🛡️ Barracuda launches 5 cyber COEs in Karnataka

Barracuda Networks, a California-based cybersecurity firm, has launched five Cybersecurity Centres of Excellence in Karnataka. These COEs are situated across colleges in Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Tumkuru, Mysuru, and Moodbidri. The initiative aims to connect industry with students in second- and third-tier cities and towns. Barracuda plans to offer workshops, labs, mentoring, and internships to students. This move addresses India's growing cybersecurity risk and shortage of professionals. 💻

🧑‍⚖️ Noida workers file plea to merge 11 FIRs

A 25-year-old factory worker has approached the Allahabad High Court to merge 11 FIRs registered against her. The petitioner is from the Noida industrial area, and the cases stem from protests that occurred between April 10 and April 13. These protests were organized over demands for wage hikes, better working hours, and increased overtime pay. Her lawyer argues that the multiple FIRs are creating unnecessary punishment and delaying trials for all involved workers. Clubbing the FIRs is expected to help reduce legal expenses and allow activists to attend trials together. 🧑‍⚖️

📱 Google offers huge trade-in deal for Pixel 11

Google is offering massive trade-in deals when purchasing the Pixel 11 series. In the U.K., the store guarantees a minimum trade-in value of £400, equivalent to $545, for any eligible phone. This offer applies to various brands and runs until September 1st in the U.K. The U.S. promotion is less generous, offering up to $500 maximum and ending on August 27th. Users can stack this with additional discount codes and Play Store vouchers for further savings. 💰

🚀 Prime Video doubling down on Latin America growth

Prime Video plans a massive investment exceeding $2 billion across Latin America until the year 2030. This strategic move is being executed by Amazon within the Latin American market. The investment target is set at over $2 billion, spanning the period up to 2030. This funding aims to boost local content creation and platform expansion in the region. Further details regarding the specific projects are expected to be announced soon.

📢 NTA & NEP favour private coaching, says student leader

Student leader Neha Bora contended that the NTA and NEP have built a 'grand private model of education' over the public system. She made this claim while in Chennai during her 'Gen Z Rising' national tour on Thursday. The critique comes amidst protests concerning NEET, federal structure, and delimitation. Bora alleged that the NTA's setup encourages corruption, citing paper leak incidents involving its own members. She concluded that education is now becoming a profit opportunity, making state schools irrelevant. 😟

🔫 CoD MW4 Early Access Beta drops soon

The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Early Access Beta is set to kick off on August 21, 2026, starting at 11 AM PT/2 PM ET across most regions. This initial beta will include new content from the MW4 campaign, running until August 25 for platforms excluding Nintendo Switch 2. Pre-orders grant automatic access, or players can get a code via Discord Nitro. The public Open Beta follows on August 28, 2026, starting at 10 AM PT/1 PM ET. This later open beta is available on all platforms and does not require a pre-order.

🛠️ Job card mela kicks off in Mysuru district

A job card mela has been launched across all 255 gram panchayats in Mysuru district to boost the VB-G RAM G mission. The Mysuru Zilla Panchayat initiated this campaign following directions from the Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj. The scheme aims to provide employment security, promising up to 125 days of work at ₹382 per day. Officials are visiting households to register employment needs and issue Rozgar Guarantee Cards to eligible families. This effort intends to strengthen rural livelihoods and reduce migration to urban areas. 🛠️

🔥 Cox scores maiden Test fifty for England

Jordan Cox reached his first Test fifty while partnering with Joe Root at Headingley. He played for England in the red-ball format, stepping in after Jacob Bethell's knee injury during ODIs against India. Cox has shown determination, prioritizing Test cricket over T20s despite franchise play. His innings helped put England in a strong position against Pakistan's modest attack. The fire to prove his spot in the England lineup continues to shine through.

🔥 Cox fires but Hundred glory remains out of reach

Jordan Cox showed strong batting form during a session at Headingley, partnering with Joe Root. This happened while England was playing a Test match, and Cox is filling in for the injured Jacob Bethell. The partnership helped put England in a strong position against a modest Pakistan attack. Cox's performance shows his determination to prove himself at this level of cricket. He is actively trying to make the number three spot his own. 🏏

🎬 How trailers are picked for Gamescom's ONL

Geoff Keighley confirmed that Opening Night Live features both editorial and paid trailer placements. These placements are secured by companies who purchase space within the show, much like a booth at Gamescom. While many indie titles get free editorial consideration, paid ads are also available to partners. Editorial selection often depends on the scale of the news or announcement being presented. Gamescom views these digital shows as a hybrid way to extend the event's global reach. 🎮

🍥 Charles Melton reportedly set to play Kakashi in Naruto movie

Charles Melton is reportedly in the final stages of negotiations to portray Kakashi in Destin Daniel Cretton’s upcoming Naruto movie. He is reportedly in talks for this role in the film directed by Cretton. The casting news surfaced on August 21, 2026, following intense fan discussion online. Melton, a known anime fan and Taekwondo black belt, fits the character well despite turning down other roles. Casting for the main Naruto role is still ongoing with an open call out in summer 2026.