📈 Foreign funding surges despite FCRA rule tightening

Foreign contributions reached Rs 22,963 crore in the 2024-25 period, according to the home ministry figures. This inflow was received by 16,200 NGOs across India. Over the three years from 2019-20 to 2021-22, Rs 55,741 crore was received by 13,250 NGOs via FCRA. This continues despite the progressive tightening of laws governing foreign contributions. The ministry clarified the amendments apply uniformly and target a specific channel, not civil society broadly.

🔬 Scientists 3D print Earth's hardest metal

Researchers developed a new 3D printing technique for tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-Co), an extremely hard industrial material. This breakthrough was achieved by a team using hot-wire laser irradiation in a lab setting. They successfully produced the material with hardness above 1,400 Vickers Hardness (HV) while using less raw material. This method bypasses traditional powder metallurgy, which is expensive and wasteful. If scaled up, this could significantly lower production costs for tools and equipment. 🛠️

🩺 MASLD and Hepatitis B raise major health alerts

MASLD in chronic hepatitis B was linked to increased cardiovascular and extrahepatic cancer risks over 13.7 years. This population-based cohort study involved 3,269 adults with chronic hepatitis B infection from northern China. Participants with MASLD showed a 98% higher cardiovascular risk and a 50% higher extrahepatic cancer risk. The elevated risk was present even with mild steatosis or normal liver enzymes, suggesting broader systemic issues. Therefore, metabolic management and cardiovascular monitoring are crucial for those with chronic hepatitis B. 🩺

😠 Opposition Slams FCRA Bill as Targeting Minorities

Opposition parties maintained their firm stance against the FCRA bill during a meeting. Rahul Gandhi briefed parties on his discussion with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju regarding the delimitation bill. Members expressed concern that the legislation specifically targets religious minorities, particularly Christians. Some noted that the government might drop the objectionable clause concerning 'retrospective effect'. The opposition insists on the bill being scrutinized amidst ongoing protest activities.

🏗️ Telangana extends land conversion window till October

The Telangana Government has extended the window for industrial land conversion under the HILTP policy. This decision allows applications for lands within and near the ORR until October 31. The online portal is reopened for three months, specifically from August 1 to October 31. This extension addresses stakeholder concerns after the initial one-month period in June. The conversion will continue under SRO rates valid before June 5, 2026.

💊 Lilly and Novo Win Big in Drug Market Lawsuit

Lilly and Novo Nordisk have successfully defeated an antitrust lawsuit concerning the GLP-1 drug market. This legal victory involved the two pharmaceutical giants in a high-stakes case. The lawsuit, which had been ongoing, concluded after significant legal proceedings. The ruling clears the way for their continued dominance in the popular weight-loss drug space. Moving forward, the companies can proceed with their current market strategies without immediate legal hurdles. 💊

🤝 FCRA changes won't be retrospective, says Mizoram CM

Mizoram CM Lalduhoma confirmed that Home Minister Amit Shah assured church bodies regarding the FCRA amendments. This assurance was given after a meeting with representatives of various church bodies in Mizoram. The proposed bill is expected to undergo a debate on August 12th. The church bodies had specifically urged Shah to incorporate their suggestions to protect the existing FCRA framework. This move shows a dialogue between state leadership and religious organizations on legislative changes.

🎾 Kim Clijsters says no to shorter tennis format

Kim Clijsters has officially rejected a proposal put forward by Novak Djokovic regarding the shortening of the tennis format. The suggestion was made by Djokovic during discussions about major tournament schedules. There are no specific numbers or dates provided in the proposal details. This move comes as tennis bodies debate how to optimize event durations for modern viewers. The outcome of this disagreement will influence future tournament structures in the sport.

🏭 US hits polysilicon imports with new tariffs

President Donald Trump signed an order on Thursday to impose tariffs on polysilicon imports, a crucial material for solar panels and semiconductors. This action follows a year-long Commerce Department probe into these imports. The investigation began in July 2025 under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. Officials aim to secure the supply chain domestically and prevent product dumping from China. Further details regarding the tariff levels have not been immediately disclosed by the department.

⚠️ Saudi warns of dual attack from Iran's allies

A Saudi official has stated that the Kingdom anticipates an imminent two-pronged attack from Iran's allies. This warning comes from officials within Saudi Arabia, highlighting escalating regional tensions. The official did not specify exact dates or numerical targets for the expected aggression. The heightened rhetoric reflects growing geopolitical instability in the Middle East. Further developments are being closely monitored by international observers. 🇸🇦

🏛️ Supreme Court drops challenge in Bofors case

The Supreme Court dismissed a plea challenging the Delhi High Court's 2005 decision regarding the Bofors payoff case. This case involves the Rs 1,437 crore howitzer gun deal signed between India and Bofors in 1986. The court heard the matter on Friday, concluding the long-pending appeal filed by advocate Ajay K Agrawal. The Delhi High Court had already quashed criminal proceedings against the Hinduja brothers in 2005. The Supreme Court's decision effectively closes the legal battle surrounding the scandal. 🏛️