🚗 Maruti Baleno facelift gets CNG-AMT combo

The Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift is set to launch on September 5th with several major upgrades. This updated model will feature a new CNG-AMT combination, which is a first for any Maruti car. It will also include ventilated front seats and ADAS features for the first time in this segment. The engine will be the three-cylinder petrol unit from the Maruti Swift, paired with various gearboxes. The new model is expected to compete with the Tata Altroz and Hyundai i20 after its launch. 🚗

🚨 Edible Oil Adulteration: Life Imprisonment & ₹10L Fine in Maharashtra

Maharashtra's FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe issued a stern warning against loose and improperly packaged edible oil to consumers. The crackdown targets the entire supply chain, from manufacturers to retail shops, across various oils. During the 2025-26 financial year, the department collected 1,247 samples, finding 77 substandard samples. Violators face penalties ranging from seven years to life imprisonment, along with a ₹10 lakh fine for operating without a license. This move is part of the FDA's broader 'Safe Food, Safe Drugs, Safe Maharashtra' campaign. 🧐

🕊️ CMs join hands to calm Shillong tensions

Assam and Meghalaya chief ministers have agreed to collaborate to ease tensions following violence in Shillong. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma spoke with Himanta Biswa Sarma regarding the violence during a Khasi Students' Union rally on August 19. Designated ministers from both states will meet to restore peace and normalcy between the neighbours. Sarma also expressed Assam's concerns over incidents involving Assam-registered vehicles. Both governments are taking immediate steps to prevent broader tensions between the two states. 🤝

🤝 Minister promises action for midday meal workers' demands

Minister Madhu Bangarappa assured a delegation on Thursday that steps would be taken to meet midday meal workers' demands. The meeting took place at his office with members of the State Akshara Dasoha Midday Meal Workers Association, who were protesting at Freedom Park. A cabinet sub-committee has been formed regarding the revision of minimum wages, and the Minister is a member of it. The delegation also asked for Gruhalakshmi Scheme extension, which the Minister agreed to bring to the Chief Minister’s attention. He committed to helping them according to government rules.

🐅 Hanur firing probe report due August 22

A magisterial probe into the shooting incident at Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Hanur, Chamarajanagar district, will submit its report on August 22. This inquiry follows the alleged exchange of fire on August 15 that resulted in the death of three suspected poachers. Following the clash, villagers reportedly set ablaze eight anti-poaching camps and damaged several vehicles. The investigation is also looking into the use of gelatin sticks in the camp destruction. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the submitted report. 🐅

💣 Houthis strike Saudi targets, hitting airport and Aramco

Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, launched coordinated attacks targeting critical infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. The strikes specifically hit Najran airport and facilities belonging to Aramco. These attacks occurred recently, though specific dates are not detailed in the report. This action escalates regional tensions within the Middle East. Further developments regarding the security situation are being closely monitored by international bodies. ✈️

⚠️ Actor Jaayjeet Banerjee narrowly escapes lorry crash

Bengali actor Jaayjeet Banerjee was involved in a road accident when a speeding lorry hit his car near Tollygunge Karunamoyee Bridge. He was traveling towards Haridevpur and was in the front seat, which saved him from serious injury. The incident occurred recently, and Haridevpur Police Station filed an MCR. Banerjee stated the lorry driver was reckless and urged police to take action against the driver. He remains hopeful regarding the Kolkata Police's response to the incident.

🔬 Narwhal tusks stay straight due to opposing spirals

Scientists discovered how narwhal tusks maintain their straight form using advanced 3D X-ray imaging. The research was conducted by an international team, including Henrik Birkedal from Aarhus University. The study revealed that the outer cementum spirals left-handed while the inner dentine spirals right-handed. This double-spiral structure creates a biological counterbalance, giving the tusk superior stability. The function of the tusk remains debated between dominance display and sensory perception. 🧐

🕊️ Assam, Meghalaya CMs call for peace after Shillong clashes

Assam and Meghalaya Chief Ministers called for peace following violence from a protest rally in Shillong. The leaders, Himanta Biswa Sarma and Conrad Sangma, addressed the tension between the two neighboring states. This followed the KSU's 'Black Flag' bike rally on August 19th, which led to traffic blockades on Thursday. Both CMs agreed to a ministerial meet to restore trust and normalcy between the people. This dialogue aims to prevent the local unrest from escalating into a larger state conflict. 🤝

🔊 Pixel 11 makes ringtones feel real with haptics

Google's Pixel 11 introduces a new feature in the Pixel Sounds app that syncs vibration patterns with ringtones. This allows users to feel the tone resonating through the device instead of just a default pulse. The feature supports select ringtones like "The Next Adventure" and allows custom patterns for any other ringtone. Furthermore, these vibration patterns can be customized on a per-contact level via the Google Contacts app. This functionality, first surfaced in early 2025, is now live for the first time. 🤩

🔬 AI making new viruses? Traders are cautious.

Artificial intelligence is now capable of designing novel viruses that have never been observed in nature. This capability was reported by various research bodies in the field of bioinformatics. The probability assigned by traders to this risk remains low, at only 10% as of the latest market analysis. This development highlights the dual-use potential of advanced AI in biological research. Further regulatory discussions are expected as the technology advances.