🌧️ Himachal faces orange alert due to heavy rains 🌧️

The Shimla Met office issued an 'orange alert' for heavy to very heavy rains across isolated parts of Himachal Pradesh for Monday and Tuesday. As of Friday morning, August 7, 2026, a total of 145 roads across the state had been closed due to heavy rains. Dharamshala received 79 mm of rain in the last 24 hours, with Mandi also recording 63.4 mm. Since the monsoon started on June 30, 64 people have died, and the state has faced losses amounting to ₹797 crore. Authorities are monitoring the situation ahead of the forecasted severe weather.

🇮🇳 Modi meets new NDA MPs, reassures former Sena members

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a breakfast meeting with 26 newly inducted NDA MPs, advising them to focus on state development and parliamentary debates. He specifically reassured six former Uddhav Sena MPs who joined the Shinde Sena, speaking to them in Marathi. These outreach efforts are crucial as the BJP seeks numbers to pass key Constitutional Amendment Bills. Following the induction, the BJP-led NDA's Lok Sabha strength grew from 293 to 319. The alliance is publicly embracing these new members to solidify its position ahead of crucial legislative votes. 🤝

🥹 Comedian Zarna Garg Cries Over Big US Ad Win 🥹

Indian-American comedian Zarna Garg broke down in tears after landing a role as the face of a major US ad campaign. This milestone achievement was shared by Garg on Instagram from her home in the US. The comedian expressed shock after overcoming numerous rejections throughout her career journey. She highlighted that she felt overlooked as a middle-aged, immigrant mother with an accent. Garg dedicated this victory to all mothers globally who supported her path.

💰 PayGlocal sets sights on $120M valuation

Cross-border payments startup PayGlocal is set to raise Rs 36.38 crore from existing investor BEENEXT in its first funding round in over four years. This Bengaluru-based company will see its valuation jump 31.8% to Rs 1,140 crore or $120 million. The raise involves issuing 5,074 compulsory convertible preference shares at Rs 71,693.02 per share. PayGlocal offers RBI-authorised payment infrastructure to Indian businesses accepting international payments. Following this, Peak XV will maintain the largest external shareholder stake at 34.04%.

🚨 NHRC hits Meta and 8 DGPs over CSAM on Insta/FB

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to Meta and the police chiefs of eight states regarding alleged POCSO violations. These violations concern pornographic and age-inappropriate content, potentially including CSAM, on Instagram and Facebook. The NHRC provided 50 URLs to the concerned authorities for investigation, which is a serious matter. NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo stressed that paid CSAM on Instagram is a punishable offense under the POCSO Act. Authorities must act on these URLs, or the NHRC will escalate the matter to the Government of India. 🚨

✨ In-Law Reveals Rekha's Bollywood Glow-Up Journey

Rekha's brother-in-law shared insights into her transformation early in her career. He mentioned that she was heavier when she initially began her journey in Bollywood. Specific details regarding the timeline and precise weight changes were not provided in the statement. This revelation sheds light on the dedication behind her iconic look over the years. Fans are now looking forward to more interviews detailing her career evolution.

🧐 PM hasn't held a real press conference in 12 years

It has been 4,599 days, which equals 12 years, since an Indian Prime Minister held a traditional, unscripted press conference on Indian soil. This significant gap marks a long period without an informal media interaction from the top leader. The absence of such an event dates back to a specific time in the past. This trend reflects a shift in how political communication is managed domestically. Future interactions will determine if this pattern continues or changes. 🧐

🤝 Badal meets Modi over possible Punjab alliance

Sukhbir Singh Badal met with Prime Minister Modi recently. The meeting generated new buzz regarding a potential alliance between the BJP and SAD. This discussion is taking place ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections scheduled for 2027. The possibility of this alliance is significant for Punjab's political landscape. Further developments on this political angle are expected in the coming months. 🤝

🤖 Gemini Omni free trial extended for more video experiments

Google has extended the free access to Gemini Omni until August 11 at 12 PM PT/3 PM ET. This generous offer allows users to create up to ten videos using the Gemini app or web without needing a Google AI subscription. The model can generate, edit, and remix videos using text, images, or existing clips. This extension follows the original free access starting on July 30, which was slated to end on August 4. Users now have more time to experiment with the AI video capabilities before potential paywalls appear. 🤖

🧠 Scientists find 'motivation cells' in the brain

Researchers have successfully identified specific neurons responsible for sustaining motivation when chasing rewards. This discovery was made by a team of scientists at the university. The study published in Nature details the findings, which involve specific neural circuits. These cells play a crucial role in driving goal-oriented behavior in the brain. Further research will focus on how these cells can be leveraged for treating behavioral disorders.

🏏 Sachin's Brand Value Hits 1200 Cr Post-Retirement

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar maintains massive appeal nearly 13 years after hanging up his boots. The Kroll India Celebrity Brand Valuation Report 2025 pegs his brand value at almost Rs 1,200 crore. This solidifies his spot as the most valuable retired sportsperson in India. He is the sole retired star in the Top 10 endorsing numerous brands. Companies still prefer him over active players due to his strong public trust.