✈️ IAF gets big upgrade with ₹1 lakh crore transport tender

The Defence Ministry released a tender worth around ₹1 lakh crore for 60 multirole transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force. This initiative involves multiple Indian companies, including HAL and private sector defense majors, as an Indian-led program. The tender was issued on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, to modernize the aging fleet. Partnerships include Tata with Lockheed Martin and Mahindra Defence with Embraer for various aircraft. These new MTAs will boost long-distance movement capabilities and deepen domestic aerospace manufacturing.

✨ Eclipses boost human receptivity, says Isha Foundation

Isha Foundation states that eclipses are times when the human system becomes more receptive. This perspective comes from the Yogic tradition and is being shared recently by the foundation. The spiritual idea suggests using this period for meditation, rather than just viewing the event. Participants can simply find quiet time to focus on breath and thoughts without forced silence. Sadhguru also advises keeping the body empty during the eclipse for increased consciousness.

🕶️ Solar eclipse glasses cause London rush

A frantic scramble erupted for coveted solar eclipse glasses across London due to a near-total eclipse happening Wednesday. Residents and buyers gathered outside shops as prices rose from about £5 to double that in some spots. Corner shop owner Ali Raza in Whitechapel sold 6,000 pairs by 9:30 am after a delivery from Spain. Safety experts warn that viewing the eclipse without proper filters can permanently damage the retina. People are advised to only use certified glasses meeting the international ISO 12312-2 standard.

🚀 Lovable hits massive valuation, raises $400M

The vibe-coding startup Lovable has officially confirmed a $13.3 billion valuation. The company secured $400 million in a Series C round, which was led by Menlo Ventures and the Scaleup Europe Fund. This funding follows Lovable hitting $500 million in annualized run rate revenue back in June. The startup currently hosts 60 million projects and attracts 900 million monthly visitors. Moving forward, Lovable continues to expand its sophisticated back-end needs and AI offerings. 🚀

🏷️ Google Pixel Tag is here with UWB support

The Pixel Tag, a new 'finder tag' from Google, is officially launched to help users track their belongings. It utilizes Google's Find Hub network and features stainless steel build with IP67 water resistance. It boasts a battery life of up to one year and supports UWB alongside Bluetooth Channel Sounding. Users can set it up by bringing it near an Android device running Android 9 or newer. The tag will be available for $29 from the Google Store starting November 11. 🏷️

⌚ Apple Watch Ultra 3 slashes to $699.99 on Amazon

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is currently discounted to $699.99 on Amazon US for select Ocean Band configurations. This deal offers a $99 reduction from the regular $799 price for the 49mm Black Titanium and Natural Titanium models. The smartwatch boasts a 49mm titanium case, a 3,000-nit display, and S10 SiP processing power. It supports GPS + Cellular with 5G, offering up to 42 hours of battery life and 100-meter water resistance. This high-end device also includes satellite connectivity and extensive health monitoring features.

🔬 CAR T therapy company gearing up for big trial

A CAR T-cell therapy company is preparing to advance to a pivotal Phase III clinical trial using donor cells. This company, Caribou Biosciences, is making strides in making allogeneic CAR T therapies as effective as autologous ones. They achieved this using gene editing and optimizing product selection, including using donors under 30. This off-the-shelf approach aims to solve access issues, as 75 to 90% of eligible patients currently do not receive CAR T. They plan to start their randomized-controlled Phase III study in the coming months for their product, vispa-cel. 🔬

🧐 Lawsuit targets Trump's paid Truth Social access

Two US media groups sued President Trump over TMTG’s plan to charge for early access to his Truth Social posts. The lawsuit was filed in New York by The Intercept and Freedom of the Press Foundation. The paid service, called Truth API, reportedly has over 10 subscribers, with monthly fees up to $100,000. Critics claim this scheme is profoundly corrupt because it allows subscribers to get market-moving info before the general public. Trump’s company defends the service by calling criticisms ideological opposition to free markets. 🧐

💧 CM orders water lifting from three irrigation projects

The State Government has instructed Irrigation department officials to lift water from Yellampalli, Devadula, and Sitarama lift irrigation projects. This directive was issued by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy during a review meeting with senior officials on Wednesday. The goal is to ensure maximum utilization of available water in the Godavari river. Furthermore, the CM directed officials to expedite compensation payments to farmers whose lands were acquired for these projects. This action is vital for filling the Baswapur and Gouravelli projects with water.

🏦 BofA bags big stake in Jio Financial

Bank of America is investing up to $1.92 billion to secure a 49.9% stake in Jio Credit. This investment is set to make BofA a joint venture partner in Jio Financial's non-bank lending arm. The deal initially grants Bank of America a 26.5% stake, which can increase with warrants. This transaction marks a major entry into India's fast-growing financial services sector. Both companies stated this will help BofA expand its presence using local expertise.

🎮 Phantom Blade Zero PS5 demo leaks before State of Play

A demo of the game Phantom Blade Zero has unexpectedly leaked online ahead of Sony's upcoming State of Play event. This leaked footage features gameplay from the highly anticipated title on the PlayStation 5 console. The leak surfaced close to the event scheduled for next week. Phantom Blade Zero is one of the key titles expected to be showcased during this major gaming showcase. Fans are eagerly awaiting the official reveal and more details about the game.