🎮 Gears of War beta tests drop with Game Pass update

The first wave of new games for Xbox Game Pass is arriving in the first half of August 2026. The highlight is the Gears of War: E-Day multiplayer beta test, running from August 6 to August 10, 2026. This beta is available for pre-order holders or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate/PC Game Pass subscribers. The update also brings titles like Power Wash Simulator 2 and Grounded 2. Players can try the epic 12-player Siege Horde mode before the full game launches on October 6, 2026. 🎮

🚨 Inquiry launched into Meta over child abuse ads

The NCPCR has started a formal inquiry into claims that ads on Meta platforms promoted Child Sexual Abuse Material. This action followed a BBC Eye report last month alleging such content on Instagram. The NCPCR issued a notice to Meta Platforms Inc. on July 3, and the NHRC directed Delhi Police to investigate. The commission wants to determine the facts of these serious allegations regarding child protection rules. The Centre will raise these concerns with Meta's global team during a meeting on August 5 and 6.

📰 India says govt not involved in Hasina's press event

The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the government has no involvement in Sheikh Hasina's press conference. This event is being organized by a private media entity at the Foreign Correspondents Club in Wednesday. Sheikh Hasina, who fled in August 2024, is set to announce her return plans on August 2, 2026. This follows a caution from Tarique Rahman's adviser about potential harm to ties. The Bangladesh government also urged media to stop giving platforms to her remarks. 🧐

🤖 Motorola rolls out Android 17 Beta to more devices

Motorola has expanded the availability of its Android 17 Beta program to a wider range of handsets. This update is now rolling out to Razr Foldables and Moto G series phones. The beta testing phase began on specific dates, providing early access to the latest OS features. This expansion lets more users experience the new Android 17 capabilities ahead of the official release. Users are advised to check official channels for specific download instructions.

🗣️ Stalin on 'Terrorist' Remark After Release

Udhayanidhi Stalin shared his initial statements following the recent controversy. He addressed the situation while in the wake of the Trisha remark row. The details surrounding the incident involved public scrutiny and political debate. This situation has drawn significant attention to the ongoing discussions in Tamil Nadu politics. He is expected to address further developments related to this matter soon. 🗣️

📱 Jio, Airtel, Vi might hike mobile prices soon

India's major telecom operators, Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vi, are reportedly planning to increase their mobile tariffs. This potential price hike is expected to affect customers across India. The increase is anticipated to be in the range of 12 to 15% over the next three to four months. This move comes amid rising operational costs and increased competition in the market. Consumers should brace for potential changes in their monthly mobile bills soon. 💸

🦟 Climate change shifts malaria hotspots in Africa 🦟

Climate change is actively changing the geographical areas where malaria is prevalent across Africa. This shift affects regions like high-elevation East and southern Africa, while potentially reducing cases in West Africa. The analysis looked at 50,425 surveys from 1900 to 2016 to track these changes. Researchers project that climate change could slightly speed up malaria elimination in West and central Africa. However, medical care and vector control remain more impactful than climate change for mitigation.

🏒 Hockey India jersey issue sparks internal drama

A dispute over the Hockey India jersey has escalated into a major internal conflict. DG Srivastava reportedly missed a deadline set by Dilip Tirkey regarding the issue. The secretary has now called for an emergency executive board meeting to address the situation. This development comes amid ongoing discussions about team apparel and branding. The board meeting is expected to bring some clarity to the ongoing jersey row soon. 🏒

🛡️ Pakistan Army swaps WhatsApp for China's WeChat due to security risks

The Pakistan Army is reportedly discontinuing its use of WhatsApp for official communications. This shift is happening because of increasing concerns over spying and hacking vulnerabilities associated with the platform. The move comes as security protocols are being significantly reviewed across military networks. Officials are looking for more secure alternatives to protect sensitive operational data. The Army is expected to fully transition to WeChat or a comparable secure platform soon. 🛡️

🚗 Fuel ban for uninsured vehicles proposed by SC

The Supreme Court proposed a pilot project where fuel would only be supplied to vehicles with valid insurance. This move targets the nearly 56% of vehicles on Indian roads that currently lack proper insurance coverage. The court directed linking ANPR cameras with insurance databases to automatically issue e-challans to uninsured cars. Furthermore, it ordered IRDAI to extend mandatory third-party insurance periods for new cars and two-wheelers. This system aims to curb uninsured vehicles and ensure timely compensation for accident victims. 🚗

⚖️ Lawyer drops case against Noida teen after PM Modi's pardon

Supreme Court lawyer Smriti Singh withdrew her complaint against a Noida teenager who made abusive remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This incident occurred during a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, and a Zero FIR was registered with Delhi Police. The teenager later apologized, stating she was influenced by people at the protest. Singh decided to drop the case, saying if the PM could forgive, she could too. Her decision was formally communicated to the Delhi Police on August 04, 2026.