💧 French firm surveys Kochi water issues

French firm SUEZ has finished a consumer survey of over one lakh households in the Kochi Corporation to spot water supply problems. This survey, along with topographical checks, covered the Kerala Water Authority’s pipeline network in the Corporation. The initial contract covered 1.5 lakh houses, but the firm now expects about 2.25 lakh households in those zones. The consumer survey needs two more months to wrap up before network design can fully progress. This ₹1,141.28-crore project, funded by ADB, involves multiple infrastructure assessments.

🏆 Coimbatore industrialist gets big honour

Nandini Rangaswamy, the managing director of Chandra Group, was honored with the Homepreneur Award on Sunday. This recognition took place in Chennai at Sakthi Masala’s SuyaSakthi Virudhugal – Homepreneur Awards 2026. The selection involved a two-stage evaluation process, featuring applications shortlisted by CREST, IIT Madras. A 25-member expert jury then assessed the finalists across nine categories, including business and education. This prestigious award acknowledges entrepreneurial potential and social impact in various fields. 🏆

⚖️ NALSAR students object to CJI guest role

About 450 students from NALSAR University of Law have formally written against inviting Chief Justice of India Surya Kant as the convocation chief guest. These students, from the 2026 batch, expressed their concerns via an email sent on July 23. Their objection stems from the CJI's bench reportedly refusing to list an urgent plea about the July 20 'Chalo Sansad' protest. They feel the CJI's dismissive conduct clashes with the university's values on constitutional rights. The students are urging the university to strongly reconsider this choice before any final decision is made. ⚖️

🗺️ Syria takes over key Mediterranean bases from Russia

Syria and Russia have signed an MoU ending Russia's military outpost status on two Mediterranean bases. This deal transfers management of Hmeimim airport and Tartus port to Syria. The transition, which happened after 18 months of talks, is set to be finished within three months. These strategic sites will become joint Russia-Syrian training and capacity-building centers. This move reorganizes Russia's presence along Syria's coast. 🤝

⚖️ Telangana vs Karnataka over Krishna River projects

Telangana is preparing to challenge Karnataka's unauthorized projects against the Central Government. The state will present its views at the 31st Southern Zonal Council (SZC) meeting in Mahabalipuram on August 20. Telangana demands national project status for Kaleshwaram and Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Projects. Karnataka, conversely, plans to complain about Telangana's new projects, citing water usage limits. Officials remain skeptical about quick resolutions given past slow progress on state-level issues. 💧

🏏 Gorvin seals thriller for Glamorgan on last ball

Glamorgan secured an epic two-wicket victory over Worcestershire Rapids in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup. The match took place at Sophia Gardens, with Glamorgan posting 281 for 8 against Worcestershire's 278 for 9. This came after Worcestershire's Jake Libby scored his fourth century in five games. Despite a late collapse, Andy Gorvin hit the winning boundary off the final ball. This incredible comeback gave Glamorgan a huge morale boost. 🤩

🗣️ Trump says US is cooling down Iran strikes

President Donald Trump has signaled a shift away from further military attacks against Iran. This change comes as Washington focuses on economic pressure while negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz are stuck. Trump stated that the US is 'low-keying it' and only 'semi-negotiating' with Tehran as of July 31, 2026. He suggested that worsening Iranian inflation could benefit the US position without more fighting. Despite this, Iran insists on US concessions before reopening the critical waterway. 🚢

💰 Entrepreneur bags record penthouse at DLF The Dahlias

Entrepreneur Manav Sardana recently purchased the penthouse at DLF's The Dahlias for an unprecedented ₹271 crore. This mega-deal was reportedly the most expensive single-unit transaction across the country. The penthouse boasts a super area of 17,200 sq ft and a carpet area of 10,500 sq ft. DLF currently sees price realizations above ₹1 lakh per square foot on higher floors. The company notes that nearly 25-30% of its business is now coming from NRIs.

🚨 TN police nab 837 cyber criminals in 48-hour drive

Tamil Nadu Police's Cyber Crime Wing conducted a 48-hour drive against mule account holders. This massive operation targeted individuals across the state involved in facilitating cyber fraud through bank accounts. The crackdown led to the arrest of 837 cyber criminals across 601 cases, linked to 9,804 complaints exceeding ₹545 crore. Investigators seized 204 mobile phones and other evidence while registering 157 new FIRs. The police are now analyzing digital evidence to dismantle the organized network further.

🦸 Spider-Man screening for Thalassemia warriors

Apollo Speciality Hospitals, Teynampet, hosted a special screening of Spider-Man: Brand New Day. This event was organized for around 100 young 'Thalassemia warriors' along with their families and caregivers. The screening took place at Kamala Cinemas on August 10, 2026. The movie choice reflected the courage and strength needed to overcome serious health challenges. The aim was to let these children forget the hospital and enjoy a moment of happiness.

⚖️ NALSAR students push back on CJI invitation

A group of students at NALSAR in Hyderabad are asking the university to reconsider inviting CJI Surya Kant as the convocation chief guest. These students cited the CJI’s reported comments from a Delhi protest hearing concerning police excesses against ‘Chalo Sansad’ protesters. At least six representations have been submitted since July 23, with signatures from roughly 350 to 450 students. They feel the CJI's dismissive public conduct clashes with NALSAR's commitment to constitutional rights. The students are requesting the university to re-evaluate this choice before finalizing the guest for the 2026-27 batch.