📱 iPhone 17 reigns as best-selling phone in Q2 📱

The iPhone 17 became the world's best-selling smartphone during Q2 2026, capturing 6% of global unit sales. This success was achieved by Apple in the global market, where they secured five models in the top 10 alongside Samsung. Counterpoint Research noted this performance occurred despite an 11% year-on-year decline in the overall smartphone market. The strong showing suggests consumers appreciate the standard model's value before the iPhone 18 arrives. Apple's continued strength in the premium segment sets a high bar for the upcoming iPhone 18 launch.

🧠 Apple bets Mac hardware for local AI boom

Apple is pushing its new Mac mini and Mac Studio as powerful local AI computing machines. These devices are positioned to run AI models on-device instead of relying solely on the cloud. The Mac mini, featuring M6 or M5 Pro chips, starts at Rs 99,900 and launches September 22. The Mac Studio, with M5 Max/Ultra, targets professionals, starting at Rs 2,79,900. Apple aims for Macs to be a key part of a mixed cloud, edge, and local AI stack. 💻

🚆 Indian Railways builds subway in just 8 hours

Indian Railways successfully installed a precast RCC pedestrian subway at Vastrapur, Ahmedabad. This project was executed by the DRM, Ahmedabad, during the night block of August 25-26, 2026. The 21-metre-long subway was finished in just 7 hours and 15 minutes, beating the scheduled eight-hour block by 45 minutes. This rapid construction uses factory-made components to ensure speed and structural quality. The new subway aims to give locals safer access and cut down on unauthorized track crossings. 🚉

🌊 Nepal's flood toll rises amid decade of Himalayan disasters

The death toll from devastating floods and landslides across Nepal and China's Tibet has climbed to 270, with 1,688 people still missing. Flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border have killed nearly 165 people, while hundreds of foreign tourists remain unaccounted for. This current disaster follows several major Himalayan incidents over the last ten years. Specific past events include floods in September 2024 and a glacial lake outburst in October 2023. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as concerns about rising casualties persist.

🧐 Kharge writes PM over Parliament session and delimitation

Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to PM Modi demanding an all-party meeting regarding the delimitation exercise. This followed Kiren Rijiju hinting at a possible special Parliament session in an India Today interview. Kharge reiterated his request from July 16, 2026, urging a thorough review of proposals. He stressed the issue's national significance and opposed any attempt to rush it. Kharge also specified Congress's stance on seat strength and women's reservation. 🧐

🔥 Mahindra Scorpio gets a bolder new look

Mahindra is planning to give its Scorpio a more aggressive aesthetic upgrade. This redesign is being planned for the upcoming model series. The changes are expected to be rolled out starting in the next financial year. The update aims to appeal to a younger demographic while maintaining its rugged appeal. Further details regarding the launch date and specific design elements are yet to be confirmed.

😥 288 Indians missing in Nepal floods; 200 stranded in China

Two hundred eighty-eight Indian nationals remain untraced in flood-affected Nepal. The Ministry of External Affairs reports that about 200 Indians are stranded on the Chinese side amidst the disaster. These missing individuals include power project workers and Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims. The situation is dynamic as authorities are continually updating location information during the rescue efforts. India has sent 47.5 tonnes of aid and offers continued support to Nepal.

🛡️ Meta's new teen safety rules start in US only

Meta's new protections for young users on Facebook and Instagram will initially apply only to US users. These measures are part of settlements addressing alleged safety risks to children, involving Meta and various US states. The rules include two-hour daily limits and restricting app use from midnight to 6 a.m., effective from August 26th. This development follows a landmark settlement where Meta could pay over $17.1 billion in penalties. No similar safeguards for children in India have been announced by the company yet.

📚 School holidays for Raksha Bandhan 2026

Several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, and Haryana, are expected to close schools on August 28 for Raksha Bandhan. In Jharkhand, the earlier cancellation of the holiday has now been withdrawn. Southern and northeastern states generally do not mandate a public school holiday for this festival. Students must check their specific school calendars as private and international schools vary in their observance.

🔋 Battery Kings: 2026 Phone Showdown 🔥

A battery test was conducted across several phones, including the Honor X80 Pro Max and Redmi Note 17 Pro Max. The testing involved devices like the iPhone 17 Pro Max, Oppo Find N6, and Vivo X300 Ultra. In a 24-hour YouTube streaming test, both the Redmi Note 17 Pro Max and Honor X80 Pro Max finished with over half battery remaining. The Redmi Note 17 Pro Max showed a slight lead over the Honor X80 Pro Max during this demanding test. After 35 hours of streaming, only these two powerhouse phones still held significant charge. 🔋

📺 Neagley hits Prime Video in 2026

The series Neagley is set to premiere on Prime Video on September 16, 2026. The entire collection comprises eight episodes. These episodes will be released all at once on the specified date. The show is generating anticipation among viewers for its debut. Fans can look forward to binge-watching the full season then.