🥥 Kerala launching coconut boost project

The Kerala government is initiating a coconut rejuvenation project to increase state production. Agriculture Minister T. Siddique announced this while visiting the Agricultural Urban Wholesale Market at Vengeri on Monday, August 10, 2026. This move addresses low productivity despite Kerala having the largest coconut cultivation area nationally. Preliminary discussions for the project are scheduled for Farmers’ Day on August 17. A high-level meeting will convene in Thiruvananthapuram after receiving reports on the Vengeri market.

🐅 Drone sweep for tiger after man killed in Gudalur

The Forest Department is boosting surveillance near the site of a carnivore attack in O’Valley, Gudalur. The incident involved 58-year-old M. Balakrishnan, who was killed and partially eaten on Saturday, August 8, 2026. Initially, eight camera traps were deployed, with plans to increase this to 15 in the coming days. Officials suspect the animal might have mistaken the victim for prey while he was near a stream for water. Increased patrols and warnings for residents after dusk have also been implemented. 🐅

📱 E& UAE opens pre-orders for Samsung Z Fold8 & Flip8

E& UAE has officially started taking reservations for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold8, and Galaxy Z Flip8 series. These new foldable smartphones are available for ordering starting from August 07th in the United Arab Emirates. The standard version starts at AED 7,199, while the Ultra model begins at AED 7,999. The carrier is also offering a no-fee six-month payment plan for customers. Business monthly payment options are further available through carriers like du Shop and E& UAE.

😠 Protest clash in Jharkhand over exam irregularities

Several protesters were injured in Ranchi, Jharkhand after police used lathi-charge and fired tear gas during a march to the Assembly. The demonstration, which entered its 17th day, involved students marching from the old Assembly complex near the Vidhan Sabha. Protesters are demanding the cancellation of the 14th Jharkhand Public Service Commission Combined Preliminary Test from April 19. The government agreed to cancel three exams but refused to cancel the Graduate Level exam, proposing a judicial inquiry instead. Meanwhile, the state CID arrested former JPSC chairperson L Khiangte in connection with the alleged recruitment exam issues. 😠

🧖‍♂️ Acne before big events? Doctor explains the stress link

Experiencing acne breakouts before major events is common, and a physician explains the root cause is stress. Dr. Kunal Sood, based in Maryland, shared three ways stress impacts skin health on August 7. Stress drives inflammation, weakens the skin barrier, and disrupts necessary sleep for repair. Managing stress is therefore crucial for keeping both the body and skin healthy. 🧖‍♂️

🐛 Bootlace worm: super long and toxic slime shooter 🐛

The bootlace worm, Lineus longissimus, is a remarkable marine invertebrate known for its extreme length and elastic nature. One specimen found off St Andrews reached an incredible 55 metres, though its usual length is around 15 metres. When threatened, this blackish-brown worm releases a poisonous mucus containing alpha-nemertides. These toxins can paralyze crabs and kill cockroaches, suggesting potential for new insecticides. Scientists believe many more useful chemicals can be discovered from this overlooked creature.

🏛️ Bill passed to set up tribunal appointment panel

A bill to create a commission for selecting tribunal heads and members was passed in the Lok Sabha on Monday. This move was made by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal amid noisy opposition protests in New Delhi. The bill, known as the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, aims to improve efficiency and transparency in appointments. It establishes a National Tribunals Commission with a chairperson and four members, headquartered in the national capital. This new law will repeal the 2021 Act once it officially becomes law. 🏛️

🌍 Earth's biosphere lifespan calculated for the future

Researchers Jacob Haqq‐Misra and Eric Wolf studied how long Earth’s biosphere could last using computer models. They ran 29 simulations over the next 2 billion years to assess energy balance and conditions. In one scenario, Earth hit 122°F in 1.7 billion years, too hot for most land plants. Conversely, in the fixed temperature scenario, CO2 dropped too low for photosynthesis after 1.4 billion years. These findings extend past lifespan estimates, though evolution and geoengineering could change this. 🌎

🧊 Greenland glacier break forms new ice island

A significant break in the Greenland glacier has resulted in the formation of a new ice island. This event was observed in the region of Greenland. The ice island is a result of recent calving events. These changes are part of ongoing observations regarding glacial melt worldwide. Scientists will continue to monitor the island's stability and impact. 🧊

🔬 AI designs 16 viruses to fight tough bacteria

Scientists have developed sixteen viruses that are engineered by Artificial Intelligence. These viruses are being researched by researchers at various institutions to tackle drug-resistant bacteria. The study details the creation process, which involved multiple iterations and testing protocols. This breakthrough presents a novel therapeutic strategy against infections that current drugs cannot handle. Further clinical trials are planned to assess the efficacy of these AI-designed virotherapies.

🚗 JSW's Jaecoo J5 Spotted Testing in India

JSW's upcoming Jaecoo J5 SUV has been spotted testing on Indian roads, sporting a Range Roverish look. This mid-size SUV is set to challenge rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Skoda Kushaq. It is expected to feature a hybrid setup, mirroring international versions with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine. The India-spec model is anticipated to launch by early 2027 with an expected price range of Rs. 13 lakh to Rs. 22 lakh. Key features include a 13.2-inch infotainment unit and 7 airbags.