🏛️ Colonial India's engineering legend M Visvesvaraya

M Visvesvaraya, a notable figure in colonial India, led major development projects like the Krishnarajasagara dam near Mysuru. He started his career in the Bombay Public Works Department in 1884 and later became the Diwan of Mysore state in 1912. His KRS dam preceded multipurpose dams by two decades, demonstrating early technological ambition. However, his technocratic style and planning sometimes lacked humanistic engagement. His life shows how engineers have significantly shaped global political agendas. 🧐

📉 India's service sector growth hits 4.5-year low

India's services sector growth slowed to its weakest pace in over four-and-a-half years according to the latest HSBC India Services PMI. This decline was noted across India due to softer domestic and export demand and intense competition. The Business Activity Index fell to 53.3 in July from 57.4 in June, marking the weakest rate in 53 months. While expansion continues, new business inflows expanded at the slowest pace since February 2022. Firms are now reporting that business confidence has weakened further despite some hiring improvements.

🦠 Bacteria Fight Back Against Antibiotics

Scientists discovered a new way bacteria resist antibiotics using enzymes. This defense mechanism was observed in bacteria within a laboratory setting. The study details how enzymes released by dying cells enable this resistance. This finding highlights a growing challenge in modern medicine regarding bacterial survival. Researchers plan further studies to understand and potentially counteract this biological defense.

⛽ Oil prices jump amid Red Sea tanker attacks

Oil prices have increased following reports of Houthi attacks targeting tankers in the Red Sea. These incidents occurred in the Red Sea region, affecting major shipping lanes. The price hike is directly linked to the heightened geopolitical tensions and maritime risks. Global energy markets are reacting to the instability caused by the Houthi group's actions. Analysts are closely monitoring the situation to predict future fluctuations in oil supply and demand. 📈

🧠 World Bank says AI can boost developing nations

The World Bank suggests AI could help developing nations achieve in a decade what might take a century. For India and similar countries, only 4.5% of existing jobs are at risk from automation, compared to 14.2% in high-income nations. Furthermore, 16.2% of jobs in developing economies could see productivity boosted by AI. The report emphasizes that small, low-cost AI tools can improve services like healthcare and education locally. Countries must first fix basics like power and connectivity before chasing advanced AI systems. 💡

🔥 Guimaraes move could make Arsenal unstoppable 🚀

Arsenal is reportedly targeting Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes for a £75m transfer, potentially creating a world-class midfield. The 28-year-old Brazilian has proven to be highly impactful, contributing 15 goals in the Premier League last season for Newcastle. His performance boosted Newcastle's points per game ratio significantly when he was on the pitch. This acquisition, alongside Vinicius Jr, aligns with Mikel Arteta's ambition to elevate the squad further. The Gunners are expected to finalize moves in the coming weeks to solidify their dominance.

😠 Zuckerberg must apologize over Modi video glitch

Parliament's IT panel demanded Mark Zuckerberg apologize within three days after Facebook briefly took down a video from PM Narendra Modi. The panel, led by Nishikant Dubey, stated that intermediary liability was being misused by the platform. This followed the video's temporary removal on July 28, 2023, which users noted lasted for about five hours. If he doesn't apologize, the 'safe harbour' protection for Meta platforms could be revoked. Future discussions will also cover AI content and child safety on the platform. 😠

😠 Parliament chaos as bills pass amidst protests

The Lok Sabha passed the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026, while Opposition MPs protested police action during the July 20 demonstration. Rajya Sabha saw an INDIA bloc walkout over the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026. Shashi Tharoor criticized the Centre's inaction on same-sex couples' rights after two years. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju contacted Rahul Gandhi to ease the deadlock in Lok Sabha. The houses were adjourned due to ongoing sloganeering and demands for Home Minister Amit Shah's presence. 😠

💰 Gold hits Rs 1.46 lakh on global uncertainty

Gold futures climbed for the second consecutive session, reaching Rs 1,46,464 per 10 grams on the MCX. This rally was fueled by geopolitical uncertainties and a weaker US dollar amid safe-haven buying. The RBI kept its repo rate steady at 5.25% for the fourth straight meeting. International Comex gold futures also rose to USD 4,226.50 per ounce. Investors are now watching US macroeconomic data for the next big move. 📈

🚨 Meta gets ultimatum over PM Modi video removal

A parliamentary standing committee issued a three-day ultimatum to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg regarding the removal of PM Narendra Modi's video. The committee, led by Nishikant Dubey from the BJP, demanded an apology after the erroneous blocking of the PM's July 23 video message. The demand also included concerns over CSAM on Instagram and lifting Google India's safe harbour due to cyber fraud cases. Failure to apologize could lead to the revocation of Meta's legal immunity under the IT Act. The committee's actions follow a hearing where opposition MPs challenged political influence on content moderation. 📱

🎧 CMF launches Clip Pro open-ear earbuds affordably

CMF's budget brand has dropped the Clip Pro, its first clip-style open-ear earbuds, for everyday listening. They are available from CMF in the US, UK, and Japan starting August 15, with a $79 preorder price. The earbuds offer 10 hours of playback and support Hi-Res Audio via codecs like LDAC. Key features include four HD microphones for clear calls and a Smart Dial on the case. CMF confirmed these earbuds will not be released in India. 🎧