🌱 How farming setup changes tiny life in plant food

This study looked into how different soilless farming systems affect microbial life in nutrient solutions and bok choy. Five systems—DWC, KR, NFT, EF, and DI—were tested over two growing cycles to see the impact. The DI system showed the highest aerobic plate count in the nutrient solution across both cycles. Microbial community composition varied significantly by system type and growing cycle. These results show that farming setup really changes the microbial dynamics in Controlled Environment Agriculture. 🔬

🎧 CMF Buds Neo drops with ANC and huge battery life

CMF's sub-brand officially launched its new wireless earbuds in India. The CMF Buds Neo feature an in-ear design with 12.4mm dynamic drivers and ANC capabilities. They promise up to 52 hours of total playback when ANC is off, available starting August 26th. These earbuds come with IP55 dust and water resistance and are priced at INR 1,999. The device will be available in Black, Dark Blue, and White color options.

🧑‍⚕️ Mark Cuban's AI vision for doctor's office

Mark Cuban detailed his plan for using AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini in a private medical practice. He envisions these large language models acting as collaborative assistants between doctor and patient appointments. Doctors would configure these AI assistants with specific instructions tailored to each patient's treatment plan. For instance, the AI could prompt patients with health questions every evening at 5:00 pm and email records to the doctor. Ultimately, the goal is to teach patients how to use AI to help providers deliver superior healthcare. 🧑‍⚕️

😥 6-year-old dies after being slapped for homework

A six-year-old boy, Pranay Tej, collapsed and passed away inside a classroom at Little Garden School. This incident occurred in the Town Kotharoad locality under Vizag city on Thursday. The boy's family alleged he was beaten by a female teacher for failing to complete his homework. After collapsing in the teacher's lap, he was taken to KG Hospital but was declared dead. Police have started an investigation and expect the medical cause to be clear after the post-mortem report. 😥

🏛️ Karnataka HC eases travel for Nagendra, but not abroad

The Karnataka High Court on Thursday lifted travel restrictions across the country for Minister B. Nagendra. The court maintained the restriction preventing him from travelling abroad without prior permission. This order modifies conditions set by the trial court during his bail in an ED money laundering case. The case involves alleged misappropriation of over ₹89 crore from the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation Ltd. He was arrested after resigning in June 2024 following fraud allegations while being a minister.

💻 New Malware Blends Social Engineering with Defense Evasion

A new malware-as-a-service campaign combines social engineering with defense evasion tactics. eSentire’s Threat Response Unit observed this sophisticated operation in late July 2026. The attack starts via compromised WordPress sites using ErrTraffic JavaScript linked to the Ethereum blockchain. Victims are tricked into running a malicious PowerShell command, sideloading the Cruciferra DLL. This loader disables 145 security processes using a vulnerable driver, injecting the Remus information stealer. 💻

😠 Congress cracks show in Pala municipality politics

Tensions are surfacing within the rebel Congress councillors following the LDF-led ruling combine taking control of Pala municipality. The discord erupted after Biju Mathews and Tony Thaiparambil disagreed on legal action initiated by the District Congress Committee. Mathews blamed DCC president Nattakom Suresh, alleging influence from Binu Pulikkakandam's Independent Collective. Thaiparambil distanced himself from Mathews' statements, defending Suresh's actions as fulfilling his duty. The UDF parliamentary party also objected, and Sebastian J. Panakkal sought disqualifications for four councillors. 😠

🏛️ Caste abuse indoors not an SC/ST Act offense: SC

The Supreme Court quashed proceedings under the SC/ST Act regarding caste-based abuses. This happened in a case filed against a school manager in Uttar Pradesh. The ruling was made on August 20, 2026, concerning an appeal against the Allahabad High Court's judgment. The court held that the alleged utterances inside an enclosed room without public access do not meet the statutory requirement for the offense. However, the Supreme Court clarified that the related proceedings under the IPC will continue. ⚖️

🏏 UP T20 League: Mavericks vs Super Kings match preview

The 13th match of the Uttar Pradesh T20 League 2026 pits Meerut Mavericks against Noida Super Kings on August 21st. The game will take place at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Noida Super Kings currently hold the 4th spot, while Meerut Mavericks lead the table in the 1st position. The Mavericks are predicted to win the toss and the match, with Rinku Singh highlighted as a top performer. The Mavericks are favored to score over 180 while the Super Kings are expected to score around 175. 🏏

💡 IIT Dhanbad patents temperature-proof tilt sensor

Researchers at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad secured a patent for a temperature-independent optical tilt sensor. The technology was developed by the institute's electronics engineering department, with inventors Associate Professor Dr Amitesh Kumar and Randhir Kumar Sah. The patent application was officially filed on February 10, 2025, for the 'Temperature Independent 2-D Optical Tilt Sensor'. This lightweight sensor uses Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) technology to measure tilt in two directions while minimizing temperature errors. It is set to be useful in monitoring bridges, robotics, and aerospace structures. 💡

💊 IPS officer to head fake drug probe in Bengaluru

Senior IPS officer C. Vamshikrishna will lead a six-member SIT investigating a spurious drug bust case near Bidadi. The team includes officials from the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department, Karnataka. Authorities seized medicines worth ₹4.91 crore from an unlicenced facility near Bidadi. These fake drugs were allegedly relabelled and sold cheaply to hospitals from Himachal Pradesh and Telangana. The SIT is empowered to register FIRs and conduct full criminal investigations. 💊