🌱 New study finds fungal fix for cassava rot

Researchers have identified a promising mycobiome-based strategy to tackle cassava stem and root rot (CSRR). This finding came from ICAR-CTCRI in Thiruvananthapuram and ICAR-IARI in New Delhi. The disease, caused by Fusarium falciforme, has intensified in Kerala’s wetland ecosystems since 2020. The strategy involves restoring the core mycobiome via improved soil health and beneficial microbes. Further field evaluation is needed before this method can be recommended to farmers. 🌾

⚖️ SC denies relief to Mahua Moitra amid political heat

The Supreme Court has refused to grant relief to Mahua Moitra regarding her legal troubles. This decision comes amidst ongoing political controversies surrounding her tenure. The court's refusal was issued recently, addressing petitions filed by concerned parties. The matter involves scrutiny over her conduct while serving in Parliament. Future proceedings will determine the final outcome of this high-profile case. ⚖️

🗺️ Manipur ready for NRC under law

The Manipur government has formally told the Centre that it is prepared to conduct the National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise. State Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam made this statement at a consultative meeting regarding Manipur's demographic profile. The state had previously informed the Union government of this stance. Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh also highlighted how repeated bandhs and blockades hurt the local economy and daily wage earners. The government hopes the two-day seminar will yield constructive recommendations within the constitutional framework. 🧐

🍺 162-Year-Old Guinness Bottle Found Off UK Coast

A bottle of Guinness dating back to 1864 was recovered from a shipwreck off the coast of Dover. Belgian underwater photographer Stefan Panis made the discovery last year while exploring a wreck beneath the sea. The bottle is part of what Panis thinks was a case of 24 bottles. Scientists are now examining the contents at KU Leuven University to potentially recreate the 19th-century stout. Diageo is also working with the divers to gather more information about this historical find. 🍺

🚀 Indian iQOO Z11 confirms Dimensity 7500 Turbo chip

The iQOO Z11 launched in India on August 20 will feature the Dimensity 7500 Turbo SoC. This processor makes it the first smartphone in India to use this specific MediaTek chip. While Chinese and Malaysian versions run on Dimensity 8500 and Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, respectively, the Indian model will have a curved display. The phone will be 7.99mm thick and weigh 199g, available in Aurora Green and Celestial Blue. More details about the Indian Z11 are expected before its launch. 📱

🚨 Amritsar Police Chief removed over Jantar Mantar claims

Amritsar Police Chief Gurpreet Singh Bhullar has been removed from his post following claims linking an alleged Pakistan-backed terror module to the Jantar Mantar protests. The Punjab Government replaced him with Harmanbir Singh on August 7, 2026. This action comes after Bhullar alleged arrested individuals planned attacks, revealing on August 4. The BJP has questioned the timing of the transfer, suggesting Bhullar's revelations might have caused political discomfort. Bhullar will report to the DGP office until further orders.

🚓 Police book Hindutva group over Kunal Kamra posts

Bengaluru Police filed a suo motu case against Mohan Gowda for spreading fake info about Kunal Kamra's show cancellations. The FIR was registered by Whitefield Police based on a complaint from Police Constable Shridhar. The case involves sections 217 and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and is currently under investigation. This follows a memorandum from the Hindu Rashtra Samanvaya Samithi requesting the cancellation of Kamra's shows. The show, initially at URU in Whitefield between August 3 and 6, was later moved to Underground Comedy Club in Koramangala. 🚓

🚨 NEET paper leak: CBI chargesheet details inside info leak

The CBI filed a charge sheet against 13 accused in the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak case. The agency cited digital forensic evidence from an app used in Pune where NTA expert PV Kulkarni lived. This investigation revealed paper setting occurred at NTA's Okhla building, with procedural lapses found. Experts allegedly leaked questions for huge cash, involving intermediaries and coaching classes in April. Further action is expected as the CBI continues to probe the extent of the leak. 🕵️

🔋 Michael Dell's son aims for US backyard battery revolution

Zach Dell of Base Power intends to install a home battery system in every US neighborhood over time. The company operates in the US, starting in Texas and expanding to Illinois, following a Costco-like model. They recently secured a $1 billion Series D funding round, valuing the firm at $13 billion as of the announcement. This approach replaces high upfront costs with low installation fees and monthly memberships, unlike traditional sales. Base plans further expansion into the UK, Germany, and Australia while increasing daily installations to over 100. 🔋

🔪 Delhi man copied 'The Staircase' plot to kill wife

A 62-year-old software consultant was arrested for allegedly murdering his wife in East Delhi. The accused, Kamal Singh, killed Komal Singh on July 30 following months of property disputes. He tried to destroy evidence by mimicking a strategy from HBO's The Staircase series. Kamal fled, withdrawing Rs 12.75 lakh in cash before being caught near Mathura after a three-day search. This incident highlights domestic conflict escalating to extreme violence. 🔪

🚧 SP leader inspects Agra road cave-in 🚧

A road in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, caved in following heavy rain, prompting a dramatic response from Samajwadi Party leader Nitin Kohli. Kohli descended into the massive crater in Karmyogi Colony to criticize the government's development efforts. The incident occurred as the state faces scrutiny over infrastructure issues, especially after the Kanpur-Lucknow Expressway showed damage weeks after opening. Kohli mocked the state's progress, calling Agra 'Gaddha Nagari' during his inspection on Friday. Authorities have since cordoned off the area and started repair assessments.