🤖 Microsoft drops Mico AI character from Copilot

Microsoft is phasing out Mico, the yellow AI character previously in Copilot’s voice mode. This character was launched last October and was designed to give the chatbot a sense of identity through real-time expressions. Mico joins retired assistants like Clippy and Cortana, after less than a year of service. The lessons learned from Mico will inform the future of Copilot, which is being merged with Microsoft 365 Copilot. Going forward, the unified Copilot is expected to be more restrained and consistent. 🤖

💰 Uso brothers & Solo's 2026 net worth breakdown

Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, and Solo Sikoa are high-profile stars from the Anoa’i wrestling family. Their combined estimated net worth in 2026 is projected to be between $9 million and $12 million. Jey Uso is estimated at $4M–$5M, Jimmy Uso at $2M–$4M, and Solo Sikoa at $3M. These figures are based on WWE salaries, merchandise, and endorsements across their careers. The family's legacy provides significant commercial value to all three performers. 💰

✨ One UI 9.5 leaks show design glow-up for Galaxy phones

Leaked screenshots reveal visual upgrades coming to Samsung Galaxy phones with One UI 9.5. This update includes subtle drop shadows and frosted elements across the UI elements. The new version also reportedly features a revamped Phone app dialer with integrated Samsung AI search. This AI search tool functions similarly to the system Finder, allowing in-dialer queries for contacts and actions. Samsung has not officially confirmed these changes, and features are subject to change before any beta or stable release.

❤️ Smartwatch heart check: what it can and cannot do

Smartwatches can track heart rate and detect irregular rhythms, which can be useful for spotting warning signs. Cardiologists emphasize that a normal reading from a watch does not guarantee overall heart health. These devices can detect some rhythm changes but cannot assess blocked arteries or structural heart disease. Furthermore, smartwatch ECGs are not equivalent to a comprehensive 12-lead hospital test. Therefore, regular medical check-ups remain crucial alongside wearable monitoring. 🩺

🌾 Farm bonus and EV subsidies approved by state cabinet

The State government decided to continue a ₹500 per quintal bonus for farmers growing seven specific fine rice varieties. This decision was made by the State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy in the current Vaanakalam (kharif) season. Last year's Rabi season saw a bumper harvest of 81.16 lakh metric tonnes of paddy. The cabinet also approved a ₹1.5 lakh subsidy for converting 18,766 autorickshaws to electric vehicles. Furthermore, the Chief Minister will launch the distribution of over 1.04 crore smart ration cards on Saturday. 🌾

🇮🇳 How to watch PM Modi's Independence Day speech

India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, with PM Narendra Modi addressing the nation from the Red Fort in Delhi. Approximately 27,000 people, including 5,000 guests, are expected at the ceremony. The event will be broadcast live on CNN News 18 starting at 6:30 am on August 15. Online viewers can catch the stream on the CNN-News18 YouTube channel beginning at 7 AM. This national celebration is available to watch completely free on various platforms. 🇮🇳

❤️ Unilever boss's gesture melts social media

An executive coach shared a moving story about his boss at Unilever when his father passed away. The incident happened in June when the executive, Sanjay Khosla, received news from Delhi. His boss arranged a business-class ticket to Heathrow immediately, facilitating his travel home. Khosla realized workplace loyalty needs both fair pay and genuine care, which he summed up as 'Hugs and money'. This experience sparked wide discussion online about corporate empathy and employee value.

🇮🇳 Govt asks respect as Congress jabs at Italian PM

The Ministry of External Affairs called for mutual respect in diplomatic talks after Congress leaders referenced Italian PM Giorgia Meloni. This happened following Rahul Gandhi mocking PM Modi's 'hug diplomacy' at a Congress convention in New Delhi. Bilateral ties between India and Italy have expanded and strengthened in every way recently. The MEA stressed that maintaining mutual understanding is crucial for strengthening these growing ties. The political row follows wider criticism of Modi's foreign policy by the Congress party. 🇮🇳

😔 Suriya vows to stay single after family drama

Suriya announced he will remain single for life following opposition from his father, Sivakumar, regarding his marriage to Jyotika. This decision came after his family expressed disapproval of the potential union. The details of the family disagreement surfaced recently in the public domain. Sivakumar reportedly opposed the marriage plans for Suriya and Jyotika. Moving forward, Suriya has confirmed his commitment to remaining unmarried. 😔

📸 Insta360 X6 drops in India with 8K Dolby Vision

Insta360 has launched its new flagship 360 camera, the X6, in India on August 14th. This advanced camera was unveiled in Mumbai and features bigger sensors and native in-camera Dolby Vision. The X6 offers 8K video at 50fps and 120MP 360 photos, with prices starting at ₹81,990 for the Standard Bundle. Buyers activating before September 30, 2026, receive 500GB of Insta360+ cloud storage. This camera merges 360 capture with flat action camera modes for ultimate flexibility. 📸

🏛️ President Murmu on major exam reforms

President Droupadi Murmu announced that the government is taking comprehensive steps to reform the examination system. This was stated by the President during her address to the nation on the eve of Independence Day. She emphasized the goal is to curb cheating and ensure exams are transparent and trustworthy for students. Murmu stressed that every citizen plays a vital role in the country's development towards Viksit Bharat by 2047. These reforms aim to make the educational process more secure and reliable for the youth. 📚