📈 Euro area GDP and jobs see slight bump

The euro area's seasonally adjusted GDP grew by 0.4% in the second quarter of 2026, while employment also increased by 0.1%. This data comes from a flash estimate released by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. Year-on-year, GDP rose by 1.0% in the euro area during this period. The previous quarter saw stable GDP in the euro area and a 0.1% rise in the EU. Moving forward, the Eurozone's economic momentum will be closely watched by analysts. 📈

😠 Controversy over insults to Netaji in Bengal

The West Bengal government withdrew the Banga Bibhusan honour from Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy on August 13. Roy, a BJP-backed MP from Cooch Behar, made derogatory remarks calling Netaji a “war criminal” recently. These comments, which questioned the Azad Hind Fauj's role, sparked major political backlash across West Bengal. Opposition parties and Netaji loyalists have protested, while the police have registered an FIR against Roy. The state government is also taking steps to honor Netaji further across constituencies. 😠

🌙 Greece opens 126 sites for free under the full moon

Greece is hosting a massive free night-out across 126 ancient sites coinciding with the August full moon. Visitors can explore everything from temples to Minoan palaces on Friday, August 28th, from around 7:30 pm until midnight. Highlights include Delphi and Ancient Olympia, while the Acropolis Museum stays open until midnight. Lesser-known spots like Dodona and Malia on Crete also feature in the nighttime events. This massive cultural night lets people experience history in a unique, illuminated setting. ✨

🌍 Teen refugees hit by another quake in Colombia

Teens who fled Venezuela after deadly earthquakes were caught in another disaster in Colombia. Deivi and Winder moved to Cali, Colombia, after the twin quakes hit La Guaira, Venezuela, on June 24th. The Venezuelan quakes killed over 6,300 people, while the recent Colombian quake registered a magnitude of 7.4. The brothers hope for a life of hard work and study in their new home. However, they experienced the familiar ground shaking just as they settled in. 💔

📈 MF-backed stocks saw major gains in mid-2026

Fifteen stocks held by over 100 mutual funds saw massive surges between July and early August 2026. This trend was observed across 280 stocks that received broad institutional interest in July 2026. Specifically, these 15 stocks registered gains from 50% up to 131% in the first seven and a half months of CY26. For instance, Welspun Corp hit a 132% rally while Apar Industries gained 106% based on July 2026 data. Investors are watching these high-momentum stocks as some have already become multibaggers in CY26. 📈

🛡️ SAD Chief Sukhbir Badal speaks up after Nanded attack

SAD Chief Sukhbir Singh Badal addressed reporters after an attack in Nanded, stating he is not afraid. The 64-year-old leader was treated in a hospital in Maharashtra following the incident. The attack occurred on Friday, August 13, 2026, and his right hand is in a cast. Badal believes certain forces oppose peace in Punjab and the country, viewing SAD as an obstacle. The motive remains unclear, but sources point to the drug issue handling by the former Punjab government. 😥

💡 Reed Hastings on letting go of Netflix CEOs

Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings stopped calling CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters about business matters after his exit. This happened because he observed that the two CEOs had fully absorbed his thinking. Specifically, when Netflix rejected the Warner Bros. Discovery deal this year, Hastings was not in the decision-making room. He believes they can easily mimic his ideas and should start making their own independent mistakes. This shift marks his move from being a 'parent' to a 'godparent' of the company. 🚀

⚽ TATA Steel sells Jamshedpur FC to Churchill Brothers

TATA Steel has approved the sale of its entire stake in Jamshedpur FC to Goa's Churchill Brothers Sports Club Private Limited. This transfer involves all 4.08 crore equity shares held by the steel major in its subsidiary. The deal, approved on Friday, is expected to finalize by August 31, pending AIFF clearance. Churchill Brothers will also take over the contracts for Jamshedpur FC’s 12 players and two coaches starting September 2026. This move ends TATA Steel's direct ownership but maintains its focus on grassroots football development.

⌚ Forget Pixel 11, this Google wearable is trending

Google's Fitbit Air, launched in May, is gaining significant traction among readers despite new releases. A survey of over 2,200 voters showed 75% would buy this screenless tracker over other options. Only 2.8% are interested in smart rings currently, indicating a shift in preference. Users appreciate the Air's simplicity and affordability, making it a strong contender. This suggests screenless wearables might have a lasting appeal in the market. ⌚

📱 S26 Ultra gets a sweet ₹15,000 price drop in India

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is reportedly getting a price cut of up to ₹15,000 in India. This deal makes Samsung's flagship phone more appealing to potential premium buyers across the country. The saving can come from instant discounts, bank offers, or exchange bonuses, depending on the retailer. The phone boasts a premium AMOLED display, advanced cameras, and powerful Galaxy AI features. Buyers must compare the final checkout price carefully before making a purchase. 📱

🚨 Eggs and mud pelted at MLA's son during arrest

Dramatic scenes unfolded in West Bengal when Tirthankar Ghosh, son of former TMC MLA Nirmal Ghosh, was reportedly pelted with eggs and mud. This incident took place while he was being taken into custody by police in Balasore, Odisha. The arrest is linked to the ongoing RG Kar case involving the Ghosh family. These events have sparked fresh political and public reactions across West Bengal. The investigation into the matter is currently continuing to gather more information.