🕊️ AI must be 'disarmed' for world peace, says Pope

The Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development announced the theme for the 60th World Day of Peace on January 1, 2027. Pope Leo XIV selected the theme, “Disarming Technology, Serving Peace: Politics as Preventive Responsibility,” highlighting political responsibility. He warned that no algorithm can make war morally acceptable, referencing his encyclical Magnifica humanitas no. 198. The Pope appeals for shared agreements to protect human responsibility in high-stakes situations. Moving forward, the global community must collaboratively direct AI towards the common good. 🕊️

🛍️ Banarasi saree exports boom fivefold after government push

Banarasi saree exports have increased fivefold since the Uttar Pradesh government launched the ODOP scheme in 2018. This growth is happening in Varanasi, where the traditional weaving ecosystem is being boosted by the government. According to the Deputy Commissioner of Industries, this rise is seen since the scheme's introduction, which also includes interstate trade. The scheme provides artisans with subsidized loans, training, and access to common processing facilities like the ODOP-CFC. Ultimately, the government aims to help artisans transition into larger, sustainable businesses globally. 🛍️

⚖️ Google explains withholding Dhruv Rathee's video

Google informed the Delhi High Court on Tuesday about withholding a YouTube video by influencer Dhruv Rathee. This action followed a directive from the Centre's Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) due to alleged religious insults. The video, published on March 21, reportedly contained statements insulting Bhagwan Shri Ram, Bhagwan Shri Krishna, and Sita Devi. While withheld only in India, a petition is pending before the high court division bench regarding global blocking. The court has adjourned the matter until September 3. 🧐

🔬 Nuclear Scientist and Theorist M.P. Parameswaran Passes Away

M.P. Parameswaran, a nuclear scientist and CPI(M) theorist, passed away in Thrissur, Kerala, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. He was 92 years old, and was an early member of the Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP). His ideas on the ‘fourth world’ caused a major debate, leading to his expulsion from the CPI(M) in February 2004. He was previously a scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, from 1957 to 1975. Parameswaran contributed significantly to organizations like AIPSN and wrote widely on various scientific topics.

🔥 Woo Do Hwan caught between brother and beliefs in 'Made in Korea 2'

New stills have surfaced for 'Made in Korea 2,' featuring Woo Do Hwan's character. The series picks up nine years after Season 1, focusing on Baek Ki Tae at his peak and his brother, Baek Ki Hyun, pursuing his own power path. Baek Ki Hyun, now a lieutenant colonel, must choose between his family and his convictions while facing Jang Geon Young. The six-episode season premieres with Episodes 1 and 2 on September 9. Viewers will watch his complex struggle as his brother's ambitions escalate.

🤖 5 ChatGPT prompts to catch message mistakes

Studies show employees spend 57% of their time communicating versus creating across 31 countries. Using LLMs like ChatGPT can boost communication efficiency, but misuse can hurt trust. Professionals can use specific prompts to check for hidden assumptions in their writing. These prompts also help eliminate vagueness and ensure the real question is answered. Ultimately, using AI to polish drafts before sending makes messages much stronger. 🤖

🧑‍🏫 Kerala govt asks 45 days for teacher demands

The Kerala government has requested 45 days to look into the demands of lower primary school teachers, following talks with the All Kerala LPST Rank Holders Association. Secretary S Valarmathi concluded a 13-day hunger strike outside the Secretariat after discussions with Education Minister N Samsudheen. The rank holders are demanding a 1:25 teacher-student ratio and appointments from the May 2025 rank list. The context involves seven rounds of discussions despite earlier rejected proposals from the government. The protest will continue outside the Secretariat without slogans moving forward. 🧑‍🏫

⛽ India's biofuel plan pivots: Diesel stays clean, kitchens get the boost

India is reconsidering its aggressive biofuel push despite diesel remaining ethanol-free. The government is looking at alternative ways to incorporate biofuels into daily life. Specifically, the focus is shifting towards using bio-based fuels in domestic kitchens. This strategic rethink aims to balance energy security with environmental goals moving forward. Future plans will detail how this revised strategy will be implemented across the country.

🤖 AI fake pages trick users into malware trap 🤖

Chinese-speaking cybercriminals are using fake AI software pages to infect Windows users with remote access malware. This operation targeted Windows users, impersonating DeepSeek, Quark Cloud, and Pony Activator. The attacks involved a WiX-built MSI package, deploying a Gh0st RAT variant after disabling security controls. Analysts at Zscaler ThreatLabz identified this activity, noting the use of AI-generated portals. Users are warned to only download software from verified vendor websites to prevent compromise.

🇮🇳 Vande Mataram gets law protection from President

President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, making insults to Vande Mataram a crime. This move grants the national song the same legal status as the national anthem, 'Jana Gana Mana', across India. The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on July 30 and the Rajya Sabha a day prior. This addresses the lack of specific laws protecting Vande Mataram, which was key in India's freedom struggle. Starting August 15, 2026, Vande Mataram will be performed at the Red Fort for the first time. 🇮🇳

🚢 Houthi attack kills three crew members in Red Sea

A cargo ship was attacked by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, resulting in at least three crew members' deaths. The attack occurred on a deck cargo ship sailing from Salalah in Oman via Djibouti. Sources indicated that two Pakistanis and one Indonesian person were among those killed. This strike on a Tanzania-flagged vessel is the first by Houthis since the US-Israeli attacks on Iran at the end of February. The Houthis had previously declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in response to alleged sieges. 🚢