📱 Galaxy S25 Ultra price hits lowest on Amazon

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is currently available on Amazon with a significant price drop. This deal is for the 12GB + 256GB version in Titanium Whitesilver, starting at Rs 94,999. This reflects a flat discount of Rs 35,000 from its launch price of Rs 1,29,999, plus an extra Rs 5,000 bank offer. Users benefit from Snapdragon 8 Elite performance, a 6.9-inch screen, and a 200-megapixel camera setup. The price is expected to get even lower as the S26 Ultra is anticipated next month. 📱

📚 New book and site boosts Nilgiris eco-learning

A book and website called 'Nilgiri Uyirsholai' was launched to enhance student learning about the environment. District Collector Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru and Asha Ajith released it in Udhagamandalam on Thursday. The first phase involves 2,250 students across 51 government schools in the Nilgiris district, starting from August 13, 2026. This project aims to connect students with the region's biodiversity and traditional knowledge directly. The initiative is set to be expanded across the entire State later on. 🌿

🚗 Maruti Baleno facelift coming in early September

The 2026 Maruti Baleno facelift is anticipated to launch in the first week of September. This update is expected to arrive in time for the festive season, strengthening Maruti's lineup. The refreshed model will feature sharper styling, including a redesigned grille and slimmer LED headlamps. A major highlight is the potential inclusion of Maruti's new affordable hybrid technology. This launch aims to keep the Baleno competitive against rivals in the premium hatchback segment. 🚗

💥 Explosion Hits Major Dutch Port, One Dead

An explosion occurred at Europe's largest port located in the Netherlands, resulting in at least one fatality. The incident took place at the massive port facility in the Netherlands. Current reports indicate that at least one person has been killed in the blast. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the serious explosion. Emergency services are on site managing the situation and assessing further damage.

🚨 Sukhbir Badal attacked in Nanded; security questions rise

Sukhbir Singh Badal, the chief of Shiromani Akali Dal, was attacked at a gurdwara located in Nanded, Maharashtra. The attacker, reported to be dressed in Nihang attire, approached Badal with a sharp-edged weapon. Badal sustained a minor hand injury, and a security personnel was also injured during the incident. This is significant because Badal has Z-plus security and previously faced an attack at the Golden Temple in Amritsar in 2024. Authorities are now facing scrutiny regarding the level of protection afforded to senior politicians.

🗳️ SIR notices deadline is August 31

In-charge Collector G. Vidyadhari announced that Special Intensive Revision (SIR) notices must be delivered by August 31. Of the total 2,29,931 notices for the district, 2,22,243 have been generated so far, with 11,012 already delivered. This came after Chief Electoral Officer Vivek Yadav reviewed election preparations via video conference from Amaravati. Officials were directed to prioritize direct delivery and set daily targets for handling Forms 6 and 8. The goal is to clear constituency-wise pending forms before the deadline. 🗳️

🎓 VIT-AP Freshers: Discover Potential and Build Skills

TCS Region Head Richard King advised VIT-AP freshers to discover their potential and develop expertise during their university years. This advice was given at the orientation programme in Amaravati on Thursday for the 2026–27 academic year batch. He stressed that continuous learning and focusing on areas of interest are crucial in the rapidly evolving technological landscape. VIT University Chancellor G. Viswanathan emphasized education as an indestructible wealth for national progress. Students were encouraged by the university leadership to explore ideas and become contributing members of society.

🔬 Deadly fungus hides in human hair follicles

A hospital-associated fungus, Candida auris, can persist on skin by manipulating immune defenses to avoid antifungal response. UCSF researchers found this fungus establishes a foothold in hair follicles, as seen in mouse studies. The fungus was first identified in Japan in 2009 and kills about 3,000 patients annually in US facilities. C. auris uses exposed chitin to trigger interferon gamma, which suppresses natural skin defenses. New strategies could involve shifting the immune response toward IL-17 to stop colonization. 🔬

🙏 CM Shivakumar bows as Karnataka Monsoon Session starts

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar bowed before entering the Vidhana Soudha on Thursday. He performed this gesture at the entrance and again before sitting in his chair. The first day's session focused on paying respects to 15 prominent deceased personalities. These tributes honored individuals like former legislators and singer Asha Bhosle. Shivakumar also announced an irrigation scheme in Hiriyur constituency will be named after D. Sudhakar. 🫡

🏛️ Supreme Court shelves AI regulation plea for governments

The Supreme Court declined to hear a plea asking for judicial guidelines on AI use by Union and State Governments. A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana noted this issue belongs to the policy domain. The petition, filed by NK Goswami, sought safeguards against unregulated AI in welfare and policing systems. The Court directed the Centre to consider the petitioner's representation already submitted to authorities. The matter is now left to the government to formulate appropriate policy measures. 🤖

🏏 MSGs vs SL in Eliminator: Match Predictions 🏏

The Hundred Men's 2026 Match 33, an Eliminator, pits Manchester Super Giants against Sunrisers Leeds on August 14th at the Kennington Oval, London. Manchester Super Giants finished second while Sunrisers Leeds finished third in the league stages. Previous records show MSGs won their last encounter by 10 wickets, and MSGs are predicted to win this match. Top performers include Tim Seifert for MSGs and Mitchell Marsh for Sunrisers Leeds. Predictions suggest Sunrisers Leeds will win the toss, but MSGs are favored to win the game.