🌕 Hammer and feather fall together on the Moon

In 1971, Apollo 15 astronaut David Scott dropped a hammer and a feather on the Moon to test physics. He performed this demonstration during the final minutes of the third lunar surface excursion on the Moon. The hammer weighed 1.32 kilograms and the feather 0.03 kilograms, released from about 1.6 metres. This showed that without air resistance, objects fall at the same rate regardless of their mass. The experiment provided a direct, theatrical illustration of Galileo's principle in a vacuum. 🚀

🌋 Iceland's lava fountains: science explains the pulsing eruption

Scientists have uncovered the mechanisms behind the spectacular lava fountains seen in Iceland's Fagradalsfjall volcano. A team studied the area, which is a subglacially formed table mountain, during the 2021 eruption. During that time, they observed short, intense fountaining episodes over a period of more than six weeks. The research suggests the fountains resulted from pressure cycles in a shallow, magma-filled cavity beneath the volcano. This understanding is key as volcanic unrest continues near Svartsengi and Grindavík.

⚖️ Former HC CJ Siddharth Mridul seeks SCBA President role

Senior Advocate Siddharth Mridul has officially nominated himself to contest the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Presidential election. He submitted his nomination papers this Thursday, signaling his return to active legal campaigning. Mridul previously served as a judge at the Delhi High Court before becoming the Manipur High Court CJ in October 2023. He retired from his judicial post in November 2024 and is now practicing as a senior advocate. The upcoming SCBA elections are scheduled to take place on August 18, 2026.

👮 Kerala launches 'My Police Station' for better policing

Kerala is set to launch the 'My Police Station' initiative starting August 15 to boost citizen engagement with the police force. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala announced this during a press conference on Thursday, August 6, 2026. This reform involves Sub-Inspectors taking over SHO roles in 419 out of 484 stations. The goal is to provide time-bound services and eliminate custodial crimes completely. The ADGP (Law and Order) will coordinate this effort, with monthly reports going to the Government. 👮

💖 Gavi goes pink after Spain's WC win

Gavi dyed his hair pink following Spain's victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. The Spanish team defeated Argentina by a score of 1-0 in the final match. This triumphant win occurred during the World Cup 2026 tournament. Gavi commented on the win, stating that the team upheld its promise. The celebration marked a significant achievement for Spanish football.

🧐 Kerala probes EVM hacking scam targeting poll candidates

The Kerala government has ordered an investigation into claims that election candidates were tricked into paying money for EVM hacking services. This action followed a complaint lodged by Congress leader Rajmohan Unnithan, MP, to the State police in Kasaragod. The allegations state that a leader promised a special technology to prevent BJP EVM hacking and demanded large sums of money. Candidates from Kasaragod and Uduma reportedly paid, while the Manjeswaram candidate declined the offer. Further similar claims were made by former LDF candidate Shanavas Padur, mentioning B.M. Jamal. 🧐

⛈️ Heavy rains expected across India; floods likely in hills

Heavy rainfall is forecasted to continue across large parts of northwest, central, eastern, and northeastern India over the next week. The India Meteorological Department warned of localized flash floods in areas like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in Kerala, coastal, and south interior Karnataka over the next two to three days. The IMD has issued a low to moderate flash flood risk for several districts in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to stay alert due to continued monsoon activity. 🌧️

🏏 Rahane spills Dhoni's one strict rule 🤫

Ajinkya Rahane revealed a unique unwritten rule about MS Dhoni's personal space. This insight comes from his time playing with Dhoni for India and in the IPL for CSK and RPS. Rahane noted that Dhoni's room was always open for the squad, sometimes with 10 to 15 players. However, the strict rule was that when his door was shut, absolutely no one was allowed inside. Dhoni's playing future is uncertain after missing IPL 2026 due to a leg injury.

✈️ Passenger arrested for mid-air exit attempt

A passenger was arrested for attempting to open an emergency exit on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kochi. The incident involved Jamsheer Athanikkal aboard Batik Air flight OD231 on Wednesday. Between 9:30 pm and 11:05 pm, he tried to force open the exit and damaged its window panel. This action also included threatening fellow passengers and the cabin crew, jeopardizing safety. The case was registered on Thursday, with further investigation still ongoing.

🩺 Nurse saves 77-year-old from heart attack mid-flight

A 77-year-old man suffered a cardiac emergency on a Southwest Airlines flight near Phoenix. Two nurses, Lora Holton and Kaitlyn Louchheim, performed CPR in the cramped aisle to keep him alive. This happened on July 29, and McGee later spent a week searching for the stranger who saved him. The incident highlights the importance of emergency training in high-pressure situations. McGee finally connected with Louchheim, thanking her for giving him more time with his family. 💖

⛽ Is your car ready for India's E20 fuel change?

India is mandating E20, petrol blended with up to 20 percent ethanol, as the standard grade across the country. This change applies to all petrol pumps starting from April 1, 2026, meeting a minimum RON of 95. India achieved this blend target by 2025, significantly faster than the original 2030 deadline. Newer vehicles made from April 2023 onwards are designed for E20, while older ones might see mileage dips. Owners should check their vehicle's compatibility using the owner's manual or by contacting an authorized service center. ⛽