🚦 Kerala HC slams authorities on road safety issues 🚦

The Kerala High Court criticized state authorities for poor road conditions and reckless driving by heavy vehicles. Justice Devan Ramachandran directed the Kochi Corporation and Kochi Commissioner of Police to report on road and footpath improvements. The court also asked NHAI to update on the Edapally-Chavakkad highway construction status. An amicus curiae noted that heavy vehicles were dangerously using public roads, citing an incident involving a private bus employee. Regular traffic campaigns and driver verification will be implemented moving forward.

🏏 Siraj on ditching the slump and finding his rhythm

Mohammad Siraj struggled with pace in the first innings of the Duleep Trophy final at Chepauk. The bowler mentioned that a rare two-month break disrupted his run-up before the match. In the final, he bowled 25 overs for 140 runs in the first innings before finding his form. Siraj finished the second innings with figures of 16-2-47-1 after refocusing on his core strengths. This performance helped East Zone secure the Duleep Trophy title by first-innings lead. 🏏

🧐 Why Indian GDP numbers are always debated

The government recently announced that India's GDP grew by 7.8% in the first quarter of FY 2026-27, according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This figure was presented by the Union Government in August 2026, while the Opposition claims the data is misleading. Former Finance Secretary Saurabh Garg alleged the nominal growth was only 2.6% based on differing base years. This controversy echoes past debates, such as the 2018 back-series revision affecting UPA era figures. The government maintains its calculations align with international standards despite ongoing political pushback. 📊

✨ Samantha Ruth Prabhu on myositis and resilience

Samantha Ruth Prabhu shared that her myositis diagnosis caused a significant loss of identity and control over her life. The actor made her health issue public in 2022 and subsequently took a break from acting for treatment. Four years later, she reflected on how the condition taught her resilience, faith, and hope. She also revealed discovering her pregnancy while shooting for the 'Thassadiya' song. Now, Samantha and Raj Nidimoru are excited to welcome their first child. 🤰

🔮 Practical Magic 2 previews hit $3.5M+

Practical Magic 2 is starting strong in previews, pulling in an estimated $3.5 million to $4 million since Thursday. The film, starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, began its showtimes on Thursday. These numbers surpass previews for The Lost City and Ticket to Paradise from 2022. Despite harsh critic reviews at 36%, the sequel is set to play in PLFs this weekend. The international projection for Part 2 across 77 territories outside China is estimated between $18M and $23M. 🔮

❤️ Hormone therapy linked to lower heart risk in women

Starting menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) during perimenopause or early menopause was connected to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women experiencing hot flashes or night sweats. The study involved 2,737 women aged 42 and older from 1996 to 2017 who had vasomotor symptoms. Among these, 755 women who started hormone therapy showed a lower risk of combined heart events compared to those who didn't. This protective benefit was strongest for women initiating therapy within ten years of their final period. Researchers suggest this context is useful for women weighing therapy due to heart risk concerns.

🚨 ED raids Ramnandi Hotels in ₹132 Cr fraud probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches across nine locations in Bihar, Haryana, and Delhi on Friday. The raids were connected to an alleged bank fraud involving Ramnandi Hotels and Resorts Ltd (RHRL), which is controlled by Akhouri Gopal and his sons. Investigators found that RHRL allegedly diverted ₹58 crore out of ₹85 crore disbursed by banks. Furthermore, properties were reportedly sold at undervalued prices, with buyers suspected to be proxies of Akhouri Gopal. These actions are part of the ongoing probe into the estimated ₹131.79 crore in proceeds of crime.

🔬 XPS uncovers surface secrets of bio-materials

Researchers are using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to study the surface chemistry of bio-based and hybrid materials. This investigation is being conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP. The analysis focused on biochar made from coffee grounds and orange peels combined with clay minerals and metal oxides, evaluated around the time of the study. Understanding these surface interactions is key for developing functional materials for water treatment and catalysis. This detailed chemical insight helps predict how these complex materials will perform in real-world applications.

🔬 Vienna team shapes white graphene pores at atomic level

A University of Vienna team successfully demonstrated precise control over nanopore shapes in hexagonal boron nitride, also known as "white graphene." This research involved using electron irradiation in ultra-high vacuum environments at the University of Vienna. They found that electron beams create circular pores, while adding small amounts of oxygen yields triangular pores on or around 2024. This breakthrough unlocks new uses in filtration, DNA sequencing, and quantum technologies by tailoring atomic structures. The team expects to apply this method to create new catalytically active structures for energy conversion. 🔬

🚨 Tailor's Son's 9/11 Claims Shook India

A man named Mohammed Afroz claimed involvement in the 9/11 conspiracy, alleging attacks in Britain and Australia. He was arrested by Mumbai Police in October 2001 after intelligence surfaced about his pilot training. Afroz claimed to be part of a team meant to attack the British Parliament on September 11, 2001. Mumbai Police sent teams internationally to verify these serious allegations. Ultimately, the investigation failed to find supporting evidence, leading to his release.

🔭 New molecular cloud spotted near galactic center

Astronomers have identified the G+0.633-0.0604 molecular cloud as a potential astrochemical gold mine. This discovery was made by researchers studying the region near the galactic center. The cloud exhibits unique chemical signatures relevant to star formation processes. Scientists believe this cloud holds crucial material for understanding cosmic chemistry. Further observations are planned to explore its full astrochemical potential. 🔭