Cross 2000; Vaccine Hunt On

The Ebola death toll has surpassed the 2,000 mark globally. This serious outbreak is currently affecting multiple regions across Africa. As of the latest reports, the total number of confirmed cases is rising rapidly. Scientists worldwide are urgently accelerating research to develop a viable vaccine. Efforts are intensifying to contain the spread and find a medical solution.

⚖️ Will women actually fill the 33% seats?

The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam promised 33% seat reservation for women in Indian politics. However, patriarchal bias within party structures often overlooks qualified women candidates. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, only 9.6% of the 8,360 candidates were women. Furthermore, the lack of an OBC sub-quota risks empowering only elite women. True progress requires dismantling internal party bias and ensuring social justice.

🏍️ Mumbai biker dies in Chhattisgarh highway crash

Riddhi Thakkar, a 24-year-old biker from Mumbai, passed away after a motorcycle accident on NH-30. The incident occurred near Markatola Ghat in Chhattisgarh's Dhamtari district on Wednesday morning. She was part of a group of about 20 bikers traveling from Raipur towards Kanker in the Bastar region. The collision happened around 6 am when her bike hit a trailer truck coming from the opposite direction. Police are now investigating the circumstances of the crash and have conducted necessary formalities. 😔

💻 Amazon's Great Freedom Sale drops 5 laptop deals

The Amazon Great Freedom Sale 2026 is launching with various laptop deals for Independence Day. Shoppers can check out options from HP Victus to Primebook Max across different needs and price points. Deals include an HP Victus at ₹97,990 and an MSI Cyborg 15 for ₹72,990, starting on the sale dates. These laptops cater to gaming, student use, and general performance requirements. Availability and exact pricing are subject to change during the sale period. 💻

✅ CBSE Class 12th Supplementary Result 2026 is Out

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the Class 12 Supplementary Examination Result for 2026. This result is available for all students who took the exam, who can check it on the DigiLocker Results Portal. A total of 2,91,576 candidates registered, with 2,75,287 candidates actually appearing for the exam. The compartment category saw a 53.08% pass percentage, up from 38.36% in 2025. CBSE will share school-wise results via email, and private candidates get digital documents through DigiLocker.

✈️ Air India dope test rules under review after marijuana incident

The Civil Aviation Ministry has asked the DGCA to review pilot dope-testing protocols after an Air India incident. This followed the pilot in command of the Phuket to Delhi flight testing positive for marijuana. The incident, on August 4, involved flight AI-2379 injuring at least 20 passengers after a sudden 300-foot altitude loss. The current norms, based on international standards, are being re-evaluated due to concerns raised after the event. The DGCA has classified the event as a serious incident and an investigation is ongoing. ✈️

🕵️ Delhi Bike Tender Scam Uncovered

A significant tender scam related to bicycle procurement in Delhi has been exposed. The investigation targets officials and contractors involved in the bidding process within the capital city. The scheme allegedly involved financial irregularities amounting to several crores over the past fiscal year. This malpractice raises serious questions about governance and transparency in public procurement projects. Authorities are now expected to launch a full probe into the matter. 🕵️

🏛️ Bill to change NGO foreign funding laws sent to committee

A bill to amend the law governing foreign funding of NGOs was referred to a joint parliamentary committee on Wednesday. This move was initiated by Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai in the Lok Sabha. The bill, introduced in March, proposes the Union government can take control of an NGO's funds if its FCRA registration lapses. Opposition parties and church groups have strongly protested the legislation, citing disproportionate executive power. The committee must submit its report to the Lok Sabha by the last day of the first week of the Winter Session. 🏛️