🔬 Tech breakthrough turns CO2 into valuable chemicals

A research team developed a highly efficient catalyst that converts carbon dioxide into 2-propanol. This advancement was achieved in collaboration across Catholic University of Korea and KIST. The catalyst achieved world-record efficiency under ambient room temperature and pressure, as reported in Applied Catalysis B: Environment and Energy on August 5, 2026. This method bypasses previous limitations by using bifurcated reaction pathways for high selectivity. The team anticipates this will speed up green technology commercialization. 🧪

😠 BJP leader slams Udayanidhi over Trisha comments

BJP leader Kushbu Sundar strongly criticized DMK leader Udayanidhi Stalin for his alleged misogynistic comments about actor Trisha. The criticism arose after Stalin made a double-meaning 'water' remark during a protest event in Thanjavur on Monday. Sundar pointed out that this reflects a long-standing legacy of sexism within the DMK's political culture. She questioned the normalisation of abusive language in politics and challenged him on his leadership credentials. Sundar supported Stalin's recent arrest, stating it proves the DMK's facade has been broken. 😠

💰 Trump admin plans to hike H-1B visa extension costs

The Trump administration is planning to make the extension of H-1B and L-1 visas more expensive for companies. This change targets large US firms depending on skilled foreign workers, including many Indian professionals. A final rule is anticipated in July to apply the 9-11 Response and Biometric Entry-Exit Fee to all extension petitions. Currently, only initial petitions or job changes incur extra fees, but this rule broadens that scope. This affects companies like Amazon and Google, which rely heavily on these visa renewals. 💸

🏏 Starc aiming high while Aussies face Bangladesh 🇦🇺

Mitchell Starc is set to play in the upcoming ICC World Test Championship series against Bangladesh. He is playing for Australia in this two-match series, which starts on August 13-17 in Darwin. Currently at 433 Test wickets, he could pass Kapil Dev (434) and Dale Steyn (439) if he performs well. However, Starc stated that personal records are not his main focus for the team. Australia aims for a second World Test Championship mace next year against tough opponents.

🎭 Ramayana actor defends Sai Pallavi's modern Sita look

Surabhi Das defended Sai Pallavi's modern styling as Sita amidst recent audience criticism. She stated that people always have opinions, regardless of whether Sita wears a blouse or not in the epic project. The film is massive in scale, and Das believes the grandeur will overshadow minor critiques. Costume designers also clarified that the styling was a personal interpretation, lacking direct historical references. The Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, releases in two parts, with the first hitting theaters on Diwali 2026.

📈 Market focus on rate-sensitive stocks on Aug 5

The domestic stock market is set for a gap-up opening on Wednesday, August 5, with NIFTY50 futures showing an 189-point jump. Investors will watch rate-sensitive stocks like banks and real estate as the RBI announces its monetary policy decision today. Bharti Airtel reported a 37.3% profit hike to ₹8,167 crore for its June quarter. LIC's 4% greenshoe option is being exercised in its OFS, with retail bidding starting today. Several companies, including 140 others, are set to announce their June quarter results on the BSE.

🌿 Darwin right! New carnivorous plant confirmed

A flowering plant, Saxifraga candelabrum, has been confirmed as a new carnivorous lineage based on Nature Communications research. This plant was studied by Hang Sun colleagues in the alpine areas of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau-Hengduan Mountains, China. Field surveys showed insect prey on 43 out of 45 specimens, with mature plants trapping an average of 71 insects. The research used fluorescence tagging to confirm digestive enzyme activity and nitrogen absorption from prey. These findings strongly support Charles Darwin's prediction from over 150 years ago. 🔬

🔥 Arrest gives DMK political boost amid rivalry heat 🔥

Udhayanidhi Stalin's arrest, framed as vendetta, revitalized the DMK after an electoral setback. This incident occurred in Tamil Nadu, intensifying his rivalry with actor-politician Vijay. The arrest took place around August 5, 2026, when the DMK sought an issue to rally its cadre. The party is now setting the narrative against alleged targeting of a young leader instead of defending its performance. This situation offers MK Stalin and his son a chance to reclaim political initiative.

❤️ Heart attacks hitting young folks, prevention is key

Heart disease patterns are shifting, with heart attacks now increasingly affecting younger adults. Dr Ambuj Roy, a professor at AIIMS, New Delhi, attributes this rise to modern lifestyle changes in India. Risk factor management can reduce the chance of a heart attack by about 70 to 80%. He advises against routine advanced imaging tests, stressing the need to screen for simple risks instead. AI can assist cardiologists, acting as a valuable second opinion in cardiac care. 🩺

⚠️ 3 common meds labelled cancer-causing by IARC

Three widely prescribed medicines, hydrochlorothiazide, voriconazole, and tacrolimus, have been classified as 'carcinogenic to humans' by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. These drugs are essential medicines used globally for hypertension, fungal infections, and organ transplant rejection. The classification was made public on August 05, 2026. Experts are strongly advising patients not to discontinue their prescribed treatment based on this finding. Further guidance on managing this risk is expected from health authorities.

🚢 Indian ship sinks after attack in Red Sea

An Indian-flagged cargo vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, sank after being hit by a projectile near Yemeni waters. This incident occurred off the coast of Yemen on Tuesday, targeting a ship carrying 13 Indian nationals. The vessel had a 14-member crew, and the attack is part of a worrying trend in the Red Sea. India condemned the attack, while Yemen blamed the incident on a Houthi terrorist attack. Authorities rescued all crew members and urged an end to maritime attacks in the region. 🚢