📱 iPhone sales dropping big during Flipkart Freedom Sale

Flipkart is hosting its Freedom Sale 2026 starting August 8, 2026, with early access for members on August 7. The iPhone 17 Pro, initially Rs 1,34,900, is offered at Rs 1,26,900, potentially dropping lower with bank offers. The standard iPhone 17 is teased for under Rs 80,000, while the iPhone 15 starts at Rs 58,900. These deals leverage flat discounts, bank offers, and cashback across the Apple lineup. Final prices depend on specific payment methods and sale terms announced later. 📱

🎖️ 10 films capturing Kargil War's spirit

Netflix's Operation Safed Sagar, based on the IAF's 1999 Kargil War operation, premieres on August 7. The list includes movies like Lakshya, Shershaah, and LOC Kargil, showcasing various perspectives of the conflict. LOC Kargil, released in 2003, is noted for its real-life soldier vignettes. Lakshya (2004) is praised as a top Bollywood war drama, while Dhoop (2003) shows the post-war system apathy. These tributes honor the sacrifice made during India's decisive military victory. 🎖️

🚀 Mars as humanity's next home by 2050?

A space engineer suggests humanity could establish a human colony on Mars by the year 2050. This potential settlement would be located on Mars, which is seen as the most suitable solar system candidate. China aims for crewed Mars missions starting in 2033, while NASA plans landings in the late 2030s or early 2040s. Initial colonies will rely heavily on Earth resources, requiring local water extraction and future economic ventures like space mining. Despite challenges like the thin atmosphere, exploration efforts continue with NASA's current orbiter and rover missions. 🚀

⚖️ Can wife use donor sperm during divorce?

The Karnataka High Court is examining if a married woman can use donor sperm while divorce proceedings are pending. The case involves a petitioner who wants IVF but her husband withdrew consent for his sperm use. The court noted it cannot force his consent but will explore legal ways to protect her motherhood rights. The petitioner's lawyer argued she faces an irreversible loss without donor sperm options. The bench added that the husband could be insulated from all legal claims from the resulting child.

😠 Gen Z's 'Cockroach' movement dents Modi's image

India's young protesters rallied under the 'Cockroach Janta Party,' successfully forcing a cabinet minister's resignation. This movement was led by youth in India, primarily in New Delhi, around May and last month. The protests, which started over exam paper leaks, have shown the rising political clout of India's under-25 population. Experts note this has broken the public's fear of protesting against the government. The movement now aims to remain a watchdog, prompting Modi's party to engage more with Gen Z. 🧐

🏅 US tariffs hit 60 countries, IMF downgrades growth

The US has reintroduced Section 301 tariffs on 60 trading partners, including India, due to forced labour concerns. The International Monetary Fund downgraded the 2026 West Asia GDP forecast to 0.7% because of the war. Overall world growth is now expected to be 3% in 2026, down from 3.3% projected earlier. India's growth forecast for 2026-27 was slightly downgraded to 6.4% compared to the previous 6.5% projection. Meanwhile, the 2026 Commonwealth Games concluded with Australia leading the medal tally. 🏅

🔥 Spokane wildfires rage, forcing mass evacuation

A cluster of fast-moving wildfires has severely devastated the outskirts of Spokane, Washington state. Over 65,000 people were told to leave their homes as the fires spread into residential neighbourhoods. The blazes burned over 8,000 acres and more than 700 buildings have been destroyed as of Monday. This disaster is fueled by severe drought, high winds, and extreme heat, compounding the risk. Officials expect hotter, drier weather to return, keeping the threat active for days.

📱 iQOO Z11 India design drops, looks like iPhone Air

The iQOO Z11 has been teased with a camera island strongly resembling the iPhone Air design. This upcoming phone from iQOO in the Indian market features a curved edge display and a punch-hole cutout. It is expected to run on MediaTek Dimensity 7500 SoC with 12GB RAM and debut around Rs 30,000. The Z series is focused on price-friendliness since no flagship is launching this year. This marks the third phone in the iQOO Z11 series for India. 📱

🤖 Ex-Swiggy/Zomato execs launch AI networking startup

Bengaluru's new AI startup, Profound, has secured a $1.5 million seed funding round for its platform. It was founded by Anuj Rathi and Prashant Parashar, former tech leaders from Swiggy and Zomato. The funding round included major investors like Sriharsha Majety and Kunal Shah on [Date Not Specified]. Profound aims to onboard one million professionals globally using its AI-powered representative feature. The company plans to expand its teams and roll out a wider beta launch later this year. 🚀

😠 DMK defends Udhayanidhi against Trisha remark backlash

The DMK has responded to the political storm following Udhayanidhi Stalin's controversial remarks about actress Trisha during a speech. DMK leader Dr T R B Rajaa defended him, calling the criticism a "politically motivated" attempt to distract from farmer issues in the Cauvery delta region. This incident occurred on Monday in Thanjavur after Udhayanidhi responded to an audience chant with a double entendre. The ruling TVK government has lodged a complaint with the NCW, demanding an apology and police action. The DMK's IT wing also accused TVK of spreading false propaganda to counter their farmer protest success. 😠

📚 CLAT 2027 registration is now live for NLUs

The Consortium of National Law Universities has officially started the application process for CLAT 2027 via its website. Candidates aiming for top National Law Universities can apply until October 31, 2026. The entrance exam itself is set to happen on December 6, 2026. This test is accepted by 26 NLUs and various affiliated law institutions nationwide. Successful applicants can then pursue undergraduate and postgraduate law programs.