🇮🇳 Modi's 77 Foreign Visits Cost Over ₹557 Crore

The government spent ₹557.51 crore on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 77 foreign visits between 2021 and July 2026. This information was provided by the Ministry of External Affairs in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, August 6, 2027. During this period, 316 Memoranda of Understanding were signed, leading to $381.8 billion in FDI inflow. Specific visits included Israel in February 2026 and France in May 2026. Critics argue the success should be judged by tangible outcomes, not just the number of visits. 🇮🇳

🏛️ Trump signs order on citizenship rules

President Trump has signed an executive order aimed at restricting birthright citizenship that he deems related to tourism. This action targets the rules surrounding who qualifies for citizenship within the United States. The order was signed recently, establishing new guidelines for immigration processes. The move reflects the administration's focus on stricter border controls and immigration policies. Further details on the implementation of these new citizenship rules are expected in the coming months.

💥 Kit Connor rumored for X-Men's Cyclops role

A new report suggests that Heartstopper star Kit Connor might be cast as Cyclops in Marvel Studios' upcoming X-Men reboot. This potential casting involves Connor portraying Scott Summers in the movie, following meetings between the studio and director Jake Schreier. Sources indicated this decision was made last week, alongside reports of Samara Weaving being considered for Emma Frost. The studio is showing significant progress in assembling the principal cast for this highly anticipated film. Until an official confirmation, Connor's role remains unconfirmed by Marvel Studios.

🧊 Pluto's heart glacier might be leaking liquid nitrogen

New analysis of New Horizons images suggests liquid nitrogen once existed on Pluto’s surface. This finding comes from a study published last month in The Planetary Science Journal by planetary scientists. The data points to recent liquid flow within the Sputnik Planitia, which is estimated to be less than one million years old. This challenges prior assumptions about ancient flows, proposing liquid nitrogen could have risen through conduits. Further observations are needed to confirm this fascinating possibility about the dwarf planet. 🧊

📊 Nielsen buys DoubleVerify for media insights

Nielsen announced its acquisition of DoubleVerify to build a major, independent media intelligence platform. This strategic move involves Nielsen integrating DoubleVerify's capabilities into its existing operations. The deal solidifies Nielsen's position in tracking advertising effectiveness across various digital channels. This platform aims to provide comprehensive data on how ads are being viewed and impacting audiences. The merger is expected to redefine industry standards for media measurement moving forward.

💪 Territorial Army boosting 'Viksit Bharat' vision

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called the Territorial Army's contribution significant towards 'Viksit Bharat'. He stated that while the core role is security, the force also aids in environmental conservation and social work. The army currently comprises approximately 44,400 personnel across 59 units as of Thursday. They acted as first responders during events like the Kerala floods and Odisha Cyclone. The force has planted 10 crore saplings, supporting PM's 'Mission LiFE' goals. 🌳

🩺 Semaglutide helps liver health, not just weight loss

New research has linked the real-world use of Semaglutide to reduced liver stiffness. This finding was observed in patients across various settings. The study tracked outcomes over a period including data from January to December 2023. This suggests that the drug's benefits extend beyond its well-known role in weight management. Further investigation is needed to fully understand this potential hepatoprotective effect. 🩺

🚀 India tests Agni-4 nuclear-capable missile

India successfully test-fired the Agni-4 ballistic missile, which is capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The test took place in a specific location in India, marking a significant milestone for the nation's defence capabilities. This missile boasts a strike range of 4,000km, demonstrating advanced aerospace technology. The successful firing underscores India's growing strategic deterrence posture in the region. Further tests and operational deployments are expected as part of ongoing defence modernization efforts. 🚀

📰 Pakistan tightens grip on foreign media access

Pakistan has imposed new restrictions on foreign media outlets operating within the country. These rules now require Pakistani nationals working for foreign media to get government permission to travel outside Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. The directives were circulated on Sunday, amidst unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and western provinces. Human rights groups worry these curbs stifle independent reporting and encourage self-censorship. The government has not given a specific reason for these alarming changes to press freedom. 📰

📰 Pakistan tightens grip on foreign media staff

Pakistan has expanded its restrictions on foreign media personnel operating within the country. This move has sparked significant backlash from international press groups and observers. The new curbs affect local staff members associated with these international outlets. The government cites national security concerns as the primary justification for these stricter rules. The situation remains tense as the global media community awaits further clarity on these policies. 📰

🛰️ Gaganyaan hits big milestones for human spaceflight

India's first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, has reached major milestones in critical human-rating systems development. Space Minister Jitendra Singh announced this progress in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. All five types of motors for the Crew Escape System (CES) have been developed and static tested. The first uncrewed experimental mission with Vyommitra is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026. This will be followed by two more uncrewed missions by 2027 before the maiden human orbital flight. 🚀