💉 Canada greenlights Moderna's Ebola vaccine trials

Canada has authorized Moderna to start clinical trials for an Ebola vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain. This Phase 1 trial will take place in Canada, assessing safety, dosage, and side effects in healthy participants. The vaccine uses the same mRNA tech as Moderna's Covid-19 shot, and Canada plans to manufacture it domestically. Currently, there is no approved treatment for the Bundibugyo variant of Ebola. Positive results could lead to larger trials, given over 1,700 deaths in the DRC since May.

🚗 JSW Group eyeing majority in Skoda-VW JV deal

JSW Group is reportedly in final talks for a manufacturing joint venture with Skoda Auto Volkswagen India. This proposed venture would see JSW Group holding the majority stake in the partnership. The companies are expected to sign a non-binding MoU within the next two months. This alliance will fund EV development and boost localization for Skoda and Volkswagen models in India. The next steps involve finalizing the equity structure before moving to definitive agreements. 🤝

😠 UP Deputy CM's Madrasa Comments Cause Uproar

Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya sparked controversy with his remarks concerning Madrasas. This incident took place in Uttar Pradesh, where opposition parties strongly condemned the statements. The Deputy CM made these comments on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, alleging Madrasas breed a terrorist-like mindset. Congress National Secretary Shahnawaz Alam accused BJP leaders of communalizing society for electoral gain. He urged the judiciary to address the attempt to fuel social unrest. 😠

📈 $25B FII comeback possible as global funds rethink strategy

HSBC suggests India could attract about $25 billion in foreign equity inflows through portfolio rebalancing. This potential shift involves global funds restoring allocations to neutral from their current underweight positions in India. Early signs show foreign investors bought $3.6 billion in Indian equities since mid-June. India's relative stability and improving domestic growth are key drivers for HSBC's positive outlook. The bank has upgraded India to neutral in its Asia strategy, favoring domestic demand plays.

🏥 Manipal Health debuts, valued at $9 billion

Manipal Health successfully debuted on the stock market, marking a significant entry for the hospital chain. The company is based in India and achieved this major financial milestone. The valuation placed the hospital chain at a massive $9 billion as of the recent listing. This debut reflects the growing strength and market standing of the healthcare sector in India. The company will now continue to expand its network and services across the country.

🛡️ Srinagar on high alert for Article 370 anniversary

Tight security has been deployed across Srinagar city to prevent protests on the seventh anniversary of Article 370's abrogation. The National Conference (NC) and People's Democratic Party (PDP) have called for demonstrations regarding the 2019 central government decision. Security forces are heavily present, especially around the Lal Chowk city center. Roads near the NC and PDP headquarters have been sealed as a precaution. Mehbooba Mufti led a vigil, demanding the restoration of J-K's special status.

🌱 One tiny seed saves rare Queen of Sheba orchid

Australian scientists cloned a single seed of the rare Queen of Sheba orchid using somatic embryogenesis in a Kings Park laboratory. This breakthrough has resulted in over 1,000 healthy plants after five years, and the first clone has finally flowered. The critically endangered orchid previously had fewer than 30 plants remaining in the wild near Perth and Bunbury. This cloning technique now provides researchers with enough specimens to study and potentially reintroduce into the wild. Scientists are now working on culturing necessary fungi and identifying pollinators for successful restoration. 🌸

🏛️ Rajya Sabha pushes SC Judges Bill amid chaos

The Rajya Sabha proceeded with the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026, despite ongoing protests in Parliament. Chairperson C.P. Radhakrishnan urged members to maintain order, reiterating rules against entering the Well of the House or using placards. This bill, which was voice-voted in the Lok Sabha on August 3, increases puisne judges from 33 to 37. The increase aims to address case backlogs and boost judicial efficiency, marking the first rise since 2019. Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha adjourned due to Opposition protests demanding statements from Home Minister Amit Shah. 🏛️

🏛️ Banks' Books & Tax Bills on Lok Sabha Agenda

The Lok Sabha is set to discuss two key bills, The Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026 and The Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will introduce the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill to align it with digital banking. Additionally, a statutory resolution challenging the Income-tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, will be raised. These sessions follow Parliament passing a bill tightening birth and death registration rules on August 4, 2026. Congress MP Manickam Tagore is also pushing for a debate on the Jantar Mantar police action. 🏛️

🐄 Savarkar's View on Cow Worship Revealed

A grandnephew revealed in Pune Court that V.D. Savarkar objected to the practice of cow worship. He stated that Savarkar viewed the cow merely as a useful animal for practical purposes. The grandnephew made these claims before the Pune court on an unspecified date. This statement is part of ongoing discussions regarding historical interpretations of Savarkar's views. The court will now review this new testimony provided in the case. 🐄

🚫 FSSAI flags Dabur for misleading '100% guarantee' claims

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a bar against Dabur. This action targets products that feature unsubstantiated '100%' guarantee claims across its range. The regulatory body took this step after reviewing several product labels and associated marketing materials. This move aims to ensure consumer trust and prevent misleading advertising in the FMCG sector. FSSAI will monitor future product labeling compliance closely to uphold food safety standards.