🛰️ NASA spacewalkers upgrade ISS power system

NASA astronauts Anil Menon and Jessica Meir finished a spacewalk outside the International Space Station on Friday. They were at the station in Washington to assemble a modification kit for its power channel. This 281st spacewalk, which lasted six hours and 27 minutes, took place on Thursday and concluded Friday. The work will allow for future installation of IROSA solar arrays to boost power for critical systems. The crew has two more spacewalks scheduled for August 13 and August 25 for further maintenance.

🤝 Netanyahu thanks Modi, vows stronger India-Israel ties

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi following a phone conversation about the strategic partnership. The leaders reviewed cooperation and regional developments during the call, which took place on Friday. The Prime Minister's Office confirmed that they reaffirmed commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across various sectors. Their discussion also covered the evolving situation in West Asia, amid ongoing security developments. Both nations agreed to remain in touch as they monitor the wider regional situation.

⚖️ Supreme Court moves coal scam judges

The Supreme Court allowed the Delhi High Court's request to transfer two special judges, Sunena Sharma and Dheeraj Mor. The judges were involved in the CBI coal scam cases in Delhi. Sharma took charge in January, and Mor was appointed in April 2025, with the transfer request coming after only six months for Sharma. The High Court noted both officers were of outstanding merit and better suited for other duties. Replacements Virender Kumar Kharta and Ajay Garg have been appointed to their respective posts. ⚖️

😮 Thai wife says American Dream is dead after 3 years

A Thai woman married to an American man shared her experience after living in the US for three years. She stated that the reality did not match the expectations of the American Dream. The rising cost of living and feeling like a 'rat race' made daily life tough. She prefers Thailand because of its relaxed lifestyle and affordable healthcare. This has led her to want to move back to her home country. 😮

⛽ India's oil bill jumps 26% despite lower imports

India's crude import bill increased by 26% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026-27. This rise occurred while overall import volumes actually fell by 18% in April to June 2026. The bill reached $49 billion, up from $39 billion in the same period last year. Supply disruptions from the West Asia conflict and rising global oil prices drove this increase. India is prioritizing securing energy supplies for its 1.4 billion people moving forward. ⛽

🚨 8-year-old girl raped and murdered in MP

An eight-year-old schoolgirl was allegedly raped and then strangled by a man in Madhya Pradesh's Narsinghpur district. The 22-year-old accused, who was also part of the search, was arrested on Thursday. The incident happened on Wednesday when the girl disappeared after school, leading to an eight-hour search. Locals demanded the accused's house be bulldozed and for a death penalty to be served. The case is set to be tried in a fast-track court. 💔

📈 Gold Futures Reclaim Control, Eyes Next Big Move

Gold futures managed to push higher after yesterday's pullback, successfully reclaiming the declining channel. Buyers are now targeting the 4,500-4,525 range if key levels are held. The next technical barrier before this move is the major bearish gap between 4,375-4,381. Momentum indicators currently suggest continued strength for buyers in the market. A failure to close above the red declining channel could stall this upward trend.

🧐 Supreme Court says Biren Singh audio clips are doctored

The Supreme Court ordered the sharing of an NFSU report concerning audio clips linking former Manipur CM N Biren Singh to the state's ethnic violence. The Centre informed the court that these alleged recordings had been manipulated, citing forensic lab findings. This was presented before Justices Sanjay Kumar and Sanjeev Sachdeva on Friday. The petitioner's side argued that a 'Truth Labs' report showed over 93% certainty that the voice belonged to Singh. Ultimately, the apex court mandated that the NFSU's six-page report be given to both the petitioner and the Centre’s counsel. 🧐

🛡️ Saudi, Pakistan, Turkey ink new defense pact

Leaders from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement on Friday. This pact states that an attack on one state will be considered an attack on all three. The agreement comes amid renewed Iran war threats and Houthi attacks from Yemen. Riyadh is using this to boost regional leverage against Iran and challenge US deterrence limits. Diplomatically, the deal helps all three countries solidify their positions in the changing Middle East landscape. 🛡️

🛡️ J&K tourism sites to get major security upgrade

A parliamentary committee proposed an integrated security and surveillance framework for major tourist spots in Jammu & Kashmir. This report, tabled on Friday, suggested comprehensive CCTV coverage and regular security audits across the region. The recommendations follow the panel's visit in May 2026 and the tragedy of last year's Pahalgam attack. The committee also urged clear inter-agency SOPs before the peak tourist season kicks in. These measures aim to maintain visitor confidence and support tourism growth.

😠 Caste Cert Issues Spark Uproar in Maharashtra

Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil is protesting alleged issues with Kunbi caste certificate validation and cancellations. He announced a tour across Marathwada and Western Maharashtra to address these concerns. Specifically, four elected women's certificates were cancelled, citing lack of documentary evidence for their paternal relatives. This conflict relates to the 2025 government resolution granting Maratha reservation via Kunbi lineage. Jarange-Patil has set an August 29 deadline and threatened a final agitation if issues are not resolved.