🚕 Bharat Taxi launches in Pune with fixed fares

Bharat Taxi, India's first driver-owned cooperative cab service, has officially launched across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The service operates in the twin cities, offering fixed fares with absolutely no surge pricing, even during heavy rain. The rollout started with trials in Mumbai on May 25th, before the formal launch on July 23rd. Over 35,000 drivers are onboarded under a zero-commission model, backed by Sahakar Taxi Cooperative Ltd. The company is now also launching an intercity service between Pune and Mumbai. 🚕

😠 Women protesters targeted in doxxing campaign

A sinister doxxing campaign is targeting women who protested, with social media stalkers and vigilantes getting involved. Gurmehar Kaur of IYC stated that women face relentless trolling for simple protest updates online. IT cells are reportedly gathering private details like phone numbers and home addresses of innocent individuals. Content creators monitored protests to identify targets, leading to personal details being shared across social media groups. A lawyer filed a zero FIR regarding a 15-year-old's video, which was later withdrawn. 😠

🧐 Kashmir issue in Pakistan: NYT perspective

The New York Times has analyzed the persistent Kashmir problem involving Pakistan. The article examines the complex geopolitical dynamics between India and Pakistan over the region. It discusses historical conflicts and the ongoing political tensions surrounding the territory. This analysis sheds light on the deep-rooted nature of the dispute and its international implications. Future developments in this highly charged situation remain uncertain for now. 🧐

📺 Humour needed for life's absurdities, say creators

The creators of Prime Video's series Adarsh Baal Vidyalala emphasized the need for humour in modern life. Biswapati Sarkar and Sameer Saxena used their connections to build the show's riotous government school world. The series spans seven episodes, following Principal Gyaneshwar's attempts to improve his school's reputation. It satirizes issues in government-aided schools, including poor facilities and political interference. Posham Pictures is also partnering with Yash Raj Films for future projects. 🎬

🛰️ China's new plan to stop dangerous asteroids

Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology proposed a new two-stage method for handling large, potentially threatening asteroids. This strategy involves hitting the asteroid with a metal projectile to make a deep crater on its surface. Simulations show a 3-megaton nuclear explosion placed 30 meters underground could break apart a 100-meter asteroid. This method offers a stronger alternative to gentle path-changing techniques currently used. Scientists stress that using nuclear devices remains a last-resort option for planetary defense. 🚀

⚽ Bhutia slams Brazil friendly, calls out India football's mess

Bhaichung Bhutia criticized the upcoming glamour friendly match between India and Brazil as masking deeper issues in Indian football. He noted that the timing is problematic because India will also be in the FIFA ASEAN Cup around that same period. The ASEAN Cup draws include Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, where only the group winner advances. Bhutia questioned the purpose of the Brazil match, pointing to structural decline and the shutdown of Jamshedpur FC. He stressed the federation must fix the system, as even U-17s are struggling with qualifications. ⚽

🛠️ Maruti Victoris spares wheel as accessory

Maruti Suzuki removed the standard spare wheel from all Victoris variants, including CNG and Petrol versions. The company responded to buyer complaints by offering the spare wheel as a genuine accessory at an extra cost. The wheel component itself is priced at Rs 2,350 across all powertrain options. Installation requires varying bracket components depending on the vehicle's powertrain variation. Ultimately, while puncture kits offer ease, a physical spare tire remains crucial for unpredictable Indian roads.

🏏 Ex-umpire weighs in on Kohli-Gambhir IPL clash

Former Indian umpire Anil Chaudhary discussed the famous on-field spat between Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir during the 2013 IPL. Chaudhary revealed he knew Kohli well from his childhood, noting the batter has no ill intent despite his intense nature. He recalled the 2013 match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after Kohli's dismissal for 35. While aggression is necessary, Chaudhary stressed that there must be a limit that should not be crossed. Kohli is now focusing on ODIs ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

✊ Balochistan declares I-Day after splitting from Pakistan

Balochistan has officially declared August 11th as its Independence Day. This declaration comes from the region which officially broke away from Pakistan in July. The region is establishing its own identity following the separation process. This move signifies a major political shift in the region's governance. Future political developments from the newly independent region remain to be seen.

🔥 Influencer accuses CJP founder of being a 'Pak agent'

Social media influencer Faizan Ansari has lodged a complaint alleging that Abhijeet Dipke is a 'Pakistani agent' and demands his arrest. The complaint was filed at Parliament Street Police Station in New Delhi against Dipke, who returned on June 6 to lead CJP protests. Ansari claims Dipke's men attacked him in Pune and Aurangabad, while also alleging Dipke paid Uorfi Javed ₹1 lakh to support the cause. Dipke's actions are reportedly seen as trying to incite unrest across India. The influencer also praised Delhi CM Rekha Gupta for detaining Sonam Wangchuk. 🧐

⚛️ IIT Hyderabad & Crimson Energy launch nuclear training

IIT Hyderabad and Crimson Energy Experts have launched ANUGYAN, India's first industry-academia course for the civil nuclear energy sector. The three-month, residential program kicked off on August 3 at the IIT Hyderabad campus. This initiative supports India's goal to scale nuclear power from 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047. Participants will study reactor physics and get hands-on training from experts. Graduates will earn a joint certificate, boosting national energy security. ⚛️