🪔 California officially recognizes Diwali Day

The California State Assembly adopted a resolution recognizing November 8 as Diwali Day and encouraged state citizens to celebrate. Assembly members Darshana Patel and Ash Kalra moved this resolution, which was adopted on Thursday. The Assembly specifically recognized the 2026 Diwali festival on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Diwali is a major holiday for Indian Americans and South Asian Americans, celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains globally. The resolution emphasizes the festival's themes of triumph over evil, positivity, and reflection for all celebrants.

🚃 Madras's hand-pulled rickshaw history

Hand-pulled rickshaws, originally called jinrikisha from Japan, appeared in early 20th Century Madras as a cheap transport option. These vehicles were pulled by human laborers, leading to social criticism regarding the working conditions of the pullers. In 1973, the government officially banned these rickshaws, aiming to replace 2,000 with mechanized alternatives. Prior to the ban, 6,000 rickshaw pullers had received aid, and the cycle rickshaw started gaining popularity. Subsequently, cycle rickshaws took over, eventually being displaced by autorickshaws by the 1990s. 😔

✈️ Madras's vintage flight history is wild

Air travel in Madras started early, with D’Angelis making a maiden flight in 1910. The Madras Flying Club was founded in 1930, led by William Maurice Browning of Burmah Shell. In 1933, a Madras Air Taxi Service launched, offering flights from Madras to anywhere in India and Burma. Capt. V. Sundaram and Usha set a record by flying from London to Madras over 27 hours. This early aviation history shows a rich private initiative before national services took over. ✈️

💊 Centre bans cold medicine combo for kids under four

The Central government has prohibited the sale of the fixed-dose combination of Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride for children under four years old. This directive from the Union Health Ministry targets manufacturers of the concerned FDCs nationwide. The ban was issued after an expert committee flagged potential health risks associated with using these medicines in young children. Safer alternatives for common cold symptoms are reportedly available in the market for parents. This action follows recent crackdowns, including 16 FDCs banned in June this year. 💊

🎮 Arc Raiders delays Expeditions until early 2027

Embark Studios announced that all future Arc Raiders Expeditions are delayed until early 2027 for major improvements. This change affects players of the extraction shooter, Arc Raiders, developed by Embark Studios. Expedition 5 will be the last before the pause, running from September 8 to September 29, 2026. The developers cite community feedback regarding departure windows and reward structure as reasons for the overhaul. Players are assured their consecutive buffs will persist, and they anticipate more details in September. 🎮

💰 Trump claims US is 'making a fortune' with tariffs

Donald Trump asserted during a rally that the United States is making a fortune thanks to his tariff policies. He stated that foreign companies are now investing $19.2 trillion in the US. Furthermore, Trump mentioned concluding a deal to lower ground beef prices for working families. This deal allows up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef to be imported tariff-free for 90 days. These measures aim to support ranchers and reduce costs for Americans.

🏃 Deomali hosts Red Run for HIV/STI awareness

A 5-km Red Run Mini Marathon was organized in Deomali, Tirap district on Friday to boost awareness about HIV/AIDS and STIs among youth. The event was managed by the Red Ribbon Club, NSS Unit, and Care Me Home Welfare Society under APSACS. Around 50 participants, including students and volunteers, joined this fitness and health initiative. Principal Dr Watsen Bangsia stressed the need for disciplined and responsible citizenship among students. The run concluded with a call for youth to stay informed and promote a healthier community. 🏃

📱 Poco X8 and X8 Power marketing leaks drop

Marketing materials have leaked for the upcoming Poco X8 and X8 Power smartphones. These devices are reportedly rebrands of the Redmi Note 17 Pro and Redmi Note 17 Pro Max, respectively. The X8 boasts a 9,000 mAh battery and a 6.83-inch AMOLED screen, while the X8 Power features a 10,000 mAh battery. Both phones will launch in India by early September and are expected to be less expensive than the Poco X8 Pro. They will both offer significant software and durability features. 📱

👑 Madras's old-school luxury transport

Palanquins were a popular mode of transport in Madras, historically associated with high status and the elite. Charles Lockyer's 1711 account noted that the better sort traveled in these carried by six or eight coolies for three pence daily. These ornate conveyances, originating from Sanskrit and Tamil words, were status symbols, even for the English residents. Lady Elizabeth Gwillim described palanquins for high society dinners, which sometimes involved nine to nineteen men. By the late 19th century, these grand methods of travel were seen as obsolete. 🧐

🎬 Must-watch content before Avengers: Doomsday 🦸

Avengers: Doomsday is coming to bring the MCU together against Doctor Doom's threat. This major film, directed by Anthony Russo and Joe Russo, is scheduled for December 18 this year as part of Phase 6. The movie features heroes from various universes, including the Avengers, Wakandans, Thunderbolts, Fantastic Four, and X-Men. Fans should watch several titles like Infinity War, Endgame, Loki, and the Fantastic Four: First Steps. This preparation is essential to fully grasp the epic scale of the upcoming event.

📉 Smartphone market dips in 2026, Samsung targets No. 1 spot

Global smartphone shipments are projected to drop by 14.3% in 2026 due to rising component costs and affordability issues. Samsung is anticipated to reclaim the global number one position, leveraging its strong supply chain and diverse product line. Chinese OEMs are facing steeper declines, ranging from 15% to 34% in 2026. Apple is expected to remain relatively stable but faces constraints from higher pricing strategies. The market is set to see a rebound starting in 2028 as 6G commercialization expands.