🛡️ Govt tells Meta: No safety net for CSAM violations 🚨

The Indian government has warned Meta that safe harbour protection will not apply to entities involved in Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) violations. This directive was issued during discussions with Meta officials at the Meta Lab in Los Angeles, California, U.S. The government stressed compliance with Indian laws, especially concerning cultural diversity and AI content labeling, effective from August 18, 2026. Furthermore, the Centre is examining the WhatsApp username proposal from an industry-wide standpoint. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure platforms mitigate harm while upholding constitutional rights.

📈 US 30-Year Yields Spike to 2007 Highs

US 30-year Treasury yields reached their highest level since 2007. This rise was noted across financial markets in the United States. The yields climbed due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts and fluctuating oil prices. Investors are reacting to global economic uncertainties and inflation concerns. Market analysts are now watching central bank responses to this upward trend. 📈

📸 Leaked video shows camera AirPods hints

Rumours about camera-equipped Apple AirPods have surfaced, with a new leaked video providing a clearer look at the tech. The video, extracted from macOS 26.7 RC and posted by MacRumors, shows someone wearing AirPods while looking at a book. The narration mentions Apple Intelligence, suggesting the cameras might act as visual sensors for AI. This could allow an AI-powered Siri to understand the user's surroundings and relay context hands-free. Apple has not confirmed this product, but speculation suggests a possible arrival this year.

💰 PM CARES corpus hits record high in 2024-25

The PM CARES Fund corpus has reached a record high of ₹8,452 crore for the 2024-25 fiscal year. This massive fund is managed by the government, with ₹6,641 crore now placed in fixed deposits. These fixed deposits generated approximately ₹475 crore in interest during the year. This strategy allows the fund to earn income while maintaining a large emergency reserve. The government continues supporting the PM CARES for Children scheme despite this growth. 📈

📈 Bond yields up as oil keeps rising post-Iran ceasefire

Bond yields have increased while oil prices continued their upward trend following the expiration of the US-Iran ceasefire. This market movement was observed across global financial markets. Key indicators showed yield increases and sustained oil price gains on various dates. The geopolitical situation's resolution influenced investor sentiment and commodity trading patterns. Markets will now watch for further developments to gauge future economic stability. 📈

👑 Virat Kohli's 18-year journey of relentless grind

Virat Kohli started his international career on August 18, 2008, with a debut score of 12 at Dambulla. He played for India in Sri Lanka, where his early career saw a modest start before major milestones. As of August 2026, he has amassed 28,359 runs across all international formats, including 85 centuries. His dedication and relentless hunger transformed Indian cricket standards, leading to major wins. He recently showcased his form by hitting his first T20I century at the 2022 Asia Cup. 🏏

🏎️ Bridgestone drops new tires for Lamborghini Revuelto SV

Bridgestone has introduced its new Potenza Race R semi-slick tyre at The Quail in California. This tyre debuted as a custom original equipment option for the Lamborghini Revuelto SV. The Quail is a significant event during Monterey Car Week. This launch signals a major move into high-performance automotive partnerships. More details on the tyre's performance are expected soon.

📱 POCO M8 Power: AMOLED screen is fire, rest is mid

POCO launched the M8 Power with a standout Full-HD+ AMOLED screen and a massive battery. This new sub-₹25,000 smartphone features a 6.9-inch display and an 8,000mAh battery. Despite the great screen, the phone has an underpowered processor and struggles with performance optimization. Battery life is only 5 to 6 hours of screen-on time, even with the large capacity. The phone charges to 100% from empty in 1 hour and 45 minutes using the bundled 45W charger.

🧐 India challenges US tariff quota on quartz imports

India has officially approached the World Trade Organization (WTO) to seek consultations with the US government regarding new tariffs. This action follows the US imposing a tariff-rate quota of up to 50% on quartz surface imports, effective August 15th. India exported approximately $380 million worth of these quartz products to the US in FY26. The US move cites serious injury to domestic producers, which prompted New Delhi's communication to the WTO on August 14th. Next, both nations are engaged in trade negotiations amidst these ongoing trade disputes. 🧐

✅ Chanpat Rai cleared in donation theft case

Chanpat Rai has received a clean chit regarding the alleged theft of donations. The investigation focused on his financial dealings in a specific case. Details regarding the case involved figures and dates that are not provided in this snippet. This development clears his name from the accusations of misappropriation. Further updates on the matter are pending as the legal process continues.

⚓️ Why aircraft carriers are still a big deal

The US is replacing the USS Abraham Lincoln with the USS George Washington during the West Asia conflict. These long deployments highlight how crucial carrier strike groups are for US power projection globally. An aircraft carrier acts as a mobile airbase, offering long-range power and air defense for navies. India heavily relies on its two carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, for regional security interests. Despite Chinese 'carrier killer' missiles, carriers remain central to modern naval strategy. ⚓️