🔭 Space tech mimics solar eclipse before the real one

ESA's Proba-3 mission artificially created an eclipse for the 65th time without the Moon's help on August 12, 2026. The two spacecraft, positioned 150 metres apart at 60,000 km above Earth, used one to block the Sun for the other. This setup allowed for uninterrupted views of the Sun’s corona, which appeared greenish in the captured image. The real Moon then crossed the field of view shortly after, resulting in a double eclipse. The mission's prior observations provided accurate predictions for both the spacecraft and ground observers.

🍅 Tomato genes edited for massive fruit boost 🍅

Scientists at Hebrew University successfully edited two tomato genes involved in flower and fertilization processes. Researchers achieved this using CRISPR technology in greenhouse experiments conducted in the early 2020s. The edited plants produced over 18 times more fruit early in the season, even in cold winter conditions. This allowed the tomatoes to form seedless fruit without needing fertilization, a process called parthenocarpy. Further research is needed before these specialized tomatoes can be used commercially.

📈 Voltas Q1 profit jumps 53% with Atomberg JV

Voltas reported a significant 53% rise in its net profit for the first quarter, reaching Rs 214 crore. This financial update came from the company, which is based in India. The earnings were reported for the quarter ending December 31, 2023. Furthermore, Voltas has announced a new joint venture with Atomberg. This partnership aims to focus on the manufacturing of AC compressors going forward.

🇮🇳 Why two PMs missed the Red Fort address

Two Indian Prime Ministers never addressed the nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day. These individuals were Gulzarilal Nanda and Chandra Shekhar. Nanda's brief tenures ended in June 1964 and January 1966, while Shekhar resigned in March 1991. Their tenures concluded before the August 15th celebration. Therefore, neither PM had the chance to hoist the flag or deliver the traditional speech. 🇮🇳

💪 sesame seeds: tiny powerhouse packed with benefits

Sesame seeds are more than just a garnish, offering numerous nutritional benefits packed into small seeds. Experts suggest these seeds are great for supporting bone health due to high calcium content, especially for women. Consuming around 40g daily has been linked to reduced LDL cholesterol and triglycerides for heart health. Furthermore, their fiber aids digestion, but crushing them is better than eating whole ones. One to two tablespoons daily is recommended for optimal intake.

👮 BJP MLA's daughter allegedly slaps police officer in temple

A Karnataka BJP MLA's daughter allegedly slapped a woman police officer during temple celebrations. The incident occurred on August 12 at 8:15 pm at Arathi Ukkada temple in Srirangapatna taluk, Mandya district. The officer, Savitha Patil of Mandya Women's Police Station, filed a complaint against Aishwarya, the MLA's daughter. An FIR has been registered at Kyathanahalli Police Station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The MLA, B Suresh Gowda, has since apologized for the altercation. 😟

😠 Rao Inderjit walks out of BJP event over protocol

Rao Inderjit Singh walked off stage during a state-level BJP event in Gurugram. He stated the walkout was due to his seniority and local self-respect being ignored by the party. The incident occurred during a Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas function on an unspecified date. Singh argued that the event was becoming a Punjabi-only show, despite Haryana having 36 castes. He called for a unified Haryana where every community has an equal claim.

🏛️ Kerala pushes back against central mining law changes

Protests are intensifying in Kerala over the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, passed by Parliament. Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan stated this bill challenges the federal autonomy of the states in Kerala. The legislation, passed on an unspecified date before August 13, 2026, restricts state tax powers on mineral rights. This is seen as an encroachment on state domain, which handles land under the Seventh Schedule. The state is preparing legal opposition, while fishers' forums demand protection from private monopolies.

🏛️ High Court gives arrest protection to ex-TISS student

The Bombay High Court granted interim protection from arrest to Kamakhya Prasad Das, a former TISS student. This decision was made by Justice Prafulla Khubalkar in connection with his booking in Mumbai. The protection was granted while his plea for anticipatory bail was set for August 31. The student was booked for raising slogans demanding the release of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam. The court noted that while homage was okay, slogans about the jailed activists were inappropriate given the Supreme Court's decisions. ⚖️

🏏 Gill sets sights on WTC final from Galle

India is starting its push for the WTC final with a Test match in Galle, Sri Lanka. Captain Shubman Gill stated the main goal is to reach the final next year, requiring them to win about six or seven of the next nine Tests. The team is looking to improve preparation despite packed schedules, unlike the past. Manav Suthar is being considered for the XI to bolster batting depth in crucial spots. Ultimately, the performance in Galle will determine the path towards The Oval. 🏏

🗳️ Farage wins by-poll against 'trashcan' rival

Nigel Farage secured a comfortable victory in the UK parliamentary by-election against 'Count Binface'. This contest took place in Clacton, where Farage retained his seat despite major parties boycotting the event. Farage received 22,239 votes, or 63.3 per cent, while Count Binface garnered 9,455 votes, or 26.9 per cent. The by-election was triggered after Farage resigned in July amid scrutiny over his financial affairs. The investigation into his finances has resumed, and sanctions are possible if he breached parliamentary rules. 🗳️