📈 Bikaji Foods sells 30% stake in baked subsidiary to Bakemart founder

Bikaji Foods International Ltd. announced the sale of a 30% stake in its subsidiary, Bikaji Bakes Private Limited, to Thayekunni Khaleel. This transaction involved Khaleel, the founder of the Bakemart bakery brand. The sale was executed in tranches, changing BBPL from a wholly owned subsidiary. Bikaji Foods retains the remaining 70% stake in the company. Following this news, Bikaji Foods International Ltd. shares rose by 2.75% to Rs 616.30 on Wednesday.

🔥 US shifts Iran strategy from strikes to sanctions

Iran has reportedly shifted its military doctrine from defensive to offensive operations ahead of potential future conflicts. This comes as the US is reportedly shifting its approach from strikes to sanctions against Iran. Iran has restarted talks with Oman to manage the Strait of Hormuz amid economic pressure from US President Donald Trump. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has declared an economic onslaught on Iran’s global financial connections. China remains a major factor, being Iran's biggest trading partner and leading oil buyer. ⛽

🏥 UP private workers get major workplace upgrades

New rules were approved by the Yogi Adityanath-led state cabinet for private-sector workers across Uttar Pradesh. These provisions mandate things like appointment letters, annual health check-ups, and better safety standards in the state. The rules stipulate that employers with 10 or more workers must issue formal appointment letters to their staff. Furthermore, employers must arrange free annual health check-ups and provide essential amenities like clean water and restrooms. These changes aim to increase accountability for all workers, including contract and night-shift women, starting from August 26, 2026. 👍

📄 New rules for UP workers' appointments and health checks

New guidelines have been introduced to benefit workers in Uttar Pradesh. These updates specifically target laborers across the state of UP. The changes mandate the issuance of appointment letters and annual health checkups for all concerned. This aims to formalize employment and ensure the well-being of the workforce. Authorities will now enforce these new protocols starting soon.

🚩 India's Political Trajectory: Assumed to Fascist

India is currently navigating the 'Assumed Authoritarian' phase of its political journey. This trend has been observed across various segments of the nation's governance structure. Data points indicate a significant shift occurring around early 2024. This progression suggests a deepening centralization of power and reduced democratic space. Further monitoring is required to determine if the shift moves towards an 'Actively Fascist' model.

✈️ Dubai airport traffic dips amid US-Iran tensions ✈️

Dubai International Airport saw a 31.3% drop in passenger traffic during the first half of the year due to disruptions from the US-Iran war. This major international hub, located in Dubai, experienced these declines between January and June. Aircraft movements fell by 32.1% in H1, while guest volumes rose steadily in Q2 to 5 million in June. DXB anticipates a stronger second half as airline capacity and connectivity start to recover globally. This resilience shows demand is responding immediately as routes are restored.

🧑‍🌾 Engineer pivots to farm, helps 300+ growers

An engineer named Archana Stalin left her corporate career to establish myHarvest Farms, bridging the gap between farmers and consumers. She started this venture in Chennai, eventually leasing Vembu Farm in 2016 to begin the transition. Currently, myHarvest works with over 300 farmers and supplies more than 15,000 families. The platform initially used a subscription model but shifted to an order-based D2C model during COVID-19. Beyond food, the initiative also trains rural women for corporate jobs. 🥕

✨ Philips S7221 5G leaks: 64MP camera and 120Hz display

The Philips S7221 is set to launch soon on Amazon India, featuring a 5G enabled chipset. This mid-range device will boast a 6.67-inch, 120Hz screen and a main 64MP AI camera. It is expected to offer configurations of 6GB/8GB RAM and 128GB/256GB storage options. The phone also includes a 5,700mAh battery and an IP64 dust/splash resistance rating. Philips has not yet revealed the official price or the exact launch date for this handset. 📱

🔬 AI deciphers ancient bug sounds from 165 million years ago

Scientists have successfully used AI to recreate the ultrasonic communication of Jurassic insects. This breakthrough involved researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, in the United States. The study analyzed fossilized structures dating back 165 million years. This technology offers a novel way to understand ancient insect behavior and evolution. Further research aims to expand this auditory reconstruction to other prehistoric species. 🔬

👮 Savannah cops fired, four arrested over Flock misuse

An internal audit in Savannah revealed 34 unjustified searches from 39,000 Flock searches made this year. Six employees were subsequently fired from the Savannah Police Department, and four have since been arrested. These four include three former officers and one community service specialist. The arrests follow an investigation started on July 27 after the department flagged the issues. The individuals are accused of running searches on family and acquaintances, sparking wider privacy concerns. 👮

❄️ Pore-filled coating keeps surfaces cool without AC

Columbia engineers developed a pigment-free polymer coating utilizing microscopic air pores for passive cooling. This coating was tested in the Arizona desert and showed the surface stayed about 6°C below ambient air. The technology, based on PDRC, reflects sunlight and radiates heat towards the sky without external energy. The study was published in the journal Science, detailing its high solar reflectance of over 96%. This paint-like application can be used on rooftops, vehicles, and spacecraft. ❄️