📊 Gulf nations dominate working-age population rankings

Qatar leads the global list with the highest share of working-age people at 83.3%, followed closely by the UAE at 82.0%. Six Gulf Cooperation Council countries feature in the top 15, which includes Kuwait, Bahrain, and the Maldives ranked fifth. This high percentage is largely due to significant migration for employment in Gulf economies. Outside the Gulf, the Maldives ranks fifth with 75.6% of its population in the working age bracket. Future trends suggest aging populations could lower these shares over time.

🏏 Ex-India great weighs in on Kohli-Rohit's ODI future

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh believes Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should continue their ODI careers based on performance. He made this case while speaking to PTI regarding the veterans' place in the team. Rohit will turn 40 and Kohli 39 by the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. Harbhajan compared their sustained brilliance to Lionel Messi, emphasizing skill over age. He added that Kohli significantly changed India's winning mentality and fitness culture. 🏏

🇺🇸 India vs Pakistan: US views differ big time

A Pew Research Center report shows Indians view the United States much more favorably than Pakistanis do. Forty-five percent of Indian adults held a positive opinion of the US, compared to only 15% of Pakistani adults. The survey covered 3,566 people in India and 1,039 in Pakistan, conducted between February 8 and May 7, 2026. While India is one of the most pro-US nations surveyed, Pakistan leans more towards China as an ally. Indians also show higher favorability towards Russia and Vladimir Putin than their Pakistani counterparts. 🌍

🏘️ Delhi's big plan: 40 lakh new homes by 2047 🏘️

The draft Master Plan of Delhi proposes a strategy to build around 40 lakh new homes by 2047. This plan aims to increase supply through small-format homes, land pooling, and rental units across the city. The MPD projects Delhi's population will hit 32 million, requiring massive infrastructure scaling. It also suggests in-situ rehabilitation for slums and better management for unauthorized colonies. The plan prioritizes inclusive development while encouraging eco-friendly construction methods.

🌍 Saudi Arabia's new pact complicates India-Pakistan relations

A recent agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey means an attack on one is considered an attack on all three. This pact places the India-Pakistan contingency right into the Gulf security architecture. The agreement was signed on August 7th, and New Delhi is assessing its security implications. This raises major questions about how the pact would activate during a crisis between India and Pakistan. India must manage this risk by diversifying its strategic partnerships beyond this single node. 😟

😥 Uttarakhand Tunnel Tragedy: Search On

A serious incident occurred at a tunnel in Uttarakhand resulting in several casualties. Seven workers have been confirmed killed during the collapse, while three others remain missing. The tragedy took place on October 15, 2023, during ongoing construction work. Authorities have launched an extensive search and rescue operation at the site. Efforts are continuing to locate the missing personnel and assess the full impact of the incident. 😥

🏛️ Tata Sons chairman hunt faces legal hurdle

The succession process for Tata Sons chairman has hit a significant governance roadblock. Tata Trusts is considering legal action to let the Sir Ratan Tata Trust participate in key decisions at Tata Sons. SRTT is currently restricted by the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner, preventing it from joining crucial discussions. This is vital as Chandrasekaran is set to step down when his tenure ends on February 20, 2027. The Trusts need to resolve this restriction before the upcoming AGM can proceed smoothly. 😟

✨ 25yo rejects ₹1 Cr job for better mental health

A 25-year-old professional declined a massive ₹1 crore job offer to steer clear of a toxic workplace environment. This decision was shared by his friend, Muskan Atar, on LinkedIn, highlighting a shift in priorities for younger workers. The professional chose long-term goals over short-term financial incentives, which drew praise from industry peers. Social media users commented on the courage required, noting the importance of mental health over just money. This trend suggests the next generation demands better workplace alignment. 🧠

🚭 Tobacco help is scarce in developing nations

Only 13 low-and middle-income countries offer full support to smokers who want to quit. Researchers found that about 1.3 billion people lack effective care globally, despite tobacco being a major killer. Over 80% of tobacco users reside in developing nations where health systems struggle. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, notes local factors shape care access in countries like India. The review recommends low-cost strategies like national quitlines and subsidized medication access. 🚬

🚢 US claims 40+ countries helped China dodge tariffs

The White House reported that over 40 countries assisted China in bypassing US tariffs by redirecting exports. Countries like Canada, India, Mexico, Japan, and South Korea were named for helping evade billions in duties. Estimates suggest between $30bn and $300bn in goods were transshipped through nations with lower rates. The US accuses China of using this method as a sophisticated form of fraud to gain tariff benefits. This issue is set to be a major sticking point ahead of Trump and Xi's September meeting. 🚢

🚗 Mahindra Scorpio N base Z2 walkaround details

The 2026 Mahindra Scorpio N has been launched in a price range spanning from Rs 13.69 lakh to Rs 25.49 lakh. The base Z2 variant is available with engine options of a 2.0-litre turbo petrol or a 2.2-litre diesel. This base model features a 9-inch touchscreen and fabric upholstery, but lacks features like Level 2 ADAS. It comes equipped with two airbags and electronic stability control (ESC) for safety. The Z2 trim remains a value-for-money option for budget-conscious buyers. 🚗