🌧️ Kerala floods hit hard, death toll rises 😥

The death toll in Kerala has climbed to 26, with over 27,000 people currently evacuated due to continuous heavy rains. The IMD issued a red alert for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki on Thursday, alongside an orange alert for other districts. Currently, 27,000 displaced people are housed in 462 relief camps across the state. The Kerala Cabinet has approved significant financial aid for victims, including Rs 8 lakh for families of the deceased. Authorities advise extreme caution and non-essential travel is strongly discouraged during this severe weather event.

🛰️ AI in Google Earth shakes map trust

The integration of generative AI into Google Earth raised major concerns about map accuracy. This happened when users could create convincing but fictional satellite images on the platform. The issues surfaced after Google added the tool, Nano Banana 2, to the satellite image platform. Fact checkers rely heavily on Google Earth for verifying real-world events in near real-time. Consequently, Google quickly rolled back the tool, promising stronger guardrails for the future. 😟

🏛️ Fed official sticks to lean messaging amid market heat

Kevin Warsh is maintaining his stance on lean Federal Reserve messaging despite significant market backlash. This is happening as he consults with President Trump regarding issues like the Iran war and AI's economic impact. Fed Governor Lisa Cook stated on Wednesday that she supports a rate hike if inflation metrics don't improve. Meanwhile, SF Fed President Mary Daly suggested the central bank must be ready to intervene if inflation escalates. These developments are putting new pressure on the Fed's perceived independence.

✈️ Kejriwal claims jet fuel ethanol blend; Govt denies

Arvind Kejriwal alleged that the government plans to blend ethanol into Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), warning it could jeopardize air safety. The government strongly refuted this charge, stating it was completely false and irresponsible. Kejriwal also claimed the Centre was preparing to increase petrol ethanol content beyond the current E20 level. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu clarified that ethanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) are distinct fuels. This controversy follows AAP's ongoing campaign against E20 fuel implementation. ✈️

📈 Stock market moves: Gainers and losers on Aug 6

Indian benchmark indices, SENSEX and NIFTY50, closed in the green on Thursday, August 6, driven by buying in defence and PSU banking stocks. Reliance Industries and SBI were among the top gainers across the indices on this day. The SENSEX finished at 78,954.76, up 0.48%, while NIFTY50 reached 24,636. Contextually, investor sentiment improved following easing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Traders will now monitor these movements for future market directions.

🎯 Indian training helps shooter win US title

American shooter Jeff Browning won the US national 10m air rifle title after two years of training in India. He trained at New Delhi's Topgun Shooting Academy, guided by Shimon Sharif, starting in the summer of 2023. Browning secured the coveted Leatherneck Trophy at the US National Championship in Camp Perry, Ohio. He credits the academy's guidance and support as instrumental in maintaining his competitive standards. This success highlights the academy's role in developing international shooters. 🎯

✈️ Modi's travel budget exploded fivefold since 2021

The spending on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's overseas travel has increased fivefold since 2021, according to the Ministry of External Affairs. This rise saw the annual cost jump from over Rs 36 crore in 2021 to more than Rs 180 crore in 2025. The cumulative expenditure across these visits has now surpassed Rs 550 crore since 2021. Officials noted that 316 MoUs were signed during these trips, covering sectors like AI and defense. Furthermore, India attracted $381.8 billion in FDI between April 2021 and December 2025.

😠 Agri students block campus over job recruitment norms

Agricultural students blocked the gate of KSNUAHS in Shivamogga on August 6, 2026. They protested against the Karnataka Examinations Authority notification allowing engineering graduates for Agriculture Officer posts. The agitation stems from the inclusion of B.E./B.Tech biotech graduates and private university B.Sc. candidates. Protesters argue that engineering graduates lack the necessary field training for agricultural roles. They demand the government reconsider this move, especially before the August 9 exam date. 😠

🌍 Teen from Uttarakhand heads to North Pole

Fifteen-year-old Lucky Rawat has been selected as India's sole student for the Icebreaker of Knowledge expedition. He hails from Chakrata in Uttarakhand, and the 10-day voyage is heading to the geographic North Pole. This year, 22 countries have participants aged 14 to 16, and the trip started from Murmansk, Russia. His selection involved clearing a tough three-stage international process, showing his determination. The expedition aims to introduce students to cutting-edge science and global collaboration. 🚀

🧶 Mystery Grandma's Knitted Toys Spreading Joy in Village

Children in Harford, Cheshire, were finding mysterious knitted toys left daily in the village. The gifts, signed by 'Granny H', were hidden across gardens and doorsteps for two years. Granny H is actually 90-year-old June Rose Hood, who knits the toys to manage her anxiety. Her grandson helps hide the handmade items to bring smiles to local kids. The community celebrated her 90th birthday, recognizing the positive impact of her hobby.

✊ Jharkhand student protest hits day 13 with fasts

The protest against alleged exam irregularities in Jharkhand has entered its 13th day with six demonstrators currently on a hunger strike. This agitation involves students and opposition MLAs protesting over issues in the 14th JPSC exam and JSSC-CGL test. The movement started on July 25 at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, and 19 people have been arrested so far. Chief Minister Hemant Soren offered talks, calling the paper leak a national problem. Student unions plan to picket the Assembly on August 7 and 10, despite a recent prohibitory order. ✊