🌱 Millet helps toddlers without iron supplement side effects

A new study found that toddlers eating iron- and zinc-biofortified pearl millet experienced no adverse side effects from high iron intake. Researchers at Cornell University conducted the trial with 223 children aged 12 to 18 months in Mumbai, India, across 20 sites. The millet, bred to have almost three times the iron and more zinc, boosted beneficial gut microbes. These children showed increased activity in pathogen-fighting pathways and lower markers for harmful bacteria. This food-based approach offers a self-sustaining alternative to supplements for nutrition improvement.

⛏️ TN rolls out real-time system against illegal mining

The Tamil Nadu government is introducing an end-to-end mineral management system for real-time monitoring of mineral production and transport. This initiative is being rolled out in Chennai to tackle illegal mining and stop revenue leaks across the state. In the last three months, authorities seized 1,307 vehicles and registered 1,161 FIRs related to illegal mineral transport. The government aims to generate an extra Rs 15,000 crore using tech like faceless GST assessments. Furthermore, the natural resources department will create district-level vigilance wings to strengthen enforcement. 💰

⚖️ Police can't decide private property fights

The Allahabad High Court ruled that police and executive authorities cannot resolve private property disputes between individuals. This order was passed by a Lucknow bench of Justices Shekhar B Saraf and Abdhesh Kumar Chaudhary on a petition from 85-year-old Indra Pati. The court reiterated that authorities can only intervene to maintain public peace and prevent law and order issues. The bench referenced government orders from December 1, 2014, and a March 11, 2023, police circular on this matter. Officials across Uttar Pradesh are now strictly directed to comply, or face legal action. ⚖️

🇮🇳 India ranks in World's 100 Best Cuisines list

India has been named among the World's 100 Best Cuisines, highlighting its rich cultural food scene. This recognition was given by Taste Atlas, based on ratings across 18,912 foods. Indian cuisine is currently ranked at 13th, having previously held 10th and 11th spots. Dishes like Butter garlic naan and Hyderabadi biryani exemplify its flavor profiles. The ranking system is based on 590,228 valid ratings from users.

🚨 North Carolina home shooting leaves multiple dead

Multiple people were killed and one person was hospitalized after a mass shooting incident. The attack took place at a residence on Brooks Road in Prospect Hill, North Carolina. Authorities responded to the call just before 8 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Investigators are working to determine the circumstances that led to the violence at the home. The investigation remains ongoing, with no immediate threat to the public reported. 😟

🛰️ New Mars Map Pinpoints Buried Ice Chances

Researchers are investigating new methods to spot water ice deposits across Mars. This study was conducted by a team from the Planetary Science Institute to aid future astronaut missions and climate analysis. They used computer models and statistical analysis to map subsurface water ice distribution. The findings indicate a higher chance of finding ice poleward of 45° latitude in both hemispheres. Future work will focus on quantifying these resources to support human exploration efforts. 🚀

😥 Delhi Lakshmi Yojana rollout faces hurdles for women

The rollout of the BJP's ₹2,500 monthly Lakshmi Yojana for women is facing significant confusion and delays in Delhi. Many applicants in places like West Delhi are struggling with documentation issues and Aadhaar-related problems at DM offices. As of Wednesday, 3,78,485 women had registered, but only 30.8% submitted applications within four days of the August 1 launch. The scheme requires residency of 10 years and annual income under ₹2.50 lakh, but has tough eligibility criteria. Going forward, many worry the strict rules might reduce the potential beneficiaries from the initial 1.7 million.

🎬 Ramayana Part One locks Nov 6, 2026 release date

The epic saga, Ramayana Part One, has officially been scheduled to release on November 6, 2026. This massive film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Yash as Ravana in the project. The release date falls two days before Laxmi Puja, which is Diwali 2026. Sony Pictures released an English-dubbed trailer, reportedly using Brahma AI for lip-syncing. The film boasts a massive budget of Rs. 1400 to Rs. 1500 crore for this first part.

🏛️ No special session for key bills, says Rijiju

Kiren Rijiju stated that no special Parliament session would be called for the Delimitation Bill or the Women's Reservation Bill. He confirmed this declaration while speaking in Delhi. The bills, which are significant legislative items, were not scheduled for immediate passage. This decision comes amid ongoing political discussions regarding the legislative process. The government will proceed with these important bills through the standard parliamentary procedures moving forward. 🏛️

💍 Jiya Shankar's emotional diamond proposal with Kaaran Dhanak

Jiya Shankar officially announced her engagement to US-based entrepreneur Kaaran Dhanak on social media. The actress confirmed the relationship, which was previously rumored, after months of speculation. The proposal, shared via heartfelt pictures, saw Jiya breaking down in tears while showcasing a large oval diamond ring. She described their journey as a favorite romantic comedy, emphasizing that he felt like home no matter the distance. The couple plans to embark on forever together following this milestone moment. 💍

🗺️ Ladakh set to finish Census 2027 early

Ladakh plans to wrap up the entire Census 2027 exercise by the end of September this year. Chief Principal Census Officer Amit Sharma announced this while speaking at the University of Ladakh's Leh Campus on Wednesday. This makes Ladakh the first Union Territory or state to finish by September, unlike others completing by February next year. The early push is driven by a digital focus and awareness campaigns among local students and faculty. Self-enumeration starts on August 17, emphasizing the census's role in national planning. 🗺️