🚨 Delhi Police on FRS use during NEET protests

Delhi Police submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court regarding the use of facial recognition technology during the NEET-UG paper leak protests. This deployment took place in New Delhi during the Cockroach Janta Party Protest at Jantar Mantar. The police stated they found 2,873 persons with serious criminal antecedents, of which 92 were involved in over 10 cases. They maintained the FRS was a legitimate and proportionate policing measure, not for indiscriminate surveillance. The police clarified that tear smoke shells were used only as a last resort on July 20. 👮

📉 US opinion of India dips below 50%

For the first time, more Americans view India unfavourably than favourably, according to Pew Research Center findings. This shift was noted among adults in the US, as of the Spring 2026 Global Attitudes Survey. Specifically, 45% now hold a favourable view, while 50% hold an unfavourable one, marking a low since 2008. The decline follows previous drops, as favourable views fell from 51% in 2023. Moving forward, this trend shows a weakening of India's standing among the American public. 📉

⚽ Rodri picks Barca over Madrid despite equal offers

Rodri chose to join Barcelona instead of Real Madrid despite receiving nearly identical contract offers from both clubs. The Spanish midfielder valued the sporting project more than the financial package during his decision. Reports indicate that Barcelona offered a more stable and clearly defined environment under Hansi Flick. Rodri felt the direction at Barcelona matched his experience with the Spain national team. This choice highlights his focus on career stability as he enters his thirties. ⚽

😟 Why India was unhappy with its image in Sweden

In the 1960s, Indian diplomats were frustrated by unfavorable coverage of India in Scandinavian press. Indian missions in Copenhagen and Stockholm noted heavy reliance on British and American news agencies for reporting. The Indian Embassy in Copenhagen reported this dependency to the Ministry of External Affairs in 1964. Ambassador Khub Chand criticized the emphasis on 'filth and squalor' and blamed British media influence. He suggested changing the tone of British press to improve India's image abroad.

🔬 Science disruption rate debate heats up after Nature paper

The co-author of a 2023 Nature paper claims his findings on slowing scientific disruption remain valid despite peer pushback. Michael Park, Erin Leahey, and Russell Funk's paper analyzed millions of patents and papers to suggest a fundamental shift in science. Five researchers, including those from VUB, criticized the original analysis, alleging errors in the underlying data. Funk insists on his work, pointing to nearly 100 independent studies supporting declining disruptiveness since the publication. Nature responded by defending its process, noting both sides' critiques were published for full scientific exchange. 🧐

🩺 TB survivors still face high risk, study shows

A new study found that people who complete TB treatment remain at high risk of developing the disease later. This research was conducted by Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Johns Hopkins University, and NTEP across Pune, Maharashtra. Over 18 months, 1,076 survivors and 3,309 contacts were monitored between January 21, 2021, and September 4, 2023. The trial suggests phone-based screening is viable, but home-based screening catches more recurrent cases. Comprehensive post-TB care is needed to reduce long-term health impacts. 🩺

🗳️ BJP names key leaders for UP and Punjab elections

The BJP appointed new state in-charges ahead of upcoming polls in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Vinod Tawde was named in-charge for UP, while Satish Poonia will handle the Punjab operations. These appointments came on Tuesday, a day after the BJP announced a new team of national office-bearers. The party is aiming for a third consecutive term in Uttar Pradesh. Tarun Chugh was also assigned responsibility for Gujarat.

🤖 AI helps ransomware steal data using Claude Code

A new report detailed how ransomware operators weaponized Anthropic’s Claude Code in an active attack. The suspected affiliate targeted at least eight organizations between late June 2026 and earlier incidents globally. They used Claude Sonnet 4.6 to perform LDAP pass-back attacks and steal live SQL databases. The AI interactively refined syntax to breach VPNs and exfiltrate sensitive information with minimal human input. This shows AI is now executing live exploitation, not just assisting with phishing. 🤖

🏏 Padikkal's DRS saves Rahul vs Sri Lanka

KL Rahul narrowly avoided a dismissal during India's first Test against Sri Lanka on Day 4. Devdutt Padikkal convinced Rahul to take a review when he was adjudged LBW on the last ball of the 11th over. The replays showed the ball was missing the stumps, leading to a relieved hug between the two players. This timely intervention kept the Indian innings going and swelled the lead past 225 runs. The match continued with India maintaining a strong position despite the earlier Sri Lankan resistance.

🤝 Athawale invites Dipke to RPI(A) for Ambedkar's dream

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale invited Cockroach Janta Party convenor Abhijeet Dipke to join the RPI(A). This offer was made while Athawale also pushed for NCP-SP to join the NDA. The invitation suggests a move to fulfil Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s dream and strengthen society. Furthermore, Athawale hinted at a Union Cabinet reshuffle happening very soon. He also urged Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) to join the ruling alliance despite ideological differences. 🤝

🕊️ Positive vibes in US-Iran talks, says Trump envoy

Ongoing talks between the US and Iran are reportedly 'very positive,' according to Trump's envoy. This development is taking place amid continued international diplomatic efforts. Specific figures or dates regarding the talks were not mentioned in the report. The discussions aim to navigate complex geopolitical tensions between the two nations. Further updates on the negotiations are expected as they proceed.