🏛️ Historic Mala Synagogue Restoration Kicks Off in Kerala

The long-awaited restoration of the historic Mala Jewish Synagogue has finally commenced after its roof collapsed during heavy rains. This crucial heritage monument is located in Thrissur, Kerala, and the project is part of the Muziris Heritage Project. Officials aim to wrap up the entire restoration within three months, starting after the roof caved in in June of last year. The work involves rebuilding the roof and assessing wall stability, overseen by a monitoring committee. However, ongoing monsoon rain might impact the construction timeline moving forward. 🏛️

🔭 IIA Director wins prestigious COSPAR award

Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, received the COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal for 2026. This honor recognizes her significant contributions to space research in developing countries. The award ceremony took place on Monday at the 46th COSPAR General Assembly in Florence, Italy. Her work covers stellar populations, blue straggler stars, and AstroSat missions. She is the first Indian woman to receive this esteemed recognition. 🔭

📈 Aurobindo Pharma posts strong Q1 earnings report

Aurobindo Pharma saw its net profit jump by 25% to Rs 1,033 crore in the first quarter of fiscal 2027. This financial performance was reported by the company in an exchange filing on Wednesday. Revenue rose 16% to Rs 9,150 crore, while EBITDA grew 17% to Rs 1,881 crore. This positive trend shows an expanded EBITDA margin of 20.6% from 20.4% previously. The company's share price also saw a 1.73% uptick at the close of the trading day. 📈

🌧️ Kerala gets orange rain alert for seven districts

Heavy rainfall is still expected in parts of Kerala due to cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal. An orange alert was issued for seven districts, including Kasaragod and Ernakulam, on Thursday. The India Meteorological Department noted this forecast following light rain activity on Wednesday, August 5. The alert warns of very heavy rain while other areas face yellow alerts for isolated heavy showers. Fishermen are advised to be extra careful due to forecasted 1.2-1.4 m swell waves until Thursday night. 🌊

🚦 Kollam rolls out major traffic overhaul for Onam

Kollam district administration has launched a comprehensive traffic management plan to tackle congestion before the Onam festival season. This initiative involves combining long-term safety infrastructure upgrades with immediate seasonal controls across key city bottlenecks. Strict crackdown on violations is announced by District Collector Anie Julia Thomas, with changes at intersections like Munroe Island Canara Bank junction. Authorities are deploying extra traffic wardens and relocating bus stops at locations like Pallimukku Junction. Furthermore, pothole repairs must be done by August 15, and heavy vehicle loading is restricted to nighttime.

🕊️ Padmavathi Ishaq, 93, Passes Away in Perth

Padmavathi Ishaq, a writer and former history teacher, recently passed away in Perth, Australia. She was 93 years old and lived in Australia after her husband’s passing. Her early life involved activism with the All India Students Federation and the Communist Party. Her book, Medieval Indian History, was a prescribed text in Calicut University starting in 1986. She is survived by her daughter, Neena.

🚗 Annamayya gears up to boost road safety measures

The Annamayya district administration is pushing for coordinated road safety improvements to cut down on accidents. In-charge District Collector Shiv Narayan Sharma chaired the meeting on Wednesday in the district. Safety measures are done at 108 out of 236 identified sites, with the remaining 128 needing priority completion. Officials are tasked with installing speed cameras and cracking down on illegal vehicle modifications. The administration plans to create a trauma care centre near Madanapalle and fix market congestion. 🚦

🏏 Sri Lanka Tests could shake up BCCI brass

India's Test series in Sri Lanka is setting the stage for major decisions regarding cricket leadership. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar are currently under scrutiny following recent performance dips. Top sources suggest Gambhir might stay until the 2027 ODI World Cup, potentially leading to Agarkar stepping down. These calls will depend heavily on the current results, much like Rohit Sharma's uncertain ODI future. Furthermore, VVS Laxman is reportedly being considered for the next chief selector role. 🏏

🏚️ Venezuela earthquake aftermath: Demolition complicates search 💔

Demolition work has started in Venezuela following the deadly June earthquakes to clear unsafe structures. This process is taking place in La Guaira, where survivors are still desperately searching for loved ones. As of the government's report, at least 6,125 people were killed in the twin earthquakes. The decision to level buildings is controversial because it obstructs the ongoing recovery efforts for families. Search and Rescue Mexico continues its mission to locate missing persons amidst the ruins.

🏡 Betsey Johnson's quiet $7.5M Hidden Hills home

Betsey Johnson, known for vibrant fashion, listed her Hidden Hills, California estate for $7.5 million. This property offers soft neutral interiors, mountain views, and a four-stall barn in an exclusive neighborhood. The home features bright, airy spaces contrasting her colorful public image. It provides a peaceful escape with open layouts and equestrian amenities. Buyers can now check out this surprising, understated retreat.

🏆 Lock Upp S2 Winner Shreya Kalra Wins Big

Shreya Kalra secured the grand prize as the winner of Lock Upp Season 2. She triumphed over Shivangi Joshi, who finished as the first runner-up, in the reality show competition. The winner, Shreya Kalra, was awarded a massive cash prize of Rs 1 crore. The season saw intense competition among contestants across various challenges. The show's future plans and subsequent events are yet to be officially announced. 🏆