🔬 ICMR study on food addiction status

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has not studied if ultra-processed foods cause addiction-like behaviors, according to the Lok Sabha. Minister Prataprao Jadhav confirmed this in response to a query in the Lok Sabha on Friday. Global evidence suggests high intake links to obesity, diabetes, and mental disorders. ICMR promotes healthier eating via guidelines and the "Let's Fix Our Food" initiative. FSSAI also runs campaigns like 'Eat Right India' and enforces labeling rules.

🌊 Assam floods hit hard, deep roots of the crisis

A cloudburst on July 19 sent severe flooding through Upper Assam, impacting districts like Sivasagar and Jorhat. So far, 98 people have died, primarily in Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat districts. Experts suggest human actions like deforestation are worsening the disaster, which typically causes ₹1,000 crore in annual damage. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stressed the need for a 'national solution' rather than just declaring it a problem. Authorities have set up 133 relief camps across six districts to help the displaced residents.

🤝 Indian defence firm partners with Czech tech giant

VTDS, a defence products manufacturer, has signed a strategic technology pact with Czech firm DEUS Automation. This agreement is set to boost collaboration in the small-calibre ammunition sector between the two nations. The pact signifies one of the first major technology-transfer collaborations in this specific sector between India and the Czech Republic. Through this, VTDS will gain access to advanced international manufacturing technologies and expertise for world-class ammunition production in India. This collaboration aims to establish manufacturing capabilities based on international quality benchmarks and precision engineering standards. 🇮🇳

🤝 JD Vance calls Modi on India-US relations

JD Vance contacted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to talk about the growing ties between India and the US. The call took place between the two political figures. PM Modi also congratulated Vance on the recent birth of his son. This conversation highlights the strengthening strategic partnership between the two major democracies. Both leaders plan to further deepen bilateral cooperation in the coming months.

🏏 India charges hard in warm-up match

India is pushing hard for a win in the ongoing warm-up match against SLC XI. The contest is taking place on August 9, 2026, where Rishabh Pant is leading the charge for India. Sri Lanka declared their innings at 200/6, setting a target of 207 runs for India. Devdutt Padikkal was a standout performer with an unbeaten 142 runs at number 3. The team will continue to aim for victory as the warm-up matches progress. 🏏

📈 Smallcaps surge, broader indices keep climbing

Broader market indices are continuing to post gains across the board. This positive momentum is notably visible in smallcap stocks across the market. Several smallcap stocks have seen impressive jumps of up to 20%. This rally reflects investor confidence in the current economic climate. Market analysts suggest this upward trend might continue in the coming weeks.

🚁 Helicopter crashes during Utah wildfire fight

A pilot and one crew member died after their firefighting helicopter crashed while battling a massive wildfire. The crash occurred near Richfield in the Three Creeks Reservoir area southwest of the city on Friday. The fire, Widemouth 2, has burned over 111,000 acres since July 27th. Extreme fire conditions and steep terrain complicated rescue efforts at the site. Authorities have issued evacuations and are continuing firefighting operations despite the loss. 😥

⚖️ Tarun Tejpal gets 10-year sentence for 2013 assault

Tarun Tejpal was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the sexual assault case. This incident took place in 2013. The court handed down the sentence on [Insert Date of Sentencing] following the trial proceedings. The case involved allegations made against Tejpal during his time in the sports administration. Authorities are now overseeing the execution of this judicial sentence. ⚖️

🎬 Vishal supports Udhayanidhi Stalin's detention over Trisha remarks

Tamil actor Vishal has backed the detention of Udhayanidhi Stalin following his alleged derogatory remarks about actress Trisha Krishnan. This incident occurred in Tamil Nadu, where Udhayanidhi Stalin was detained for his controversial comment. The detention happened earlier this month, stemming from an alleged double-meaning remark during a Cauvery rights protest. Vishal asserted that the same punitive action should be applied to everyone who speaks poorly about women in the film industry. He also urged the use of law against social media users who troll female artists. 🎬

😔 Woman allegedly dies by suicide over workplace harassment

A 45-year-old woman named Nageshwari allegedly died by suicide at her Mysuru residence. She worked at a supermarket where she accused a new supervisor, Dolly, of mental torture. The victim claimed she was denied weekly offs and pressured to admit others' mistakes. Nageshwari was abruptly dismissed after missing work for two to three days due to illness. Police are currently investigating these allegations and the circumstances of her death.

🧐 Chidambaram clashes with Rijiju on women's reservation

A political battle has started regarding the Women's Reservation Bill implementation. Congress leader P. Chidambaram targeted Union Minister Kiren Rijiju concerning the BJP's stance. Chidambaram questioned linking the bill's execution to the future delimitation exercise. He argued the legislation was already passed, making the dependency questionable. The debate continues over the timeline for reservation benefits. 🧐