🤖 AI turns pothole spotting into ready complaints

A Bengaluru engineer created an AI system that detects potholes while driving, identifying their size and location. Gaurav Sen, founder of InterviewReady, showcased this tech which can then search 2,900 government contracts. The system attaches photos and coordinates to generate ready-to-file civic complaints for accountability. This is highly relevant in Bengaluru where infrastructure issues are common and systems exist. The project sparks debate on expanding AI for other civic problems across India. 🛠️

🦖 Archaeopteryx took off with powerful jumps, not just wings

A new computer model suggests that Archaeopteryx likely achieved flight using two or three powerful leaps. This theory focuses on the early feathered animal from about 150 million years ago, which had dinosaur features. The model showed that three jumps propelled it to 14.9 mph, allowing modest wingbeats to reach sustainable flight speed. This finding emphasizes that initial take-off force came from the legs, not solely the wings, as was previously thought. This suggests a gradual evolution path from dinosaurs to modern birds. 🦖

🗳️ Bihar Poll Turnout Beats US, UK, France Records

Bihar recorded a 67.25% turnout in its assembly polls, surpassing nations like the US, UK, and France. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar stated this success followed a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. This three-month SIR exercise resulted in about 70 lakh names being removed from the rolls. The high turnout came after the elections held in November last year. Subsequently, Nitish Kumar resigned, leading to Samrat Choudhary becoming Bihar's first BJP chief minister.

🚑 Polish tourist bus crashes in Hungary, 12 dead

A bus carrying Polish tourists overturned on the M3 motorway near Mezokeresztes in eastern Hungary. The vehicle, traveling from Serbia to Poland, was carrying 57 passengers and two drivers. Authorities confirmed 12 people were killed, with another 10 seriously injured at the site. Preliminary police reports suggest the driver may have fallen asleep while driving the bus. This accident is the deadliest road crash in Hungary since 2003. 😥

😠 BJP leader targets Vijay's mother, faces heat

BJP leader Nainar Nagendran caused a political storm by making a personal comment about Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's mother. This happened in Chennai on Saturday, August 15, during the launch of Oru Naadu 2.0. Nagendran's words were a reaction to Vijay's June 23 story about an elderly man seeking a father. Critics strongly condemned the remark as derogatory, with TVK Minister Rajmohan calling it unacceptable. Nagendran later clarified his statements were twisted for political gain. 😠

⚡ Telangana launches big EV scheme for autos

The Telangana government has proposed a ₹200 crore scheme to convert 18,766 petrol and diesel autorickshaws into electric vehicles. This initiative targets autos in the Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) region, which currently has 11,254 diesel and 7,512 petrol models. Beneficiaries can get up to ₹1.50 lakh subsidy for retrofitting or buying new electric autos. The funds are sourced by ₹50 crore each from SC, ST, BC, and Minority Welfare Departments. This aims to transition Hyderabad's transport towards net-zero carbon emissions. ⚡

🚨 Munna Bhai actor hits biker in Goa

Actor Ashwin Mushran is accused of hitting a father-son duo while allegedly driving on the wrong side in Goa. The incident reportedly occurred around 12:30 pm in Kusman, Quepem, Margao. The father sustained serious injuries, and a viral video shows Mushran and his wife arguing with locals. Local leader Amol Kanekar alleged Mushran left for a party after the crash and later returned to apologize. The police version of the accident and the full details are still awaited. 🤕

✨ Pabi bags turn Kutch craft into global hustle

Pabiben Rabari's 'Pabi' bags successfully took the traditional Kutch craft worldwide while empowering 300 women artisans. The enterprise is based in Kutch, where she transformed Rabari embroidery into modern products. This growth started after a craft faced setbacks in the 1990s, leading to the Hari Jari technique. Pabiben launched Pabiben.com in 2015, shifting from artisan to entrepreneur. Now, the bags reach global markets, giving tradition a modern livelihood. 🌍

😔 TN CM condoles constable's death, announces ₹30 lakh aid

Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay expressed deep sorrow over the passing of a police constable. The incident occurred at Fort St. George in Chennai during the Independence Day parade duty. A. Dharmaraj, a Grade-I constable, fainted during duty and passed away while hospitalized. Mr. Vijay offered condolences to the family of the deceased officer. He subsequently ordered a relief payment of ₹30 lakh for the bereaved family.

🏏 Warner slams Smith's reaction after wicket against Bangladesh

David Warner strongly criticized Steve Smith's reaction when he got out on Day 3 of the first Test between Australia and Bangladesh. Smith was dismissed caught behind after nicking a delivery from Ebadot Hossain, but he requested a review before the umpire signaled him out. The review later confirmed Smith hadn't edged the ball, but his bat touched the ground, proving his call correct. Despite the review validating his decision, Warner was unhappy with his immediate reaction to the dismissal. Smith eventually scored 44 runs in that innings, adding to his first innings total of 71. 🏏

⌚ Best bands for your Pixel Watch 5

Several top bands are available for the Google Pixel Watch 5, which comes in 41mm and 45mm sizes. Options range from the official Performance Loop Band to third-party choices like Spigen and Bandletic. The Performance Loop Band is great overall, while Spigen offers sporty and rugged alternatives. Metal bands are elegant but come with a high price tag, like the $199.99 Metal Links Band. Users should pick a band matching their lifestyle, whether active or formal. ⌚