🛰️ Japan tests upgraded missile, sparking China's alarm

Japan is testing its upgraded Type 12 anti-ship missile in a military modernization push. The air-launched version was confirmed via photos at Gifu Air Base on July 30. This missile, now capable of striking up to 1,000km, is part of a multi-domain strike capability. Beijing views this expansion as remilitarization, warning it threatens regional stability. These tests increase operational burdens on the PLA and intensify geopolitical tensions. 🚀

🚨 Hyderabad SHE Teams bust big harassment spree during Bonalu

Hyderabad City SHE Teams apprehended 678 individuals for harassing women and misconduct during the Bonalu festivities this year. Teams operated across temples, markets, and Metro stations to monitor vulnerable spots. A total of 122 complaints were registered during the Bonalu celebrations. Courts subsequently convicted 25 respondents, sentencing them to jail time and fines. Additionally, 13 more cases led to convictions after thorough investigation and legal processes.

🍻 Tasmac launches online liquor ordering portal

Tasmac has launched its new online platform, Tasmace2e.in, allowing customers to order liquor brands digitally. This service is available across all Tasmac outlets in the state, with ordering restricted to individuals over the age of 21. The portal updates inventory every 30 minutes, and orders must be collected from the selected shop on the same day. Successful online payment generates a QR code, which is needed at the billing counter for collection. Uncollected orders will be cancelled, incurring a Rs 10 deduction fee. 📱

🩺 National team deployed against Chandipura virus

The Union Health Ministry has sent a national joint response team to Gujarat and Rajasthan to tackle the Chandipura virus outbreak. This virus, mainly spread by sandflies, has caused at least 22 child deaths this monsoon season. The multidisciplinary team includes experts from NCDC and ICMR to boost state efforts. Their focus is understanding the virus's transmission cycle and clinical spectrum. The team will submit recommendations after field assessments to help strengthen public health measures. 🧐

🐮 Punjab waives power bills for more cow shelters

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann approved the waiver of electricity bills for all gaushalas in the state on Wednesday. This decision extends the free power benefit to 152 additional cow shelters across Punjab. The total number of gaushalas receiving free electricity will now rise from 366 to 518. Mann highlighted that these institutions are crucial in managing stray cattle issues in Punjab. The government committed to further supporting these centers to ensure better management practices. 🐮

🏔️ Sonakshi & Zaheer's serene Bhutan trip 🏞️

Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal shared glimpses of their cultural trip to Bhutan. The couple visited Kichu Lhakhang and stayed at Taj Paro Bhutan in Paro Valley. Their trip included a five-hour trek and visiting traditional cultural sites. They swapped city noise for mountain trails and Himalayan views. This getaway highlights Bhutan's mix of luxury and deep culture.

🌳 Police chief asks public to protect new saplings

Superintendent of Police V. Harshavardhan Raju initiated a tree plantation drive under 'Mission Haritha' at the District Police Office in Ongole on Wednesday. Mr. Raju strongly urged the public to take ownership of the newly planted saplings for their protection. He stressed that growing trees boosts biodiversity and keeps the earth cleaner and greener. Additionally, he advised citizens to reduce unnecessary automobile travel and completely stop using single-use plastic. This initiative was supported by several senior police officials present at the event.

💧 Idukki reservoir water level hits 2,350 ft

Heavy rainfall over the past week caused the Idukki reservoir water level to reach close to 2,350 ft on Wednesday. This rise was reported by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) dam safety wing in Kerala. On Wednesday, the level was 2,349.46 ft, up from around 28% in late July. Officials confirmed the Idukki dam is in a safe storage position, expecting storage to hit about 50% soon. Statewide capacity also rose to 47% on Wednesday across major dams.

😴 Sleep is seriously boosting school grades, new studies show

New research indicates that getting adequate sleep is highly effective for improving academic performance across various age groups. Two separate studies, published in July, examined this link from middle school through university levels. One study found sleep was the strongest lifestyle factor influencing grades among 10 to 13-year-olds. The second study involving over 1,100 US students showed incentives helped them sleep longer, leading to better grades. These findings suggest promoting healthy sleep is a cost-effective way to support student success. 😴

💰 Kerala adds big funds for urban-rural balance

The Kerala state government approved an extra ₹312 crore to fix the urban-rural allocation imbalance. This decision was made by the government on Wednesday, following recommendations from the 16th Union Finance Commission. Specifically, ₹136 crore went to municipalities and ₹188 crore to corporations for ongoing projects. The 7th State Finance Commission pointed out that UFC grants favored urban areas disproportionately. This move addresses the funding gaps flagged by the SFC.

🏛️ Police upgrade plan awaits Finance Ministry approval

The Union government informed the Supreme Court on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, about an umbrella scheme for police modernization. This proposal was sent to the Department of Expenditure under the Union Ministry of Finance on July 8, 2026. The submission was part of a suo motu proceeding started in 2025 following a media report about non-functional CCTV cameras in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The scheme is intended to cover the overall modernization of the police force, including CCTV installation. The court directed the Centre to place proposal details on record via affidavit within two weeks. 🧐