☔ Heavy rain alert across multiple Indian states

The IMD has predicted widespread to very heavy rainfall across numerous states in India for Friday, August 14. Areas like Kerala, Delhi-NCR, and Himachal Pradesh are under specific alerts for heavy downpours. Heavy to very heavy rain is anticipated in regions including Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh. The monsoon activity is expected to remain very active across northern, central, eastern, and western parts of the country. Citizens should stay updated on local weather warnings for safety during the predicted intense rain periods. ☔

🏔️ Ather Konarc seen testing in freezing Himalayas 🥶

Ather's new electric scooter, Konarc, was recently spotted undergoing rigorous high-altitude and cold weather testing in the Himalayas. This testing involved subjecting the scooter to temperatures ranging from -4 degree Celsius to 3 degree Celsius over 60 days. These extreme trials assessed peak performance, battery efficiency, and all-weather riding capabilities for the upcoming mass-market model. Konarc is set to be unveiled at Ather's Community Day on August 29th, targeting mainstream buyers. The scooter is expected to challenge rivals with a potential starting price around Rs 1 lakh.

🛡️ Meta removes 756k teen accounts in Australia

Meta has removed 756,000 accounts belonging to teenagers in Australia. This action was taken by Meta concerning its platform's enforcement efforts. The removals occurred as the ban enforcement looms, targeting underage users. This move is part of Meta's ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with safety guidelines. The company continues to refine its policies to better protect young users online.

⚡ ICE to buy $20M shock gloves for removals

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to purchase Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter, or GLOVE, gloves worth up to $20 million. This equipment is intended for Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement Removal Operations officers across the US. The proposed spending was detailed in a DHS notice published on Monday, covering the period until March 31, 2027. Critics, including the ACLU and New York attorney general Letitia James, are outraged over the potential for misuse of these painful devices. DHS defends the purchase, stating the tools are necessary for safely removing illegal aliens.

🛰️ Space habitats must support astronaut mental health

Engineers at MIT have created an interactive platform linking habitat design to astronaut wellbeing outcomes. This resource details connections between design features and behaviors like stress and isolation for missions to the Moon and Mars. The insights, published in npj Microgravity, were gathered after extensive literature searches and expert interviews. The team mapped 14 key emotions, using a DAG format similar to NASA's risk mapping. This work can also apply to stressful environments like submarines and war zones. 🚀

🚦 Govt cracks down on pre-ride cab tipping prompts

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has mandated that cab tipping must be voluntary and occur only after a ride finishes. This directive was issued to vehicle aggregators regarding misleading prompts like “Advance Tip” seen before rides. The guidelines, referencing the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines of 2025, require immediate platform reviews. Furthermore, the tip amount must be credited to the driver without any deductions from the aggregator. Platforms must modify any interface that suggests tipping affects ride confirmation or service quality.

🦀 Crab trapped in plastic bottle off Okinawa coast

A live crab was discovered stuck inside a plastic bottle floating in the ocean. This incident occurred 500 metres off Sesoko Island in Okinawa, Japan. The crab, which entered as a juvenile, has been trapped for about two months. It survived by eating small fish and algae while growing too big to fit through the 24 mm opening. Researchers found this trapped creature highlights plastic pollution issues.

🌿 Neem-Karela-Jamun juice for blood sugar?

Neem, karela, and jamun juice is being discussed as a natural remedy for managing diabetes and lowering high fasting blood glucose. These botanicals are used by people in various settings due to their metabolic benefits. Studies showed bitter gourd preparations reduced fasting blood glucose in Type 2 diabetics within 7 days. Experts advise that these juices are adjuncts, not replacements for prescribed medical therapy. Therefore, expecting a huge drop in blood sugar from one shot in one week is not realistic. 🌿

🏏 Patriots bag first win in cracking cricket match

St Kitts and Nevis Patriots secured a five-wicket victory over Saint Lucia Kings on Wednesday at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium. Saurabh Netravalkar and skipper Jason Holder were key performers for the Patriots in this match. The Kings were restricted to 155/8 in 20 overs, while the Patriots chased the target in 17.4 overs on November 15th. Despite strong batting from Jewel Andrew and Kamil Pooran, the Patriots bowlers kept the Kings in check. Andre Fletcher played a crucial stabilizing role to help the Patriots clinch their first win of the season. 🏏

🚨 Settlers siege Palestinian homes in West Bank

Israeli settlers have besieged three Palestinian families within their homes in the occupied West Bank, cutting off vital water and electricity supplies. This incident occurred in Qusra, south of Nablus, on Wednesday, with the siege reportedly starting on Sunday. Residents are being held captive amid escalating land disputes and intimidation tactics. The situation reflects broader tensions, as the UN has warned the area has reached a breaking point. Israeli forces plan to continue operations to strengthen order in the region.

📺 Shalini Passi chats about Traitors 2 cast

Shalini Passi shared her views on co-contestants Shweta Tiwari and Mallika Sherawat ahead of The Traitors 2 premiere tonight. She spoke to Siddharth Kannan about the stars from Suryagarh Palace, Jaisalmer. The season features contestants like Shweta Tiwari, Mallika Sherawat, and Shalini Passi starting this year. Passi mentioned being obsessed with Shweta Tiwari's perfect bahu image while Mallika's energy pushes her away. The show involves contestants building a prize pot while identifying secret traitors.