🍄 Mushroom leather is here, and it's wild

Researchers have developed durable, biodegradable vegan leather using fungal fibers for large-scale production. This innovation was achieved by scientists at an unspecified institution, detailed in ACS Applied Bio Materials on August 8, 2026. The new pulp-based process uses submerged fungi and is being scaled up using roller systems similar to paper manufacturing. This material shows tensile strength comparable to real leather but decomposes quickly in water and compost. Further testing is needed on tear resistance before it hits the consumer market. 🍄

🐆 Pumas are keeping roads safer in Washington 🐆

A new study in 'Current Biology' found that pumas in Washington significantly reduce vehicle collisions by altering deer behavior. The presence of pumas in the Olympic Peninsula area caused deer to shift activity to daylight hours and avoid roads. This resulted in a 76% reduction in deer-vehicle collisions, while researchers also noted a 67% reduction in collision likelihood. These large carnivores effectively act as an ecosystem service, making roadways safer for human communities. The research hopes this highlights the benefits of living near predators, considering annual US deer collisions cause huge damage.

🧐 TISS students denied bail over release slogans

A Mumbai Sessions Court rejected anticipatory bail pleas for two TISS students. The students were accused of chanting slogans for Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam during a gathering at the institute. This incident occurred on October 12, 2025, during a homage to G N Saibaba. The court noted the slogans went beyond mere tribute, considering recovered Maoist material. Further investigation is ongoing while seven other students received bail. 🧐

✅ MPSOS 2026 results are out for Class 10 and 12

MPSOS has released the Ruk Jaana Nahi Result for the July 2026 session online. Students in Madhya Pradesh can check their scores for Class 10 and Class 12 via the official website. Specifically, 59.89% of Class 10 students passed, while Class 12 saw a 52.44% pass rate. These exams were conducted from July 3 to July 17, 2026, with 98,410 candidates participating. Students who cleared Class 10 can now move to Class 11 admissions, and Class 12 students can pursue higher education.

😔 Gurugram's shift to majoritarian politics

Gurugram, once a small hamlet, has rapidly transformed into a major economic hub attracting many migrants. Despite its growth, Muslim residents face increasing prejudice and discrimination in the city. Since 2018, Hindutva groups have frequently blocked Muslim Friday prayers with organized aggression. The state administration has allegedly stonewalled demands for new mosques despite allotment of land for other religious structures. This highlights the tension between urban development and communal issues in the city.

🩺 India has 86k medical seats, planning 5k more

India currently has 86,360 postgraduate medical seats for the 2026-27 academic year, according to Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda. This data was shared in response to an MP's question in the Lok Sabha. Karnataka leads with 10,092 seats, followed by Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. The Centre plans to add 5,000 more seats between 2025-26 and 2028-29 via a sponsored scheme. Institutions must meet new NMC regulations to gain additional seats. 🩺

🚑 KSRTC Bus Overturns on Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway

A KSRTC bus overturned on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway, resulting in multiple casualties. The accident occurred involving the KSRTC bus on the expressway stretch. Preliminary reports indicate that two people were killed and twenty-five others sustained injuries in the incident. This serious accident has prompted an immediate investigation by local authorities into the cause of the overturn. Further updates on the condition of the injured and the investigation's findings are expected soon. 🚑

🔬 3 NTA experts at center of NEET paper leak probe

The testing agency cancelled the NEET-UG exam on May 3 due to paper leak allegations, leading to a re-exam on June 21. The CBI probe has implicated three Pune-based NTA subject experts in the controversy. These experts, including P V Kulkarni, Manisha Sanjay Havaldar, and Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, were key sources of the leak. Mandhare used student textbooks, Kulkarni used paper chits, and Havaldar memorized questions. The NTA violated protocols by using the same experts across all preparation stages. 🔬

🚨 US Senate clears bill for massive India tariffs?

The US Senate approved the Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, which could impose up to 100% tariffs on goods from countries like India. This legislation targets top buyers of Russian oil and gas, arguing trade supports Moscow's war efforts. The bill, passed with an 86-11 vote, also includes sanctions on Russian officials and expands existing restrictions. India is in the spotlight due to its increased discounted crude purchases since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022. If enacted, this could make Indian exports significantly more expensive for US importers. ⛽

🏛️ US Senate passes bill threatening India with 100% tariffs

The US Senate approved the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 with an 86-11 vote. This legislation could allow President Donald Trump to impose up to 100% tariffs on countries like India buying Russian oil. The bill aims to increase economic pressure on Russia and Iran by targeting energy trade partners. India is in the spotlight due to its increased discounted Russian crude purchases since the Russia-Ukraine war began in 2022. The final impact depends on the bill becoming law and the administration's choices. 💸

✈️ Turkey leaps ahead in 5th-gen fighter race

Turkey's KAAN fighter program has advanced significantly, with its P1 prototype completing taxi trials at Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara. This contrasts sharply with India's AMCA, which is still stuck in the design phase as of now. Turkey plans initial deliveries by 2028, while India anticipates its first flight no sooner than the early 2030s. The difference stems from Turkey's aggressive prototyping versus India's design-heavy approach and engine delays. This gap could widen as China and Pakistan are also developing advanced fighter capabilities. ✈️