☕ KFDC launches 'Athma' tea and coffee brand

The Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) is set to release tea and coffee sourced from its own plantations under the new 'Athma' brand. This launch will take place in September, as announced by KFDC Mananthavady Divisional Manager Sajeer K.V. The products will be marketed using KFDC's existing Vanopahar brand identity. Athma will feature tea from the Mananthavady plantation and coffee from Nelliyampathy, Munnar, and Gavi. This marks KFDC's first venture into the tea market, expanding beyond its current unblended coffee powder sales. ☕

⚖️ Daughter claims father's innocence in rape conviction

Tarun Tejpal's daughter, Cara Tejpal, has strongly asserted her father's innocence following his conviction. The conviction happened in the Bombay High Court, which sentenced him on Thursday. The case stems from allegations of sexual assault in November 2013 during the ThinkFest event in Goa. Cara Tejpal claims the conviction was engineered by the BJP due to Tehelka's fearless journalism. He plans to approach the Supreme Court regarding the matter.

🛡️ Deco eyeing center-backs after Araujo exit

The unexpected departure of Ronald Araujo to Liverpool has left a gap in Barcelona's defense. Deco and Co. are actively scouting the market for replacements, admiring Aymeric Laporte as a top option. The pair formed an impenetrable wall for La Roja during the FIFA World Cup. However, Barcelona has several other targets like Castello Lukeba and William Saliba under consideration. The club's final defensive signings may depend on the fees from departures like Ferran Torres. 🛡️

✨ Betelgeuse's secret blue partner found 👀

Astronomers discovered a small, blue companion orbiting the giant orange star Betelgeuse. The finding was made by Dr. Miguel Montargès and colleagues using the Very Large Telescope in Chile. The detection occurred in December 2024, after proposals from Goldberg and MacLeod's teams. This binarity is fundamental, as the companion might be affecting the supergiant's dust and brightness cycle. The next key observation to confirm Betelgeuse B is scheduled for spring 2027. 🌟

⚛️ Humanitarian Atom Fest wraps up in Trivandrum

The Humanitarian Atom Fest concluded on Sunday, marking the 55th anniversary of the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation. This event, organized by the Honorary Consulate of Russia in Thiruvananthapuram with the International Russophile Movement, showcased India-Russia collaboration in peaceful nuclear energy use. Former diplomat T.P. Sreenivasan inaugurated the closing ceremony of the fest. Key speakers included M.G. Rajamanickam, Ratheesh Nair, Dmitry Savvin, and Anastasia Morozova. The gathering reinforced the ongoing strong ties between India and Russia in this vital sector.

⚖️ Vizag DLSA Preps for National Lok Adalat

The Visakhapatnam District Legal Services Authority held a review meeting regarding the National Lok Adalat and “Mediation for Nation 3.0” programme. Chinnamsetty Raju, the Principal District Judge and DLSA Chairman, chaired the session where headquarters judges attended in person. The event is scheduled for September 12, 2026, with judges from various mandals joining via video conferencing. Mr. Raju instructed judicial officers to facilitate amicable settlements in several dispute types. He encouraged litigants to utilize the Lok Adalat to save both time and money.

😔 Collectorate Employee Dies After Poisoning

A 41-year-old UD clerk named Ashalatha passed away at a private hospital in Kozhikode on Sunday, August 9th. She was employed at the Kasaragod Collectorate's Endosulfan Cell and was from Athirakuzhi in Chengala. Reports indicate she consumed poison and sought medical aid around 2:30 p.m. on Friday, August 7th. Her condition worsened after being transferred from Chengala Cooperative Hospital. Police are set to conduct the inquest in Kozhikode on Monday, August 10th.

🏏 Bell-Drummond century keeps Kent's cup hopes alive

Kent secured a six-wicket victory against Group A leaders Leicestershire Foxes in the Metro Bank One Day Cup. Kent captain Daniel Bell-Drummond scored an unbeaten 133, guiding his side to a total of 262 for 4. The match concluded with two-and-a-half overs remaining on a date not specified. This win keeps Kent's aspirations for the cup alive in the competition. They will now look ahead to their next fixture in the tournament. 🏏

😠 BJP slams Mohandas' arrest as 'drama'

The BJP has called the arrest of Hindutva ideologue T.G. Mohandas discriminatory. The party claims this action is a drama meant to divert focus from flood relief lapses and coastal community protests. BJP State general secretary S. Suresh stated that many individuals threatening figures like PM Narendra Modi are evading legal action under the UDF government. Although acknowledging Mohandas' remarks were unacceptable, the BJP voiced its strong opposition to the arrest. This statement was made on August 09, 2026, addressing the political climate in Kerala.

⚽ Roma and Aston Villa eye Endrick on loan

Real Madrid attacker Endrick is reportedly attracting interest from both Roma and Aston Villa for a summer loan. These clubs are looking to secure the Brazilian player who is currently facing limited playing time at the Spanish club. The interest comes as Endrick has to decide his next move given the crowded squad depth. Real Madrid is open to another loan deal to boost his development and market value. Mourinho has deferred the final decision to the player himself.

⚖️ Delhi court clears wrestler harassment case against Brij Bhushan Singh

A Delhi court has ruled that the sexual harassment case against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh was false and fabricated. The case, filed by women wrestlers, was heard at the Rouse Avenue Court on Monday, August 3. The court observed that the allegations appeared politically motivated, based on two wrestlers turning hostile. Both wrestlers admitted that no sexual harassment occurred after counseling, effectively dismissing the prosecution's case. The BJP has since demanded accountability for those who made deliberate false allegations against Singh and the government.