🗳️ Tamil Nadu party boycott clouds CM's unity push

The AIADMK and DMK have decided not to attend Chief Minister Vijay's all-party meeting regarding delimitation. This absence highlights major divisions over the Centre's proposed seat redraw linked to the 2011 Census in Tamil Nadu. The proposed bill aims to increase Lok Sabha seats from 543 to around 850 based on census data. Opponents argue this will reduce the political influence of southern states like Tamil Nadu. The meeting will proceed without these two large political parties present. 🗳️

🏘️ Billionaire bets $150M to fix San Francisco

Billionaire Michael Moritz and artist Harriet Heyman launched a global competition called "Boundless San Francisco." This initiative aims to tackle San Francisco's housing crisis and economic slowdown. Up to three winning organizations can receive between $10 million and $50 million each. The competition accepts proposals from anywhere in the world, directly benefiting San Francisco residents. Final winners will be announced in autumn 2027 after a multi-stage review process. 🏘️

🚨 NTA experts face life term in NEET paper leak case

Three NTA subject experts are accused of breaching secrecy pacts regarding the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The CBI filed a charge sheet in a Delhi court naming Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, P V Kulkarni, and Manisha Sanjay Havaldar. They face charges under laws that could lead to life imprisonment and a Rs 1 crore fine. The experts allegedly violated confidentiality by conducting coaching and circulating confidential questions for money. The CBI invoked provisions of the PC Act and BNS against the trio for criminal misconduct. 😟

🚨 NEET leak: NTA experts face life term

Three NTA subject experts are accused of breaching secrecy pacts regarding the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. The accused—Manisha Gurunath Mandhare, P V Kulkarni, and Manisha Sanjay Havaldar—were based in Delhi and Pune. The CBI alleges these individuals signed confidentiality undertakings but then leaked papers, leading to charges of life imprisonment and a Rs 1 crore fine. The experts allegedly engaged in coaching and circulated confidential questions for monetary gain before the exam. Further investigation will determine the full scope of their involvement in this massive examination controversy. 😥

🗺️ India maps 27 Arunachal locations against China's claims

India officially marked 27 key locations and geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh on the Survey of India's official maps. This action was taken in consultation with the Arunachal Pradesh government to ensure accurate identification and boost public awareness. These markings come amid China's repeated attempts to rename areas, which Beijing calls Zangnan. New Delhi consistently rejects these Chinese exercises, asserting they don't affect India's sovereignty. The government stated this formal marking aims to solidify the presence of these places on official records. 🗺️

💉 Tamil Nadu pushes for MMR vaccine in UIP

Tamil Nadu has reiterated its request to add the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine into the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). This plea was made to Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda because mumps cases have been reported in the state over recent years. Specifically, 1,726 mumps cases were reported in Tamil Nadu between January 1 and May 20, 2024. Public health officials noted that mumps vaccination is currently not covered under the UIP, despite MMR being available in private hospitals. The state seeks Government of India concurrence to cover all three diseases under the routine immunization schedule. 💉

⛽ Oil firms say E20 fuel quality is good

State-owned oil companies dismissed claims about chloride and moisture contamination in E20 petrol. Indian Oil, BPCL, and HPCL conducted nationwide tests across the supply chain on Thursday. Over the last few days, 160 retail outlet tests showed chloride levels between 0-3 ppm, contradicting high contamination claims. They noted only four isolated cases were found and promptly corrected across all points. These firms maintain fuel quality is consistently within specs, ensuring consumer safety going forward. ⛽

⚖️ Rajasthan Dalit Massacre: All 40 Accused Acquitted After 11 Years

Eleven years after the horrific Dangawas Dalit Massacre, all forty accused individuals have been acquitted by the court. This case involved the brutal attack on members of the Dalit community in Dangawas, Rajasthan. The incident took place on October 18, 2012, and the legal proceedings have spanned over a decade. The acquittal has drawn significant criticism from human rights activists who demand justice for the victims. Moving forward, activists are calling for a review of the judgment and further investigation into the matter. ⚖️

⛽ Oil firms confirm E20 petrol quality after big tests

State-run OMCs confirmed that nationwide testing found no contamination in E20 petrol, keeping fuel quality within limits. This testing involved Indian Oil, BPCL, and HPCL across the entire supply chain in India. Over 100 refinery samples showed chloride at or below 1 ppm, while 160 retail samples were in the 0-3 ppm range on recent dates. The companies stressed that strict government specs and high-frequency monitoring are in place to ensure compliance. Consumers are advised to use E20 with confidence as quality assurance systems are robust. ⛽

🤝 Telangana cabbies call off strike after talks

The planned strike by gig and platform workers in Telangana has been called off after talks with the Telangana government. Minister G. Vivek Venkatswamy chaired the discussions addressing worker welfare and social security issues. The strike, which was scheduled to start on August 8, was halted following assurances from the government. The Minister confirmed the government is drafting guidelines for the Telangana Gig Workers Welfare Act, which will be notified soon. Workers were asked to wait while the implementation framework is finalized.

🥃 Rum makers challenge FSSAI ban in Bombay HC

Old Monk and McDowell Rum manufacturers have challenged FSSAI's orders prohibiting the sale of fresh stocks. United Spirits Limited and Mohan Meakin Limited filed the petitions in the Bombay High Court. The prohibition orders were issued by the Designated Officer, FSSAI, Western Regional Office on June 29 and July 27. Manufacturers argue the relabelling process is not feasible overnight and question the basis of the continued ban. The hearing is scheduled for Monday, August 10, after the ASG appears for FSSAI. 🥃