🌾 MP slams Jagan over tobacco farmers' issues

Rajya Sabha MP Sana Satish Babu criticized YSRCP president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for allegedly inciting tobacco farmers about their problems. This happened on Wednesday in New Delhi, with TDP MPs present during the media address. Satish Babu claimed the coalition government ensured tobacco procurement with ₹188 crore allocation and ₹20 incentive per kg. He contrasted this with the YSRCP's alleged neglect between 2019 and 2024, which failed to offer good prices. Going forward, Satish Babu stated his party is a farmers' party while YSRCP is the 'axe party'. 🌾

🚁 Pilot landed chopper at Cabela's for shopping spree

A 69-year-old Wisconsin pilot landed his helicopter directly in a Cabela’s parking lot for a shopping trip. The incident occurred in Richfield when deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene. This happened around 6 p.m. on Saturday, and the pilot was from Rosendale, roughly 50 miles away. He explained flying was quicker than the long drive, and officials confirmed he followed all FAA rules. No citations were issued as the landing was deemed safe and legal. 🚁

🧐 POCSO action sought against CJP leaders over child at protest

Advocate Rinki Chatterjee Singh filed a complaint seeking a Zero FIR against CJP leaders Abhijeet Dipke and Saurav Das. The complaint specifically questioned the presence of a 12-year-old child during the July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar. This demonstration was against the NEET paper leak, where lathi-charges occurred and abusive language was used. Singh alleges the organizers are responsible for involving minors and seeks action under the POCSO Act. She further questioned the funding sources of the protest movement. 🧐

🎬 Awarapan 2 gets U/A 16+ from CBFC

The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has officially passed Awarapan 2 with a U/A 16+ certificate after some minor edits. The film stars Emraan Hashmi and Disha Patani, and it is set to release on August 14. The committee requested disclaimers for drug use and child trafficking, along with some violent scene reductions. These changes were implemented, and the censor certificate was issued on August 5 for the 140.20 minute film. This makes Awarapan 2 the only non-adult Hindi film this month that didn't get an 'A' rating. 🎬

📉 OnePlus pulls phones from key markets

OnePlus has decided to stop selling its smartphones in several crucial international markets. This decision affects the company's presence across various regions globally. The exact number of markets or the timeline for the withdrawal was not specified in the report. This move signals a potential strategic shift in the company's global sales approach. Stakeholders are now waiting to see how this impacts future product launches.

⚡ India's energy focus shifts from making to using clean power

India's clean energy challenge has evolved from generation capacity to effective adoption across the power system. This was discussed by experts at a seminar organized by Think Change Forum in partnership with DRIIV on Wednesday. India currently has 283.46 GW of non-fossil capacity, with 274.68 GW from renewables, and added 55.29 GW in FY2025-26. Bottlenecks like transmission constraints caused 8,133 GWh of solar curtailment in April-June 2026. The nation needs 336 GWh of storage by 2029-30 to ensure stable integration.

😠 TVK budget just renamed old DMK schemes, says Udhayanidhi

Udhayanidhi Stalin alleged that the TVK government only renamed schemes from the previous DMK administration. Speaking in Chennai on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, he claimed the pre-Budget meeting was just for renaming. He pointed out that the Thaimaman Thangamothiram Scheme now only covers government hospital births. He listed several renamed schemes, like Anbu Cholai becoming Integrated Senior Citizen Homes. Furthermore, he criticized the government for not stopping the Mekedatu dam project. 😠

🏏 Dhull smashes century, Kings cruise to win

Central Delhi Kings secured a nine-wicket victory over Purani Dilli 6 in the DPL 2026. This match took place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Wednesday after a rain-curtailed 15-over game. Purani Dilli 6 posted 140/7, while Central Delhi Kings chased it down with a dominant performance. Captain Yash Dhull smashed an unbeaten century off just 47 balls, leading the charge. The Kings ultimately won convincingly, continuing their strong run in the league. 🏏

🛵 Bengaluru transport busts 263 illegal bike taxis

The Transport Department seized 263 illegal bike taxis during a special enforcement drive across Bengaluru on Wednesday. The operation targeted private two-wheelers registered for personal use but found running commercially, violating transport rules. According to M.P. Omkareshwari, this crackdown followed a union warning about a strike. Officials confirmed they are intensifying measures to seize all such illegal vehicles. The department vows to keep identifying and impounding private vehicles used as unauthorized bike taxis. 🛵

🔬 Scientists unlock gene secrets in ataxia research

Researchers discovered a new way to reactivate silenced genes using chemical adaptors. This breakthrough happened at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. The study, published on August 5, 2026, detailed the reactivation of the frataxin gene in Friedreich’s ataxia. This challenges the idea that histone modifications only work in a simple on or off switch. The findings suggest targeting these condensates could help treat various diseases in the future. 🧬

🍓 Seaweed coating keeps strawberries fresher than fridge

Scientists developed a novel coating to significantly extend the shelf life of fresh strawberries. Researchers at the University of British Columbia applied an agar-based coating to strawberries, grapes, and apple slices. This treatment allowed strawberries to stay fresh for over four days at room temperature, unlike the two-day limit without coating. The method uses seaweed derivative mixed with zinc and tannic acid, creating an invisible protective layer. This innovation promises to lower food waste and reduce the carbon footprint of produce transport. 🍓