🧐 Cambridge reviewing Arday's appointment after resignation

Professor Jason Arday resigned from Cambridge after an investigation into his academic credentials was announced. He was the university's youngest Black professor, appointed in 2023, at the University of Cambridge. The scrutiny involves claims about his doctoral thesis and various achievements. Arday denies deliberate plagiarism, though he admits to some work errors, attributing issues partly to autism. Cambridge will review its appointment process, but academics are calling for an independent inquiry.

🏛️ Supriya Sule slams FCRA Bill, asks for JPC review 🏛️

NCP (SP) working president Supriya Sule strongly opposed the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 in its current format. She raised these concerns in New Delhi, urging the Centre to either withdraw the legislation or refer it to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. The bill introduces rules for designated authority over foreign contributions and assets. Sule argued foreign funding shouldn't be automatically viewed with suspicion, citing organizations like Gates Foundation. She stressed that discussion is vital in a strong democracy moving forward.

🚨 Bengaluru cops' migrant drive sparks major human rights outcry 🚨

Bengaluru Police launched a citywide drive to identify suspected illegal immigrants, leading to widespread detentions. Civil liberties groups alleged that hundreds of migrant workers were illegally detained across areas like Parappana Agrahara and Bandepalya on Saturday, August 8. The operation saw detentions reaching over 400 people in one locality, with allegations of assaults and phone confiscations. Activists claim the detentions were unconstitutional, citing violations of Article 21 and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. The groups are demanding immediate release, an independent inquiry, and disciplinary action against involved police personnel.

🌊 CPI Leader Slams Kerala Govt Over Rain Disaster Response

CPI State Secretary Binoy Viswam criticized the Kerala government's handling of the recent rain disaster. He made these remarks on Saturday, August 8, 2026, after visiting affected fishermen families in Kollam and Vizhinjam. Thousands in relief camps lacked basic amenities like electricity and water, and free rations were not declared early enough. Viswam claimed the disaster management system failed by not issuing sufficient warnings to the people. He demanded the government actively visit families and offer compensation instead of just making calls. 🌊

🚨 Drug network busted between Rajasthan and Hyderabad

The Telangana EAGLE Force busted an inter-state drug trafficking network operating between Rajasthan and Hyderabad. This operation involved arrests across Miyapur and Saifabad police stations. Authorities seized 1.031 kg of opium and 25 grams of mephedrone valued at ₹12.65 lakh over two cases. The network used private transport and UPI for coordinating drug supplies from Rajasthan to Hyderabad. Investigators are now examining links to other drug cases in Rajasthan and searching for key absconding suppliers.

🚜 Ex-Minister asks govt to drop Belur land case

Former Minister B. Shivaramu urged the State government to withdraw the bagair-hukum land case from the CID to help farmers. This matter involves alleged irregularities in 2,142 land grants in Belur taluk, Karnataka, between 2016 and 2022. After police couldn't investigate, the cases went to the CID in 2025, where 1,430 notices have been issued. Shivaramu stated this process has caused fear, preventing the farming community from cultivating their lands. He expects the new Minister-in-charge, K.M. Shivalinge Gowda, to address these district issues.

🧠 Train Your Brain Like Muscles: New Insights

Neurologists are explaining that the brain, much like muscles, possesses the capacity to be trained and improved. This concept suggests that consistent mental exercises can significantly boost overall brain health. The article doesn't specify exact dates or participant numbers but outlines various techniques. These strategies focus on neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to adapt and form new connections over time. Implementing these habits is recommended for long-term cognitive maintenance.

📱 New tech drops: Vivo S2, Redmi Note 17 and CMF Clip Pro

Vivo launched the Vivo S2 in India, bringing its S Series back to the market. Xiaomi introduced the Redmi Note 17 in India, while CMF by Nothing revealed the Clip Pro earbuds. The Vivo S2 boasts a 6.83-inch display and a 7,050mAh battery, priced from ₹39,999 starting August 11. The Redmi Note 17 is available from August 12, with prices starting at ₹27,999. The CMF Clip Pro earbuds debut in the UK, US, and Japan from August 15.

🌱 Science finds plant heat defense mechanism

Researchers at South Ural State University discovered how cereal crops naturally handle extreme heat and drought. The study, reported by the university's website, focuses on reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a key regulator of plant survival. These molecules signal genetic defenses, helping staple crops like wheat and rice adapt to harsh conditions. This adaptive memory could even be passed to future generations, aiding breeding efforts. The discovery offers a tool to boost food security amid climate change. 🌾

🤖 AI data centers skip environmental clearance, says Centre

The central government has informed Parliament that AI data centres are exempt from needing environmental clearance. This decision applies to all AI data centre projects across India. The exemption was clarified in a recent parliamentary session discussion. Previously, there were concerns regarding the environmental impact of massive data consumption. Moving forward, the government is streamlining the regulatory process for these tech hubs. 🤖

🇮🇳 Kharge slams RSS, calls Congress the real patriot

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge strongly criticized the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for its alleged lack of contribution to the freedom struggle. Speaking in Haldwani on August 8, 2026, he claimed Congress members were the true patriots during the fight against the British. Kharge asserted that no genuine BJP or RSS member went to jail during that time, accusing them of desertion. He also targeted the BJP government in Uttarakhand, questioning its ₹1,000 crore annual propaganda spending. The Congress plans to scrap the Agniveer scheme and restore the Old Pension Scheme. 🇮🇳