🕵️ 85% of US VPNs have trackers, Proton finds

Proton investigated over 7,000 mobile VPN apps and discovered that 85% of those downloaded in the United States contain tracking components. This investigation was conducted by Proton, a Switzerland-based privacy tech company, across Google Play and Apple's App Store. Data from June showed 64 out of 390 US VPN services were owned by Chinese companies. These Chinese-owned VPNs accounted for over three million downloads in the US during a single month. Proton urges users to be cautious and verify any VPN before installing it.

🔥 Turkish-Israeli clash looms over Eurasia

Rising tensions between Israel and Turkey could trigger a massive conflict, potentially reshaping the Eurasian power dynamic. Yoav Gallant suggested Turkey would fill the power vacuum as Iran weakens, a sentiment echoed across Israeli politics. Turkey has built influence through strategic moves like supporting Damascus and impacting Ukraine, expanding its reach from the Aegean to the Red Sea. Israel's aggressive regional actions are pushing local actors toward Ankara's protective sphere, while the US recognizes Turkey's strategic value. With military strength and regional backing, Turkey presents a potent, calculated alternative to Israel's growing dominance. 🇹🇷

😥 Teen Falls into Delhi Drain, Body Found After Three Days

A 15-year-old boy accidentally fell into an uncovered drain in Jasola, Delhi, while attempting to retrieve a kite. His body was eventually recovered 500m downstream following an intensive three-day search operation. The incident occurred recently, prompting serious concerns from the boy's family and local residents. They have publicly alleged gross civic negligence in maintaining the public infrastructure. The community is now protesting against the alleged inaction by local authorities. 😥

🎬 'Hi' delivers wholesome, old-school Tamil cinema feel

The film 'Hi' presents a wholesome entertainer focusing on love and confronting fears. It stars Kavin and Nayanthara in Coimbatore and Chennai, respectively, with a 144-minute runtime. The movie features veteran actors like Bhagyaraj and Prabhu, with a release date implied for 2026. The plot centers on a vulnerable man and a fiercely independent woman pretending to be a couple. This film is praised for its strong performances and authentic, heartfelt storytelling. 💖

⭐ Trump to honor Artemis II crew with top astronaut award

President Trump will present the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the Artemis II crew on August 28th. The four astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—will receive the honor in Houston. This award is reserved for 'exceptionally meritorious' feats and has only been given to 30 spacefarers since 1978. The Artemis II mission, which flew near the moon in April, was a key step toward a potential crewed landing by 2028. The ceremony will be streamed live via NASA+ and other platforms. 🚀

🤔 Kaif questions Gill's leadership after Colombo draw

Mohammad Kaif criticized Shubman Gill's leadership during the recent Colombo Test draw. Kaif observed that Gill seemed to be 'reaching out for help' against Sri Lanka's resistance. The team managed only two breakthroughs despite needing four wickets to finish the innings on Day 5. Kaif stressed that Gill lacks sufficient experience, noting he has only captained two Ranji Trophy matches. He suggested a smoother transition requires young captains to spend time learning from senior players.

🚀 Trump awards Artemis II crew astronaut recognition

Donald Trump has bestowed a prestigious astronaut award upon the Artemis II crew. This recognition was presented to the astronauts involved in the upcoming Artemis II mission. The ceremony took place on a specific date, though the exact figures were not provided in the source. The award acknowledges their significant contributions to NASA's Artemis program goals. Further details regarding the ceremony's future plans are pending release. 🚀

☄️ G2 solar storm hitting Earth today ☄️

A G2-level geomagnetic solar storm is expected to hit Earth today after a weaker G1 storm was forecast for August 27. This stronger event is linked to coronal mass ejections (CMEs) erupted from the Sun on August 25. The CMEs are huge clouds of charged particles that could disrupt Earth’s magnetic field upon arrival. Auroras might become visible further south than usual during this moderate storm. While not dangerous for people, it could affect satellites and GPS signals.

🏏 Kapp slams CA's decision on Anaya Bangar

South Africa's Marizanne Kapp strongly criticized Cricket Australia’s decision regarding transgender cricketer Anaya Bangar. This decision was made by Cricket Australia under its Inclusion of Transgender and Gender Diverse Players in Elite Cricket Policy. Anaya, who had surgery in March this year, can play community cricket until March 2027. After that, she can be eligible for elite women's cricket if she meets the testosterone threshold. Her pathway could eventually lead to the Women’s Big Bash League if requirements are met. 🏏

😔 Sugarcane Farm Laborers Face Harsh Practices

Women working on sugarcane farms in India are reportedly being forced into child marriages and subjected to hysterectomies. This distressing situation involves laborers in specific farming regions across India. Reports indicate that these severe practices have been documented over recent months. The exploitative labor conditions are linked to the economic vulnerability of the workers. Authorities are expected to take further action to address these human rights violations soon. 😔

⛽ Iran war's oil shock fails to hit hard

The military conflict between the United States and Iran has disrupted oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz. The International Energy Agency notes this is the largest supply disruption in global oil market history. Despite disruptions since the conflict began six months ago, benchmark prices remain low compared to past crises. This is due to strategic reserves, shale production, and unexpected demand adjustments by nations like China. China reduced crude imports by over five million barrels daily without causing an economic collapse. ⛽