😟 EPFO clashes over new IT system claims

The EPF Officers Association (EPFOA) alleged that mounting claim pendencies were left unmanaged after the rollout of the new CITES system. This issue was raised by the EPFOA in a letter sent to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. They claimed lakhs of auto claims remained pending for over 20 days, with no explanation provided. Conversely, EPFO dismissed these concerns, stating the transition caused minimal service disruption. The temporary increase in pendency was attributed solely to migrating to the new enterprise-wide platform. 😟

📰 BJP Alleges Punjab Govt Censorship

The BJP has claimed that the Bhagwant Mann government imposed 'undeclared censorship' on various media outlets across Punjab. This accusation was made by BJP representatives in the state. The claims specifically reference actions taken in the last few months. The party argues this action restricts free press and democratic space in the region. Further developments regarding this media control issue are anticipated soon. 📰

🚨 Labourer Killed by DyCM Convoy Vehicle in Jammu

A laborer was tragically killed after being struck by a vehicle from Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary's convoy. The incident occurred in the Satwari area of Jammu district late on Saturday night near Royal Furniture Showroom. The victim, identified as Bharat Kapas from Bihar, succumbed to his injuries after being hospitalised. The vehicle involved was registered as JK01AD-2158 and was returning from Kunjwani. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the accident.

⚓ Captain foils pirate attack on India-bound ship

A pirate attack on the India-bound bulk carrier, Golden Arsenal, in the Gulf of Aden was successfully thwarted on July 1. The captain secured all crew, including an Indian seafarer, inside the vessel’s fortified 'citadel' and called the Indian Navy. Pirates were unable to breach the citadel and subsequently fled the ship. Captain Vikram Singh Manhas stressed the need for vigilance amid rising piracy incidents, noting four vessels are currently held hostage. The government plans to launch a dashboard on August 15 to track every Indian seafarer's safety. ⚓

🪐 Uranus is tilted sideways, like a rolling ball 🪐

Uranus is unique because its spin axis is tilted by 97.77 degrees relative to its orbit. This ice giant is located in our solar system, and its sideways orientation is a major planetary puzzle. The leading theory suggests a giant, planet-sized impact knocked the young Uranus off-centre. This impact could also explain the shared orientation of its moons and rings. Scientists are still investigating, as other theories involving migrating moons also exist.

🚨 Christian Forum office-bearer arrested over social media post

An office bearer from the Chhattisgarh Christian Forum was arrested in Raipur for making an objectionable social media comment. The 75-year-old Arun Pannalal was booked after a complaint was filed by Amit Chimnani, a spokesperson for the ruling BJP. The FIR was lodged based on allegations that his comments hurt Hindu sentiments and aimed to promote hatred between communities. Mr. Pannalal allegedly made the comment on a Hindu deity's post on a social media app. He was subsequently arrested and sent to judicial custody. 😔

🧠 One setting cut Claude Code token burn by 45%

A tech journalist discovered that adjusting a setting in Claude Code significantly reduced token consumption. This finding was made while testing five different coding tasks using Claude Code. Across these tests, the token burn dropped by 45% when switching the effort level to Medium. This adjustment allowed the model to be more economical without severely impacting task completion. The author suggests choosing the right effort level for the specific job rather than always using the highest setting.

🤝 US VP Vance chats with PM Modi on stronger ties

US Vice President JD Vance called Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday to discuss deepening the India-US partnership. The leaders reaffirmed commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, defense, and critical technologies. The conversation happened near the time the US Senate passed a bill imposing 100% tariffs on five nations, including India and China, for Russian oil purchases. Both leaders exchanged views on various global developments that are mutually important to both nations. Future discussions aim to further enhance the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US.

🚨 Pilot of turbulent flight possibly failed drug test

The captain of Air India's Airbus A320, which experienced severe turbulence near Odisha, reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances upon arrival. This incident occurred on Tuesday, August 4th, when the aircraft carrying 145 people suddenly dropped 300 feet. Thirteen passengers and four crew members were hospitalized after the turbulence event. The DGCA is currently investigating the event, including the pilot's handling and potential causes. As per protocol, the flight crew has been taken off flying duty pending further investigation.

🏀 Curry couple hits $100M mark with charity

Stephen Curry and Ayesha Curry's foundation, Eat. Learn. Play, recently announced a major $100 million milestone. The foundation has been working in Oakland to benefit children and underprivileged families for the last seven years. This investment has resulted in 35 million meals distributed, 7,500 students tutored, and 24 schoolyards transformed. The initiative aims to provide quality food and education to children from their hometown. They emphasize that their work is just beginning to give every kid a happy childhood. 🏀

💰 UPI MDR proposed, but P2P stays free

The government has suggested that a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) might be introduced for UPI transactions. This proposed MDR would range from 0.25% to 0.4% and would apply only to transactions exceeding Rs 2,000. Importantly, all person-to-person transactions will remain free for consumers and merchants. The UPI and Services Steering Committee, led by NPCI, will make the final decision on this rate. This move aims to keep India's digital payment infrastructure sustainable and competitive.