⚔️ Houthi attack repelled in Taiz amid war escalation

Yemeni government forces successfully thwarted a Houthi attack on the al-Mafalis front south of Haifan in Taiz province. An official from the Tor al-Bahah military axis confirmed the 4th Infantry Hashd Brigade repelled the assault, claiming heavy losses for the Houthi militias. This comes after the government announced artillery and drone attacks on Houthi positions on Wednesday. The Presidential Leadership Council head stated there would be no Houthi action without a comprehensive response. Clashes resumed in early July 2024, following a relative de-escalation since April 2022.

🎓 Post-Grad Scholarships: Eligibility & How To Apply

A new national scholarship program has been announced for postgraduate studies across the country. This initiative is being offered by the Ministry of Education for eligible students nationwide. The scholarship covers up to ₹50,000 per annum and applications are open from August 1st to October 31st. It is designed to support students from economically weaker sections aiming for advanced degrees. Interested applicants should check the official portal for detailed guidelines and application procedures.

📱 Sony Xperia 1 VIII sales are strong, says company

Sony reports that sales for the Xperia 1 VIII remain strong despite rising prices across the board. This positive trend is seen in both Japan and Europe, where direct-to-consumer channels are performing well. The Mark 8 features a 48MP sensor enabling 140mm lossless zoom and retains the microSD slot and 3.5mm jack. Sony representatives stated these features are now an integral part of the Xperia identity based on customer feedback. Currently, the company is focusing on the 1 and 10 series rather than introducing a new mid-range lineup. 📱

💄 Luxury Blushes for Every Skin Tone

A new line of luxury blushes has been launched, promising shades suitable for all complexions. This collection was introduced by The Times at a recent high-profile fashion event. The range features over 40 distinct shades, available starting from October 15th. These blushes are designed with advanced formulas to provide flawless coverage and long-lasting color payoff. Consumers can find these new products in select high-end beauty retailers across major cities. 💄

🌌 Milky Way might hide trillions of rogue planets 🪐

NASA researchers estimate the Milky Way could host about 20 times more rogue planets than stars. This massive population estimate is based on a 2023 paper using six short microlensing events observed by MOA from 2006 to 2014. The survey, covering 3,535 events, suggests a steep rise in low-mass objects, ranging from 0.33 to 6,660 Earth masses. This finding shifts the focus from giant planets to numerous small, free-floating worlds. The Roman Space Telescope is expected to confirm these estimates with a stronger census.

🚗 New Rs 9 Lakh VW SUV confirmed for India 🚗

Volkswagen is set to launch a new compact SUV in India, following the success of the Skoda Kylaq. Volkswagen India received approval for the project, which is estimated to cost around Rs. 275 crore. The upcoming SUV is rumored to be a badge-engineered version of the Kylaq, potentially reviving the Polo nameplate. It is expected to feature a 10-inch touchscreen and a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine. Volkswagen India is projected to launch this SUV in 2027, priced between Rs. 9 lakh and Rs. 16 lakh on-road in Mumbai.

⚽ La Liga 2026-27 season kicks off soon

La Liga is starting the 2026-27 season on Saturday, August 15, with major clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid. Barcelona aims for a three-peat after winning the 2024-25 and 2025-26 titles in Spain. The league simulation gives Barcelona a 45.6% chance of winning, while Madrid has a 31% chance under Jose Mourinho. Key matches are scheduled through August 17, with Barca and Madrid playing later in the month. Transfers like Denzel Dumfries to Madrid are setting the stage for intense competition. ⚽

✈️ Air India pilots undergo drug testing after incident

Air India is conducting mandatory drug tests for all its pilots following a serious incident. The testing is being implemented across all Air India operations nationwide. This action was triggered after one captain tested positive for marijuana on a recent flight. Such drug use violations are a major breach of aviation safety protocols. Moving forward, Air India is committed to maintaining strict safety standards for its entire crew. ✈️

📚 Telangana Central Library struggles amidst repairs

The State Central Library in Telangana has been undergoing conservation efforts for the past three years. Library officials mentioned the work pace has been inconsistent, causing disappointment among stakeholders. Although it holds over five lakh books, patronage has dropped due to disorganization and staff shortages. Currently, the main hall is cleared for conservation, and most of the English book section is inaccessible. The library faces a chronic staff shortage, with only 33 regular staff against 104 sanctioned posts. 🏛️

🌟 Camus' lesson: finding summer in winter 💡

Albert Camus shared a powerful lesson on finding inner strength during tough times. He wrote this idea in his 1953 essay Return to Tipasa, later in the 1954 collection Summer. The concept uses 'winter' for life's difficulties like failure or grief, and 'invincible summer' for inner hope. This shows that while hardship hurts, something within can survive it. Camus, born in 1913, received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1957.

🌊 Michigan to remove century-old Sanback Dam in 2026

Michigan plans to remove the century-old Sanback Dam located on Beechwood Creek in Rose City. This dam, built in 1920, currently blocks aquatic life and warms the water, harming crucial cold water habitats. The removal, slated for 2026, will restore a half-mile upstream habitat and improve 14 acres of wetlands. This project is supported by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and various partners. Ultimately, it will protect over 70 downstream miles of vital cold water habitat. 🌊