📱 Amazon sale drops major discounts on flagship phones

The Amazon Great Freedom Sale 2026 is set to kick off on August 7, with Prime members getting early access starting August 6. Major smartphones from OnePlus, Xiaomi, and iQOO will feature significant price cuts during this event. For instance, the OnePlus 15 effective price drops to ₹81,999 from its listed ₹89,999. Xiaomi 17 will be available for around ₹77,599, while the iQOO 15R is priced at approximately ₹46,999. Shoppers can also benefit from 10% instant discounts using HDFC Bank credit cards and exchange bonuses.

🕵️ Chennai cop arrested for extortion threat

A police inspector was arrested in Chennai for allegedly extorting money from a businessman. The accused, Mohammed Buhari, was an Inspector of Police at S-1 St. Thomas Mount Police Station. Over the last two years, he reportedly collected over ₹35 lakh from Akil Kumar Ukkam Raj. This was done by threatening to implicate the trader in the July 2022 Armstrong murder case. Further investigation is ongoing after the arrests and remand in court. 🕵️

😠 OpenAI fires back at Apple's theft claims

OpenAI released an open letter challenging Apple's trade secrets lawsuit, hours after Apple sought a preliminary injunction against them. The dispute involves OpenAI and two former Apple employees, Tang Yew Tan and Chang Liu, in California federal court. Apple filed its original complaint on July 10, detailing alleged misuse of confidential information. OpenAI argues Apple's timeline is flawed, citing errors in initial contact and subsequent silence before suing. The legal battle is set against the backdrop of the intense hardware race between the two tech giants. 🤖

⚠️ Ozempic users warned about hair loss from quick weight loss

Users of weight loss injections like Ozempic are being cautioned about increased hair shedding. Doctors and dermatologists have observed more cases of noticeable hair loss among patients taking GLP-1 medications. This shedding is thought to be telogen effluvium, a reaction to sudden weight loss, not directly from the drug itself. Nutritional deficiencies from rapid weight loss can also contribute to poor hair growth. Experts suggest focusing on steady weight loss and consulting a doctor if thinning persists. 🩺

🚗 India's top 10 cars in July 2026 revealed

The top 10 best-selling cars in India hit over 2 lakh units in July 2026, showing a 37.55% jump from last year. Maruti Suzuki secured six spots on this list, while Tata, Hyundai, and Mahindra each had one entry. The Maruti Dzire topped the chart with 23,791 units, growing 13.86% year-over-year. Tata Punch was the biggest gainer, soaring by 97.62% with 21,313 units sold. Mahindra is prepping the updated Scorpio N launch on August 14th. 🚗

🌌 NASA reveals mysterious 'exclamation mark' in space

NASA recently shared an image featuring a distinct 'exclamation mark' shape observed in outer space. This cosmic feature was captured by the space agency's advanced telescopes in the deep field. The image was released on October 26, 2023, providing new insights into distant galaxies. Scientists believe the pattern is a natural configuration of gas and dust clouds. Further observations are planned to better understand the formation and nature of this celestial marker. 🌌

🌈 West Virginia's fiery rainbow mystery solved

A striking 'fire rainbow' captured over West Virginia has fascinated skywatchers with its flame-like colors. This rare display is a circum horizontal arc, observed near North Fork Mountain in 2021. The phenomenon occurs when sunlight passes through millions of tiny ice crystals in high-altitude cirrus clouds. These hexagonal ice crystals act like prisms, refracting sunlight into a brilliant spectrum of colors. Scientists note this shows how simple atmospheric ingredients create nature's breathtaking spectacles. 🤩

🔋 India's mineral push for clean energy and defence 🔋

Critical minerals are crucial for India's clean energy, defence, and tech goals, driving a focus on domestic refining and global ties. China currently dominates the refining of key minerals like rare earths and graphite, posing a major geopolitical risk. India aims for 169 million tonnes of these minerals by 2070 under its Net-Zero scenario. Policies like the National Critical Mineral Mission target 1,200 exploration projects by 2030-31. The country is now pushing for midstream refining incentives and forming alliances like the India–U.S. framework.

🍵 Tea Lover to Pro: Certified Taster Courses Launched

The Tea Board of India has rolled out professional tea tasting courses to train industry experts. This specialized program was inaugurated at the Research and Development Centre located in Kurseong, West Bengal. The courses aim to train skilled professionals in tasting, blending, and tea service practices. This initiative is designed to significantly enhance the overall quality of Indian tea production. Interested individuals can now pursue this career path to become a certified tea taster. 🍵

🧠 Indian Dementia Risks Are Different From The West

A US-led study revealed that dementia risk factors in Indians significantly differ from those in Western populations. Researchers found metabolic disorders, hearing loss, undernutrition, and limited education are major risk factors in India. Diabetes, which South Asians develop early, and hearing loss affecting nearly 41% are key concerns. The study noted women and rural communities are more vulnerable, unlike Western nations where obesity is a focus. Long-term research is now needed to build tailored prevention strategies for the Indian population. 🧠

♟️ Pragg holds lead at Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz

Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu maintained his lead in the Saint Louis Rapid & Blitz after day two of rapid play. He is competing against Javokhir Sindarov in the tournament held in Saint Louis. As of round six, Pragg has 9 points out of a possible 12, while Sindarov sits at 7/12. Many sharp positions saw missed opportunities by both players during the three rounds. The final three rapid rounds are scheduled to take place on Tuesday. ♟️