💰 Gold ETFs see positive inflows in July

Gold market prices rose above $4,200, with investor interest returning to gold-backed ETFs in July. Global gold ETFs saw holdings increase by 23.5 tonnes, valued at $2.965 billion, driven by European-listed funds. Year-to-date, global gold ETF inflows total US$11bn, representing a 39t increase in holdings. Investors are tactically buying as prices near $4,000/oz are seen as an attractive re-entry point. European demand remained strong, while North America is still in net outflow territory.

🎬 Madhavan: Aditya Dhar spent ₹10cr on Dhurandhar detailing

Madhavan shared insights regarding the film Dhurandhar, noting the massive investment in its visual quality. He stated that director Aditya Dhar spent a staggering ₹10 crore specifically on 'peak detailing' for the movie. This expenditure was highlighted during discussions about the production's high standards. Madhavan openly commented that Dhar's commitment to detail was truly 'insane.' Moving forward, this level of craftsmanship is expected to elevate the film's overall impact.

💸 NYC life on a tight $35k budget? Here's how.

A young woman named Julia manages to live in New York City despite earning only $35,000 annually after tax. She shares her budget blueprint, detailing how she splits rent on a Brooklyn apartment and manages her food costs. Julia allocates $1,200 monthly for her share of rent and keeps groceries under $250 per month by shopping smart. Transportation costs are kept low at around $70 monthly using the Fair Fares OMNY card. She balances this with entertainment hacks, like using lottery apps for Broadway shows.

🛡️ Ai+ launches Project Trust+ for safer phones

Ai+ has rolled out Project Trust+ to boost smartphone security across the platform. This initiative invites ethical hackers and researchers to collaborate closely with Ai+ in India. The company has committed ₹100 crore over the next five years to this program. This moves beyond traditional bug bounty models by fostering an open testing ecosystem. Ai+ aims to rebuild trust by inviting community scrutiny of its devices.

🦁 Brij Bhushan gets huge welcome in Gonda after acquittal

Brij Bhushan Singh was given a massive welcome in his home district Gonda after being acquitted in the sexual harassment case. The BJP MP and former WFI chief arrived at Ayodhya's international airport on Thursday. The acquittal happened in a Delhi court on Monday, after allegations surfaced in April-May 2023. Singh claimed the accusations were politically motivated and that he wouldn't have ended the matter by giving in to pressure. He later held a rally titled "Satyamev Jayate" in Gonda. 👑

📰 Karnataka's big news dump: AI, arrests, and rain woes 🌧️

The NIA arrested another absconding accused, Ummar Farook M.R., in the Praveen Nettaru murder case, bringing total arrests to 25 in Kochi. Karnataka is exploring a major partnership with Anthropic to boost AI across governance and education. Kodagu district currently has below-normal rainfall, but a minister is hopeful for better August showers. Agriculture students in Shivamogga blocked their university gate protesting recruitment norms for AO/AAO posts. Meanwhile, an MLA escorted his political rival during a visit to an industrial area after a chemical leak.

🚩 Ministers warn against Hindu Rashtra idea

Karnataka ministers Yathindra Siddaramaiah and Priyank Kharge spoke out against the concept of a Hindu Rashtra on Thursday, August 6. Both Congress leaders made these statements at separate public events in Bidar and Bengaluru. Yathindra stated that a Hindu nation poses a major danger, while Priyank accused the BJP of selectively using Ambedkar's legacy. They emphasized that such ideologies threaten the constitutional principles of equality and liberty. The Congress plans to continue defending social justice amid this ongoing ideological clash.

🌳 3 more Lalbagh-style gardens coming to Bengaluru

The Karnataka government plans to develop three new Lalbagh-like gardens across Bengaluru city. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar revealed this during the 220th Lalbagh Flower Show inauguration on Thursday, August 6th. One park will be on defence land, and two others will be situated on forest land within the city limits. The Greater Bengaluru Authority, BDA, and Horticulture Department will manage the development of these new green spaces. Furthermore, the CM announced a new farmer-government initiative on August 15th to boost state greenery. 🌳

✊ Telangana gig workers planning indefinite strike starting August 8

Gig workers in Telangana are planning an indefinite strike starting August 8 due to several key demands. The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) is pushing for discussions with government officials regarding their concerns. Their demands include fixing reasonable base fares and immediately notifying the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Rules. This action follows a previous flash strike on July 22 where over 3.9 lakh workers participated. The union is seeking dignity and social security for all platform workers.

🚦 75 wardens hit Kozhikode to beat traffic jams 🚦

Seventy-five traffic wardens have been deployed across Kozhikode city to help police regulate traffic at major choke points. This initiative, proposed by District Police Chief A.P. Shoukathali, involves volunteers from NSS, NCC, and Fire and Rescue Services. The project was inaugurated by Kozhikode South MLA Fyzal Babu on Wednesday evening, August 5th. Traffic Inspector K. Abdul Hakkim hopes this deployment could cut congestion by almost 60% once wardens are fully operational. They are currently stationed at bottlenecks like Malaparamba and Karaparamba Junction.

⚖️ Journalist gets 10 years for rape case

Journalist Tarun Tejpal was sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexual harassment and rape against a junior colleague. This decision came from the Goa bench of the Bombay High Court, overturning a 2021 acquittal. The ruling confirmed he was guilty of rape by someone in a position of dominance. Separately, the Union government spent Rs 557.5 crore on PM Modi’s foreign trips since 2021. The Supreme Court also rejected a bail plea for Ashish Mishra in the Lakhimpur Kheri case. ⚖️