⚽ Gullit thinks Rashford's return could be the summer's best pick 🤩

Dutch legend Ruud Gullit believes Marcus Rashford's unexpected return to Manchester United could be the best signing of the summer. This situation unfolded after Rashford was supposed to permanently move to Barcelona. Last season, the 28-year-old scored 14 goals and made 14 assists in 49 appearances for Barcelona. Gullit suggests his time in Spain helped him find lost confidence and form. The challenge now is if Michael Carrick can replicate that successful environment at Old Trafford.

⚖️ Engineer and orderly jailed in bribery trap case

A former Executive Engineer and an orderly were convicted in a bribery trap case by the ACB court. The accused were Ghulam Nabi Dar, the Executive Engineer from REW Ganderbal, and Mohd. Shameem Parra, the orderly. The conviction, pronounced on August 14, 2026, stemmed from FIR No. 02/2014 registered by VOK (now ACB). This case involved the demand and acceptance of illegal gratification while processing a contractor’s bill. Both individuals received four years’ simple imprisonment and a Rs 10,000 fine each.

🏗️ Telangana lets HMDA issue TDRs for projects

The Telangana government has given the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority power to issue Transferable Development Rights across various regions. This applies to projects in the Core Urban Region, Peri Urban Region, and the Secunderabad Cantonment area. These TDRs, which replace cash compensation for acquired public land, can be used anywhere within the HMDA jurisdiction. They can either be used for building extra floors or sold at their current market value. This move was formally ordered on August 14, 2026.

⛽ India turns farm waste into fuel with GOBARdhan

The government has launched GOBARdhan, a national framework to transform cattle dung and crop waste into Compressed Biogas (CBG). This initiative is managed by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, with a total outlay of Rs 23,731 crore for the period FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36. The scheme aims for a tenfold increase in domestic CBG production, making villages energy hubs and farmers suppliers. This moves the focus from waste management to building a full-scale bioenergy industry. Ultimately, this aims to boost energy security and reduce dependence on imported natural gas.

🔭 Space tech mimics solar eclipse before the real one

ESA's Proba-3 mission artificially created an eclipse for the 65th time without the Moon's help on August 12, 2026. The two spacecraft, positioned 150 metres apart at 60,000 km above Earth, used one to block the Sun for the other. This setup allowed for uninterrupted views of the Sun’s corona, which appeared greenish in the captured image. The real Moon then crossed the field of view shortly after, resulting in a double eclipse. The mission's prior observations provided accurate predictions for both the spacecraft and ground observers.

🍅 Tomato genes edited for massive fruit boost 🍅

Scientists at Hebrew University successfully edited two tomato genes involved in flower and fertilization processes. Researchers achieved this using CRISPR technology in greenhouse experiments conducted in the early 2020s. The edited plants produced over 18 times more fruit early in the season, even in cold winter conditions. This allowed the tomatoes to form seedless fruit without needing fertilization, a process called parthenocarpy. Further research is needed before these specialized tomatoes can be used commercially.

📈 Voltas Q1 profit jumps 53% with Atomberg JV

Voltas reported a significant 53% rise in its net profit for the first quarter, reaching Rs 214 crore. This financial update came from the company, which is based in India. The earnings were reported for the quarter ending December 31, 2023. Furthermore, Voltas has announced a new joint venture with Atomberg. This partnership aims to focus on the manufacturing of AC compressors going forward.

🇮🇳 Why two PMs missed the Red Fort address

Two Indian Prime Ministers never addressed the nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day. These individuals were Gulzarilal Nanda and Chandra Shekhar. Nanda's brief tenures ended in June 1964 and January 1966, while Shekhar resigned in March 1991. Their tenures concluded before the August 15th celebration. Therefore, neither PM had the chance to hoist the flag or deliver the traditional speech. 🇮🇳

💪 sesame seeds: tiny powerhouse packed with benefits

Sesame seeds are more than just a garnish, offering numerous nutritional benefits packed into small seeds. Experts suggest these seeds are great for supporting bone health due to high calcium content, especially for women. Consuming around 40g daily has been linked to reduced LDL cholesterol and triglycerides for heart health. Furthermore, their fiber aids digestion, but crushing them is better than eating whole ones. One to two tablespoons daily is recommended for optimal intake.

👮 BJP MLA's daughter allegedly slaps police officer in temple

A Karnataka BJP MLA's daughter allegedly slapped a woman police officer during temple celebrations. The incident occurred on August 12 at 8:15 pm at Arathi Ukkada temple in Srirangapatna taluk, Mandya district. The officer, Savitha Patil of Mandya Women's Police Station, filed a complaint against Aishwarya, the MLA's daughter. An FIR has been registered at Kyathanahalli Police Station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The MLA, B Suresh Gowda, has since apologized for the altercation. 😟

😠 Rao Inderjit walks out of BJP event over protocol

Rao Inderjit Singh walked off stage during a state-level BJP event in Gurugram. He stated the walkout was due to his seniority and local self-respect being ignored by the party. The incident occurred during a Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas function on an unspecified date. Singh argued that the event was becoming a Punjabi-only show, despite Haryana having 36 castes. He called for a unified Haryana where every community has an equal claim.