🚶 Gangtok: India's best city to walk around

Gangtok is highlighted as one of India's most walkable cities, boasting a pedestrian-friendly environment. The city's MG Marg was pedestrianized in 2009, despite initial complaints from shop owners. The capital of Sikkim features a 12-kilometre footpath along the highway, connecting suburbs like Tadong and 5th Mile. Unlike many Indian metros, Gangtok's network of stairs and footpaths allows residents to run errands completely on foot. This pedestrian-centricity is rare in Indian cities, making it a unique urban experience. 🚶

🧐 BJP amps up attack on Rahul Gandhi over hug incident

The BJP IT Cell chief, Amit Malviya, strongly criticized remarks made by Rahul Gandhi and Sandeep Dikshit during a convention. Malviya stated their comments revealed something far more disturbing than a simple 'locker-room conversation' on August 13, 2026. He argued that the gesture showed women in public life are being reduced to objects of gratification. The Congress defended Gandhi, claiming he did not mention Italian PM Giorgia Meloni by name. The BJP maintains this highlights a deeply warped mindset regarding women's dignity. 🧐

🤔 Ashwin urges clarity for Sarfaraz's Test future

Ravichandran Ashwin suggested that Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar need to be clear with Sarfaraz Khan regarding his Test selection. Sarfaraz returned to the Indian Test team as an injury replacement for the series against Sri Lanka. Ashwin noted that Dhruv Jurel deserves the No. 6 spot because he was in the original squad. He emphasized that Sarfaraz needs clear communication about his chances in subcontinent conditions to focus on improving. Ashwin believes Sarfaraz could be a potent weapon in subcontinent conditions if given opportunities. 🏏

🌧️ Rain clouds expected for Red Fort parade

Heavy rain is forecast for Delhi-NCR on August 14, bringing cloudy skies to the Independence Day parade at Red Fort. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts heavy spells continuing through August 19, with thunderstorms and gusty winds possible. Fairly widespread to widespread rain is expected across Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab on Friday. This year's 80th Independence Day will feature Vande Mataram prominently, with a theme of Viksit Bharat. Rain activity is expected to ease by evening on August 15, making the day mostly tolerable. ☔

🥤 FSSAI cracking down on 'energy drinks' labels

India's food regulator, FSSAI, sent notices to six major brands, including Red Bull and Sting, to remove the 'energy drink' term from their labels. This action was taken because the regulator questioned the claims made on these products. The market, valued over Rs 13,000 crore, saw Sting become dominant after PepsiCo launched it in 2017. Sting is significantly cheaper than Red Bull, making it popular among blue-collar workers and students. The FSSAI is challenging the notion that these drinks actually provide the promised energy boost. ⚡

🔬 Stage 4 lung cancer treatment is evolving

Treatment for stage 4 lung cancer has significantly advanced with the rise of precision oncology and newer therapies. This change is seen at places like Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, where doctors are now using advanced methods. Modern approaches allow some patients to achieve longer disease control and better quality of life. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are key, focusing on individual tumor genetics rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. For some patients, five-year survival rates without driver mutations can reach around 25 per cent.

🦖 Dinos invade suburbia in survival thriller

A wormhole suddenly brings dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures into an American suburban town in 1982. The Platts, played by Denise (Anne Hathaway) and Greg (Ewan McGregor), are the family facing this chaos. The film runs for 99 minutes, showcasing the family's struggle against rampaging animals. It delivers on the thrill of survival without becoming overwhelming or overly dramatic. The movie achieves clinical efficiency by keeping the focus tight on the immediate danger.

🚢 Trump shifts carrier tech from electric to steam

President Donald Trump has ordered the Navy to switch future Ford-class carriers from electromagnetic catapults to traditional steam-powered systems. This directive specifically impacts the USS Doris Miller, which is currently under construction at Huntington Ingalls Industries in Virginia. The change reverses the original all-electric design and will require extensive retrofitting, including new piping and boilers. Returning to steam technology is expected to increase staffing needs and make daily operations more labor-intensive for sailors. The Pentagon has two months to submit a detailed implementation plan addressing these engineering and personnel challenges. 🚢

🛡️ Apple sends security warnings to 110 countries

Apple has issued another round of threat notifications to users across 110 countries. These warnings are designed to alert users about potential mercenary spyware targeting their devices. To date, Apple has sent these alerts to users in 150 countries over time. The notifications indicate potential targeting, not necessarily a current hack, and should be taken seriously. Users advised to immediately use Lockdown Mode upon receiving such an alert.

🚗 VW's new sub-4m SUV based on Kylaq approved

Volkswagen is launching a sub-4-meter SUV in India, which will be badge-engineered from the Skoda Kylaq. This new model is set to enter the competitive segment where sales hit about 110,000 units monthly. The project cost for this SUV is roughly 25 million euros, equating to Rs 275 crore. It will utilize a 1.0-litre TSI petrol engine, featuring an 8-speed automatic transmission. The exact launch timeline is yet to be revealed, but the segment is expected to get even more crowded. 🚗

📸 S27 camera design might switch to a bar look

Leaked visuals suggest the Samsung Galaxy S27 series might ditch the ring camera design for a new triple-camera bar setup. This design, seen in WIPO filings, resembles the Google Pixel style and could result in a slimmer phone body. The official reveal for the S27 series is still months away, but internal testing of One UI 9.5 has begun for four models. Samsung is reportedly refining the S27 Pro to be a balanced flagship, while the Ultra might skip variable aperture. These design patents are not final confirmations of the upcoming phones. 📱