🏛️ Tamil Nadu: regime change means scheme name changes

Scheme names are frequently altered in Tamil Nadu following a change in political power. The current TVK-led government is renaming several schemes, such as the 'free distribution of goats/sheep' from the AIADMK regime. For instance, the 'Kalaignar Veedu Vazhangum Thittam' has been renamed multiple times across DMK and AIADMK governments. The previous DMK flagship scheme, 'Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai', is now set to be called 'Madhippumigu Magalir Thittam'. These name changes reflect the political shifts and leadership transitions within the state's administration.

💔 10-year romance faces a test in new K-drama

The main poster for KBS 2TV's drama "A Love Other Than Yours" has been released, depicting a relationship in its 10th year. It features Seo Kang Jun as Namgoong Ho and Ahn Eun Jin as Lee Mi Do. The couple is shown gazing in different directions amidst falling snow, hinting at emotional shifts. They are currently at a crossroads, deciding between marriage or a breakup. The series premieres on September 12 at 9:20 p.m. KST, exploring realistic long-term couple conflicts.

🌾 India boosts urea imports from new global suppliers 🌍

India increased urea imports significantly from Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, and Georgia due to disruptions from the West Asia war. Of the 2.5 million tonnes imported in the first quarter of the current fiscal, 52% came from these four countries. Egypt led the imports with 609,000 tonnes, while Algeria, Nigeria, and Georgia followed in the first quarter. This diversification is crucial as the country faces a rising subsidy bill and a weaker monsoon forecast. The government is prioritizing uninterrupted supply to ensure farmers are not impacted by the global crisis.

🚀 North Korea launches missile as US-SK drills start

North Korea fired a ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan, marking its second such test in under a week. This launch occurred while South Korea and the US planned their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills starting August 17. The missile traveled over 700km, and South Korea shared intel with Washington and Tokyo. Experts suggest this signals Pyongyang is monitoring the upcoming joint military exercises closely. The drills involve 18,000 South Korean soldiers and are framed as defensive by Seoul and Washington. 💥

🕷️ Spider-Man nears Rs 520 Cr in India box office

Tom Holland's 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' is doing well at the Indian box office after 13 days in theaters. The film has reached an overall India net collection of Rs 431.55 crore and gross collection of around Rs 515.95 crore. This performance comes just before Emraan Hashmi’s 'Awarapan 2' and Sunny Deol’s 'Batwara 1947' release on Independence Day. 'Awarapan 2' is currently leading in advance bookings with about 20,300 tickets sold on August 11. The superhero film will now compete with these new releases in its third week.

💔 Urmila's cryptic note after ex Mohsin's wedding pics

Actor Urmila Matondkar shared a cryptic note about loyalty after her ex-husband Mohsin Akhtar posted reception photos from his second marriage in June. Mohsin celebrated his wedding to Nidhaa Bhatt, calling her his "home" and "peace" in the posts. The couple tied the knot in June, following reports of marital issues surfacing in 2024. Urmila and Mohsin originally married on February 4, 2016, amidst interfaith and age-gap attention. Urmila's response is being seen as a reaction, though no confirmation of the divorce is present. 💔

🚀 Space travel messes with astronaut vision

Astronauts experience vision changes in space due to SANS syndrome, which involves eye and optic nerve changes. This condition affects crew aboard the International Space Station, where body fluids shift in microgravity. NASA documented cases, like John Phillips' vision dropping to 20/100 after six months in 2005. Scientists believe fluid movement plays a key role, but the exact cause is still unclear. Researchers are studying this because longer missions, like to Mars, increase the risk of persistent damage. 😟

💛 CSK's role in big player comebacks

Sarfaraz Khan's recall to the Indian Test squad joins a list of players revived by Chennai Super Kings. This includes Suresh Raina, Ashish Nehra, and Shivam Dube, among others. For instance, Sarfaraz was called up for the first Test in Galle starting August 15, after being overlooked previously. CSK helped Sarfaraz reinvent himself by giving him opportunities to perform at a high level. This history shows how the team identifies roles for players with uncertain value. 🏏

🌟 Eclipse 2026: Time for a major personal glow-up? ✨

A total solar eclipse is set for August 12, 2026, which astrologers say could trigger significant personal shifts. US astrologer Galit Raiman noted the event's placement in Leo, suggesting a push to reconsider old identities. The eclipse, occurring at 20 degrees of Leo, encourages letting go of performing roles and external expectations. This period invites self-reflection on authentic values rather than chasing approval. Ultimately, it’s an invitation to lead one's life through genuine alignment.

🚫 Google blocks Rathee's YouTube clip in India

Google informed the Delhi HC that it withheld a 'defamatory' YouTube video featuring influencer Dhruv Rathee. This action followed a directive from the Centre's grievance appellate committee regarding the content. The video, uploaded on March 21, allegedly contained false statements insulting Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, and Goddess Sita. A petitioner claimed the committee ordered Google to remove the video within 24 hours on July 15, but the platform did not comply. The hearing was adjourned to September 3 while the global injunction issue remains pending.

⚡ Mahindra's EV unit becomes a billion-dollar unicorn

Mahindra Last Mile Mobility (MLMM), spun off in 2023, is now valued over ₹10,000 crore, making it a unicorn. The business is based in India and has seen its revenue more than double in two years. Funding rounds, including ₹2,200 crore, have propelled this electric three-wheeler business towards a 2027 IPO. This rapid scaling is fueled by the trend of commercial three-wheeler electrification in India. The company plans to list in the second half of 2027, showing strong investor confidence. 🚀