⛰️ Boulders dumped illegally in Nilgiris stream

Illegal dumping of boulders into the Geddai stream has been reported in Kundha taluk, Nilgiris. The landowners in Kil Kundha allegedly dumped at least two loads of excavated boulders into a stream flowing into Geddai Dam. This action violated permission granted by the Horticulture Department for boulder clearing between August 14 and 19. Local residents are worried the loose rocks could cause damage during heavy rains. Officials have directed the landowners to remove the rocks from the stream and dispose of them on their own property.

💔 Pooja Bedi cancels 8-year engagement with Maneck

Pooja Bedi has decided against marrying Maneck, despite their eight-year engagement. The decision was reportedly made without involving the government in the matter. The couple had maintained their relationship for a significant period, spanning eight years. This personal choice marks the end of what was expected to be a formal union. Further details regarding their separation are not yet available.

⚔️ Phantom Blade Zero reveals PC specs for new RPG

S-GAME Studio has officially dropped the PC system requirements for their action RPG, Phantom Blade Zero. Players can run it at 1080p/30 FPS with an i7-8700K and GTX 1660 6GB. For a smoother 1440p/60 FPS experience, the recommended setup is an i5-10600K and RTX 3060 Ti 8GB. This game features Soul, an assassin with only 66 days left to live, battling enemies to uncover his fate. Pre-orders are live on Steam and PlayStation Store starting at ₹4,299. ⚔️

🌌 Dark energy death might be a false alarm

A 2025 study from Yonsei University suggested evidence for dark energy could be wrong, implying the universe's expansion wasn't accelerating. However, researchers at the University of Southampton analyzed the findings and concluded it was a false alarm. The original study proposed that older white dwarf stars made distant supernovae inherently brighter than expected. Southampton's re-analysis found technical omissions and a flawed assumption regarding stellar populations. The results align with standard cosmological findings, suggesting dark energy remains a relevant concept. 🧐

🐧 Epic Games Store is making a Linux version soon

Epic Games has confirmed that a Linux version of its storefront is in development, which could ease gaming for Linux users. This confirmation came from an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on the Epic Games Store's community Discord server. While no specific date is provided, Epic stated that bringing the storefront to Linux is a significant undertaking. Currently, Steam Deck users need third-party launchers to access their Epic libraries, which this change could simplify. Furthermore, Epic recently sought a champion for a Linux-friendly anti-cheat solution.

📸 German Ambassador reflects on 35 years in India

German Ambassador Dr Jasper Wieck shared old photos recalling his first journey to India nearly 35 years ago. He looked back at memories from Mughal monuments in Agra and crowded Old Delhi streets. These pictures showcase an India of roadside cinemas and local encounters from the past. Wieck feels deeply connected to the country, stating that coming to India feels like coming home. These personal moments highlight experiences beyond just the famous tourist spots. 🇮🇳

🏛️ HC says banks can't freeze whole account over cyber fraud

The Allahabad High Court ruled that banks should not completely block an account just because a transaction is under cyber fraud investigation. The court directed banks to only block the disputed amount and let customers use the rest of their funds. This was set after a Lucknow businessman faced account freezes over a Rs 36,000 suspicious transaction. The bench emphasized that investigations must balance with an innocent person's right to legitimate finances. Banks must also clearly inform customers about the existing grievance redressal mechanism. 🏦

🤖 OpenAI bringing ads to ChatGPT in India 🤖

OpenAI is rolling out advertisements to ChatGPT users in India after testing in the US market. The company is notifying users that ads will appear below responses for Free and Go plan users. These ads will be clearly labeled as sponsored content and will not alter the model's answers. OpenAI states advertisers won't get access to private chats, though broader activity might influence personalized ads. Users can manage these preferences via Settings, but controls are not yet available for Indian users.

🛵 Ather Konarc leaks: 200km range & 10k km service

Ather Konarc is set to launch as a mainstream electric scooter on August 29th. It will be available across six variants, including options with a new Bedrock battery. These battery packs will offer ranges from 100 km up to 200 km IDC. The scooter features a built-in 450W charger and a quiet drivetrain. Maintenance is expected to be easier, requiring service only every 10,000 km or one year. ⚡️

💖 Shekhar Kapur on Sridevi: 'She was a gift'

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur paid tribute to the late Sridevi on her 63rd birth anniversary. He remembered the actor and director's best friend from when they worked together on Mr India. Kapur noted that Sridevi was sometimes in denial of her stardom while off-camera. In front of the camera, her energy was electric, making the set feel magical. He believes there will never be another Sridevi, calling her a true gift. 🌟

🚧 Delhi road closures near Red Fort on Aug 15

Several roads near the Red Fort will be closed to general traffic from 4 am to 10 am on August 15th. This restriction affects areas like Netaji Subhash Marg, Lothian Road, and Chandni Chowk Road in New Delhi. The closures are set up to manage the movement of guests and the public during the Independence Day celebrations. Commuters are advised to use alternate routes such as Aurobindo Marg or NH-24/NH-9 for smoother transit. Additionally, public transport services will be diverted from August 14 midnight until 11 am on August 15th.