🛡️ Motorola's GrapheneOS phone dropping next year

A privacy-focused GrapheneOS phone is coming soon, with Motorola developing a dedicated hardware device. This new phone is expected to be a 'higher end' flagship compared to current Pixel devices, and it will carry a matching higher price tag. GrapheneOS shared that the initial devices should be available in 2027, featuring Qualcomm's flagship chips. Lower-end devices will take longer to meet necessary security and update requirements due to Qualcomm's handling. This expansion beyond Pixel phones is a big deal for privacy-conscious users. 🛡️

⛽ US Oil Majors Double Down on US Energy Investments

US oil majors are shifting their investment focus back to the US and the Americas region. This shift is happening because Donald Trump’s conflict with Iran has significantly cut their 2026 production outlook. Despite positive Q2 results, gains were mostly price-driven, not from production growth. ExxonMobil boosted US production to a record 2.1 million b/d to cover losses in Qatar and Oman. Chevron and ExxonMobil used their bumper profits to pay down $8 billion and $7 billion in net debt, respectively. 💰

🔥 Jailer 2 song 'Ala Bolelo' drops for fans

The first single, 'Ala Bolelo,' for Rajinikanth's sequel 'Jailer 2' has been released, featuring an upbeat track by Anirudh Ravichander. The song, which includes Tamil and Malayalam elements, stars actress Shamna Kasim in the lively number. The official lyrical video was shared on social media, leading to a fan fever for the track. The film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on October 15, 2026. The project also features Ramya Krishnan and includes expected cameos from Hrithik Roshan. 🎬

☀️ Kerala set for fair weather during Onam week

Mostly fair weather is expected across Kerala throughout the upcoming Onam week this year. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts subdued rainfall across most parts of the state during the coming week. Isolated showers are possible in some areas between August 23 and 25 due to upper air cyclonic circulations. Yellow alerts have been issued for various districts on August 23, 24, and 25. Larger monsoon features are not supportive of heavy rain during the main Onam festivities. ☀️

🧐 Kerala LLB exam valuation under scrutiny

Concerns have surfaced regarding the mark valuation process for the LLB examination papers at the University of Kerala. This issue involves 231 out of 292 students who applied for revaluation, showing a mark increase of up to 50%. The Controller of Examinations has submitted a formal report concerning these findings to the Vice-Chancellor. Several student organizations, like the Students Federation of India (SFI), had previously organized protests over valuation delays. The situation remains under review as the university addresses the student complaints. 🧐

⚖️ SC closes Kerala Story film petitions for now

The Supreme Court recently closed various petitions related to the controversial 2023 film, 'The Kerala Story'. This happened with a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant in New Delhi. The court ruled that some pleas were infructuous, while a ban challenge was withdrawn by the producers. Despite arguments on the film's relevance, the bench stated the legal question will await another controversial movie. Furthermore, the CJI directed filing a writ petition for general hate speech guidelines.

🚴 Kozhikode teen cycles all the way to Kashmir

A 19-year-old from Kozhikode completed a tough solo cycling trip to Kashmir. C.V. Masin Muhammed undertook this journey starting from Cheruvadi, near Mukkam, in Kozhikode. He covered thousands of kilometres in just 42 days, returning on Thursday night, August 20. Despite physical demands and mechanical issues, strangers' kindness helped him across states like Goa, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. This experience significantly boosted his self-reliance and proved the power of passion. 🚴

⚖️ Gandhi's protest leads to FIR in pellet gun case

Rahul Gandhi staged a dharna outside Parliament Street Police Station regarding alleged pellet-gun injuries from a July 20 student protest. He protested alongside 19-year-old Sahil Lochab, demanding an FIR against the CJP-led protest. Delhi Police subsequently registered an FIR under Sections 118 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Gandhi called this development a "first step towards justice" after the registration. However, the BJP strongly criticized Gandhi's actions as political theatre. ⚖️

🚨 Delhi Police Nets Major Betting Ring

Delhi Police has successfully busted a sophisticated high-tech betting network operating in the city. The operation targeted a large-scale online betting syndicate across Delhi. Authorities arrested 31 individuals in connection with this significant crackdown on illegal gambling. This network was involved in running complex betting operations using advanced technology. Further investigation is ongoing to dismantle the entire illegal betting infrastructure.

💪 Coffee linked to leaner body and more muscle

A new study found that people drinking more coffee tend to have a leaner body composition. Researchers from the University of Oulu analyzed 2,264 adults from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. Those with higher coffee intake showed lower body fat and greater skeletal muscle mass as of the study's findings. This was noted even though their BMI remained similar to non-drinkers, highlighting compositional differences. Further research is needed as the study only showed associations, not direct causation. ☕

🚢 Saudi oil exports spike by avoiding Houthi threat

Saudi Arabia has significantly boosted its crude oil exports from the Mediterranean port of Sidi Kerir. This shift occurred because the Houthi group threatened Saudi oil shipments in the southern Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Aramco has increased its northern Red Sea route shipments to 1.1 million barrels per day, a rise of about one-third. This new shuttle service is being supported by operators like Sinokor and DHT Management AS. The oil now travels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding almost a month to delivery to Asian refiners. 🚢