💼 Accenture lets staff roll over vacation time

Accenture has allowed its staff to carry over unused vacation days into the next financial year. This move applies to employees at the consulting giant across its global operations. The change is effective from September 1, following a push to book more business by the end of August. CEO Julie Sweet urged staff to increase sales after a weaker-than-expected third-quarter performance. This temporary policy supports a broader sales drive amidst investor scrutiny. 💼

🔭 Pittsburgh tackles solar eclipse 'shadow bands' mystery

Researchers in Pittsburgh are actively investigating the strange phenomenon known as 'shadow bands' observed during solar eclipses. The study is being conducted by a team of scientists at a specific research institution in Pittsburgh. These bands were first noted during recent eclipse events, providing new data points for analysis. The phenomenon challenges current astrophysical models of how shadows propagate across celestial bodies. Future research aims to pinpoint the exact cause of these unusual shadow patterns.

⛈️ Himachal reels from monsoon fury, heavy toll recorded

Heavy monsoon rains caused significant disruption across Himachal Pradesh, leading to 70 deaths and over Rs 910 crore in damage. This impact was assessed by the State Emergency Operation Centre covering June 30 to August 11. Landslides accounted for 14 deaths, while 204 roads were blocked across the state. The Public Works Department faced the largest losses at Rs 686.36 crore. Authorities are still working on clearing debris and restoring essential services amidst ongoing rain risks. ⛈️

🏛️ Ram Temple CEO candidates tested on faith and diet

Eighteen candidates, shortlisted from 5,200 applicants, faced rigorous questioning for the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust CEO role. The vetting process, conducted in Ayodhya, included a 34-point Google form assessing religious practices, such as vegetarianism and devotion. This high-profile appointment follows allegations of donation embezzlement within the Trust's financial management. The selection panel, including former Supreme Court judge Justice Pramod Kohli, aims to submit three names by September 2. The final CEO will manage all administrative and financial functions of the temple. 🏛️

⚖️ Inquiry report on Justice Varma to Lok Sabha on Aug 12

The inquiry committee report detailing allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma will be tabled in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. This report concerns removal proceedings initiated after unaccounted cash was allegedly found at his official residence. The probe panel submitted its findings to the Lok Sabha Speaker back in May. The committee itself was formed on August 12, 2025, following a fire in his Delhi bungalow. Justice Varma has resigned, but the Law Ministry has not yet officially notified this change. ⚖️

🎧 Sonos is dropping new 'Ace Ultra' headphones and leaning into AI

Sonos is planning to launch new 'Ace Ultra' headphones as part of a broader strategy pivot towards artificial intelligence. This move is being made by the audio company across its product lines to enhance user experience. The company is reportedly dedicating significant resources to integrating advanced AI features into its hardware and software ecosystem. This aggressive AI push aims to solidify Sonos's position against major tech competitors in the premium audio market. The rollout of these new devices and AI features is expected throughout the upcoming fiscal year. 🎧

🚨 Nepal native detained in IPS officer's wife murder case

A 29-year-old Nepal native, Sunil Bahadur Aauji, has been detained under the PD Act by Hyderabad City Police. He is accused in the killing of 62-year-old Tanuja Ranjan, the wife of retired IPS officer Ray Vinay Ranjan, at their Jubilee Hills residence. The incident occurred on May 8, and Aauji was initially arrested on May 22 for the crime. Police allege Aauji and associates conspired to enter, restrain, and suffocate Ms. Ranjan while stealing valuables. The detention order was issued on August 10, with Aauji being lodged on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. 🚨

🦟 Deaths after mosquito fogging in Coimbatore

Two individuals allegedly died following mosquito-control fogging conducted in Upputhottam near Annur on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. The Annur town panchayat carried out the fogging operation around houses in the locality. Residents suspected the pesticide might have caused the fatalities, with Mohan (65) and Rani alias Prema (75) being the deceased. However, police noted preliminary findings suggested both were already suffering from ongoing health issues. The police are still investigating to confirm the cause of death and any link to the fogging. 🦟

🎬 Farhan Akhtar on Mirzapur's intense making process

Farhan Akhtar shared his initial instinct regarding the mental health of a character during the making of Mirzapur. He mentioned that his first thought was to consult a psychiatrist for the role's complexity. The filming process involved intense emotional depth across multiple locations and timelines. This deep dive into character psychology was crucial for the show's gritty portrayal of power struggles. He stated that the journey was demanding but ultimately rewarding for the entire cast and crew.

🤖 DeadLock ransomware uses Polygon for stealth

The DeadLock ransomware group is leveraging decentralized infrastructure to boost its operational resilience. This group, observed by Microsoft Threat Intelligence, utilizes Session messaging and blockchain services for its extortion process. They have claimed 96 victims as of this month, primarily located in Italy, Spain, Poland, Türkiye, and the U.S. The ransomware employs sophisticated techniques like selective encryption and a hybrid cryptographic design to lock files. Furthermore, it uses Polygon smart contracts for proxy server rotation, making takedowns much harder. 🛡️

🤒 Shweta Tiwari hospitalized with dengue

Shweta Tiwari, known from Kasautii Zindagii Kay, has been diagnosed with dengue and admitted to the hospital. This health update arrives as she is set to feature in the premiere of The Traitors 2. The actress was recently in the spotlight due to promos teasing intense moments from the new season. Her fans are currently worried and sending prayers for her quick recovery. She has a history of acting in various successful TV and reality shows. 🤒