🔬 Study finds no link between circumcision and autism

A large US cohort study published in JAMA Pediatrics revealed no evidence linking neonatal circumcision to an increased risk of autism in boys. Researchers from Johns Hopkins analyzed data from the ECHO Cohort, which tracked 2,771 boys across 14 US sites. Of the 1,840 circumcised boys, 6% had autism, compared to 9% in the uncircumcised group. After adjusting for factors like parental age, the study concluded no significant association exists. These findings help reassure parents about the safety of this common medical procedure. 👶

💧 Kerala asks Centre for ₹110 Cr flood relief

The Kerala government has asked the Central government for ₹110 crore in emergency relief to handle farm sector losses. This request came after torrential rains and floods hit large parts of the state. As of Thursday evening, losses were estimated at ₹99.29 crore, affecting 36,829 farmers across 3,264 hectares. Minister T. Siddique is visiting Kuttanad on Sunday, August 9, 2026, to assess the damage. A meeting is also scheduled on Monday to discuss special financial schemes for the affected farmers. 🚜

🍿 Weekend binge alert: 10 new shows and movies are dropping

Ten new OTT releases are hitting platforms like Netflix and Prime Video this weekend for viewers to check out. These new additions include 'Operation Safed Sagar' on Netflix and 'Ted Lasso Season 4' on Apple TV. The releases span various genres, from military dramas inspired by the Kargil War to K-dramas about memory loss. Fans can also catch 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' on JioHotstar, continuing the beloved franchise adventure. Viewers are encouraged to browse the complete list to bookmark their must-watch picks for the coming days. 🎬

⚠️ Nearly half of Bengaluru voters face deletion fears

Nearly half of Bengaluru's 1.03 crore registered voters are flagged under the ASDDO category during the Special Intensive Revision. Karnataka's CEO shared this data, showing 49.42 lakh voters are at risk of exclusion. The maximum deletions are expected in Bommanahalli constituency, with 57.08% flagged. Voters can rectify wrongly marked entries by August 8th. Claims and objections for these deletions will be processed between August 17 and September 16.

⚖️ SC asks Centre to reply on data protection law challenges

The Supreme Court sought the Centre's response regarding petitions challenging amendments to the RTI Act via the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant heard submissions from Vrinda Grover and Prashant Bhushan on Friday, August 7, 2026. The petitions argue that the changes weaken transparency by dropping the public interest safeguard for personal data disclosure. Specifically, they challenge the amendment to Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act concerning personal information exemptions. The Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, was asked to file the government's official reply.

🏏 Keshav Maharaj made spin bowling relevant in SA

Keshav Maharaj's presence helped shift the perception of spin bowling in South Africa. Previously, spin was often dismissed as secondary to fast bowling in the country. His arrival, alongside figures like Faf du Plessis, boosted the visibility of slow bowlers. Data shows a significant rise in top wicket-takers being spinners between 2000/01 and 2019/20. Maharaj's debut in November 2016 at the WACA marked a turning point for the art form. 🏏

✨ Ananya Panday rocks Manish Malhotra's Paithani sari

Ananya Panday chose a royal blue Paithani sari designed by Manish Malhotra for a Marathi cinema awards ceremony in Mumbai. The handwoven silk sari features miniature peacock buttis and antique silver zari details across its body and pallu. Malhotra enhanced the traditional look with an antique zardozi embroidered, contrasting border. Stylist Priyanka Kapadia paired it with an off-the-shoulder bandeau top for a modern twist. This look showcases Malhotra's dedication to promoting Indian handloom and local crafts.

⚖️ Husband Acquitted After Wife's Suicide Case

The Allahabad High Court acquitted a husband previously convicted of cruelty and abetting suicide. This happened in the case involving the husband and wife in Allahabad. The court noted no contact existed between them for over 5 months before the suicide on October 2, 2010. The court found the prosecution failed to prove abetment and dowry demands beyond a reasonable doubt. Consequently, the High Court set aside the conviction and ordered the husband's release. 😔

🕉️ SP expands PDA to include 'Pandit' in UP

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has expanded his PDA formula to explicitly include 'Pandit' in Lucknow. This move aims to broaden the party's voter base beyond its traditional Muslim-Yadav base in Uttar Pradesh. The announcement was made while accusing the BJP government of targeting Brahmins during a Brahmin Sammelan. This outreach comes as the UP Assembly elections approach and caste-based reservation protests rise across several states. Experts suggest this signals the SP's strategic shift towards a broader Hindu appeal. 🕉️

🗣️ Modi-Badal meeting sparks Punjab alliance talk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal at Parliament House in New Delhi on Friday. During the meeting, Badal discussed Punjab's law and order and alleged AAP corruption with the PM. This meeting has ignited buzz ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections. Arvind Kejriwal immediately questioned if the two parties were planning an alliance on X. The former alliance, which broke in 2020 over farm laws, could potentially be revived. 🤝

🌟 Turning Down Low Offer Led to Big Paycheck

Two engineering graduates from 2023 both received a Rs 4 LPA offer from Centre for Good Governance in Hyderabad. One student accepted the offer and started working at the organization immediately. The other student declined the job to prepare for GATE 2024 at ACE Engineering Academy. She then secured admission to IIIT Bangalore and later landed a job with a Rs 26 LPA package. This story encourages focusing on long-term goals over immediate job acceptances. 🚀