⚖️ NALSA ends LADCS counsel contracts in Punjab, Haryana

NALSA announced that contracts for counsel under the LADCS Scheme will not be renewed after September in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh. This decision follows a nearly month-long strike by lawyers in Punjab against the system. The scheme was alleged to create a parallel State-funded criminal defence system affecting independent advocates. District Judges will now assign legal aid matters to members of the Bar, preferably young lawyers. A fresh scheme is expected to be formulated after due consultation with the lawyers. ⚖️

🤖 Apple's Siri Gets AI Upgrade Amid OpenAI Legal Battle

Apple is rolling out an overhauled Siri AI assistant in the iOS 27 beta, which might feature paid subscription tiers. This update was introduced as John Ternus takes over from Tim Cook, who discussed the changes. The new Siri supports natural conversation and cross-app tasks, powered partly by Google's Gemini technology. Concurrently, Apple is intensifying its trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI, citing 11 additional former employees. The full public release of the revamped Siri is anticipated with iOS 27 in September. 🤖

🤝 Mediation heats up for US-Iran conflict resolution

Diplomatic efforts are intensifying as regional mediators work closely to find a solution to the ongoing US-Iran conflict. Qatar is actively supporting Oman’s mediation efforts to facilitate negotiations between the two sides. As of today, mediators are relaying messages and circulating draft agreements since the conflict escalated in February. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed optimism that a deal could reopen the Strait of Hormuz as early as today or tomorrow. However, tensions remain high after a cargo ship was struck by an unknown projectile overnight near Al Khasab, Oman.

🌧️ Kerala rains: Road damage pegged at ₹50 crore

The PWD has estimated the damage to Kerala's roads, bridges, and causeways at ₹50 crore following the recent rainfall. P.K. Basheer, the PWD Minister, stated this assessment is preliminary until floodwaters completely recede from the worst-hit areas. He directed officials to ensure swift repairs to make damaged routes motorable at the earliest. The most severe damage was reported across Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki districts. The Chief Minister has assured full support, ensuring funds will not hinder emergency restoration efforts. 🌧️

🙅 NCPI MPs Skip NDA Meet, Reject BJP Alliance

Three NCPI MPs skipped an NDA meeting held in Delhi on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. These MPs, Abu Taher Khan, Khalilur Rahaman, and Yusuf Pathan, are from Murshidabad district. They explicitly stated they will not join the BJP or the NDA under any circumstances. The disagreement stems from ideological differences and past shifts among rebel TMC MPs. Mamata Banerjee further alleged that some party defectors were pressured by police and central agencies.

🏛️ Parliament deadlock as protests and policy clash

Parliament faced continued deadlock due to opposition protests regarding the Ram Mandir donation controversy and police action. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav protested at Makar Door, while AAP demanded a rollback of the E20 policy. The Supreme Court ruled that Section 498A applies to live-in relationships resembling marriage. Student hunger strikes in Jharkhand reached their eleventh day ahead of a planned assembly gherao. Meanwhile, Prashant Kishor criticized Bihar leaders and a report detailed mosquito bite biology.

🤖 New Tech Centres to Boost Youth Jobs in Telangana

Labour Minister G. Vivek Venkataswamy announced the establishment of Advanced Technology Centres across all 119 Assembly constituencies. He inaugurated an ATC in Rudrangi, Rajanna Sircilla district, with an estimated cost of ₹45.15 crore on Tuesday. The government is transforming ITIs into ATCs to meet the demands of AI, EVs, Robotics, and Drones. This ecosystem aims to support students in skill training and secure job placements for them. Furthermore, TOMCOM will help skilled youth find jobs abroad after completing the training.

😠 Ex-teacher calls out Bhumi Pednekar over alleged past behaviour

Bhumi Pednekar is facing social media criticism following her comments on NEET protests. Her former teacher, Shruti Desai, who taught her at a Mumbai film school, criticized her attitude on Instagram. Desai alleged that Bhumi was once disrespectful and disdainful towards her teachers during training. This comes after Bhumi spoke out against abusive slogans during the protests, emphasizing civil dialogue. The post has sparked mixed reactions, with users debating the merits of the accusation.

😠 Kozhikode fund cut sparks huge council fight

A ₹109-crore cut in Kozhikode Corporation's Plan fund ignited a heated debate during the council meeting on Tuesday, August 4th. Councillors from LDF, UDF, and BJP clashed over how this impacts city development projects. The fund was slashed from ₹132 crore to just ₹23 crore by the State government, making ward-level development impossible. The UDF blamed previous LDF governments for unrealistic budgets, while Congress cited past failures to secure funds. The Corporation plans to boost its own revenue to handle the major setback. 🚧

🔫 Mafia: The Old Country DLC drops August 14

Mafia: The Old Country - Man of Honor DLC is launching on August 14 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. This paid expansion costs €10 and introduces two new story chapters focused on character Enzo Favara in the game. Players can explore new locations while gaining access to new weapons, vehicles, and equipment throughout the campaign. Furthermore, the Open World mode will be enhanced with exclusive missions and extreme challenges. This release shows ongoing post-launch support from Hangar 13 and 2K Games.

🏛️ Parliament passes bills amid Ayodhya protests

Parliament saw repeated disruptions on Tuesday as the Rajya Sabha passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026. This happened in New Delhi, with protests over Ayodhya and a student crackdown being the main issue. The opposition raised serious allegations of theft concerning donations to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust (SRJTKT) during the proceedings. Leaders like Mallikarjun Kharge demanded an inquiry, while Kiren Rijiju countered these claims fiercely. Despite the uproar, both houses eventually passed key legislation before adjourning. 🏛️