⚡ Indian EV batteries outperform Tesla and BYD

Indian manufacturers are currently leading the pack in building highly energy-efficient electric cars globally. Tata Motors topped the International Council on Clean Transportation's 2025 ranking with an average consumption of 106 watt-hours per kilometer. This list evaluated 22 of the world's largest EV companies, placing Tesla and BYD in third and fourth spots respectively. Although EVs are less than 5% of new sales in India, the government aims for 30% by 2030 to boost energy security. Future efforts need to focus on improving charging speed and driving range, areas where Indian companies are still behind. 🚀

😠 Shehbaz's party faces heat over PoK protests

PML(N), led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is reportedly struggling with protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. His adviser stated that 99 percent of the protesters are patriotic members of the banned JAAC group. So far, PML(N) has secured 25 out of 45 seats in the assembly amidst violence and rigging claims. The party plans to meet JAAC representatives once the two-third majority government is formed. The JAAC demands the abolition of 12 contentious refugee seats in the region. 😠

📈 Maruti's India market to hit 6.3 million by 2031

India's passenger vehicle market is projected to significantly expand in the coming years. Maruti is a major player in this growing sector across the country. The market is expected to reach up to 6.3 million units by the year 2031. This growth is fueled by increasing demand for personal transport across the nation. Industry analysts suggest this upward trend will continue for the foreseeable future.

✅ UPI payments free for users, but merchants face small fees

The Union government confirmed that person-to-person UPI transactions will remain free for all consumers. This clarification followed the Lok Sabha passing the Taxation and Other Laws Amendment Bill 2026, which permits charges on UPI and RuPay debit card payments. The Finance Ministry stated that only certain merchant transactions will incur a nominal Merchant Discount Rate, which will be lower than existing card rates. This change aims to ensure UPI's long-term sustainability for cybersecurity and digital infrastructure upgrades. The UPI and Services Steering Committee will ultimately decide on the Merchant Discount Rate after the bill passes Parliament. 💰

🎬 Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' nears ₹320 Cr worldwide

Thalapathy Vijay's film 'Jana Nayagan' is nearing a worldwide gross of Rs 320 crore. The movie, which stars Vijay and is his last cinematic outing, is currently in its third weekend. As of recent estimates, its total worldwide collection stands at Rs 312.86 crore. In India, the net collection reached Rs 188.50 crore, while overseas gross hit Rs 93.15 crore. The film is a political action drama directed by H Vinoth, featuring Pooja Hegde and Bobby Deol.

🏆 ISL fan views rank the 2025-26 season

East Bengal FC won the ISL 2025-26 title after a competitive final matchday on May 21st. The ranking shows Mohun Bagan SG had the most FanCode views with 4,775,774. The 2025-26 season featured a late start with 13 matches per team, keeping things spicy. This viewership data reflects fan engagement across the league despite the shortened format. Next, the 2026-27 season kicks off with the Durand Cup 2026 on July 25th.

⚓ Indian Navy joins search for 3 missing fishermen

The Indian Navy initiated search operations for three fishermen missing after separate boat mishaps in Kerala. INS Kalpeni sailed from Kochi on August 8, 2026, to aid the search in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts. The search involves Gautam Krishna, John, and Shijin, who went missing on July 31, 2026. The Navy is using a specialized diving team and portable SONAR for underwater surveillance. Efforts will continue to bring the missing fishermen back safely. 🎣

🏛️ Congress pushes NGT to drop Great Nicobar report

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh urged the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to release the High-Powered Committee report concerning the Great Nicobar Island Project. This demand came as the Lok Sabha prepares to discuss the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026. The report, submitted in a sealed cover on July 8, 2025, allegedly shows the project is deeply flawed. The new Bill aims to establish a National Tribunals Commission to ensure independence, building on a November 19, 2025 Supreme Court ruling. Ramesh hopes tribunals will regain authority through such steps. 🏛️

🌊 Diver spots massive lion's mane jellyfish in Australia

An underwater videographer captured footage of an enormous lion's mane jellyfish cruising through the ocean in Australia. This creature, scientifically known as Cyanea capillata, can grow up to 10 metres long with bushy tentacles. During the sighting, the jellyfish was tossed by whitewash, creating a chaotic scene with small fish caught in its tentacles. However, the jellyfish quickly recovered its form and drifted away with grace. The videographer became so fascinated by the jellies that he even ignored nearby leopard sharks.

🤖 AI model distillation sparks US-China tech tension

AI model distillation allows smaller models to learn from powerful ones by using their outputs for training. This technique is now a flashpoint in the US-China AI race because of defense applications. Chinese military-linked researchers reportedly used outputs from US AI models for defence research. The IISS notes this illicit distillation lets compute-limited actors gain useful AI skills. This escalating tech competition is changing how military AI is being developed and deployed. 🤖

👮 Mathura cops restrict access to Krishna Janmabhoomi

Police in Mathura tightened security after calls for 'kar seva' at the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi site. Officials stopped people from entering the complex, citing High Court and Supreme Court orders. These orders prohibit any new religious practices that might disrupt law and order at the site. SP (City) Rajiv Kumar confirmed that individuals without permission were removed and sent back to their jurisdictions. The situation remains under court supervision, and dialogue with all parties continues. 👮