🛒 Flipkart Minutes enters premium grocery game

Ecommerce giant Flipkart has stepped into the gourmet grocery space via its quick-commerce arm, Minutes. This move places premium and specialty food items as a new competition in the market. The company also launched its private label, Pykd, for these higher-value purchases. This strategy mirrors rivals like Zepto and Blinkit, as the market seeks bigger basket sizes. Flipkart plans to add more premium brands and eventually expand into online food delivery.

📚 JNVST 2027 registration deadline gets an extension

The registration deadline for the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Selection Test 2027 has been extended. This extension benefits students across various regions applying for the prestigious scholarship. The new deadline is set for November 15, 2024, allowing more time for applications. This vital test selects talented students for JNVs across India. Interested candidates should check the official notification for further details and procedures.

⚽ Torres move to PSG nearing €50M deal

Ferran Torres is reportedly close to moving from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain. The two clubs are finalizing a €50 million transfer for the World Cup winner. Advanced talks began after Ferran agreed to PSG's contract terms. The remaining details concern payment structures and potential add-ons. The deal is expected to be official next week after his vacation.

🎬 Varanasi: Mahesh Babu vs Prithviraj in cosmic quest

SS Rajamouli's Varanasi reveals a high-stakes plot involving an ancient cosmic artefact and a deadly asteroid. The film is set in 2027 when the Shambhavi asteroid heads for Varanasi. Rugged archaeologist Rudhra joins historian Mandakini on a globe-trotting mission to stop the disaster. They are pursued by tech genius Kumbha across Africa, Antarctica, and Europe. The movie, starring Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is slated for release on April 7, 2027. 🚀

📱 Big phone deals on Amazon UK right now

Major discounts are live on several top smartphones across Amazon UK. Samsung, Apple, and Xiaomi devices, including the Galaxy S26 Ultra and iPhone 17 Pro, are discounted. Specific deals include a £435 off for the S26 Ultra and up to £150 off for the iPhone 17 Pro this week. These sales cover a range of models like the Pixel 10a and Xiaomi 17 Ultra. Shoppers can grab these deals now before the offers wrap up. 📱

⚡ KSEB power purchase spending projected to rise in 2026-27

The Kerala State Electricity Board projects an increase of ₹1,596.28 crore in its power purchase spending for 2026-27. This revised estimate of ₹13,344.11 crore was submitted to the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission. The initial provisional approval for the same period was set at ₹11,747.83 crore. This projection is part of a mid-year review petition, with a hearing scheduled for August 18 in Thiruvananthapuram. KSEB anticipates a 1,187.66 million unit deficit, needing external power sources. ⚡

🌿 SC extends 10km mining ban near wetlands nationwide

The Supreme Court has extended the 10-km prior-approval requirement for mining around notified wetlands and conservation reserves. This ruling applies across all states, reinforcing wetland protection nationwide. As of August 3, 2026, India had 101 Ramsar sites, with Glaw Lake in Arunachal Pradesh being the newest addition. This decision addresses regulatory gaps left by the 2017 Wetlands Rules, which lacked explicit buffer prohibitions. The court mandates NBWL and MoEFCC clearances to safeguard vital aquatic habitats from industrial degradation. 🏞️

😠 Savarkar question sparks uproar in Kerala quiz

An Independence Day quiz for lower-primary students in Kasargod sparked a big row after featuring V.D. Savarkar in a tie-breaker. The quiz, organized by the Social Science Club Association, was held on Thursday in schools under Manjeshwaram and Kumbla sub-districts. The controversy involves the fifth question asking about the freedom fighter receiving the most severe punishment. Critics claim this glorifies Sangh Parivar leaders who allegedly weren't significant in the freedom movement. General Education Minister N Shamsudeen has since called for a government report on the matter.

⚽ Man Utd pivots on left-back search after Newcastle block

Manchester United is looking at four new left-back targets after Newcastle refused to sell Lewis Hall. The club must now find a replacement with 24 days left in the transfer window. Potential options include Antonee Robinson, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Jorge Salinas, and David Raum. These players offer different profiles, ranging from pace to experience, to challenge Luke Shaw's spot. United needs to make a quick decision on who fits their long-term plans. ⚽

📵 New Kansas law bans student phones, earbuds, smartwatches at school

A new law in Kansas prohibits students from using personal cellular devices, including phones, earbuds, and smartwatches during the entire school day. This mandate applies to students returning to school later this month in the Shawnee Mission School District. Many states already have restrictions, with 24 having a full bell-to-bell ban. Parent groups support these rules due to concerns over distraction and mental health. Furthermore, some parents are pushing for tighter limits on school-issued iPads for younger students. 📱

😥 Villagers ride excavator bucket across landslide road

A landslide blocked the Dewal–Wan road in Chamoli, forcing villagers to take a risky shortcut. Residents in Chamoli are using the bucket of a Poclain excavator to cross the damaged section. This road closure affects approximately 8,000 people living beyond Gamligad as of August 8, 2026. The situation is critical because essential travel for medical needs and supplies is disrupted. Locals are urgently demanding the administration restore the road to ensure safety. 😥