🛰️ Malayali Hacker Gets NASA Hall of Fame Nod

Cybersecurity engineer Pranav P. Ramesh has been inducted into NASA's Hall of Fame for responsibly finding security flaws. He is from Vairankode in Malappuram, Kerala, India. The vulnerabilities were disclosed after his professional curiosity led him to examine NASA's website. This disclosure prompted NASA to start strengthening its security measures immediately. Pranav, who previously found flaws in Google and Lenovo systems, now runs his own cybersecurity service. 🛰️

📱 Samsung drops date for One UI 9.0 Beta 5

Samsung has announced the release date for the fifth One UI 9.0 beta build for the S26 series. A Beta Operations Manager confirmed this update will land next week for the Galaxy S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra. The company apologized for the delay, promising this next version will be more stable. The stable One UI 9.0 has already launched with the Galaxy Z Flip 8 and Z Fold 8. Samsung is also planning to expand the beta program to S25 series and Z Flip/Fold 7.

📱 TCL P80 & P80 Pro leaks drop: check the specs

Official-looking renders for two new TCL smartphones, the P80 and P80 Pro, have recently been leaked by a reliable source. The devices are set for a launch in the European market by TCL. The P80 features a Dimensity 7300 Elite, while the P80 Pro runs on the Dimensity 7400 Elite. Pricing is expected to be €299 for the P80 and €349 for the P80 Pro. Further official details regarding the launch date are yet to be confirmed.

🤒 Cold vs Allergy vs Flu: Doctors explain the confusion

India's shifting weather patterns are making it tough for people to tell the difference between a cold, allergies, or the flu. This confusion is occurring across India as symptoms like sneezing and sore throats overlap across all three conditions. For instance, allergies rarely cause fever, unlike the flu which arrives suddenly with high fever and severe body pain. Experts advise that recognising these distinct patterns early is key to preventing delays in necessary medical attention. Vaccination remains a crucial tool to protect against severe flu-related illnesses as climate change alters disease patterns. 🤒

🔬 Moderna starts Ebola vaccine trial in Canada

Moderna has kicked off the first Phase 1 clinical trial for its mRNA vaccine targeting the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. This trial is happening in partnership with CEPI, following authorization from Health Canada. The study focuses on safety and immune response in healthy participants, and it runs as part of a broader infectious disease program. Moderna has pledged to support access for low and middle-income countries if the vaccine gets approved. Investors will now watch the initial Phase 1 readout for key safety and antibody generation data. 🔬

🎬 Big B works 24hrs before KBC shoot

Amitabh Bachchan recently completed a demanding 24-hour work shift, finishing at 7 am after starting the day before. The veteran actor is now gearing up for the shooting of Kaun Banega Crorepati on August 6th. KBC Season 18 is set to premiere on Monday, August 10th at 9 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV. He stressed that missing this commitment would lead to job replacement for him. Additionally, Big B is in the pipeline for the Kalki 2898 AD sequel. 🎬

🤝 Swiss Re partners with Bajaj General Insurance in India

Swiss Re, the largest global reinsurer, has formed exclusive partnerships with Bajaj General Insurance in India and GNP Seguros in Mexico. These collaborations aim to serve large Indian and Mexican companies, especially those expanding internationally. The partnership with Bajaj General Insurance will focus on underwriting expertise for India's high-tech and manufacturing sectors. This move supports Indian businesses expanding across borders while bringing world-class risk expertise. Ultimately, these deals mark a new era in serving clients in these rapidly growing commercial insurance markets.

😠 DMK MLAs Protest Cauvery Issue During Budget

DMK MLAs, led by Udhayanidhi Stalin, wore black to the Assembly on Thursday, August 6, 2026. They protested the ruling government's alleged failure regarding the Cauvery water dispute. The issue concerns preventing Karnataka from building a dam at Mekedatu. Agriculture Minister R. Vinoth presented the Budget, praising CM C. Joseph Vijay and the TVK government. The Speaker intervened when DMK MLAs objected to his long introduction.

🎟️ PVR INOX brings affordable cinema to Tier III cities

PVR INOX has launched a new format called Smart Cinemas to offer a premium yet budget-friendly movie experience across India. This new concept will debut in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, utilizing a capital-efficient Franchise-Owned, Company-Operated model. The company claims ticket prices at Smart Cinemas will be 30-35% lower compared to metro cities like Mumbai and Delhi. This strategy aims to make world-class cinema more accessible to audiences in fast-growing urban centers. PVR INOX has signed six more properties and plans to expand this format over the next nine months. 🎬

👶 Rani Mukerji swapped at birth with Punjabi baby

Rani Mukerji was accidentally switched at birth with a Punjabi baby in a hospital. This happened when she was born to director-producer Ram Mukherjee and Krishna Mukherjee. Her mother noticed the mix-up because the baby had different eye colors. This led to her being reunited with her biological family. She later predicted marrying a Punjabi, which came true with Aditya Chopra in April 2014.

📱 Redmi 17 5G drops in China with Unisoc chip

The Redmi 17 5G has officially launched in China, featuring a Unisoc processor and a 6.9-inch LCD display. This budget device comes with a 6300mAh battery and runs on HyperOS 3 based on Android 16. The base 4GB + 128GB variant starts at CNY 999, while the 6GB + 128GB version is priced at CNY 1,199. It boasts a 13MP rear camera and supports 5G connectivity. The phone is expected to roll out to global markets soon.