🏦 UPI costs already baked into the economy, says RBI Governor

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that consumers are already indirectly covering the costs of UPI transactions even without explicit merchant fees. He noted that making a decision on merchant fees right now is too premature for the payments infrastructure. The government had previously proposed amendments to allow fees, especially for transactions over Rs 2,000. Malhotra emphasized that the focus remains on scaling UPI usage towards 800 million transactions daily. Ultimately, he suggested the general economy bears the cost, not just the end consumer.

🚔 Bhopal extortion gang busted after fake police setup

A local extortion gang operating with a fake crime branch setup has been successfully busted by authorities. The group was active in Bhopal, allegedly targeting various residents for illegal demands. Reports indicate the gang had been operating for some time, demanding money under false pretenses. This operation involved leveraging a facade of legal knowledge to intimidate victims into paying. Authorities are now investigating further to bring all involved members to justice. 🚔

📢 CJP plans nationwide push for student reforms

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is expanding nationally as a student-led pressure group focused on education reforms. This was decided during a seven-hour meeting held at the residence of CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. The organization aims to build a national network to support agitations, like those in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. Leaders confirmed they will remain a social movement, not a political party, concentrating solely on education issues. Dipke is expected to formally announce the framework on Thursday, alongside nationwide tours. 📚

✊ CJP backs Jharkhand students protesting exam issues

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke announced support for the Jharkhand student protests against alleged JPSC exam irregularities. Dipke stated that CJP will operate as a pressure group, with members traveling to Ranchi to stand with the agitation. Thousands of job aspirants have been sitting at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium since July 29, demanding an independent investigation. This follows nationwide protests, including the NEET-UG paper leak agitation that led to Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. CJP plans to focus on institutional trust and unemployment issues moving forward. ✊

🇺🇸 Muslim candidate aims for Senate seat in Michigan

Abdul El-Sayed, an Egyptian-American physician, defeated the Democratic establishment in a closely watched primary in Michigan. This victory comes as El-Sayed prepares to face Republican Mike Rogers in November 🗳️. The win signals a rise of grassroots progressive movements challenging older party structures. El-Sayed's platform includes Medicare for All and ending U.S. military aid to Israel. Whether this marks a major shift or just a primary upset will be decided in November.

🏥 Niti Aayog pushes for national caregiving policy

Niti Aayog has proposed a National Policy on Caregiving to formalize and professionalize the sector across India. This initiative suggests establishing a National Caregiver Council to regulate and accredit caregivers in the country. The report highlights that India's elderly population is expected to double from 149 million in 2022 to 347 million by 2050. This formalization aims to build a sustainable care economy, capitalizing on the expanding $29.62 billion market. The next steps involve implementing this policy through collaborations between various ministries and state governments. 🤝

🔥 Punjab Congress factions clash over leadership before polls

The Congress organizational campaign has turned into open factional warfare in Punjab. This conflict involves supporters of Charanjit Singh Channi and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring across Punjab. The tensions escalated with physical clashes and intense poster wars during the campaign period. The infighting stems from the party high command's decision to appoint Warring as president while keeping Channi as campaign chairperson. Political observers fear this internal strife could seriously damage the Congress's electoral prospects.

🌾 Biofortified millet boosts toddler gut health

Toddlers consuming iron- and zinc-biofortified pearl millet for nine months showed positive gut microbiome changes without adverse effects. Researchers from Cornell University studied 223 children aged 12 to 18 months in Mumbai, India. This study, published in Nature Communications, examines how biofortified crops impact the human gut. These foods increased microbial pathways fighting pathogens while lowering harmful bacteria markers. This offers a sustainable nutrition solution compared to supplements. 🌾

🤖 AI & Robotics hubs coming to Kerala high schools

ARISE hubs are being set up in high schools to boost general education to international standards. This initiative was announced by General Education Minister N. Samsudheen in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. The program, implemented via KITE, will use advanced robotic kits in 2,100 high schools. ARISE aims to let students experiment, prototype, and build aids like smart walking sticks. School selection and training for these hubs are scheduled to finish by September. 🤖

🧠 Eye Scan Predicts Brain Injury Survival Rate

A study investigated the link between the initial optic nerve sheath diameter and 30-day mortality in patients suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury. Researchers examined data from patients across various clinical settings to find patterns. The study focused on specific measurements taken shortly after the injury occurred. This research helps medical professionals better gauge the severity of brain trauma in the initial stages. Future findings could lead to improved early treatment protocols for TBI survivors.

😟 Air India turbulence causes injuries; investigation begins

Severe turbulence on an Air India flight lasted for about five minutes, causing injuries to multiple people onboard. The incident occurred on Air India flight AI2379 traveling from Phuket to Delhi. As of August 5, all 13 admitted passengers were discharged, while four crew members remain under treatment. Investigators are now analyzing flight recorders to determine the cause of the severe turbulence. The DGCA will release facts once the ongoing investigation is complete. 😟