🔋 Kill Windows Update tasks, boost laptop battery life

A tech writer found that disabling Windows Update background tasks significantly improved his laptop's battery performance. This change was implemented on his five-year-old laptop, and he gained an extra 20 to 30 minutes of battery life. Windows constantly checks for updates, downloading and verifying files which drains resources on battery power. To disable it, one must use the Services Manager, setting the Startup type to Disabled. Users must then manually check for security patches regularly to stay protected. 🔋

🤖 OpenAI drops GPT 5.6 Cyber for elite users

OpenAI has launched a new model, GPT 5.6 Cyber, specifically for vulnerability research and penetration testing. This advanced model is currently only available to select companies like Accenture, IBM, and KPMG, alongside supported security vendors. It is being rolled out under the Daybreak Access program, offering Daybreak Blue and Daybreak Red versions. The models can help security teams identify vulnerabilities and develop fixes within enterprise environments. Partners will utilize these capabilities inside their existing security products, not directly to general users.

😠 Rahul Gandhi slams force used on Jharkhand students

Rahul Gandhi strongly condemned the use of force against students in Jharkhand. This incident took place in Jharkhand, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition leader. The specific numbers and dates regarding the alleged incidents were not provided in the report. The issue raises serious concerns about the treatment of students during protests or gatherings. Further action is expected from political parties following this public condemnation.

🏥 Activist Hospitalized After Jharkhand Protest March

Activist Devendra Nath Mahto was admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital after his health deteriorated while participating in a student protest march. He was with the protesting students in Jharkhand, having been on a nine-day hunger strike over recruitment exam irregularities. The clash occurred after protesters breached barricades near the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha on Monday, resulting in injuries. Mahto alleged police harassment and claimed he will continue the fight for lakhs of students. The next steps of the agitation depend on the state government's response to their demands. 🏥

🍎 FDA to crack down on food additives, here's the tea 🍎

The US FDA has proposed stricter rules for introducing new ingredients into packaged foods to close a regulatory gap. This change affects food manufacturers across the US, starting with the proposal announced on Monday, August 10th. Currently, companies can self-certify ingredients as GRAS, but the new system mandates prior FDA notification and scientific documentation. This aims to give regulators better visibility into the roughly 10,000 additives used in US food. The FDA will aim to review submissions within 180 days, though it won't approve every single ingredient.

🦕 Giant Triassic predator found in Arctic fossil

An Arctic fossil, initially dismissed, has been identified as a record-size hunter from the Triassic period. This massive creature was discovered in the Arctic region by researchers. The fossil dates back to 1948, providing significant paleontological data. Its enormous size challenges previous understandings of Triassic apex predators in that area. Scientists plan further study to understand its ecological role. 🦕

🤰 Phthalates in products linked to high blood pressure in pregnancy

A new study suggests that phthalates, chemicals in many consumer goods, might contribute to high blood pressure in pregnant women. Researchers examined 338 women from the ERGO Study at three pregnancy points to check for links. The findings indicated that higher levels of fragrance-associated phthalates were linked to higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure markers. About 13% of the participants in the study developed a pregnancy-related high blood pressure disorder. The researchers suggest limiting personal care products containing these ingredients could help improve pregnancy health. 🤰

✨ iOS 27 Beta 5 drops new design tweaks ✨

Apple is rolling out updated Liquid Glass icons in the fifth beta of iOS 27. These changes affect Safari, Siri, Settings, Remote, App Store, and Preview on iOS. The Safari icon now has a brighter blue shade, while the Siri icon mimics the actual activation bubble. Apple plans further icon overhauls to match the Liquid Glass aesthetic before the official release. iOS 27 is scheduled to be released in about a month.

🚨 Govt staffer tried to trap ex-lover's husband in drug case

J&K police busted a scheme by a 51-year-old government employee attempting to frame his former lover's new husband. The accused, Tariq Ahmad Sofi, employed with the wildlife department in Ganderbal, allegedly couriered illegal drugs to the 27-year-old woman's husband. Police intercepted a parcel from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, containing about 4 kg of cocaine and packets of charas. The husband, a poultry farm owner, denied knowing about the drugs, which were initially suspected as poultry feed. Authorities are now investigating the woman's involvement and the origins of the drugs.

💧 Cauvery water talks scheduled to review situation

The Cauvery Water Management Authority and Committee are meeting on Tuesday to review the current water situation. Tamil Nadu has realized just over 4.5 thousand million cubic feet this month, according to the latest reports. Cumulatively since June 1st, the state has received about 8.3 tmc ft, far short of the normal 49 tmc ft. The CWRC had previously directed Karnataka to ensure 3,500 cusecs for 15 days starting July 29th. Currently, Karnataka's four reservoirs hold 88 tmc ft out of a total capacity of 114.57 tmc ft. 💧

🏛️ Film Producer Joins Temple Trustee Committee

A new State-level committee has been formed by the Tamil Nadu HR&CE Department to select non-hereditary trustees for temples earning over ₹10 lakh annually. Film producer Archana Kalpathi Agoram is among the members, alongside K. Ramanathan and P.R. Sampath. This committee replaces the previous group whose term had concluded. Tamil Nadu Minister Ramesh also held a discussion on August 10, 2026, regarding upcoming Budget Session announcements. This move shows a focus on modernizing temple administration across the state. 🏛️