⚽ Barça hunts experienced CB after Araujo leaves

Barcelona is actively seeking an experienced defensive signing as Deco pushes for a new centre-back. This search comes after Ronald Araujo's move to Liverpool, leaving the club with less defensive depth. Currently, options include Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia, Gerard Martin, and Andreas Christensen for the 2026/27 campaign. The club doubts that Alvaro Cortes is ready for a regular first-team role, especially since he has other offers. Deco specifically needs a reliable, left-footed centre-back who can contribute immediately. 🛡️

🧐 Lapses found in APPSC Group-I exam evaluation

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) discovered multiple rule violations in the APPSC Group-I examination evaluation process. This investigation was conducted by the SIT, headed by DGP (CID) Ravi Shankar Ayyanar, in Andhra Pradesh. The Mains exam was held in December 2020, with results declared on April 28, 2021, adopting digital evaluation. The digital process was questioned in the High Court, leading to a directive for manual re-evaluation. The SIT found significant procedural deviations, including unauthorized evaluators and leaked confidential examiner details. 🧐

🔬 Cholesterol treatment clears 'forever chemicals' from blood

A common cholesterol treatment, therapeutic apheresis, showed early promise in removing synthetic chemicals from blood. Researchers in Germany tested 14 participants for man-made contaminants like PFAs found in everyday items. After double-filtration plasmapheresis, four common PFAs fell by up to 25% in the participants' blood. Scientists think these substances are 'co-removed' during the filtration process when bonding with plasma proteins. Further large-scale trials are needed before this method can treat environmental pollutant exposure.

🏥 Kerala teachers oppose new Ayush University plan

The Kerala Private College Teachers Association (KPCTA) has officially opposed the state government's plan to establish an independent Ayush University. This opposition was voiced by the Congress-aligned KPCTA in a release issued on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The association highlighted that the move lacked prior consultations, despite widespread opposition from Ayurveda sector organizations. KPCTA Secretary V.M. Chacko has formally conveyed these concerns to Health Minister K. Muraleedharan. They argue the funds could better improve existing Ayush hospital infrastructure instead of creating a new university. 🏥

🎶 Tamil Thai Vazhthu: More Than Just Music

Tamil Nadu has reaffirmed Tamil Thai Vazhthu as the opening song for all public events. This decision comes from the state's long-standing political history surrounding the song. It has evolved from its origins in Manonmaniam to its status as the State Song. This move reflects Tamil Nadu's resistance against linguistic and cultural impositions, including past anti-Hindi agitations. The resolution solidifies the song's importance as a symbol of Tamil language and culture. 🎶

🏏 Lancashire vs Durham: Quarter-Final Showdown 🏏

Lancashire will face Durham in the England Domestic One Day Cup 2026 Quarter-Final at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester on August 14. Lancashire finished 2nd in Group A with 20 points, while Durham finished 3rd in Group B with similar records. Historically, Lancashire has a slight edge, winning 16 out of 29 List-A encounters between the two sides. Keaton Jennings tops Lancashire's batting with 560 runs, while Durham's Will Rhodes has scored 310 runs and taken 12 wickets. The winner of this match will advance to the semi-finals of the tournament.

⛰️ Mysuru Trekkers Conquered 14,100ft Hampta Pass

A group of trekkers from Mysuru successfully crossed the challenging 14,100-ft Hampta Pass in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas. The team, led by D.S.D. Solanki, started their four-day, three-night trek on July 19 from Jobra. Despite heavy rains and difficult terrain, they reached the Hampta Pass summit around 1 p.m. on July 21. This high-altitude expedition tested their endurance through steep inclines and slippery paths. The journey concluded with a visit to the scenic Chandratal Lake. ⛰️

🗳️ TDP asks for fair electoral roll updates

TDP State general secretary P. Ashok Babu wrote to Chief Electoral Officer Vivek Yadav on Wednesday to ensure uniformity in Special Intensive Revision (SIR) procedures. This request was made concerning electoral rolls across various areas. The letter detailed specific requirements for verification and name removals, citing adherence to due process. Ashok Babu also requested that BLOs actively identify new eligible voters, especially those turning 18 by July 1, 2026. Furthermore, he asked for corrections to incorrectly uploaded documents on the CEO Portal. 🗳️

🤖 Google Pixel 11 series lands in India with Gemini AI

The Google Pixel 11 series, featuring Gemini Intelligence and a 2nm chipset, has officially arrived in India. The lineup includes four models: Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Starting from ₹89,999, the base Pixel 11 launches alongside the Pro variants on this date. These phones boast smarter cameras and a new HiLight feature over their predecessors. Users can now check out the specs and pricing for these new devices. 📱

😢 Messi's emotional post after father's passing

Lionel Messi shared a deeply personal tribute following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, earlier this month. The Argentine captain posted a photo with his father, reflecting on their relationship and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite reaching the final against Spain, Jorge could not attend the match on July 19. Messi admitted he wanted to win the trophy for his father but could not push past his physical limits. He expressed uncertainty about continuing his football career without his father's guidance. 💔

📱 Is iPhone's folding phone officially called 'Ultra'?

Apple is reportedly working on its first folding smartphone for a fall launch, which is expected to be the biggest release. Sources suggest that internally, Apple staff are currently referring to this device as the iPhone Ultra. This naming has been circulating since late March, replacing the earlier 'iPhone Fold' buzz. However, analyst Max Weinbach questioned the logic of this branding, finding it questionable. Ultimately, the official name remains undecided, and we will have to wait and see. 🧐