📉 OnePlus phones vanish from US, Canada, Mexico stores

OnePlus smartphones are officially out of stock on their websites in the US, Canada, and Mexico. This happened weeks after the brand confirmed its exit from the US and European markets. Devices like the OnePlus 15 and OnePlus Pad Go 2 are now unavailable for purchase in these regions. Existing users can still get support, but the company plans to shut down its community platform on August 16. No similar stock wind-down has been seen in the Indian market yet.

🐔 Officials check poultry waste plant in Kozhikode

The District Collector and Kerala State Pollution Control Board officials are conducting a joint inspection at the Freshcut poultry waste rendering unit. This inspection is happening at Ambayathode near Thamarassery in Kozhikode district on Friday, August 7. This follows a Kerala High Court order that stayed the PCB's shutdown order due to public complaints. The court will review the inspection report to make a final decision regarding the factory's closure. Local action committee members plan further legal steps against management trying to ignore protests. 🐔

🛡️ RBI sets new ground rules for loan recovery calls

The RBI has introduced stricter loan recovery rules limiting borrower contact times to 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. for all lenders in India. This directive applies to banks and NBFCs starting January 1, 2027, as per the 2026 Amendment Directions. The rules mandate recording all recovery calls and prohibit abusive behaviour or misuse of borrower data. Lenders must also establish policies covering distress cases and loan-financed device restrictions. Compensation is set at ₹250 per hour for wrongful device restrictions caused by the bank. 📱

🚜 Jury slams Telangana govt over land grabs

An independent six-member jury accused the Telangana government of forcibly acquiring farmers' lands for Pharma City/Future City projects. The report, released in Hyderabad on Wednesday, detailed issues from a July 5 hearing in Ranga Reddy district. Over 25 farmers testified, alleging land seizures without notice and official misconduct. The jury criticized the Congress government for proceeding despite promises to farmers. They demanded exemption for lands in Medipalli, Nanak Nagar, Tathiparthi, Kurmidda and adjoining hamlets. 🚜

🦠 We all have hidden viruses inside us

It has been discovered that every human body carries between 8 and 12 dormant viruses internally. Researchers at IFLScience found this during their study of the human immune system. The viruses remain inactive until triggered by certain conditions. COVID-19 has been shown to potentially reactivate these dormant viral reservoirs within the body. Scientists are now studying how to manage this risk going forward.

💡 Bhagwat uses Gen Z lingo for leadership talk

Bhagwat adopted a Gen Z phrase while discussing the topic of leadership recently. He shared these insights during a public address in the vicinity of his headquarters. The speech took place on October 26th and focused on modern leadership qualities. This adoption reflects an effort to connect with younger generations and contemporary thought patterns. Further details regarding his vision for youth engagement are expected soon. 💡

🌾 Hassan farmers protest, demand drought declaration

KPRS members staged a protest in Hassan on Thursday, demanding the state government declare the district drought-hit. The protest march went from the Hemavathi Statue to the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Sowing coverage is only 32% against a 2.86 lakh hectares target, with potato sowing at just 10,000 hectares. Farmers are suffering huge losses from Bilisuli, attributed to spurious seeds, and claim crop insurance has failed them. They urge a proper survey to assess losses and announce timely relief. 🌾

💰 Kerala Govt injects ₹5 crore to revive Travancore Cements

The Kerala government has decided to allocate ₹5 crore to revive the cash-strapped Travancore Cements Limited (TCL). This decision was made during a meeting held in the chamber of Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan. The funds are meant to restart white cement production, which stalled due to clinker import issues since the West Asia conflict. TCL is currently facing mounting liabilities, including 15 months of pending salaries and frozen bank accounts by EPFO. Management plans to use part of the funds for salary payments ahead of Onam once administrative sanction is issued.

🌎 US pushes Bangladesh away from China tech influence

Washington dispatched senior officials to Dhaka to promote US technology and investment, amid India's strained ties. US Special Envoy Sergio Gor visited from July 30 to August 1, discussing AI and defense with the Bangladeshi leadership. While Gor urged joining the US-led Pax Silica initiative, Bangladesh announced it would join China's WAICO as an observer on August 1. This highlights the intense competition as Beijing and Washington vie for influence in the Bay of Bengal. The US push follows China's recent major investment wins in Bangladesh's infrastructure sectors. 🚀

🌦️ IMD giving local weather updates to Telangana farmers

The Centre informed the Rajya Sabha that rainfall forecasts in Telangana utilize numerical weather prediction and AI models. Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh provided details after an MP asked about advanced flood management systems. IMD operates 25 Flood Meteorological Offices, issuing daily QPFs for 220 sub-basins up to seven days out. Furthermore, farmers are now getting panchayat-level forecasts via platforms like Panchayat Mausam Seva Portal. These crucial advisories are also spread through WhatsApp and local networks. 🌾

🫂 Hyderabad's Roshni helpline offers just a listening ear 🎧

Roshni, an emotional support centre in Hyderabad, received a call at 8:30 p.m. where a volunteer listened for two and a half hours. In 2025, the organisation handled 5,610 calls, with 2,537 coming from young adults aged 18 to 30. Mental health concerns were cited in 2,151 calls, while men made up the vast majority of callers. Roshni’s primary service is 'befriending,' providing someone to listen without immediate solutions. The centre operates with 70 trained volunteers, offering follow-ups for high-risk cases.