🚦 Ride apps must ditch pre-ride tipping prompts

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has mandated that ride-hailing platforms remove prompts encouraging advance tipping from their apps. This directive targets platforms like Uber and Ola that currently display options such as “Advance Tip” before booking a ride. The instruction, reported on Thursday, cites the 2025 Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines as the reason for the change. These guidelines strictly state that passengers can only offer tips after the trip has been fully completed. Furthermore, the rules ensure drivers receive the entire tip amount without any deductions from the aggregators. 🚫

🐬 Dolphins rocking a new shell-hunting move

Dolphins have been observed employing a unique new hunting technique involving shells. This behavior was documented by researchers at IFLScience, showing the animals teaching this method to other members of their pod. The footage captures this innovative strategy in action. Scientists are studying this social learning aspect to understand marine mammal intelligence. Future research will focus on how this complex behavior spreads within the dolphin community.

🚨 Convicted Rapist Found With 5G Phone in Bengaluru Jail

A major prison security issue surfaced in Bengaluru after Prajwal Revanna was reportedly found using a 5G smartphone inside Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. This discovery has sparked serious debate regarding alleged VIP treatment and potential corruption within the correctional system. Authorities are now investigating how contraband, including a smartphone and a pen drive with explicit material, managed to enter the high-security facility. The incident raises major questions about the integrity of prison oversight and security protocols. Further action from authorities is anticipated as they look into the breach.

📢 Welfare schemes must reach women and kids directly

Deputy Commissioner Ikram Shariff directed officials to ensure women and children's welfare schemes reach eligible beneficiaries directly. This directive was issued during a meeting at his Kalaburagi office on Thursday. He mandated that awareness programs must have 100 attendees every three months, and attendance must be tracked using GPS-enabled reports. Furthermore, Aadhaar-based biometrics and CCTV cameras must be installed at all Santhwana Centres within 15 days. This aims to ensure transparency and better implementation of schemes like PM Matru Vandana Yojana.

📚 CIIL workshop focuses on Indian Knowledge Systems terms

A two-day workshop on framing documentation strategies for Indian Knowledge Systems terminology kicked off at CIIL in Mysuru on Thursday. Organized by Bharatavani and CIIL, the event aims to build a systematic framework for collecting and organizing knowledge terminology across Indian languages. CIIL Director Basavaraja Kodagunti noted the deep link between language and knowledge evolution in disciplines like agriculture and medicine. The proposed framework will collect and describe technical terms, making them available via an online portal for broader access. Experts are contributing to refine the methodology, focusing on authenticity and inter-institutional collaboration.

🏏 Sri Lankan coach passes away after match clash

A 62-year-old coach died in the hospital after a clash with players during a cricket match in Colombo. The altercation occurred on August 8, involving two players, and resulted in the coach, Sumith Fernando, being hospitalized. A 17-year-old school cricketer was arrested on Monday for allegedly assaulting Fernando. The dispute reportedly started over the lack of drinking water at the training grounds. Fernando was a former mentor to Kusal Mendis and served as a curator for Bloomfield Cricket & Athletic Club. 🏏

📡 Roorkee company making earthquake warning tech

A new technology is being developed to provide only seconds of warning before an earthquake strikes. A company based in Roorkee is responsible for building these critical sensors. These devices are designed to act as the very first responders in seismic events. The development aims to significantly improve early detection capabilities in disaster zones. Further deployment of these sensors is expected in the near future. 📡

🚇 Delhi Metro starts early on Independence Day

The Delhi Metro will commence services at an early hour on August 15th. This early start is for all passengers across the network in Delhi. Services are scheduled to begin at 4 AM on this national holiday. This adjustment aims to cater to the needs of commuters during the busy Independence Day celebrations. Passengers should check the official schedules for detailed timings. 🚇

🚇 Delhi Metro starts early on Independence Day

The Delhi Metro is scheduled to commence services at 4 AM on August 15th. This early start is planned across the entire network, serving all routes. Operations will begin exactly at 4:00 AM on Independence Day. This move is to accommodate early morning commuters and celebrations. Authorities expect increased passenger traffic throughout the day. 🚇

🇮🇳 'Vande Mataram' to lead 80th Independence Day at Red Fort

The national song 'Vande Mataram' will take center stage at the 80th Independence Day celebrations on August 15. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the event at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi. Around 2,500 NCC cadets and 'My Bharat' volunteers are scheduled to participate in the ceremony. This event commemorates 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' and highlights youth's role in Viksit Bharat@2047. The Defence Ministry also held competitions, with around 600 winners attending the celebrations.

🔋 Govt's magnet scheme gets 20 bids

The government's Rs 7,280 crore scheme to boost domestic rare earth magnet manufacturing has attracted 20 bids. Larsen & Toubro, Coal India, and ReNew among the bidders, setting up facilities across India. The scheme targets a total domestic capacity of 6,000 MTPA, with beneficiaries getting up to 1,200 MTPA each. Approved in November 2025, the initiative aims to cut import reliance for critical components like those used in EVs. The program runs for seven years from the award date, supporting key industries. 🔋