⚽ Fermin Lopez ready for false nine role at Barcelona

Fermin Lopez confirmed he is happy to adapt and play as a false nine for Barcelona this season. This comes after Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres have exited the club during the summer transfer window. While Barca still seeks a new striker, the final decision on a replacement is pending before the window closes. Lopez noted he has experience in this role, similar to his favorite attacking midfielder position. He mentioned several players, including Gordon, could score goals next season for the Catalan giants. ⚽

📱 CNET readers predict Apple's next big drops

Nearly 80% of CNET readers expect Apple to debut its first foldable phone this year, possibly as early as September. The rumored book-style device could launch alongside the iPhone 18, potentially starting at $2,000. Meanwhile, 72% believe the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max will bring back the black color option. Most readers are unlikely to see new AirPods with cameras this year, with some expecting them in 2027. Finally, 16% of readers wish for a lower sticker price on the iPhone. 📱

🏛️ Ex-SC judge to probe police action at Parliament march

The Supreme Court has formed a high-powered committee to investigate police action during the CJP-led Parliament march on July 20. This committee will be led by a retired SC judge and include a former HC chief justice and a senior police officer. The court is looking into allegations, counter-allegations, and the graded use of force during the protest. The committee will immediately hear victims and examine evidence, including pellet gun use. Authorities must hand over all digital and documentary records to begin the inquiry seriously. 🧐

📉 Tech selloff drags Wall Street as bond yields rise

A tech selloff is currently weighing down the overall performance of Wall Street stocks. This market dip is affecting major indices across the US financial sector. Bond yields have climbed recently, reaching new levels in the last few weeks. This rising cost of borrowing is creating investor caution in the tech space. Analysts are watching to see how long this trend in yields will continue.

📱 Apple splits iPhone 18 launch schedule

Apple is deviating from its usual release timeline by splitting the iPhone 18 launch across two years. The three high-end iPhone 18 models, including the iPhone 18 Pro, will drop in September 2026. The standard iPhone 18, iPhone 18e, and iPhone Air 2 are scheduled for spring 2027. This change is reportedly to spread iPhone sales throughout the year. Analysts predict the Pro models could see a price jump of $100 to $300. 📱

🚨 UAE Halts All Trade with Iran Post Missile Scare

The United Arab Emirates suspended all trade and financial dealings with Iran on Tuesday. This action followed a regional escalation after the UAE accused Iran of firing two ballistic missiles near its territory. The UAE stated the missiles targeted maritime navigation, while Iran categorically rejected these claims. Previously, the UAE had faced numerous attacks from Iran since the Middle East war started on February 28. Iran, in turn, warned that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until a peace agreement with the United States is reached.

⚽ Mourinho: Real Madrid is a different league

José Mourinho shared his first external interview since returning to Real Madrid, discussing his evolution as a coach and manager. The coach stated that Real Madrid operates on a different level, demanding commitment from players. He praised Kylian Mbappé's performance, noting his dedication and skill during training. Regarding Rodri, Mourinho mentioned that Real Madrid made a substantial offer, but the player hesitated. He asserted that the club requires players who commit fully without second thoughts. ⚽

⚙️ NTA shakes up, ditches 600 experts for tighter checks

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has decided to remove 600 experts and implement a new four-tier paper scrutiny system. This major operational change was discussed with Education Minister Pralhad Joshi in New Delhi on Tuesday. The agency plans to onboard 20-25 new officials and move offices quickly over the next two to three weeks. This enhanced checking mechanism aims to catch factual and language errors before final exams are set. Furthermore, NTA is hiring for 10 leadership roles and overhauling its internal security protocols. 📚

✈️ Heart Aerospace's electric plane takes off for the first time

Heart Aerospace's X1 battery-electric demonstrator completed its inaugural flight, successfully reaching 1,100 feet. This full-scale demonstrator was tested at Plattsburgh International Airport in upstate New York. The 27-minute mission occurred on August 12, and the aircraft weighed over 25,000 pounds at takeoff. This flight demonstrated electric flight at a commercial airliner scale, using about $5 worth of electricity. The X1 validates tech for the planned ES-30, aiming for commercial service in 2031. ✈️

🤱 TN Govt Approves Huge Maternity Leave for Third Child

The Vijay government in Tamil Nadu has officially approved a groundbreaking maternity leave policy. This major update benefits mothers in the state, specifically for the birth of a third child. The policy grants a full 365 days of paid leave to the eligible mothers. This initiative aims to support working parents and improve gender equality in the workforce. Further details regarding the implementation timeline are expected to be released soon. 🤱

😟 Mamdani on Netanyahu Billboard with Iran & Hezbollah Leaders

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani was featured on a campaign billboard in Tel Aviv alongside leaders from Iran, Hezbollah, and Turkey. The billboard, run by Netanyahu's Likud party, warns, “They want Netanyahu to lose Don’t let them win.” This follows Mamdani's strong criticism of Israel’s Gaza war and his public call labeling Netanyahu a "war criminal." Netanyahu has responded by accusing Mamdani of "fomenting hate" ahead of Israel's October elections. The feud heats up as Gaza ceasefire talks continue to face difficulties. 😟