🏞️ Illegal sand mining threatens Kaziranga National Park

NGT was petitioned regarding large-scale, mechanized sand mining happening in the Deihori River near Kaziranga National Park. This activity is occurring in the Karbi Anglong district, beyond the park's southern boundary. The allegations involve excavators and dumpers operating against a Supreme Court ban issued seven years ago, specifically since April 2019. The mining damages the river ecosystem, affects biodiversity, and impacts local tribal communities who depend on the river. An immediate halt to these activities is being sought pending an investigation into the environmental norm violations. 😟

✊ Activist Mahto Seeks Return to Jharkhand Protest

Activist Devendra Mahto has requested permission from the Ranchi civil surgeon to go back to the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium protest site. He is a leader of Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha and is currently being treated at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi. Students have been protesting for 19 days over recruitment exam irregularities, with the stir entering its 20th day on Thursday. Mahto views the satyagraha as a vital fight for students' rights and a source of hope. He insists the agitation will continue until the demands are met.

📈 Japan govt back for quicker BoJ rate hike

Japan's annual wholesale inflation kept climbing in July, signaling broader price pressures in the market. The producer price index increased by 7.2 per cent in July compared to a year ago, according to Bank of Japan data. This rise reinforces market expectations that the Bank of Japan will hike interest rates in September. Separately, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that the producer price index for final demand was unchanged in July. The Yen is continuing its weakening trend despite recent foreign exchange interventions.

🚨 IPS Trainee Charged Over Bribe Mockery

An IPS trainee has been slapped with a ₹1 Crore charge after mocking a bribe offer. This incident occurred involving the trainee and authorities in a specific location. The charges were filed on [Date of filing] against the trainee who was part of the IPS training program. The action stems from the trainee's disrespectful behavior towards the bribery attempt. Further legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming weeks.

⚖️ Yashwant Varma inquiry concludes: Charges found proven

The inquiry into Justice Yashwant Varma’s alleged possession of unexplained cash has concluded with the three-member committee finding all three Articles of Charge proved. The investigation was conducted by a committee appointed by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and the report was tabled on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The controversy started after a fire at his residence in New Delhi on March 14, 2025. During the blaze, firefighters discovered burnt currency notes in a storeroom, which Varma denied owning. The next steps will now depend on the proceedings following the report submission.

🏛️ Inquiry finds all charges against Justice Varma proved

A three-member committee found all three Articles of Charge against Justice Yashwant Varma to be 'proved' and tabled the report on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The controversy started after a fire at his residence in New Delhi on March 14, 2025, where burnt currency was found. The committee concluded that unexplained cash was present and his explanations were unsatisfactory. Normally, the removal motion returns to Parliament for a special majority vote. However, his resignation complicates the next steps regarding judicial accountability. 🧐

🔬 TB vaccine might retrain brain's immune system

A new study suggests the century-old TB vaccine, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), can retrain immune cells in the aging brain. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital enrolled 23 older adults, half with and half without Alzheimer’s biomarkers, who received two BCG doses. The team observed that monocytes in cerebrospinal fluid switched on genes for a faster immune response, similar to bloodstream changes. In those without Alzheimer's, amyloid levels fell, hinting at clearance, while the effect wasn't seen in those with established disease. This implies BCG could be preventive, but more long-term research is needed. 🧠

🔬 TB vaccine might retrain brain's immune system

A new study suggests the century-old TB vaccine, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), can retrain immune cells in the aging brain. Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital enrolled 23 older adults, half with and half without Alzheimer’s biomarkers, who received two BCG doses. The team observed that monocytes in cerebrospinal fluid switched on genes for a faster immune response, similar to bloodstream changes. In those without Alzheimer's, amyloid levels fell, hinting at clearance, while the effect wasn't seen in those with established disease. This implies BCG could be preventive, but more long-term research is needed. 🧠

📰 Media groups sue over Trump's paid social access

Media groups have filed a lawsuit against Trump Media & Technology Group regarding Truth Social's paid access feature. The suit was filed by The Intercept Media and the Freedom of the Press Foundation in federal court. This action challenges the Truth API service, which was launched earlier this month with high fees. Critics argue this practice is profoundly corrupt, potentially allowing investors to profit from market-moving government information. TMTG defends the service, stating that countless platforms disseminate his information, while company shares dropped more than 6% on Wednesday. 📰

📉 Oil dips after UAE-Iran asset transfer news

Oil eased slightly following reports that the UAE released more of Iran's frozen assets, including gold valued near $212 million on August 11 and 12. Japan's July PPI was 7.2% year-on-year, missing the 7.4% forecast despite high import price hikes. The dollar gained modestly while the AUD and NZD both softened during the session. The NZD specifically dipped after RBNZ survey showed one-year inflation expectations fell to 2.6%. Asia stocks rallied as US chip strength boosted Nikkei and Topix gains. 📉

🎬 Malamaal Weekly 2 casting drops, shooting starts later

The sequel to the 2006 comedy Malamaal Weekly has officially cast its main actors. Riteish Deshmukh, Elvish Yadav, Paresh Rawal, and Rajpal Yadav are locked in for the roles in this new project. While verbally confirmed, formal paperwork is still being processed for the cast. The film will feature a new storyline but maintain the original's theme of chaotic greed. Production is planned to start in November 2026 under co-director Amit Joshi. 🎬