Rising egg prices are squeezing household budgets due to multiple factors. Increased ethanol production diverts corn from animal feed to fuel, raising poultry feed costs significantly. Geopolitical tensions, particularly the threat of war with Iran, are driving up oil prices, inflating transportation and production expenses across the supply chain. Additionally, avian flu outbreaks have reduced hen populations, tightening egg supply. Combined with inflation and higher energy costs, consumers face steeper prices at grocery stores, making this breakfast staple increasingly unaffordable for many families.

Swatantra Bhardwaj, a social media influencer from Uttar Pradesh, was booked under the POCSO Act for allegedly sexually exploiting a minor girl. After the case was registered, Bhardwaj attempted to evade arrest by frequently changing locations, switching off his phone, and using disguises. Police launched a manhunt, tracking his movements through surveillance and technical intelligence. He was eventually apprehended after an intense search operation. The case sparked outrage online, raising concerns about the accountability of influencers who exploit their fame.

The Supreme Court directed Maharashtra government to grant pension to a Mumbai-based engineer who had obtained employment using a forged Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificate decades ago. The engineer had served for many years before the fraud was discovered. While the court acknowledged the forgery, it considered his long service and age, ruling that denying pension after years of service would be disproportionate. The court balanced justice with humanitarian concerns, noting that the employee had already been dismissed and suffered consequences. This landmark decision highlights the court's approach of tempering strict legality with compassion, especially for aged individuals. The ruling, however, does not condone certificate fraud and upheld his termination from service.

India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India remains in continuous contact with both Ukraine and Russia to help resolve the ongoing conflict. He emphasized India's consistent position advocating dialogue and diplomacy over war. Jaishankar reiterated that this is not an era of war and highlighted the conflict's global impact on food, fuel, and fertilizer supplies. India has maintained a balanced stance, urging both sides toward ceasefire and peaceful resolution while prioritizing humanitarian concerns.

Illegal gold miners have invaded an orangutan sanctuary in Indonesia, destroying approximately 14 hectares of protected forest. The breach occurred in a conservation area vital to the survival of critically endangered orangutans. Miners cleared vegetation and dug pits, disrupting habitats and threatening wildlife. Authorities are investigating and working to remove the miners. Conservationists warn that such encroachments accelerate deforestation and push orangutans closer to extinction, urging stronger enforcement of environmental protection laws.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed a 30-day ceasefire with Russia as US special envoy Keith Kellogg prepared to visit Kyiv for peace talks. Zelenskyy called for a full energy ceasefire to protect critical infrastructure amid ongoing Russian attacks. The proposal aimed to demonstrate Ukraine's willingness for diplomacy ahead of negotiations. Russia responded skeptically, with the Kremlin dismissing it as insufficient without broader political concessions. The move came as US President Trump pressured both sides toward a deal to end the war.

# लैपटॉप, कार और फैक्ट्रियों की बेकार गर्मी से बनेगी बिजली

वैज्ञानिकों ने एक क्रांतिकारी तकनीक विकसित की है जिससे लैपटॉप, कार इंजन और फैक्ट्रियों से निकलने वाली बेकार गर्मी (वेस्ट हीट) को बिजली में बदला जा सकता है। यह थर्मोइलेक्ट्रिक तकनीक पर आधारित है, जिसमें विशेष सेमीकंडक्टर मटेरियल का उपयोग किया जाता है। ये मटेरियल तापमान के अंतर से विद्युत ऊर्जा उत्पन्न करते हैं। वैज्ञानिकों ने ऐसे नए उन्नत मटेरियल खोजे हैं जो पहले से अधिक कुशलता से गर्मी को बिजली में बदल सकते हैं। दुनियाभर में लगभग 60-70% ऊर्जा गर्मी के रूप में बर्बाद हो जाती है। यह तकनीक ऊर्जा संकट और प्रदूषण दोनों से निपटने में सहायक होगी, साथ ही कार्बन उत्सर्जन भी कम होगा।

India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar stated that India is actively engaging with both Moscow and Kyiv to help end the Russia-Ukraine war. He emphasized that India advocates for dialogue and diplomacy, not choosing sides. PM Modi has spoken with both Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy, urging peace. India maintains that the conflict cannot be resolved on the battlefield and supports respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. India's mediating role reflects its independent foreign policy and growing global stature as a neutral peacemaker.

The Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has urged the state government to develop North Karnataka cities like Hubballi-Dharwad, Belagavi, and Kalaburagi as alternative growth centres to reduce over-dependence on Bengaluru. KCCI highlighted that Bengaluru faces severe infrastructure strain due to rapid urbanization, traffic congestion, and water scarcity. They recommended boosting industrial infrastructure, IT parks, educational institutions, and connectivity in northern cities to ensure balanced regional development and decentralize economic growth across Karnataka.

India's drug regulator flagged a batch of Human Biologicals Institute's Abhayrab rabies vaccine as substandard after quality tests revealed it failed potency standards. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is investigating whether the batch is spurious or simply poorly manufactured. Abhayrab is one of India's most widely used rabies vaccines. Authorities have alerted state drug controllers to identify and withdraw the flagged batch from circulation. The probe aims to determine if there was intentional adulteration or manufacturing lapses. This raises serious public health concerns, as rabies is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms appear, making vaccine quality critical for post-exposure treatment.

Karnataka's Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil emphasized that active collaboration between public and private sectors is essential for the success of the PM-SETU (PM Socio Empowerment through Translational Units) scheme. The scheme aims to bridge the gap between research institutions and industry by establishing translational units. Patil highlighted that such partnerships can drive innovation, create employment, and boost economic growth. He urged stakeholders to work together to ensure the scheme's effective implementation and maximize its impact on society.

The Enforcement Directorate sent a letter to Punjab's Director General of Police regarding a farmhouse demolition case. During a late-night hearing, the Punjab government assured the High Court that it would not demolish the petitioner's farmhouse until September 11. The HC took up the urgent matter after the petitioner challenged the demolition order. The court granted interim relief, staying the demolition action. The ED's involvement suggests possible money laundering or proceeds of crime linked to the property. The case highlights tensions between enforcement agencies and state authorities. The next hearing is scheduled for September 11, when the court will further examine the legality of the demolition order and hear arguments from all parties involved.

A PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act) court ruled that cheques and drugs can be classified as "proceeds of crime." The court held that proceeds of crime are not limited to cash or tangible assets but include any property derived from criminal activity. This broadens the Enforcement Directorate's scope to attach and seize such items during money laundering investigations. The ruling strengthens anti-money laundering enforcement, allowing authorities to target diverse forms of illicit wealth, including negotiable instruments and narcotics, linked to scheduled offences under PMLA.

Vizag MP M. Sribharat expressed optimism about the revival of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), also known as Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL). Amid ongoing concerns over the plant's financial crisis, mounting losses, and fears of privatization, Sribharat assured efforts to secure central government support for its turnaround. He emphasized exploring options like fresh investment, raw material linkages, and operational revival. Workers and unions have long demanded the plant remain in the public sector, opposing disinvestment. The MP's assurance brings hope to thousands of employees and the region's economy dependent on VSP.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have intensified efforts to control the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical global shipping chokepoint linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Their attacks on commercial and military vessels threaten international trade and energy supplies. The U.S. and allies have responded with airstrikes, but Houthis remain defiant, leveraging Iranian weapons and intelligence. Analysts warn this may escalate, destabilizing the region and drawing broader conflict involving Saudi Arabia and Western powers.