🏒 Belgium hosts Hockey World Cup despite stadium issues

Belgium is now set to host the Hockey World Cup despite previously lacking a proper dedicated stadium. The tournament is scheduled to take place starting on May 29th. This hosting decision comes after significant planning and logistical arrangements were finalized for the event. The decision was made to ensure a smooth execution of the international sporting event. Future plans involve upgrading local facilities to meet global standards. 🏒

🥊 Boxer Prichard Colon Dies at 33

Prichard Colon passed away at the age of 33, years after a severe brain injury from his 2015 fight. The Puerto Rican boxer suffered a major brain bleed during his October 17, 2015 match against Terrel Williams in Fairfax, Virginia. He spent 221 days in a coma before leaving the hospital in 2016, resulting in major health issues. Colon’s family later sued the doctor and promoters seeking over $50 million regarding the injury. The exact medical cause of his death remains undisclosed by his family or doctors. 😔

⛏️ Mining Law Update: States' Rights Intact

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, passed in Parliament on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy confirmed the law does not infringe on States' resource rights, focusing on growth and equity. The amendment targets major minerals, including coal and lithium, affecting 11 specific States. States' share in mineral revenues rose significantly from 65% to 88% between FY 2014-15 and FY 2024-25. India anticipates its first coal exchange within eight to nine months.

🚀 OpenAI swaps CRO amid executive reshuffle

OpenAI has replaced its Chief Revenue Officer, Denise Dresser, after only nine months on the job. The new CRO is Dali Rajic, who joins the company from Wiz, taking over the frontier lab's top sales role. This change is part of a wider shake-up involving departures like COO Brad Lightcap and No. 2 exec Fidji Simo in the last month. OpenAI has over one billion weekly active users and two million businesses using its products. The company is reportedly focusing intensely on measurable business impact ahead of a potential IPO.

🧐 Expired food seized at Apollo Hospital canteen

Inspectors discovered expired ingredients, stale bread, and misbranded items during a raid at Apollo Hospital's Bannerghatta Road canteen. This occurred as part of a broader enforcement drive by Karnataka's Food Safety Division. Officials seized four packets of mixture and nine packets of pani puri that had passed their shelf life. The inspection team also noted the use of non-compliant plastic chopping boards. Notices have been issued, and legal action is being recommended for the violations. 🧐

✈️ Malaysia Tourism Push Heats Up in Chennai

Officials from Malaysia attended the Sales Mission to India 2026 roadshow held in Chennai on Thursday. Malaysia confirmed India is a key market, supported by over 190 weekly direct flights with 37,000+ seats. Forty-seven Malaysian tourism stakeholders participated to boost trade and opportunities. The goal is to promote destinations beyond Kuala Lumpur, like Sarawak and Langkawi. This aims to encourage longer stays and higher visitor spending in the region. ✈️

✨ Google drops Gemini 3.7 Flash for coding and business tasks

Google launched Gemini 3.7 Flash on Thursday, its newest AI model focused on software coding and automating business workflows. This release is available for Google AI Pro and Ultra customers in over 160 countries. It features improved performance in coding and offers an introductory rate of 75 cents per million input tokens until year-end. The model is positioned as a lower-cost alternative for building autonomous AI systems. This move comes as Google seeks to close the gap with rivals like OpenAI. 🤖

🤖 DeepMind CEO pushed for AI safety body

Months before leaving his CEO post, Demis Hassabis met with Trump administration officials to push for a new independent industry safety body. Hassabis, who works at Google DeepMind, has been advocating for an organization that sets safety guardrails for developing AGI. He met with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trump tech adviser Michael Kratsios earlier this summer regarding his plan. His proposal suggests a U.S.-led, industry-funded body to assess AI models alongside federal agencies. Hassabis recently stepped down as CEO, shifting to chairman, as AGI development speeds up globally. 🤖

😠 Congress slams 'purification' of Kharge's venues

Andhra Pradesh Congress president Y. S. Sharmila strongly condemned the alleged purification of places visited by national president Mallikarjun Kharge. This incident allegedly took place at Ramlila Maidan and also in Haldwani, involving BJP and Hindutva organizations. The allegations surfaced on Thursday, August 13, 2026, citing caste discrimination. Sharmila stated the acts reflected untouchability and an attack on constitutional values. The Congress party plans mass marches and Satyagraha on August 14, 2026, across the state.

🏛️ Monsoon Parliament session ends in major washout

The Monsoon Session of Parliament concluded on Thursday, August 13, 2026, with very low productivity rates across both houses. Twelve Bills were passed, but only one received detailed debate, while only two questions were answered orally in Lok Sabha and 16 in Rajya Sabha. Opposition parties strongly opposed several legislations, such as the FCRA, 2026, which was sent to a JPC. Both sides blamed the other for the sluggish session, with Lok Sabha recording only 19% business. Moving forward, there is hope for changes in the Opposition's attitude during the next parliamentary session. 🏛️

💰 UAE spending big to keep Iran calm?

The UAE has reportedly offered significant incentives to Iran to prevent the country from becoming involved in the ongoing conflict. These incentives include $3 billion in cash, two tonnes of gold, and the provision of 15 planes. This diplomatic move is being observed as a strategic effort by the UAE. Observers are analyzing whether these substantial offers are aimed at de-escalation in the region. 💰