⚖️ Centre fights for historic basis of SC/ST/OBC reservations

The Centre has officially opposed a Supreme Court petition aiming to introduce income-based sub-quotas within reserved categories. This opposition was filed in the Supreme Court by the Union Government in the case of Ramashankar Prajapati & Anr. v. Union of India & Ors. The government argues that SC, ST, and OBC reservations are rooted in historical and social backwardness, not just economic status. The Centre asserts that policy-making on reservation falls under the executive domain and cannot be dictated by the judiciary. They further clarified that the 'creamy layer' concept does not apply to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. 🏛️

🚨 Daughter of Mehbooba Mufti booked for attacking cop

Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, has been booked for assaulting a police officer. This incident occurred in Srinagar during a protest against the abrogation of Article 370. The FIR was registered after she allegedly grabbed and bit the officer's forearm, causing a bleeding injury. The protest was held on the eve of the seventh anniversary of the Article 370 revocation. Both the PDP and NC are continuing their demands for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.

🎮 GTA VI deep dive: what we know so far

Rockstar Games has provided an extended look into the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI. This massive update showcases new gameplay mechanics and world design elements for the game. The details released hint at significant expansion to the game's scope and features. Fans are excited about the potential new stories and environments within the title. More official information regarding GTA VI is expected to be revealed in the near future.

🏔️ Ladakh launching first high-altitude wildlife safari 🐆

Ladakh is introducing India's first High-Altitude Wildlife Safari for sustainable eco-tourism. This initiative was approved by Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena under the SHAN Conservation Society. The safari will operate across Hemis National Park and other zones, focusing on the region's diverse wildlife. It aims to replace illegal off-roading with guided tours, benefiting local communities directly. Preparations are fast-tracking to ensure infrastructure is ready before the prime snow leopard sighting period.

🔭 China drops massive new Moon map 🌕

A Chinese research team has finished an updated geologic map of the entire Moon at a 1:5 million scale. This major map, detailed with inset polar regions, precisely marks over 13,000 impact craters and 81 impact basins. It systematically updates the lunar geological time scale, setting periods like Aitkenian at 4.33 billion years ago. The map integrates data from Chang'e-4 and Chang'e-6 missions, adding gabbronorite as a distinct rock type. This work supports China's future lunar station and deep-space exploration efforts.

💡 Protests aren't anti-national, says Mohan Bhagwat

Mohan Bhagwat stated that if Gen Z is protesting, they are not anti-national but rather their own people. Addressing an event in Mumbai, the RSS chief noted that Gen Z seeks logical answers unlike previous generations. He mentioned discussions regarding police action on Delhi student protesters last month without offering reasons. Bhagwat also stressed the need for comprehensive education reforms, suggesting two to three changes are necessary. He further commented on LGBTQ acceptance and the unsustainable nature of current development models. 💡

🐍 80-million-year-old snake skull changes snake history

An 80-million-year-old snake skull and brain case was recently discovered in south-eastern Brazil. This new find, named 'Tametara mirim,' is the first articulated snake fossil found in Brazil. The specimen provides detailed insights into how early snake skulls evolved and what their senses were like. The research proves that by 80 million years ago, snakes explored underground, terrestrial, and marine habitats. This discovery shifts the debate, showing early snakes had wide ecological diversity. 🐍

🌌 Liquid Nitrogen Found on Pluto's Glacier

Scientists suggest liquid nitrogen might have recently flowed across Pluto's heart-shaped glacier. This finding relates to observations made by researchers studying the distant solar system body. Data points to activity occurring around late 2023 and early 2024. The presence of this liquid suggests ongoing geological processes on the dwarf planet. Future studies will aim to better understand the dynamics of Pluto's icy surface.

🔋 Realme 16x 5G India gets massive battery boost

The upcoming Realme 16x 5G might feature a significantly larger battery specifically for the Indian market. This phone will join the Realme 16 lineup, following the launch of the Realme 16, 16 Pro, 16 Pro+, and 16T 5G. Leaks suggest the India version could pack a 7,000mAh battery against the global model's 6,600mAh capacity. This regional adjustment targets Indian buyers who prioritize battery life in mid-range phones. Official pricing and full variants are expected at the August 12 launch event on Flipkart.

🛡️ Hansi Flick trusts these two for Barça defense

Hansi Flick has expressed complete confidence in Gerard Martín and Álvaro Cortés as potential center-back options for Barcelona. Martín, who switched from left-back, and Cortés, who debuted against Deportivo Alavés last May, have impressed the coaching staff. As of now, they join Pau Cubarsí, Eric Garcia, and Andreas Christensen in the backline. This confidence means Barça might not look to sign another top defender this summer. The club is now weighing its young talent against the need for a world-class signing. 🛡️

🩺 Digestive health changes during perimenopause

Experts have highlighted four key changes to digestive health that can occur during the perimenopause stage. These shifts are experienced by women going through this transition, particularly around the pelvic region. Specifically, issues can involve changes in bowel habits and increased bloating starting around the 40s. This phase involves fluctuating hormones that impact the gut microbiome significantly. Monitoring these changes is advised to manage symptoms effectively during this life stage. 🩺