✊ Telangana gig workers planning indefinite strike starting August 8

Gig workers in Telangana are planning an indefinite strike starting August 8 due to several key demands. The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) is pushing for discussions with government officials regarding their concerns. Their demands include fixing reasonable base fares and immediately notifying the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Rules. This action follows a previous flash strike on July 22 where over 3.9 lakh workers participated. The union is seeking dignity and social security for all platform workers.

🚦 75 wardens hit Kozhikode to beat traffic jams 🚦

Seventy-five traffic wardens have been deployed across Kozhikode city to help police regulate traffic at major choke points. This initiative, proposed by District Police Chief A.P. Shoukathali, involves volunteers from NSS, NCC, and Fire and Rescue Services. The project was inaugurated by Kozhikode South MLA Fyzal Babu on Wednesday evening, August 5th. Traffic Inspector K. Abdul Hakkim hopes this deployment could cut congestion by almost 60% once wardens are fully operational. They are currently stationed at bottlenecks like Malaparamba and Karaparamba Junction.

⚖️ Journalist gets 10 years for rape case

Journalist Tarun Tejpal was sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexual harassment and rape against a junior colleague. This decision came from the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court, overturning a 2021 acquittal. The ruling confirmed he was guilty of rape by someone in a position of dominance. Separately, the Union government spent Rs 557.5 crore on PM Modi’s foreign trips since 2021. The Supreme Court also rejected a bail plea for Ashish Mishra in the Lakhimpur Kheri case. ⚖️

🩺 Liver fat, not just weight, signals diabetes risk in Asian Indians

A new study reveals that organ fat accumulation precedes diabetes in Asian Indians, making fat levels a better risk indicator than BMI. Researchers found liver fat nearly doubled in prediabetes patients compared to those with normal blood sugar, despite similar BMIs. The study looked at 45 adults and noted every 1% liver fat increase raised prediabetes risk by about 16%. This suggests metabolic issues start early due to ectopic fat, not just body weight. Therefore, diabetes screening for this group should move beyond just BMI. 🩺

🌡️ Heatwaves and Summer Stress Affecting Kids' Mental Health

Scorching summers and intense heatwaves have been scientifically linked to a decline in the mental health of children. Researchers at Medical Xpress found this correlation in studies conducted across various regions. The data highlighted increased instances of anxiety and sleep disturbances during high-temperature periods. This suggests that extreme weather events pose a significant, often overlooked, health risk for younger populations. Experts recommend implementing cooling centers and awareness campaigns to mitigate these risks going forward.

🔋 Sedentary Life Risks Mitochondria Damage

Prolonged periods of sitting down can negatively impact your mitochondria, even if you are currently in good health. This health concern was highlighted by recent findings discussed in the article. The research points to risks associated with inactivity rather than existing health issues. Mitochondria are crucial cellular powerhouses responsible for energy production in the body. Experts suggest increasing daily movement is necessary to protect this vital organelle.

🔬 AI tech tracks marine life near ocean energy farms

Researchers developed a computer vision framework to monitor ecological changes around marine renewable energy projects. This study was conducted in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, focusing on fish populations near a turbine. The system processed footage, reducing analysis time from over 16 hours to just over 1 hour. This approach helps assess biodiversity and spatial interactions, which is vital for sustainable ocean energy development. Future work will integrate acoustic sensing to improve ecosystem evaluation. 🌊

😔 Arshad Nadeem addresses CWG criticism after poor performance

Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem spoke out against the harsh media backlash following his low showing at the Commonwealth Games. Competing in Glasgow, he finished 9th without clearing 80m, despite prior international success. Nadeem attributed his failure to extreme cold weather and disrupted preparation leading up to the event. He also highlighted systemic neglect, noting he lacked the funding and support rivals receive. He plans extensive preparation for the Asian Games and hopes for coaching from Terseus Liebenberg. 😔

🏞️ Hampi Art Labs hosts international nature exhibition

An international exhibition called “Red Rocks, Rivers and Monkeys” has opened at Hampi Art Labs in Vidyanagar Township. This event is the first collaboration between Hampi Art Labs and Singapore's The Institutum. It features photography and video works by Atul Bhalla and Robert Zhao Renhui, curated by Yasufumi Nakamori. The show, which began on Wednesday, will run until November 4, showcasing art from the artists' 2025 residency. This collaboration highlights the Tungabhadra Basin as a living ecosystem of stories and history. 🏞️

🩺 Karnataka launching first menopause-focused health policy

Karnataka is gearing up to launch 'Ruthu Thare,' India's first women's health policy with a specific focus on menopause. This announcement was made by Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader in Bengaluru on Tuesday, August 4. The policy aims to boost awareness, improve early diagnosis, and increase treatment access for menopause issues. It will feature public awareness campaigns, dedicated screening, and new midlife health clinics across the state. A committee, led by Dr Jyotsna Mirlay, is currently drafting the detailed guidelines for this initiative.

🏏 India vs Pakistan clash set for Women's Asia Cup 2026

The marquee match between India and Pakistan is scheduled for the 2026 Women's Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The tournament begins on August 28, featuring eight teams divided into two groups for the T20 format. Group A includes India, Pakistan, Thailand, Hong Kong, and China, while Group B has Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, UAE, and Indonesia. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semis, culminating in a final on September 13. All matches are slated to be played under lights at the Dubai International Stadium.