🤖 Apple talks to news sites for Siri AI boost

Apple is currently negotiating with news publishers to license their content for its next AI-powered Siri. These discussions are happening as Apple upgrades Siri's capabilities to include real-time information. The company proposed a variable compensation structure, paying based on actual usage instead of fixed fees. Apple has reportedly considered dedicating a nine-figure budget for these content payments. The enhanced Siri is expected to launch later this year, boosting Apple's AI competition.

🏛️ SC hits RIL with fine for dragging 20-year suit

The Supreme Court imposed a cost of Rs. 10 lakhs on Reliance Industries Ltd. for obstructing a 20-year-old commercial suit. This happened in the Supreme Court, where the bench strongly disapproved of RIL's litigation strategy. The suit, filed by NTPC in 2005, is still stuck at the evidence stage despite two decades passing. The Court noted that RIL's objections seemed unlimited, stalling progress consistently. The appeal was dismissed, and RIL must pay the fine to the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association within five weeks. ⚖️

🛠️ Kozhikode KSRTC terminal structural check coming

An expert committee will soon be formed to check the structural problems of the KSRTC terminal building in Kozhikode city. Transport Minister C.P. John made this announcement after inspecting the terminal on Mavoor Road on Friday, August 13. The committee will examine the alleged construction defects and submit a report for further action. A final decision regarding any renovation will be made strictly based on this committee's findings. This comes as a related case concerning the KTDFC-owned building is currently pending before the Kerala High Court.

🇮🇳 India suspends Indus Treaty over terror support

President Droupadi Murmu announced the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty against a nation harboring terrorists. She stated this was a decisive step for the nation's interest, especially for farmers. This follows India putting the treaty in abeyance after the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam. She also highlighted India's young demography as a valuable national asset. The government is reforming exams to curb unfair means and increase transparency. 🇮🇳

🇮🇳 India suspends Indus Treaty over terror support

President Droupadi Murmu stated that suspending the Indus Waters Treaty is a decisive move against a nation harboring terrorists. This statement was made on the eve of India's 80th Independence Day in New Delhi. She highlighted that 65% of India's population is below 35 years old, viewing youth as a key asset. The move follows India's stance that Pakistan's aggression on the IWT has no effect on the suspension. This action was taken after the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists.

😠 Police use water cannons against DYFI protest

A protest march by the Democratic Youth Federation of India took place near Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s MLA office in North Paravur on Friday. DYFI activists were demanding the CM's resignation due to alleged links between arrested Youth Congress members and the Chief Minister's Office. Police stopped the march by erecting barricades, and when protesters tried to breach them, water cannons were deployed. The tension persisted for over an hour, causing significant traffic disruption in the area. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) criticized the government over the arrests and alleged social media suppression. 😠

✅ Andhra Pradesh makes civic services Aadhaar-based

The Andhra Pradesh Government has enabled voluntary Aadhaar-based authentication for accessing municipal services on ULB online platforms. This update allows for Yes/No Aadhaar authentication and e-KYC facilities across the state. The move, authorized by G.O. Ms. No. 179 on Friday, aims to boost service delivery and security. This initiative operates under the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance Rules, 2020. Citizens can still opt for alternative ID proofs if they choose not to use Aadhaar.

🛰️ Tiny satellite spies on early universe secrets using Moon's dark side

A miniature satellite is being designed to utilize the far side of the Moon for deep space observation. This mission involves researchers from Nanowerk who are setting up the technology. The satellite aims to gather data about the earliest moments of the universe. The dark side of the Moon offers a unique, shielded environment for sensitive instruments. Future deployment of this tiny craft could unlock major cosmic mysteries. 🚀

💥 Samsung phone allegedly explodes in pocket

A Samsung smartphone reportedly exploded in a pocket, causing burn injuries to a man in Greater Noida, India. The victim sustained burns to his hands and lower body after the device burst into flames unexpectedly. This marks the fourth reported Galaxy flagship explosion incident this year, involving models like S25 Plus, S25 FE, and S24. The phone, which may resemble a Galaxy S26, was allegedly purchased only a month prior and was functioning fine. Authorities are investigating the incident, though the exact cause of the failure has not yet been determined. 📱

🎮 Phantom Blade Zero PC Specs Dropped Ahead of Release

S-Game has officially revealed the system requirements for the highly anticipated game, Phantom Blade Zero. The minimum specs require an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 or AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT, along with an Intel Core i7-8700 K or Ryzen 5 3600. The game is slated for an October 29 release, and an 11-minute trailer was recently shared. Recommended setups feature an RTX 3060 Ti or RX 6700 XT for 1440p/60 fps. More details are expected during a State of Play event on August 17, 2026.

🤖 Microsoft is ditching Copilot's Mico mascot

Microsoft is removing Mico, the animated mascot for Copilot Voice, from its main assistant mode. The character, which debuted in October 2025, will now transition to Learn Live as an animated tutor. This change is part of a larger update merging the consumer and Microsoft 365 Copilot apps starting August 18, 2026. Mico's departure signals a shift in how Microsoft wants users to interact with its AI features. Users are advised to save any personalized settings or content before the transition rolls out. 🤖