🤔 India Hesitates Over BRICS Currency Plans

India has stated its lack of support for the introduction of a common currency within the BRICS grouping. Piyush Goyal made this clear during a recent statement regarding the economic bloc's initiatives. The proposal for a unified currency has been discussed among the member nations for some time. However, Goyal emphasized that India does not back this specific move at this stage. The government will continue to evaluate the various possibilities presented by the BRICS framework. 🇮🇳

📱 S23 series gets One UI 9.0 as final major update

Samsung has officially confirmed that the Galaxy S23 series will receive One UI 9.0 as its last major OS update. This update applies to the Galaxy S23, S23+, S23 Ultra, and Galaxy S23 FE across all models. Currently, the lineup is running One UI 8.5, which means they are eligible for one more major upgrade. Tech giant Samsung has reportedly begun testing the new software for these three phones. This confirms the initial promise of four major Android OS upgrades for the series. 📱

📱 OPPO Reno 16 vs OnePlus 15: Which phone slaps more?

The OPPO Reno 16 and OnePlus 15 are compared across design, camera, and performance. The Reno 16 features a compact build and 6,700mAh battery, while the OnePlus 15 boasts a massive 7,300mAh battery and Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. The Reno 16 is priced near $600, offering great value in the upper mid-range segment. The OnePlus 15 sits at $800, providing a full flagship experience with superior display tech. Users must weigh budget against raw, high-end performance. 📱

🐆 Where are India's elusive snow leopards?

Snow leopards are found across six Himalayan regions in India, often only spotted via camera traps. Ladakh hosts 477 leopards, accounting for 68% of the nation's population, with core areas including Hemis National Park. Researchers recently confirmed a snow leopard sighting in Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh. These apex predators maintain mountain ecosystem balance across states like Uttarakhand and Sikkim. The Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India uses unique coat markings for identification.

💡 Students pushed to solve societal issues with tech

The Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation urged students to use technology for societal solutions at the InnoGenesis Hackathon 5.0. This event took place at Dr. RVR NRI Institute of Technology in Eluru district on Friday. A total of 273 teams, with 924 students, participated across various institutions. The context emphasized leveraging emerging tech like AI and Cybersecurity for national development goals. The hackathon will wrap up on August 8, 2026, with 15 teams receiving ₹5 lakh cash prizes.

✨ Kriti Sanon shines in Gaurav Gupta's crystal gown

Kriti Sanon absolutely owned the red carpet wearing a striking midnight-blue gown by Gaurav Gupta. The celebrity was seen at an event while sporting the stunning Asteria Gown from the 'The Bride Side' collection. This intricate dress was adorned with over 5,500 handcrafted crystals and took more than 275 hours to create. The ensemble featured a bucket corset and a matching cape, making a major fashion statement. This look confirms Kriti's status as a bold fashionista in Bollywood. 💎

🎾 Jannik Sinner's past fling, Anna Kalinskaya, revisited

Jannik Sinner's former girlfriend was Russian tennis player Anna Kalinskaya, who reached the quarterfinals of the 2024 Australian Open. The couple made their romance public during the French Open 2024, showing mutual support during tournaments. However, Sinner confirmed the split from Kalinskaya during a press conference at the Italian Open in May 2025. Despite the breakup, Sinner continues to prioritize his tennis career and keeps his personal life private. He is currently dating Danish model and influencer Laila Hasanovic. 🎾

🚨 US tells Pakistan to chill during PoK crackdown

The United States urged the Pakistan government to exercise restraint during its crackdown on citizens amid violent protests. This statement came from a US state department spokesperson addressing the situation in Pakistan. Clashes in June and July resulted in at least 30 fatalities, including protesters and security personnel. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) alleges around 400 people have died since early June over 12 refugee seats. Voting in seven of the 11 constituencies for the third phase was postponed indefinitely due to law-and-order concerns. ⚖️

🎮 GTA 6 launch safe despite disc debate & union drama

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick stated he is not worried about the GTA 6 launch facing issues from a trade union row or lacking a physical disc version. Rockstar is currently managing a labour dispute after dismissing over 30 employees, with accusations of union discrimination going to tribunal in the UK. The game is set to launch on November 19, following a major reveal on Netflix on August 27. Zelnick emphasized that the business is over 90% digital, countering concerns about the lack of physical media. He remains optimistic about the massive potential audience growth for console and PC games.

⚽ Bayern vs Aston Villa friendly match highlights

Bayern Munich secured a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa during their preseason friendly match. The game took place as part of Bayern's ongoing preparation against a European side. The match featured key performances from Luis Díaz and Tom Bischof, with the final score being 2-1. While the defense struggled initially, Villa's late substitutions created significant pressure for Bayern. Tom Bischof was ultimately named the 'Master of the Match' for his all-around play.

⚠️ Assam forum flags issues in new foreign funding bill

The Assam Christian Forum has voiced strong concerns regarding several clauses in the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill, 2026. Speaking in Guwahati on Friday, spokesperson Ellen Brooks highlighted risks to schools, hospitals, and charitable organizations serving underprivileged groups. The bill includes provisions on asset forfeiture, transfer of unused foreign funds, and the creation of a designated authority. Brooks emphasized the lack of an appellate body, stating affected organizations need a chance for legal remedy. The forum urged the government to send the Bill to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for review.