⚖️ SC closes Kerala Story film petitions for now

The Supreme Court recently closed various petitions related to the controversial 2023 film, 'The Kerala Story'. This happened with a bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant in New Delhi. The court ruled that some pleas were infructuous, while a ban challenge was withdrawn by the producers. Despite arguments on the film's relevance, the bench stated the legal question will await another controversial movie. Furthermore, the CJI directed filing a writ petition for general hate speech guidelines.

🚴 Kozhikode teen cycles all the way to Kashmir

A 19-year-old from Kozhikode completed a tough solo cycling trip to Kashmir. C.V. Masin Muhammed undertook this journey starting from Cheruvadi, near Mukkam, in Kozhikode. He covered thousands of kilometres in just 42 days, returning on Thursday night, August 20. Despite physical demands and mechanical issues, strangers' kindness helped him across states like Goa, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. This experience significantly boosted his self-reliance and proved the power of passion. 🚴

⚖️ Gandhi's protest leads to FIR in pellet gun case

Rahul Gandhi staged a dharna outside Parliament Street Police Station regarding alleged pellet-gun injuries from a July 20 student protest. He protested alongside 19-year-old Sahil Lochab, demanding an FIR against the CJP-led protest. Delhi Police subsequently registered an FIR under Sections 118 and 125 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Gandhi called this development a "first step towards justice" after the registration. However, the BJP strongly criticized Gandhi's actions as political theatre. ⚖️

🚨 Delhi Police Nets Major Betting Ring

Delhi Police has successfully busted a sophisticated high-tech betting network operating in the city. The operation targeted a large-scale online betting syndicate across Delhi. Authorities arrested 31 individuals in connection with this significant crackdown on illegal gambling. This network was involved in running complex betting operations using advanced technology. Further investigation is ongoing to dismantle the entire illegal betting infrastructure.

💪 Coffee linked to leaner body and more muscle

A new study found that people drinking more coffee tend to have a leaner body composition. Researchers from the University of Oulu analyzed 2,264 adults from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. Those with higher coffee intake showed lower body fat and greater skeletal muscle mass as of the study's findings. This was noted even though their BMI remained similar to non-drinkers, highlighting compositional differences. Further research is needed as the study only showed associations, not direct causation. ☕

🚢 Saudi oil exports spike by avoiding Houthi threat

Saudi Arabia has significantly boosted its crude oil exports from the Mediterranean port of Sidi Kerir. This shift occurred because the Houthi group threatened Saudi oil shipments in the southern Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Aramco has increased its northern Red Sea route shipments to 1.1 million barrels per day, a rise of about one-third. This new shuttle service is being supported by operators like Sinokor and DHT Management AS. The oil now travels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding almost a month to delivery to Asian refiners. 🚢

🎭 Beragu play wraps up strong in Shivamogga

A seven-day theatrical rendition of K. Prabhushankar’s work, Beragu, concluded in Shivamogga on Thursday. This production, organized by Basava Kendra, showcased the life and struggles of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna. The show ran from August 14 to August 20, and Basava Kendra's auditorium was packed daily. The staging was praised for effectively bringing the text to life through music and live background elements. It highlighted society's ongoing need for figures like Basavanna, as noted by Basava Marulasidda Swamy. 🎭

⚡ AP power utilities set exam for 629 AEE posts

Andhra Pradesh power utilities are conducting a common recruitment exam to fill 629 Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) positions. The recruitment covers four disciplines: civil, mechanical, electrical, and telecom/electronics across various utilities. The exam is scheduled from August 23 to August 27, with 1,05,566 total applications received. A consolidated pay of ₹75,000 will be offered during the two-year probation period. The test will be a Computer-Based Test conducted in English medium with a 70:30 mark ratio.

🍿 VP Radhakrishnan visits Eluru for popcorn launch

Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan is scheduled to visit Eluru district on August 24. He will be participating in the launch of a new popcorn seed variety and interacting with local farmers. Radhakrishnan leaves Delhi at 7:15 a.m. and reaches Gannavaram Airport at 9:35 a.m. The event at the Gourmet Popcornica factory in Musunuru is set to run until 12:15 p.m. Afterward, he will depart from Musunuru via road for Gannavaram Airport.

🌍 Major nations condemn illegal Israeli settlements 🇮🇱

Several foreign ministers from UAE, KSA, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, and Egypt strongly condemned Israel's settlement policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. These nations specifically rejected the "E1" settlement plan and related activities east of occupied East Jerusalem. The statement highlighted that these actions violate international law and threaten regional peace and security. The ministers reaffirmed that the two-State solution remains the only viable path to a lasting peace for Palestinians. They called for immediate action to halt the "E1" plan and demand accountability for illegal settlement expansion.

🚨 Exposing plagiarism got Cofnas death threats

Nathan Cofnas claims he is being scapegoated after exposing plagiarism by Jason Arday. This happened after Cofnas published allegations against the late Cambridge professor in July. Cofnas stated he received 'death threats' following the controversy that began in July. He argues institutions are unfairly shifting blame onto whistleblowers like himself. Cofnas maintains he should not be blamed for uncovering alleged fraud at Cambridge.