🚗 Kozhikode police plan to manage Onam traffic chaos

Kozhikode City police are finalizing a special plan to keep traffic smooth and stop illegal parking during the Onam festival. Senior officers are meeting soon to discuss the plans and review the work of new traffic wardens. Measures include potentially restricting entry of solo-driven cars into the city to ease congestion. Strict controls will also be enforced on the Thamarassery Ghat Road, banning parking for a week. Security at public spots and anti-narcotics operations will be boosted across the city. 🚗

🏏 Sunrisers Leeds win Eliminator with style

Sunrisers Leeds Women clinched the Eliminator match against Southern Brave Women in The Hundred Women's Competition 2026. The victory was secured at Lord's, with Jess Jonassen playing a key role in the bowling performance. The match ended with Sunrisers Leeds winning by 5 wickets on today's date. Despite early hopes for the Brave, Jonassen steadied the ship for the winning side. They will now face Trent Rockets in the final, marking five consecutive wins for Sunrisers Leeds. 🏆

🚗 Hyderabad traffic restrictions for Independence Day

Traffic restrictions and diversions are set for Saturday, August 15, due to the Independence Day flag-hoisting at Golconda Fort. The road from Ramadevguda towards Golconda Fort will be totally closed to general vehicles between 6 AM and 12 PM. Invitees with specific passes must follow detailed routes, such as turning at Rethibauli, to reach the fort. Parking zones are designated for 'A' (Gold), 'A' (Cream), and 'B' (Blue) pass holders at various points near the fort. The general public has alternative parking options, and cooperation with traffic police is requested for smooth movement. 🚗

🥺 Ronaldo's heartfelt message tops Instagram likes

Cristiano Ronaldo sent a touching message of condolences to Lionel Messi following his father's death. The post was made by Ronaldo in reply to Messi's emotional tribute shared on social media. As of the reporting time, this reply garnered over 6.4 million likes on Instagram, less than three days after posting. This now surpasses Ronaldo's previous record set when congratulating Kylian Mbappe in 2024. The incident comes after Messi shared his grief over his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at age 68. 💔

📺 TV ads can now run longer than 12 minutes

TV channels are no longer bound by the 12-minute advertisement limit under the new government rules. This change affects television broadcasters across India, as the market has grown from 62 channels in 2006 to over 900 now. The previous '10+2' rule allowed up to 12 minutes, which was put in place to protect viewing experience. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated this will promote fair competition in the broadcasting sector. The actual implementation will begin once the amended rules are officially published in the Gazette. 📺

🏆 The Hindu photographers bag top prizes in district contest

The Hindu photographers K.V.S. Giri and G.N. Rao secured first prizes in the NTR district-level photography competition. K.V.S. Giri won Category 3 – Best News Picture, and G.N. Rao took first place in Category 2 – Youth, P4, Economic Development and Welfare. District Collector G. Lakshmisha released the winner list on Friday as part of World Photography Day celebrations. The competition aims to encourage photographers by providing a platform for showcasing creative skills. Prizes, including cash and mementos, will be presented on August 19, 2026.

🔬 Life might have started twice, science says

A new study suggests that life on Earth could have begun in two separate ways. Researchers examined bacteria and archaea, finding evidence of two independent metabolic developments. The paper, published on 7 August 2026, analyzed 401 archaeal and 552 bacterial genomes. This points to one genetic code but two separate origins of cellular metabolism. The process involved early chemical reactions being replaced by enzymes over time. 🧬

⚠️ Hydro tunnel disaster leaves 7 dead in Uttarakhand

A sudden surge of water and debris entered a hydro tunnel under construction in Chamoli, Uttarakhand. Fourteen workers were trapped inside the THDC India project site on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Seven workers were killed, twelve were injured, and a search continues for three missing individuals. Rescue operations are complicated by heavy rain, filling 900 metres of the 4.5 kilometre-long tunnel with sludge. The government's main focus now is the safe evacuation of all remaining trapped workers. 🚧

✈️ Iran bombs US troops, Air Force boss calls it embarrassing

Iran successfully attacked US ground forces using fixed-wing fighter jets, an event not seen in over 70 years. This happened near Camp Buehring in Kuwait, following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. The reported incident took place on March 1, with Iranian F-5 jets flying extremely low to evade radar. During the chaos, three US F-15 jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwaiti forces. This successful incursion is viewed by former USAF Gen. Glen VanHerck as a significant embarrassment for the US military.

⛏️ Ballari amps up fight against illegal mining operations

The Ballari Deputy Commissioner ordered intensified vigilance to curb illegal mining and mineral transportation across the region. He chaired the District Task Force meeting in Ballari, directing officials to conduct regular field visits and strict surveillance. The district has a ₹6,250 crore revenue collection target for major minerals in 2026–27. Officials must expedite the revival of non-operational leases while ensuring environmental protection. Furthermore, nine check-posts will be upgraded with CCTV and digital monitoring systems. 🚧

🌲 Vietnam vet becomes last US homestead title holder

Vietnam veteran Kenneth Deardorff moved to Alaska in 1974 looking for work after serving in the US Army. He settled along the Stony River in southwestern Alaska, choosing homesteading over a conventional career path. Deardorff finished meeting the Homestead Act requirements in 1979, despite the Act ending for new claims elsewhere. His government patent was finally issued on May 5, 1988, making him the last person to receive one. This marked the closing chapter of the Homestead Act program. 🏕️