🔬 DNA is weirder than the double helix

Scientists discovered strange, non-canonical DNA structures existing beyond the familiar double helix pattern. The research analyzed T2T reference genomes for humans and six ape species. This study utilized data from 2022 and 2023 sequencing efforts to map these patterns. These structures, estimated at 13 percent of the human genome, impact processes like replication and transcription. Future research aims to understand how these novel shapes affect mammalian health. 🧬

🏛️ Tarun Tejpal's acquittal overturned by Bombay HC

The Bombay high court overturned Tarun Tejpal's 2021 acquittal in a 2013 sexual assault case. The decision was made by a division bench in Goa, convicting Tejpal under multiple IPC sections. He was sentenced to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment and ordered to pay Rs 10.1 lakh to the victim. The court heavily relied on the victim's 'sterling quality' testimony and his apology emails. Tejpal has maintained his innocence and plans to appeal the verdict to the Supreme Court. ⚖️

⚖️ Bombay HC overturns acquittal in Tarun Tejpal case

The Bombay High Court overturned Tarun Tejpal's acquittal, convicting him in the 2013 sexual assault case. This decision was made after the High Court found the trial court focused too much on the survivor’s character instead of the actual evidence. The court criticized the defense for cross-examining the survivor on personal life details repeatedly. The High Court found that minor omissions were wrongly treated as major contradictions by the lower court. Tejpal was ultimately sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. ⚖️

✈️ PM Modi's foreign trips cost Rs 74.5 crore this year

The government informed the Rajya Sabha that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign visits cost approximately Rs 74.5 crore this year. This disclosure was made by the Ministry of External Affairs in response to questions from MPs Sanjay Singh and Dr V Sivadasan. Furthermore, the government stated India secured USD 381.8 billion in FDI between April 2021 and December 2025. The ministry explained that these high-level trips boost global partnerships across various sectors. The details of trip costs and MoUs are provided in attached annexures for review.

🛰️ Lunar impact captured by Korea's orbiter

Korea's lunar orbiter, Danuri, captured before and after images of a Falcon 9 stage striking the Moon. This happened near Einstein crater, as seen by NASA's LRO and KASA. The collision occurred on August 5th at 3:34 p.m. Wednesday. These eight images offer a rare close-up record of surface changes from a known object. Researchers will use this data to study the lunar surface properties and impact features. 🛰️

🐍 Ancient Fossil Hints at Snake Evolution

An 80-million-year-old fossil has been discovered in Brazil, which could shed light on the initial shift in snakes from walking to slithering. The fossil was found in Brazil and is being studied by paleontologists. This specimen dates back approximately 80 million years. Researchers believe this find offers crucial insights into early serpentine locomotion. Further analysis of this fossil is expected to reveal more about snake evolutionary pathways. 🐍

😔 Actor admits taking C-grade roles to clear Rs 1 crore debt

Veteran actress Sushmita Mukherjee revealed she worked in C-grade films due to financial pressure. This hardship occurred after her family's production company went bankrupt with a Rs 1 crore debt. The crisis surfaced in 2002 when the company failed to adapt to changing industry technology. She admitted that this work was a compulsion, not something she enjoyed, to repay creditors. Currently, she is in a better place, choosing roles that align with her professional values. 😥

⛽ ₹23,731 Cr GOBARdhan scheme approved for biogas

The Union Cabinet recently cleared the GOBARdhan scheme, a ₹23,731 crore program focusing on boosting compressed biogas (CBG) production. This initiative is being implemented from FY2026-27 until FY2035-36 across India. The goal is to increase domestic CBG output nearly ten-fold by utilizing agricultural residue and organic waste. The scheme guarantees offtake and offers a stable price of ₹2,110 per MMBTU for producers. It also provides significant capital assistance for new and expanding CBG plants. ⛽

🎤 Stray Kids' take on BTS' Grammy boycott sparks debate

Stray Kids addressed questions regarding BTS' decision not to submit music for the Grammy Awards. At a JYP Entertainment press conference, members were questioned about BTS' boycott over the new 'Best Asian Pop Music Performance' category. Seungmin stated they focus on their stories rather than outside opinions, while Hyunjin emphasized their priority is making fans happy. The members did not directly confirm or deny agreement with BTS' stance, leading to online backlash. This response quickly became a hot topic, with fans debating the members' evasiveness. 🧐

🛵 Ola Electric switches from direct sales to dealers

Ola Electric is ending its direct-to-consumer sales strategy and opening up its network to dealer partners across India. This major shift follows the company's sales decline, moving away from its initial model since December 2021. Sales peaked at 4.29 lakh units in 2024 but dropped over 52% in 2025 to 2.05 lakh units. The company plans to have a nationwide dealer footprint established by Diwali 2026. This change aims to boost sales reach amidst intense competition from rivals like TVS iQube. 🛵

⚖️ Pakistan Army Chief's Shift Drops Blasphemy Cases

The Pakistan Army Chief has reportedly begun distancing himself from hardline Islamist groups within the country. This shift is being observed in Pakistan, where these groups previously held significant influence. Recent reports indicate a noticeable drop in the number of blasphemy cases filed across the nation. This change reflects a broader strategic move by the military establishment towards moderation. Moving forward, analysts are watching to see how this policy shift impacts religious extremism. ⚖️