🚀 Indian astronaut Anil Menon's first spacewalk tomorrow

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Anil Menon is scheduled for his first spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS). He will collaborate with veteran astronaut Jessica Meir during the mission on August 6 at 6:05pm IST. Together, they plan to spend approximately seven hours installing hardware on the S6 truss. This task supports the future installation of the seventh International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (IROSA). This upgrade aims to boost the ISS's solar power system for continued research.

💻 TN Budget 2026: Laptops, AI & big welfare plans

Tamil Nadu presented its Revised Budget Estimates (RBE) for 2026-27, focusing on education and social welfare reforms. The government announced the Rs 2,000-crore Vetri Laptop Scheme for college students in Tamil Nadu. Key initiatives include expanding free electricity and launching Anti-Drug Clubs in schools for a drug-free state. Infrastructure will see major upgrades, such as the Rs 2,132 crore 'Palli Niraivu Thittam' for 3,734 schools. The roadmap aims to transform Tamil Nadu into a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036. 📚

✨ Gold for babies, silk for brides in new budget

The Tamil Nadu government launched its maiden budget with major welfare schemes for brides and newborns. Finance Minister N Marie Wilson presented the budget in the Assembly, focusing on election promises across various sectors. Allocations include an eight-gram gold coin and silk saree for brides, and a one-gram gold ring for newborns in government hospitals. The budget also features subsidies for goats and increased fishing assistance for vulnerable groups. These measures aim to boost women's welfare and support critical sectors like transport and fisheries. 💰

🎧 CMF Clip Pro earbuds launch with long battery life

CMF has unveiled its new CMF Clip Pro open-ear earbuds featuring 10.8mm drivers and LDAC support. These lightweight earbuds will be available in the UK, US, and Japan starting August 15th. Global sales are set to begin on September 15th across other markets. The earbuds boast up to 32.5 hours of battery life and a durable IP54 rating. However, CMF has confirmed that the Clip Pro will not be launched in India. 🎧

🔭 Gas Flows Fuel Massive Star Births

Inter-filamentary diffuse gas flows are replenishing dense filaments and maintaining gas accretion onto hubs. This crucial process was observed by researchers studying cosmic structures. Specifically, the gas flows are promoting massive star formation across these regions. These findings provide new insights into how stellar nurseries develop in space. Scientists will continue to investigate these accretion mechanisms further. 🔭

😠 PM Shehbaz slams Article 370 anniversary

Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif strongly criticized the anniversary of Article 370's abrogation. He directed his remarks towards the Indian government while in Pakistan. The anniversary date marks seven years since the change occurred. Sharif’s statement highlighted perceived injustices related to the region's status. He vowed continued opposition to the current policies. 😠

⚽ Real Madrid nearly seals Diomande for €130m

Real Madrid and Red Bull Leipzig are finalizing a major deal for winger Yan Diomandé. The transfer, reported by Florian Plettenberg, is set to be worth between €130m and €140m. This progress comes as Diomandé rejoined Leipzig's preseason in Austria after an illness. After the final agreement, he will undergo medicals in Spain before signing with Real Madrid. However, his conditioning means a start against Espanyol on August 22nd is unlikely.

🎬 Manoj Muntashir on Adipurush vs. New Ramayana

Lyricist Manoj Muntashir stated that Adipurush was a failed attempt that did not meet expectations despite the team's effort. He noted that it is better not to compare the upcoming Ramayana with Adipurush. The new Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash, with music by Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman. The first part of the film is set for release in Diwali 2026, and part two is expected next Diwali. Muntashir hopes the music of the Ramayana surpasses the popularity of Adipurush's music. 🎶

🧑‍⚖️ Judge strikes down Trump's 75-country Green Card freeze

A US federal judge ruled that the Donald Trump administration's policy freezing Green Card processing for 75 countries was unlawful. Indian-origin District Judge Amit Mehta issued this July 31 opinion in the District Court for the District of Colombia. This policy, introduced in January, halted visas for applicants from nations like Nigeria, Colombia, and Russia. The ruling found the State Department overstepped its authority beyond what the Immigration and Nationality Act allows. The judge also barred the policy's application to the plaintiff's case, which was filed by a Brazilian national. 🧑‍⚖️

💰 TN Budget 2026 boosts western districts with tech & tourism

Western districts of Tamil Nadu are slated to gain from the State Budget 2026-27 announcements focused on textiles, energy, and tourism. The maiden budget of the TVK-led government allocates ₹10 crore to establish a Tiruppur Textiles Technology Centre. Key infrastructure projects include the Coimbatore-Ariyalur 765 kV Transmission Line at ₹4,000 crore and the Phase-II Green Energy Corridor at ₹1,187 crore. Furthermore, a ₹20 crore scheme is planned for human-wildlife conflict mitigation across 100 conflict-prone villages. The government will also launch the Tamil Nadu Eco-Tourism Mission to expand nature-based circuits across the state. 🏞️

🔬 Gut bacteria link Western diet to colon cancer risk

A new study suggests certain gut bacteria, fueled by Western-style diets, might cause tumor growth. Researchers combined experiments in pigs, mice, and human tissue with data from thousands of people. They found deoxycholic acid (DCA), produced by specific bacteria, was linked to increased tumor development. This mechanism explains how high-fat diets could promote colorectal cancer, the third most common cancer globally. Further clinical trials are needed before these findings translate into cancer prevention treatments. 🔬