🧐 1830s 'virtual tours' used by real estate agents

In the 1830s, London estate agents used a cosmorama technology to offer wealthy buyers virtual walkthroughs of mansions. The agents, Brooks and Hedger, used this method for commercial real estate listings starting as early as 1838. These detailed paintings, viewed through a lens, allowed buyers to inspect distant properties without travelling immediately. This innovation predates modern online listings and VR tours by over a century. The use of this tech showed how visual aids could sell the experience of virtual travel. 🧐

🏛️ MP Mahua Moitra claims DM told her to leave house

TMC MP Mahua Moitra has alleged that the Additional District Magistrate of Krishnanagar ordered her to vacate the circuit house. This incident has sparked a significant political row across the state. Akhilesh Yadav, the SP chief, has since demanded clarity regarding the parliamentary privileges of Members of Parliament. The allegations surfaced recently, causing considerable political buzz. The situation now awaits official responses from the concerned authorities. 🏛️

🇮🇳 2500+ cops deployed for India's 80th Independence Day

Over 2,500 police personnel are deployed for security ahead of the 80th Independence Day celebrations. This deployment covers Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur, and Tiruvannamalai districts. Specific security measures include increased surveillance and checks from August 15, 2026. Authorities are monitoring religious sites, public gathering spots, and all border checkposts. Police are urging citizens to report any suspicious activities in the areas. 👮

✨ HyperOS 4 beta starts with 'soft-light glass' design

Xiaomi has officially begun the beta rollout for HyperOS 4, featuring a new 'soft-light glass' design. This update is rolling out to a select group of devices in China during August and September 2026. Over 20 devices are confirmed to get the Android 17 beta, with eight already receiving the test update. The system kernel upgrade aims for a smoother experience, inspired by iOS 27 aesthetics. This signature UI element will eventually expand beyond high-end models like the Redmi K70.

🚨 UP man gets life sentence for student's rape and murder

A 22-year-old man was sentenced to life imprisonment by a special POCSO court for the rape and murder of a 16-year-old Class 11 student. The incident occurred in the Bewar area of Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, last year. The girl was allegedly abducted on May 15, 2025, and subsequently killed after resisting the accused. The court acquitted his father and a friend due to insufficient evidence presented during the trial. The case highlights the judicial process following the teenager's abduction and subsequent death.

🇮🇳 Karnataka minister skips I-Day duty; BJP demands action

A political row started in the Karnataka Assembly after Housing Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan asked to skip his Independence Day flag-hoisting duty in Vijayanagara. The BJP MLA Sunil Kumar questioned this move, while Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara defended Khan's request. Khan cited upcoming local body elections and organizational activities as reasons for seeking exemption from district duties. The state government assigned the August 15 duty to Minister K S Basavanthappa. BJP MLAs ultimately walked out, calling the government's handling of the situation disgraceful. 🇮🇳

🇮🇳 India celebrates 80th Independence Day at Red Fort

India is commemorating its 80th Independence Day today with a major event at the Red Fort complex. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the celebrations, marking the first time the National Song, 'Vande Mataram', will be performed there. The mega function aims to celebrate 150 years of 'Vande Mataram' and focus on 'Yuva Shakti' driving towards Viksit Bharat by 2047. Nearly 5,000 special guests and over 1,500 invited attendees are expected to witness the ceremony. Following the flag hoisting, PM Modi will address the nation before cadets sing the National Song. 🇮🇳

🏊 Berlin pool event cancelled amid racism debate 🏊

A planned exclusive event at the Berlin Volksbuhne swimming pool was cancelled due to security concerns. This temporary €300,000 pool, which opened last week, was meant for Black communities in partnership with EOTO. The event, scheduled for Friday, August 14, from 12pm to 6pm, faced backlash over its restricted access. Organizers cited right-wing and racist harassment targeting Black children and teenagers as the reason for the halt. This situation has sparked a wider German debate on inclusion and public space access.

📈 Investment firms grab stakes in market movers

Aagam Investments, Smallcap World Fund, Habrok India Master, and Prudential Assurance Company have picked up a 5% stake in certain companies. This significant investment activity took place within the current market landscape. The details specify that the 5% stake acquisition was observed recently. These firms are known players in the financial sector, indicating confidence in the underlying businesses. Further monitoring of these investments will show future market trends. 📈

💧 Congress alleges 19 child deaths from bad water in MP

Congress leader Umang Singhar alleged that 19 children died due to a suspected contaminated water outbreak in tribal villages of Balaghat district. He visited Kundekasa, Bondari, and Korka to review the situation and meet affected families. Local villagers reported that the illness spread for several days due to contaminated water, leading to these fatalities as of August 15, 2026. Singhar accused the state government of hiding the actual death toll and demanded a fair probe. He called for urgent health screening, clean water, and strict action against negligent officials. 💧

🎮 Palworld dev promises faster v1.1 update

Palworld developers have stated that the upcoming version 1.1 will not take years to complete, addressing player anticipation. Pocketpair's Bucky shared this news on X on August 13, 2026, after receiving over 1,700 fan suggestions. The previous 1.0 update, which included 72 new pals and areas, took Pocketpair more than 2.5 years to release. The team is committed to player-focused updates, though complex suggestions are out of scope for v1.1. Information on v1.1 will be delayed by the launch of the mobile Palworld Online game. 🎮