📱 Apple Pay rolls out in the Philippines

Mastercard and Visa have officially brought Apple Pay to cardholders in the Philippines. This enables users of iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac to make secure payments in-store, in-app, and online. Both services emphasize security by not storing actual card numbers on the device. This rollout supports the nation's push towards a cash-lite economy for locals and tourists. Users can now enjoy seamless and protected transactions across various merchants. 💳

🎬 Awarapan 2 shares date with Sunny Deol's Batwara 1947

Awarapan 2, featuring Emraan Hashmi, is set to release on August 14th, facing a box office clash with Sunny Deol's Batwara 1947. Producer Vishesh Bhatt stated that sharing the release date is considered their fortune and luck. The film is coming out during the Independence Day holiday weekend, which he felt was the best timing. Awarapan 2 continues the legacy of the 2007 film and will have a fresh soundtrack. The makers see the holiday period as an opportunity for audiences to watch multiple movies.

🎬 'Adipurush' writer admits failure, praises Yash in 'Ramayana'

Manoj Muntashir stated there is no shame in admitting that 'Adipurush' failed to meet expectations. He made these remarks while being in Mumbai on Tuesday, praising Yash for his Ravana role in Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana'. The film, made on a Rs 550 crore budget, fell short of breaking even by over Rs 200 crore after its release. Muntashir hopes 'Ramayana's' music surpasses the success of 'Adipurush's' soundtrack. 'Ramayana: Part 1' is scheduled for Diwali 2026, followed by Part 2 in Diwali 2027.

🤔 Mamata Banerjee questions Census fairness in West Bengal

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee raised concerns over the ongoing Census exercise in West Bengal on Tuesday. She questioned if the census was turning into another Special Intensive Revision (SIR), referencing past issues where over 90 lakh voters were deleted. The TMC accused the BJP of targeting Muslims and trying to push CAA through the census process. Ms. Banerjee called for a mass movement, criticizing the BJP's actions and alleged harassment of her party. She urged the younger generation to stay vigilant against what she perceives as political anarchy. 😠

📱 OnePlus N6x lands in India with new specs

OnePlus officially launched the N6x in India as the newest member of its N series lineup. This entry-level smartphone is available through the company website and a major e-commerce platform. It starts at Rs 18,999, with the 4GB+128GB option priced at Rs 20,999. The phone boasts a 6.8-inch 120Hz display and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6360 Apex chipset. Customers can also get an instant Rs 1,500 bank discount on eligible cards. 📱

🛡️ US THAAD stocks almost gone amid Iran talks

The US military has depleted nearly 80% of its THAAD interceptors since the conflict began. This usage was noted by reports citing inventory figures, with prior stocks estimated at 452 THAAD missiles. Gulf allies are worried that low US air-defense stocks could weaken their response capabilities to Iranian threats. Meanwhile, US, Iran, and Oman are reportedly nearing an interim agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Washington aims to announce this deal as early as Wednesday, following discussions that paused planned strikes.

🎭 Sita's blouse: ancient vs modern debate

The trailer for Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana sparked intense online debate over the costumes, especially Sita's stitched blouse. Sai Pallavi portrays Sita in outfits featuring heavily embroidered, stitched blouses in the film. The stitched blouse is actually a colonial-era garment, not an ancient one from the Treta Yug. Early Indian women wore drapes like antariya, uttariya, and stanapatta, often leaving the upper torso uncovered. Designers interpret mythology without historical archives, making costume choices highly interpretive. 🧐

🌱 Sustainability is now boardroom strategy, not just CSR

Sustainability is shifting from a mere compliance exercise to a core element of business strategy across India Inc. CSOs from groups like Aditya Birla Group and Tata Sons highlighted its role in growth and risk management. Piramal Pharma increased its green energy operations from 7% to 26% over three years, while Tata Sons tied sustainability performance to executive bonuses. Mahindra Group noted that climate risks like heat require more effort beyond obvious solutions. The role of a CSO is now evolving into that of a strategic advisor for navigating regulations. 🌿

🚨 Perez Hilton livestream incident sparks police visit

Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton appeared to be harming himself during a livestream broadcast. Miami police were dispatched to his home after receiving multiple calls regarding the self-harm acts. Deputies confirmed he was alone and tactically disengaged while monitoring the situation. The Sheriff's Office stressed prioritizing de-escalation during mental health crises. Later reports indicated a man resembling Hilton was transported away by ambulance. 😔

🤖 Google Assistant is officially retiring on Android

Google has started notifying users that Google Assistant will begin disappearing from Android phones on September 4. This change, communicated via email, will take place over several weeks across eligible Android devices. Previously, Google confirmed Assistant would remain until March 2026, but this email gives the first specific removal date. Gemini will replace Google Assistant as the default assistant experience on supported phones and paired devices. Users whose devices are unsupported may continue using Assistant until the broader retirement timeline ends. 🤖

📈 RBI holds repo rate steady amid global oil jitters ⛽

The Reserve Bank of India unanimously decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25 per cent following its MPC meeting. This decision was made while keeping the SDF rate at 5 per cent and MSF rate at 5.5 per cent. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra noted that high crude oil prices due to the Iran war amplified energy price volatility. The FY27 retail inflation estimate was reduced to 5 per cent, and the FY27 real GDP projection was raised to 6.7 per cent. The RBI will keep a neutral stance while closely watching food and fuel price pressures moving forward.