🌕 Total solar eclipse 2026: what to expect

Millions will witness the total solar eclipse on August 12, when the moon perfectly aligns with the sun and Earth. This event will feature a 182-mile-wide path of totality cutting through Spain, Iceland, and Greenland. The eclipse progresses through partial phases, leading up to the climactic totality, which lasts a maximum of 2 minutes and 18 seconds. During totality, observers can see the sun's corona and Baily's Beads. Those outside the path will see a partial eclipse and can stream the event online. 🔭

🌾 Rituals keep Koraput's local seeds alive

Festivals and rituals are crucial for keeping local seed varieties alive in Koraput. The Adivasi communities of southern Odisha practice deep connections between agriculture and their faith. They cultivate hundreds of indigenous crops, like finger millet and pigeon pea, ensuring diverse food sources. These cultural practices, from Chaithi Parab to Diali Parab, help preserve biodiversity against climate change. This tradition highlights that conserving crops means protecting the communities who nurture them. 🌾

🏛️ SC rejects mandatory biometric attendance in schools

The Supreme Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) aiming for mandatory biometric attendance in schools nationwide. The petition, filed by advocate N K Goswami, sought to stop 'dummy' schools and control coaching centre hours. The bench, comprising Justices P Narasimha and Alok Aradhe, directed the petitioner to approach the concerned High Court instead. This PIL also demanded a Code of Conduct for coaching centres to prevent misleading data. The court declined to hear the plea directly under Article 32 of the Constitution. 🏫

🕷️ Spider-Man crushes box office records in India

Spider-Man: Brand New Day saw a massive 105 per cent surge on its second Saturday, earning Rs. 36.50 crore. The Tom Holland starrer is performing strongly in India, currently at nine days with a total gross of Rs. 444 crore. It is projected to surpass Avatar: The Way of Water and become the highest-grossing Hollywood film of all time in India. The film is also aiming for the Rs. 500 crore mark, which would set a new Hollywood benchmark. It has already mobilized 1.50 crore admissions, showing its massive appeal. 🚀

🩺 HPV vaccine stops more than just cervical cancer

The HPV vaccine prevents five diseases beyond cervical cancer, challenging the narrow understanding of the vaccine's role. This virus affects both men and women across various body parts, not just women's health issues. Specifically, it can prevent oropharyngeal, anal, penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancers, alongside genital warts. The vaccine targets high-risk strains and works best when administered before virus exposure, usually in adolescents. Therefore, it is a shared health conversation for everyone, not just daughters. 🩺

🏛️ Mayawati slams 'creamy layer' idea for SCs, STs

BSP supreme leader Mayawati opposed the 'creamy layer' concept in reservations for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes on Sunday, August 9, 2026. She expressed her views while in India, arguing that affirmative action is crucial for social and economic emancipation. Mayawati criticized the RSS for politicizing the issue, labeling their stance as a 'casteist mindset.' She urged the government to present valid arguments in court to keep SC and ST communities outside the creamy layer. Ultimately, she called for cooperation to achieve an equalitarian social order as needed. ✊

📱 Moto G Max specs and design drop before August 14 launch

The Moto G Max's design and full specifications have been revealed ahead of its India release. It will launch on August 14 at 12pm, as seen on the Flipkart listing. Key features include a 6.72-inch FHD+ display, Snapdragon 6s Gen 4, and a 7,000mAh battery. The phone boasts an IP64 rating, Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic, and comes with Android 16. Motorola also promises two OS upgrades and three years of security updates. 📱

👯 Switched at birth, lived just 4km apart

Two Chinese women, Huang Xiaolin and Li Hui, discovered they were switched at birth in 1989. They were born just 55 minutes apart at Qingyuan People’s Hospital in Qingyuan, Guangdong province. Huang was raised by government employees while Li grew up with a grocery store family. After DNA testing in 2022, they found out their biological parents were close by. The women met at a cafe, realizing how different their lives could have been. 🤯

🗣️ Chidambaram slams BJP on women's quota link

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram publicly backed Rahul Gandhi against Union Minister Kiren Rijiju regarding women’s reservation. Chidambaram stated that the Centre is mischievously linking the 33% quota implementation to the delimitation exercise. This reservation law was already passed in 2023 as the 106th Constitutional Amendment. He argued the quota could be implemented before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections without delays. Furthermore, he warned regional parties against BJP's 50% seat increase proposal. 🗳️

🚨 BSP leader claims attack and vandalism in Amethi

A BSP leader filed a police complaint regarding an alleged assault and vehicle vandalism incident. This happened in Gauriganj, Amethi, where unidentified men reportedly attacked him. The incident took place on Saturday evening, August 8, 2026, near Jamo turn. Tiwari suspects the local MLA, Rakesh Pratap Singh, orchestrated the attack over a Facebook dispute. An FIR has been registered, and the police are continuing the investigation. 🚨

📱 iPhone 17 price drop on Flipkart Sale

The iPhone 17 256 GB variant is available on Flipkart for ₹81,900, with further savings possible through offers. Buyers can get up to ₹30,000 off via exchange of an Apple iPhone 15. Additionally, a ₹2,595 cashback is available using Flipkart SBI or Axis Bank Credit Cards. Combining these deals brings the effective price down to ₹49,305 for the 256 GB model. The device features a 6.3-inch OLED display and an A19 chip. 📱