🌧️ Kerala sees death toll rise amid heavy rain alerts

The death toll from rain-related incidents in Kerala has climbed to 25, with four people still missing. The state is bracing for more intense spells this weekend due to a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. An orange alert for heavy rain is active in nine districts, including Ernakulam and Kozhikode. Currently, 418 relief camps are running, sheltering 18,434 people. The upcoming rain is expected to significantly reduce the season's rainfall deficit.

🏍️ Bengaluru cracking down on illegal bike taxis

The Karnataka Transport Department is initiating a strict crackdown on illegal bike taxi services starting Wednesday, August 5th. This action follows a meeting on Tuesday, August 4th, with the Karnataka App Based Workers Union (KAWU). Officials confirmed they will seize these vehicles, suspend rider DLs, and suspend RC certificates upon detection of illegal operations. The crackdown targets both app-based and unpermitted private bike taxis operating in the city. KAWU also pushed for enforcing the "One City, One Fare" policy across Bengaluru. 🏍️

✨ Ankur Warikoo calls his driver a 'best investment' 💰

Finfluencer Ankur Warikoo shared that he considers his driver, Dayanand, one of his best investments. Dayanand, who joined 13 years ago at Rs 15,000, now earns Rs 53,350 monthly plus benefits. Warikoo trusts Dayanand implicitly with his family's safety and household duties. He highlighted Dayanand's punctuality and discipline as key factors. Warikoo advised others to be generous towards hardworking people in their lives.

💰 Punjab clears ₹6,000 Cr in pay arrears; reviews court ruling

The Punjab government has cleared over ₹6,000 crore in pay commission arrears while reviewing a recent High Court judgment on dearness allowance. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated this on Tuesday, confirming the state is studying the judgment and exploring legal options, including the Supreme Court. The government claims it inherited a ₹14,191 crore liability from previous administrations, with payments following a court-approved liquidation plan. Cheema argues the recent judgment overlooked constitutional principles, prompting a detailed review of the case. Nevertheless, the state remains committed to settling all constitutionally and legally valid employee dues.

🐘 PoP Ganesh idols won't be banned this Chaturthi

The Maharashtra government informed the Bombay High Court that a ban on Plaster of Paris Ganesh idols cannot be enforced for this year's festival. This decision was made despite the Prime Minister's appeal for clay idols, as the court questioned the state's stance. Ganesh Chaturthi is set to begin on September 14, and the government assured the court that PoP idols will be phased out gradually. The court was hearing petitions regarding pollution from PoP idol immersion in natural water bodies. The High Court will now hear all parties before deciding on the state government's request. 🐘

🌿 Seaweed coating keeps strawberries fresh longer

Scientists have developed a new coating derived from seaweed that significantly extends the shelf life of strawberries. This innovative coating was tested on strawberries, which were found to stay fresher compared to those kept in a regular refrigerator. The research, detailed on Phys.org, demonstrated its effectiveness over a specific testing period. This breakthrough offers a sustainable alternative to traditional preservation methods in agriculture. Further studies are planned to scale up this seaweed-based preservation technology for wider use.

🌱 Plant-based diets match athletic performance in tests

New studies have shown that plant-based diets can maintain high levels of athletic performance. Researchers conducted these tests involving various athletes across different disciplines. The findings were recorded over a period spanning from May 1st to August 31st, 2023. This research adds to the growing conversation about sustainable eating habits and fitness. Future studies are planned to further explore long-term health impacts.

🏏 Frustrated kick leads to bizarre run-out in DPL thriller

Himmat Singh's accidental kick after a misfield caused a freak last-ball run-out during a DPL match. This incident occurred while New Delhi Tigers faced Outer Delhi Warriors at Arun Jaitley Stadium. Outer Delhi needed just one run on the final delivery of the 15 overs on 156. The mistake forced the game into a Super Over, which Outer Delhi ultimately won. The bizarre dismissal became the main talking point despite Himmat's earlier batting heroics. 🏏

🛡️ Barcelona views Bernal as untouchable despite big bids

Aston Villa has emerged as a surprise contender for Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal, viewing him as key for their Champions League push. The English club is reportedly considering a €35 million offer for the 19-year-old academy graduate. Barcelona, however, is unwilling to sell, considering him a cornerstone for their future under Hansi Flick. The player himself has stated his strong wish to stay at the club for many years. Despite interest from Manchester City too, Barcelona's stance remains firm on keeping him. 🛡️

🚄 Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train gets green light for mangrove felling

The Bombay High Court permitted the felling of mangroves for a 13-km transmission line supporting the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train. This decision was made after a plea by Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Limited regarding the high-speed rail corridor. The court deemed the project nationally important but heavily criticized Maharashtra's afforestation monitoring. The bench warned against 'administrative apathy' over the lack of a transparent ecological restoration mechanism. The state government must comply with earlier directions within the next four weeks. 🌳

📊 Stock market closing rules get a major overhaul

Stock market closing rules changed, effective from August 3, 2026, impacting index funds and ETFs. Stocks with active F&O contracts now stop regular trading at 3:15 PM for a Closing Auction Session (CAS) at 3:15 PM to 3:30 PM. Initially, this applies only to Category I stocks with active F&O contracts, including all Nifty 50 and Sensex companies. The auction aims to make closing prices more transparent by reflecting actual demand and supply, unlike the old VWAP method. Investors should watch tracking error over the next few quarters to see the full long-term impact. 📈