🌾 Hassan farmers protest, demand drought declaration

KPRS members staged a protest in Hassan on Thursday, demanding the state government declare the district drought-hit. The protest march went from the Hemavathi Statue to the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Sowing coverage is only 32% against a 2.86 lakh hectares target, with potato sowing at just 10,000 hectares. Farmers are suffering huge losses from Bilisuli, attributed to spurious seeds, and claim crop insurance has failed them. They urge a proper survey to assess losses and announce timely relief. 🌾

💰 Kerala Govt injects ₹5 crore to revive Travancore Cements

The Kerala government has decided to allocate ₹5 crore to revive the cash-strapped Travancore Cements Limited (TCL). This decision was made during a meeting held in the chamber of Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan. The funds are meant to restart white cement production, which stalled due to clinker import issues since the West Asia conflict. TCL is currently facing mounting liabilities, including 15 months of pending salaries and frozen bank accounts by EPFO. Management plans to use part of the funds for salary payments ahead of Onam once administrative sanction is issued.

🌎 US pushes Bangladesh away from China tech influence

Washington dispatched senior officials to Dhaka to promote US technology and investment, amid India's strained ties. US Special Envoy Sergio Gor visited from July 30 to August 1, discussing AI and defense with the Bangladeshi leadership. While Gor urged joining the US-led Pax Silica initiative, Bangladesh announced it would join China's WAICO as an observer on August 1. This highlights the intense competition as Beijing and Washington vie for influence in the Bay of Bengal. The US push follows China's recent major investment wins in Bangladesh's infrastructure sectors. 🚀

🌦️ IMD giving local weather updates to Telangana farmers

The Centre informed the Rajya Sabha that rainfall forecasts in Telangana utilize numerical weather prediction and AI models. Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh provided details after an MP asked about advanced flood management systems. IMD operates 25 Flood Meteorological Offices, issuing daily QPFs for 220 sub-basins up to seven days out. Furthermore, farmers are now getting panchayat-level forecasts via platforms like Panchayat Mausam Seva Portal. These crucial advisories are also spread through WhatsApp and local networks. 🌾

🫂 Hyderabad's Roshni helpline offers just a listening ear 🎧

Roshni, an emotional support centre in Hyderabad, received a call at 8:30 p.m. where a volunteer listened for two and a half hours. In 2025, the organisation handled 5,610 calls, with 2,537 coming from young adults aged 18 to 30. Mental health concerns were cited in 2,151 calls, while men made up the vast majority of callers. Roshni’s primary service is 'befriending,' providing someone to listen without immediate solutions. The centre operates with 70 trained volunteers, offering follow-ups for high-risk cases.

🆘 Kozhikode volunteers need better disaster network

Community Rescue Volunteers (CRVs) in Kozhikode are frustrated by reactive disaster responses in flood-prone areas. They highlight the lack of a district-level coordination mechanism and a unified digital communication platform for their operations. Despite proposals, a public online directory for rescue workers remains undeveloped as of August 6, 2026. These volunteers feel they lack basic equipment and coordinated training for pre-monsoon preparedness. Authorities are reportedly working on integrating CRVs and addressing digital platform delays. 😟

🏍️ Quartararo switches to Honda after Yamaha run

Fabio Quartararo has officially confirmed his move from Yamaha to Honda for the upcoming 850cc and Pirelli era. The Frenchman, who rode for Yamaha since 2019, expressed happiness about the new chapter after eight years with the manufacturer. His departure comes as he seeks a fresh mental and project change, leaving crew chief Diego Gubellini. Quartararo stated that Honda answered his questions despite the changes making any decision a gamble. He remains focused on the eleven remaining races to maintain his performance level.

🎬 Imtiaz Ali's 'Main Vaapas Aaunga' hits OTT soon

Imtiaz Ali's dramatic film, Main Vaapas Aaunga, is set for its OTT release on Netflix. The movie stars Vedang Raina and Sharvari, and is directed by Imtiaz Ali. It will premiere on August 7th, making it available to watch from home. The film explores the human impact of Partition through the memories of an elderly man. Producers noted its successful commercial turnaround despite a slow initial theatre start.

🏏 Birmingham Phoenix vs Sunrisers Leeds: The Hundred 2026 Clash

The Hundred Women's 2026 Match 24 features Birmingham Phoenix Women against Sunrisers Leeds Women on August 7th at Edgbaston. Birmingham Phoenix is 7th with 1 win and 3 losses, while Sunrisers Leeds is 5th with 2 wins and 3 losses. Birmingham posted 122/7 in their last match, whereas Sunrisers Leeds won their last game by 5 wickets. Sunrisers Leeds Women are predicted to win the toss and the match overall. Phoebe Litchfield is tipped to be the Player of the Match for this big contest. 🏏

🏛️ Ex-High Court CJ bids for SCBA President role

Senior Advocate Siddharth Mridul filed his nomination for the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President post. He made the move from Manipur High Court, where he previously served as Chief Justice. The elections are set for later this month, following existing electoral rules. This contest follows debates on reforms, which the Supreme Court deferred until the 2027-28 cycle. The newly elected office-bearers are expected to take charge after the election committee's schedule is met. 🏛️

📚 IAS officer transforms old buildings into 78 digital libraries

An IAS officer initiated the Digital Samvidhan Ghar project, turning abandoned buildings into learning hubs across Dholpur district. This transformation is happening in villages in the Chambal ravines, with Nivrutti Avhad leading the effort since 2024. Currently, there are 78 digital libraries operational across the district, serving about 5,000 students. These centers provide safe learning spaces, helping students prepare for exams close to home. The initiative aims to bring educational access to remote areas previously cut off from modern facilities.