✨ 6 free Android apps that hit like premium ones

A tech analyst found six Android apps that offer professional-grade utility without ads or paywalls. These gems include an app to sideload on Fire TV, VLC Player, Grocy, Super Productivity, Thunderbird, and PairDrop. The analyst values these tools for streamlining daily workflows and saving money. These free apps deliver high functionality comparable to paid software experiences. The author highly recommends these tools for anyone looking to maximize their Android device's potential.

⛽ Russia's diesel exports hit multiyear low

Russia's diesel and gasoil exports plummeted to only 80,000 barrels per day in the first week of August. This sharp drop occurred as Moscow maintained export restrictions due to a fuel crisis caused by Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries. Compared to last year's 1 million bpd, this new low is tightening the global market for middle distillates significantly. This shortage is happening amid a relentless Ukrainian drone campaign targeting Russian oil infrastructure. Global seaborne trade in petroleum products is crashing by 3.8 million bpd due to these declining exports. 📉

☀️ UK hits record heat; West London tops the charts 🔥

The UK registered its hottest day of the year on Thursday, with temperatures hitting 38.1C at Kew Gardens in west London. This provisional reading, confirmed by the Met Office, surpassed the previous 2026 high of 38C set on June 28. Across central and southern England, 40 locations saw temperatures of 36C or higher on this day. This extreme heat is part of Britain's fifth heatwave this year, with conditions expected to shift eastwards on Friday. Concerns are rising over infrastructure readiness and drought conditions impacting water supplies.

🏍️ Thief chills, bathes, and dances in bike showroom

A thief entered a motorcycle showroom in Manduadih, Varanasi, just before midnight on Monday. The intruder spent four and a half hours inside, leisurely inspecting bikes and using the amenities. He reportedly took a bath, dressed up, and even had an impromptu dance session before the theft. Around 4 am, the thief stole a KTM Adventure 390 S worth Rs 4.71 lakh and fled. Police have registered an FIR and are actively conducting raids to catch the suspect. 🕵️

🤫 How Russia Hides Putin: Secret Trains and Offices

Russian President Vladimir Putin employs extreme measures to obscure his movements, making tracking him incredibly difficult for journalists. Reports indicate he operates from nearly identical offices across various residences to confuse his location. His security detail also utilizes a specially equipped, disguised presidential train to evade surveillance. The Kremlin has also been accused of releasing pre-recorded meetings, known as 'konservy', days after they actually occurred. These secretive tactics have intensified since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, raising security stakes significantly.

🏛️ Judiciary isn't taking sides, Constitution is supreme

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant stated that the Indian judiciary bases its decisions purely on constitutional values and does not take sides. He explained that the Constitution is the greatest power, and the judiciary has a key role in strengthening its basic structure. CJI Surya Kant highlighted that judicial intervention for vulnerable groups is a core duty, utilizing PIL and suo motu cases. He also mentioned that docket management reforms are helping to reduce case pendency across all courts. CJI Surya Kant was sworn in as Chief Justice of India on November 24, 2025.

🔭 Gas stream tilts young star system disk

A massive stream of gas is feeding into the GW Orionis triple star system, potentially causing its disk to tilt. This system is located about 1,500 light years away in Orion. The research details this gas feeding on October 12, 2024, showing a streamer impacting the outer ring. This finding suggests star formation isn't always perfectly neat, potentially affecting planet orbits. Scientists will now use ALMA to find similar streams in other young star systems. 🪐

🗳️ TN CM asks PM to fix 543 seats and 33% women quota

Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay wrote to PM Narendra Modi on Thursday seeking Constitutional amendments. He highlighted a resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday regarding constituency delimitation. This resolution demanded the Lok Sabha strength remain permanently at 543 and urged a 33% reservation for women. The Assembly warned that post-1971 population-based delimitation would cause injustice to southern states. Vijay requested the Centre to implement these changes for upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. 🗳️

🏛️ Layout gets approval, heritage rules followed

TGIIC stated that the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) considered conservation areas before granting layout approval. This addressed a news report claiming Durgam Cheruvu Heritage hillocks were listed for auction. The layout was initially put up for auction in 2007-08, but was approved in 2017 following Heritage Rock Preservation committee guidelines. TGIIC later submitted development proposals that were approved after considering heritage rock rules and Durgam Cheruvu's buffer area. Specific preservation zones and ecosystem safeguards have been strictly defined and followed.

💿 Kanto drops the second-gen Obi3 turntable

Kanto Audio has officially launched the second-generation Obi3 turntable, featuring a belt-drive system and platter-mounted speed sensor. This new model is from Kanto Audio and is available in North America right now. It boasts features like adjustable counterweight, anti-skate control, and electronic speed selection for 33-1/3 and 45 RPM. The Obi3G2 includes an Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless play. It is priced at $249.99 USD and worldwide release starts in early September. 🎧

📈 TNPSC boosts job vacancies after candidate complaints

Candidates complained about the low number of vacancies in the TNPSC Group I examination for state jobs. This occurred as TNPSC initially announced only 26 vacancies across various posts. On Thursday, TNPSC issued an addendum, raising the total number of vacancies from 26 to 46. TNPSC Chairman S.K.Prabakar confirmed this increase would be officially notified online. This move addresses student concerns regarding reduced opportunities in the competitive exams. 🧐