📈 Congress slams PM over 7.8% GDP growth

The Congress party criticized the government's claim of 7.8% GDP growth for the April-June quarter. They argued this figure presents a 'Greatly Distorted Picture' of the actual economy in India. Jairam Ramesh pointed to depressed private investment and low consumer confidence as major issues. Pawan Khera questioned why this growth isn't creating jobs for the youth. PM Modi countered this by calling the first quarter's performance a 'herculean feat' 👍.

🕊️ Modi pushes for end to Ukraine war

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed the urgent need to conclude the war in Ukraine during a bilateral meeting. This discussion took place with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, today. Modi highlighted India's readiness to support the peace process, acknowledging the global toll. He emphasized that ending the conflict is vital for humanity's future. India continues to advocate for peaceful methods to resolve this ongoing impasse.

🌍 ICJ Judge pushes for stronger human rights global action

ICJ Judge Leonardo Nemer Caldeira Brant spoke about the ICJ's vital role in international law and global peace. He addressed this during a special lecture at CMR University’s School of Legal Studies in Bengaluru on Monday. The judge stressed that human rights are a shared global responsibility needing an independent judiciary. He also highlighted international legal mechanisms for climate change and environmental protection. Civil society must remain engaged to foster a just and peaceful society going forward. 🌎

🤖 iOS 27 beta 8 drops with Siri AI upgrade

Apple has released the eighth iOS 27 beta for developer testing, which is now also available to public beta testers. This update heavily focuses on Siri AI, powered by new Apple Intelligence and Foundation Models. The beta cycle is ongoing ahead of a general public release scheduled for September. Siri AI brings richer conversations and deeper app actions across the entire system. Additionally, iOS 27 includes refined Liquid Glass design and AI improvements across Photos and Safari.

⚠️ Karnataka slams sweet shops for food safety issues 🚨

Karnataka launched a massive statewide crackdown on sweet manufacturing units due to various food safety violations. Officials inspected businesses across Bengaluru and several districts, finding unhygienic conditions and improper labeling practices. Significant seizures included 400 kg of khova and expired curd, alongside other mislabeled items across the state. The inspections were conducted under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, to ensure consumer safety standards. Authorities confirmed that similar drives will continue across Karnataka, with legal action against violators.

🤖 Trump's AI video sends message to Iran

An AI-generated video showing an attack on Kharg Island was shared by President Donald Trump as a warning to Iran. Vice President JD Vance stated this was meant to warn Iran about consequences for threatening commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The video appeared on Sunday night, followed by a Monday post from Trump labeling Iran a "failed nation." Kharg Island processes roughly 90 percent of Iran's oil exports and is a key point of tension. These threats come amid recent US and Iran exchanges of fire in the region. 🚢

💧 Punjab Groundwater Use Slowing Down

Groundwater extraction in Punjab has started to decrease, a positive shift noted by officials. This drop is being credited by the AAP party to the ongoing canal infrastructure projects. The data reflects a noticeable slowdown in excessive water withdrawal over recent monitoring periods. This initiative is part of a larger push by the Mann government to promote sustainable water management practices across the state. Authorities will continue to monitor the trend to ensure long-term resource stability.

🔋 Why phone batteries are hitting 8000mAh now

Phone batteries are rapidly increasing in capacity, moving beyond the standard 5,000mAh limit. Honor shipped the X70 5G with 8,300mAh, while Xiaomi's Redmi Note 17 Pro Max launched with 10,000mAh in China. By March 2026, smartphones with 6,000mAh or more made up 29% of global sales. This shift is driven by silicon-carbon technology, which allows more energy storage without significantly increasing size. Manufacturers are now focusing on battery health and longevity alongside raw capacity. 🔋

⚖️ Minister faces expulsion over serious allegations

Chirag Paswan stated that MLA Sanjay Singh would be expelled from LJP(RV) if allegations against him are proven true. The issue involves Sanjay Singh, a Minister in Bihar, and the allegations were raised by JJD leader Tej Pratap Yadav. The claims surfaced around August 31, 2026, detailing indecent behaviour and a ₹25 lakh hush-up in a Delhi hotel. Paswan demanded an investigation and warned against protecting such individuals within the party. Meanwhile, Singh's advocate issued a legal notice seeking an apology and ₹50 crore from Yadav. 🧐

😟 Indian-Americans pulling away from Trump in US midterms

A new survey indicates that a majority of Indian-Americans intend to vote for the Democrats in the upcoming November midterm elections. This trend was observed across House and Senate races, with 66% favoring Democrats in both elections. Economic issues like inflation and healthcare are top concerns for this community. Furthermore, 70% of Asian-American voters view Donald Trump unfavorably. These findings suggest a notable shift away from Trump's support among Indian-Americans. 😟

🎬 Director reveals tough call between Billa 2 and Panjaa

Director Vishnu Vardhan shared memories about his work with Pawan Kalyan ahead of Panjaa's 4K re-release. He revealed that he had a chance to direct Billa 2 with Ajith before Panjaa began production. Facing a tough choice between the two committed projects, Vishnu ultimately prioritized his commitment to Pawan Kalyan. This decision, made due to date issues, meant letting go of the Billa 2 opportunity. The director credits the trust from producers and Pawan Kalyan for exploring new avenues with Panjaa.