🌱 Student helps NASA grow lettuce for space mission

NC State University student Sawyer Exum interned at NASA to research growing lettuce varieties in space. He worked alongside scientists at the Kennedy Space Center, simulating ISS conditions for crop production. The study focuses on Outredgeous and Dragoon lettuce, testing tolerance to ammonium nitrogen sources. This research aims to prove plants can thrive on ammonium with proper pH control, which can also benefit Earth agriculture. Ultimately, Exum hopes this experience fuels his goal of becoming an astronaut. 🚀

⚖️ Delhi HC questions celeb family name's reputation reach

Aaradhya Bachchan filed a case in the Delhi High Court to stop the spread of fake online information about her. The case involves her and her family against YouTube channels spreading false health claims. The court is examining how a famous family name's reputation can extend across generations, especially when linked to a trademark. It will also consider if fake news violates intellectual property rights and how defamation fits into that framework. The matter is scheduled for a further hearing before the Delhi High Court on September 15.

⚖️ High Court upholds bail for ED attack accused

The Kerala High Court has upheld the bail granted to Harish Kumar, who is accused in the May 27 attack on ED officials. This incident took place outside Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan’s residence in Thiruvananthapuram. The Sessions Court had already granted bail to Mr. Kumar in June, and recently allowed 17 others with bond conditions. Justice C.S. Dias modified his bail to include a ₹10,000 deposit condition. Around 300 individuals are charged under new acts, with 25 currently apprehended. ⚖️

🚨 Mattannur native arrested in youth abduction case

A man named Jishnu Jayan was arrested by Chevayur police in connection with the alleged abduction and extortion of a 21-year-old person. He was apprehended in Kannur by a special squad on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The gang demanded ₹8 lakh ransom, threatening to circulate private videos after the youth travelled to Bengaluru on July 24, 2026. The victim escaped custody and reported the incident to the Chevayur police. Further investigation revealed a woman and four other persons were also involved in this case. 🚨

🚩 Indian Army leaves Northeast posts for China takeover

Reports suggest the Indian Army has withdrawn from certain patrolling points in the Northeast region. This shift is allegedly allowing Chinese forces to take control of those strategic areas. According to R.K. Singh, this situation has been developing over time in the region. Singh, who has served in various high government roles, expressed concern over this border development. The situation demands immediate attention to address the escalating territorial concerns.

🏛️ MP strips award for insults to Netaji Bose

West Bengal government immediately revoked the Banga Bibhushan award from Nagendra Ray, also known as Ananta Maharaj. The BJP Rajya Sabha MP was from West Bengal, where the award was initially given on February 21 this year. This action followed his derogatory comments questioning Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's role in the Azad Hind Fauj. Ray had questioned Bose's capacity and called Netaji a "war criminal." Authorities have now ordered his name deleted from all official Banga Bibhushan recipient lists. 🧐

🚧 Bengaluru Outer Ring Road white-topping starts soon

The white-topping work on the Bengaluru Outer Ring Road is set to commence in October. This major infrastructure upgrade is being carried out by the government in Bengaluru. The project involves significant road resurfacing and improvements across the designated stretch. To help manage expected traffic disruptions, the government is planning a push towards Work From Home policies. This move aims to ease the overall congestion on the city's roadways. 🚧

🇵🇹 Henriques says Portugal T20 World Cup is his 'nirvana'

Moises Henriques stated that helping Portugal reach their first men's T20 World Cup would be his cricket 'nirvana'. The 39-year-old former Australia international has switched allegiance to Portugal, his birth country, to captain their team. Portugal, ranked 37th globally, begins their journey in a 10-team tournament in Finland starting on Friday. Henriques is impressed by the squad quality and hopes to grow the sport in Portugal. Next, they face a European final regional qualifier next year should they progress.

🌸 Floods make Malarikkal's water lilies bloom

Floods in Kottayam have surprisingly led to a spectacular pink bloom of water lilies in Malarikkal. This phenomenon is happening in the vast polders of Malarikkal, Kottayam, following recent flooding. Organizers noted the annual festival started weakly but the floods cleared weeds, leading to a full bloom. Visitors are flocking to see the flowers early in the morning, with about 80 country boats deployed. The bloom is expected to last until late September or early October, boosting the local economy. 🌸

⚖️ BCI halts NALSAR 2026 graduates from becoming advocates

The Bar Council of India has ordered all state bar councils to stop enrolling 2026 law graduates from NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad, as advocates. This action stems from an alleged organized campaign against Chief Justice Surya Kant's participation in the university's convocation ceremony. The directive was issued by Bar Council Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra following reports of the campaign. The BCI has requested a factual report from the university within three days to be considered on August 19. The council is also asking NALSAR to identify everyone involved in coordinating or mobilizing the boycott.

🩺 Google watch tracks insulin resistance risk

Google has launched new health features on its wearables to track insulin resistance over time. This tool was announced on Wednesday in Los Angeles, integrating AI with sensors like an accelerometer and heart rate monitor. It uses data from over 100,000 individuals to flag subtle physiological shifts indicating potential risk. Users will receive notifications in the Google Health app to consider lifestyle changes or consult a doctor. These features will initially debut on the Pixel Watch 5 and Fitbit Air devices.