💧 Tamil Nadu releases water from Mullaperiyar Dam

Tamil Nadu released 350 cusecs of water from the Mullaperiyar dam on Saturday, August 8, 2026, after a two-month gap. This release was initiated for both agricultural and drinking needs following increased water levels. The dam's storage level rose to 122.30 feet after recent heavy rainfall, prompting farmer demands. Out of the released amount, 200 cusecs are for farming and 150 cusecs for drinking water. This supply is set to continue for the next 120 days, aiding drought-affected lands.

📚 CLAT 2027 registration is live; check the details

Registration for CLAT 2027 has officially started for aspiring law students. The exam is organized by the Consortium of Law Schools, catering to candidates nationwide. Key details regarding the question paper format, syllabus, and section-wise breakdown have been released. This year, the exam structure includes specific changes to test comprehension and reasoning skills. Candidates are advised to check the official website for comprehensive guidelines moving forward. 📚

✅ UPI remains free for most users, but watch out for fees

The government clarified that UPI usage will remain free for consumers and small merchants across the board. Potential Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges will only apply to a limited set of transactions exceeding a certain threshold. This development follows the passage of the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha. The bill could introduce an MDR of 0.25% to 0.4% on business-directed UPI transactions above ₹2,000. The UPI and Services Steering Committee, led by NPCI, will decide on the final MDR after the Parliament passes the amendment. 📱

🌾 Minister checks drought damage, promises farmers compensation

Minister Ajay Dharam Singh visited drought-stricken areas on Saturday for his second day of inspection. He toured Sindhanur, Maksi, and Manvi taluks in Raichur district while assuring farmers of adequate compensation. The minister noted that the sowing area in these taluks dropped to just 12,000 hectares from the usual one lakh hectares. This severe crop loss was due to insufficient rainfall affecting the Kharif crops. A comprehensive crop loss report will be made immediately to speed up financial relief release. 🌾

🩺 AI could predict sickness before it starts

Experts discussed how Artificial Intelligence could transform healthcare from diagnosis to early prediction. This discussion took place at the 'AI-Enabled Healthcare and Digital Transformation' conference in Hyderabad. The event also launched the first FICCI Telangana Healthcare Panel on Saturday. Experts suggested shifting focus to 'wellness records' for a proactive health approach. The panel aims to improve healthcare access beyond Hyderabad's major cities. 🩺

📈 Berkshire doubles profit, buys back massive shares

Berkshire Hathaway has seen its profit double recently, alongside a significant surge in its equity holdings. This major financial move was executed by the conglomerate in the US. Specifically, the company bought back $4.5 billion worth of its own shares. This move reflects the strong financial health and confidence in its investments. Investors are now watching closely to see how this capital return impacts future strategies. 📈

🤢 FSSAI suspends licences of VKC Nuts and Chheda Specialities

FSSAI suspended the licences of VKC Nuts and Chheda Specialities Foods due to serious food safety violations. The suspensions affect M/s VKC Nuts Private Limited in Uttar Pradesh and M/s Chheda Specialities Foods Pvt. Ltd. in Maharashtra. These violations were flagged following inspections conducted on unspecified dates. At VKC Nuts, live insects and rodent damage were found, while Chheda had handlers working with bare hands. The licences will remain suspended until corrective measures are implemented and compliance is shown. 🤢

🤬 iThrive CEO gets roasted for abusing PM Modi

Mugdha Pradhan, the CEO of iThrive, sparked massive online backlash after making abusive comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pradhan, a functional nutrition expert from Pune, stated she would slap the PM if they met, going viral on social media. The controversial video surfaced around August 7, 2026, showing her using harsh language against the leader. Netizens heavily criticized her crass behavior, questioning the credibility of her health supplements brand. People are now questioning whether her erratic behavior suggests a need for mental health intervention. 😠

🚫 Women protest liquor sales near Vizag beaches

Various women organizations staged a protest against the state government's decision permitting beach shacks and liquor sales in Visakhapatnam. Representatives from AIDWA, NFIW, and POW participated at Maddilapalem Junction on Saturday, August 8, 2026. B. Padma warned that turning beaches into liquor centers would seriously impact social and environmental aspects. She stressed that this move could negatively affect women's safety and the city's image. The groups urged people to unite against promoting a liquor culture on the city's beaches.

🚀 T-Hub team wins Boeing's innovation challenge

Seven teams, featuring university students and early-stage entrepreneurs, won the fifth Boeing BUILD programme 2025-26. One of the winners, StelX Dynamics, was incubated with T-Hub in Hyderabad. Each winning team secured a grant of ₹10 lakh to help develop their ideas further. This programme connects India's diverse startup ecosystem with major industry players. The winners will receive continued support from Boeing and their respective incubators in the coming months.

🚑 KSRTC bus overturns near Bengaluru, two killed

A KSRTC bus traveling to Bengaluru overturned after hitting a directional signboard on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway. The accident happened near Avaragere Gate in the Bengaluru South district on Saturday, August 8. Two people, the driver Arun Kumar and conductor Mithan, were killed, and 25 others were injured. Police suspect the driver might have been drowsy, leading to the loss of control. An FIR has been registered, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause. 😟