💰 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. 🧐

🛡️ Microsoft Advertising adds content filters for Audience Ads

Microsoft Advertising is launching Excluded content terms to enhance brand safety for advertisers. This new feature allows marketers in various locations to block Audience Ads next to specific page titles containing unwanted words. It supports up to 1,000 terms and can be set at the account or campaign level. This offers more granular control than just website or category exclusions for brands. Microsoft is expanding its content suitability tools to meet growing brand safety demands.

⚖️ SC starts final hearing on 'real' Shiv Sena drama

The Supreme Court began final hearings regarding the Uddhav Thackeray faction's challenge to the Election Commission's recognition of the Eknath Shinde group as the 'real' Shiv Sena. The case involves the larger question of whether a legislative party can supersede its original political organization. The pleas, filed in 2024, contest the EC's February 17, 2023 order recognizing the Shinde faction. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued against legislative parties overtaking political bodies, while the court also acknowledged legislators need some 'elbow room'. The hearing will continue on Thursday to examine the EC's decision. ⚖️

🚨 Accused in Palakkad child murder caught in Tamil Nadu

Suresh, alias Rahim, the main accused in a 2019 case, was apprehended by the Town North police. He was taken from Koradacheri in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, on Monday night, August 3, 2026. The victim was a four-year-old girl whose body was found near Palakkad railway station in February 2019. After his initial arrest, Suresh went into hiding for several years following his bail release. He was subsequently brought to Palakkad and presented before a court on Tuesday, August 4, 2026.

🎮 More games joining Xbox Game Pass in Sept 2026

Two additional games have been revealed for the Xbox Game Pass library. These new titles are set to join the service in September 2026. Specific details regarding the games or platform were not provided in the announcement. This expansion continues Microsoft's strategy to boost subscription value. Fans should keep checking for more updates on Game Pass additions.

👶 Two Girls Born Amid Polavaram Floods

Two women from the Koya tribe gave birth to two baby girls on Wednesday in Polavaram district. Peesam Vijaya and Borra Sailaja were admitted to hospitals due to floods from the Sabari river. As of the report, 149 pregnant women, mostly from Koya and Konda Reddi tribes, were shifted to government hospitals since August 1. The health status of the mothers and infants remains normal, according to the District Collector. Relief efforts continue with 15 camps open and 22 boats operating for affected residents. 👶

🏛️ UDF asks for BJP councillor's leave to be cancelled

The UDF has requested the cancellation of leave granted to jailed BJP councillor R. Sugathan. This request was made by K.S. Sabarinadhan to the Corporation Secretary in Thiruvananthapuram. Sugathan was detained in Viyyur Jail under the Kerala Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 2007. The leave was allegedly granted by Mayor V.V. Rajesh despite him missing council meetings, violating Kerala Municipality Rules. The UDF insists the leave must be revoked now that the LSGD has withdrawn the supporting order.

💧 Probe launched into Kabini backwater pollution

A four-member committee has been formed to investigate pollution allegations in the Kabini backwaters. This action was taken by Mysuru Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy following complaints from the Save Kabini Horata Samiti. The committee was directed to submit an action taken report within 15 days of its formation. The pollution concerns include the discharge of untreated sewage and indiscriminate dumping of solid waste into the ecosystem. Officials must now identify culprits, initiate legal action, and implement preventive measures for the vital water source. 💧

✊ Student protest leads to fee cut at VSKU

AIDSO students protested against the recent admission fee hike at Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University. Hundreds of students from over 10 colleges marched in Ballari on Wednesday, August 5th, demanding the fee withdrawal. The original fee increased to ₹5,039 this year, up from ₹3,739 in 2025-26, despite local financial hardships. After negotiations, Vice-Chancellor Muniraja announced a reduction of ₹1,100 in the admission fee. The protesters then withdrew their agitation, deeming the decision a major win for student rights. ✊

🚀 Pakistan ramps up military presence near India border 🇵🇰

Pakistan has deployed elite commandos, drones, and hovercraft near Sir Creek as part of the new 'Ababeel' project. This major military expansion is happening near the disputed territory along the India-Pakistan maritime boundary. The deployment includes Turkish drones and Chinese hovercraft, reported on August 5, 2026. This move challenges India’s naval presence in the Arabian Sea and reflects a shift in maritime doctrine. Field Marshal Asim Munir is leading this large-scale modernization effort across Pakistan's armed forces.