🛑 MEA calls Pakistan-Israel defense pact rumors 'fake news'

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officially rejected claims that India sought a defense pact with Israel. This rumor originated from a Turkish media outlet citing unnamed Pakistani sources. The claim circulated after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey signed the 'Mecca Joint Defence Agreement' on Friday. The MEA warned against malicious social media posts using AI to create fake content. Meanwhile, PM Modi and Benjamin Netanyahu recently discussed strengthening the India-Israel Strategic Partnership.

🤖 Airbnb uses AI to build features way faster

Airbnb is rapidly integrating AI across its product development pipeline to ship features at an accelerated pace. Co-founder Brian Chesky stated that AI has reduced the time from concept to launch by as much as 60% this year. The company has increased the number of features shipped by nearly 80% compared to the same six months last year. They are testing a new AI search function, which will debut with a user toggle option. Furthermore, the AI support bot now covers over 50 languages, reducing support costs by 16% year-over-year.

🩺 MCC issues key notice for PwBD candidates in NEET UG 2026

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) released an important notice regarding NEET UG Counselling 2026 for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). This update follows an addendum issued by the NMC to its July 27, 2026, guidelines on PwBD assessment for the MBBS Course, 2026. Five Appellate Disability Assessment Boards have been set up across locations like New Delhi and Mumbai to assist with assessments. Furthermore, 65 Primary Medical Assessment Boards are authorized to issue eligibility certificates for the 5% reservation. Candidates found ineligible can appeal to the designated Appellate Boards before their respective counselling rounds.

🧑‍⚖️ Trump's new orders and Indian H-1B visas

Donald Trump signed a new executive order on Thursday to limit birthright citizenship in the US, challenging a constitutional provision. This move targets 'birth tourism,' where foreigners enter on short-term visas to give birth in the US. Under existing law, children of Indian parents on H-1B visas are automatically granted US citizenship per the 14th Amendment. The 2026 orders do not explicitly exclude long-term visa holders like H-1B workers from these protections. Experts advise caution as the administration tests legal boundaries despite current constitutional safeguards. 🧑‍⚖️

🌾 Karnataka MPs meet Amit Shah over illegal areca imports

A delegation of Karnataka MPs and areca growers met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on Friday. The group, which included MPs B.Y. Raghavendra, Kota Srinivasa Poojary, and Vishweswara Hegde Kageri, submitted a memorandum. They highlighted that illegal foreign-origin arecanut imports are harming native growers who face yield issues and rising costs. The delegation urged stricter vigilance and enforcement of the minimum import price of ₹351 per kilogram. They requested coordinated action across multiple ministries to stop this illegal trade. 🌾

⚖️ Kerala PSC slams baseless allegations against its reputation

The Kerala Public Service Commission issued a detailed response to recent discrepancies allegations. This response addressed complaints related to examinations conducted by the PSC in Thiruvananthapuram. The PSC noted that numerous allegations are baseless and part of a deliberate attempt to tarnish its reputation. They clarified procedures for answer sheet destruction and syllabus revisions based on qualifications. The Supreme Court and KAT have previously found several of these specific complaints to be without merit. ⚖️

🏏 TNPL 2026 match predictions for Aug 8

Match 7 and Match 8 of the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2026 are scheduled for August 8th at NPR College, Dindigul. Siechem Madurai Panthers face VIDA Kovai Kings, while Salem Spartans compete against Trichy Grand Chola. VIDA Kovai Kings are predicted to win their fixture against Madurai Panthers, with Balasubramaniam Sachin being the top batter. For the other match, the predictions suggest VIDA Kovai Kings will also be favored in their encounters. Both teams have recent form and batting stats to consider ahead of the games. 🏏

🧐 Arsenal eyeing Barcola after Vinicius Jr misses out

Arsenal is reportedly looking at Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola after their bid for Vinicius Jr fell through. The Brazilian superstar chose to extend his contract with Real Madrid until 2032. Despite this setback, the Gunners are still seeking a left-wing reinforcement for the 2026 summer window. However, Liverpool's recent performance complicates talks, as PSG values Barcola at €150m. Other targets, like Julián Alvarez and Iliman Ndiaye, are also on the table. 🧐

📱 Redmi might skip K110, hinting at K200

Redmi might change its flagship phone naming by potentially skipping K110 for K200. This speculation arose after product manager Mia Xinxin mentioned that the proposed K110 name felt strange. While not confirmed, this suggests a major numerical jump after the K100 lineup. Meanwhile, the K100 series is set to launch in China on August 11, featuring the K100 Pro Max. This high-end model boasts a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and a massive 9,070mAh battery.

🚶 Hubballi hosting mega event for 'Drug Free India'

A mega-walkathon and bike rally are planned in Hubballi to raise awareness for 'Drug Free India' under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan. Students and people from various backgrounds are expected to join the event on Sunday, August 9th. Forty-two health science institutions from the Hubballi-Dharwad region are organizing this awareness program. The campaign will kick off at KLE Society’s Nursing College, inaugurated by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi. Following the walkathon, a motorcycle rally will head to DIMHANS for another session.

🚢 Adani Vizhinjam stake sale pending central nod

Adani Group has yet to approach the Centre for central clearances regarding the proposed sale of a 49% stake in Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Ltd. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated the Kerala government received the proposal from AVPPL for prior approval. This development occurred over a month after the announcement of the deal with Terminal Investment Ltd. The transaction is a PPP project for the non-major Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala. AVPPL sources confirmed they will approach the Centre only after securing approval from the State government. 🚢