🎮 New games drop on Xbox Game Pass in August

Xbox announced the second batch of games coming to Game Pass in August, though some users have called the selection 'junk.' The new additions include Vapor World: Open the Mind on Aug. 19 and A Plague Tale Legacy on Aug. 27. These titles are being added to various tiers, including Ultimate and PC Game Pass. While some games are leaving the service, like The Witcher 3, the lineup is constantly changing. Users can check out these games to decide if the service is worth the monthly subscription fee. 🎮

💊 Fake drug racket busted near Bidadi; ₹5 crore drugs seized

An alleged racket manufacturing and repackaging fake medicines was busted near the Bidadi toll gate in Bengaluru South district. The Enforcement Wing of Karnataka’s FSDA Department conducted the raid at an unlicensed unit near Hejjala, Ramanagara district. A total of medicines worth approximately ₹5 crore were seized during the operation on Tuesday. This incident raises alarms about counterfeit drugs potentially entering the legitimate pharmaceutical supply chain. Officials are now investigating to uncover the source and distribution network of these fake products.

🎶 Warner Music sets up major tech hub in Bengaluru

Warner Music Group is expanding its Global Tech division by opening a new international technology hub in Bengaluru. This hub aims to drive technical innovation across WMG’s global tech suite, focusing on music distribution and data infrastructure. The facility is scheduled to officially launch next month, with active recruitment happening now across various disciplines. WMG is heavily investing in local leadership and modern tech stacks to attract top talent. This move positions Bengaluru as central to WMG’s worldwide engineering strategy. 🎶

🛡️ India bans imports on 405 defense items for self-reliance

India has imposed a phased ban on the import of 405 defense items, including critical spares for various platforms. This move targets defense sectors across India, aiming to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities. The ban, part of the sixth positive indigenisation list, is expected to generate a domestic business opportunity worth ₹3,070 crore. These items range from air and armored platforms to missile systems, with timelines set until December 2029. The government aims to strengthen self-reliance and increase domestic production significantly.

🔫 GTA 6 leak brings back 6-star wanted system

GTA 6 is reportedly bringing back the 6-star wanted system, mirroring previous GTA titles. This information surfaced from leaked GTA 6 gameplay footage featuring Jason in a Vapid ’70 Ganado. The leaked video clearly shows six stars appearing after a civilian confrontation. New symbols below the stars suggest tracking for clothing, vehicles, and people damaged. While the footage might be from an early beta, the return of the 6-star system seems highly probable.

🔬 Basel researchers shake up coronin protein beliefs

Scientists at the University of Basel are challenging the long-held view that coronin proteins mainly regulate the cytoskeleton. These proteins are found across animals and are key in immunity and cell survival. A new study in PLOS Biology suggests coronins are largely dispensable for actin cytoskeleton organization. The research also found that molecular tagging can alter coronin function and noted antibody reliability issues. This could open new ways to understand coronin roles in cell signaling.

🏛️ Karnataka sets up committee to check new minimum wages

The Karnataka government formed a cabinet sub-committee to review the proposed minimum wage revision. This committee is headed by Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwar and will examine the May 22, 2026 notification. The group includes several ministers, like M.B. Patil and Santhosh Lad, and was decided on August 13. Labour unions are happy with the long-pending hike, but industries are worried about the steep increase. The sub-committee will ensure the revision aligns with the Code on Wages, 2019.

😠 Congress slams BJP over Uttarakhand 'purification' protest

Congress accused the BJP of being 'anti-Dalit' for blocking a resolution condemning a 'purification' ceremony. This incident occurred in the Legislative Assembly at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Tuesday. The protest refusal was related to a ritual at Haldwani, Uttarakhand, two days after Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a rally on August 8. Congress members demanded a unanimous resolution against the discrimination, while BJP members continued their protests. The ruling party argued that BJP's stance was the real anti-Dalit action against Kharge. 😠

🚜 Demand to Boost SC/ST in Cooperative Sector

Legislative Council member K. Shivakumar urged the government to boost the participation of SC/ST members in the cooperative sector. He spoke in the Legislative Council on Tuesday, asking for more loans and job opportunities for these communities. Out of 11,357 societies, only ₹3,094 crore was disbursed to SC/ST farmers against a planned ₹5,980 crore. Shivakumar demanded strict action against rule violators regarding membership. Cooperation Minister Lakshman Savadi assured that steps would be taken according to the rules.

🎭 Kutiyattam festival starts on August 19

The 17th edition of the Kutiyattam festival is set to commence on August 19. Nepathya is organizing this event at its Koothambalam venue. The festival will run from August 19 to 24, and then again from August 27 to September 3. This year's showcase will include two full classical dramatic interpretations and specific acts from Bhasa’s and Shakthbhadra’s works. The opening ceremony is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19.

🕷️ Spider-Man: Brand New Day hits $800M domestic record

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has become the fastest movie to cross the $800M domestic box office mark. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film achieved this feat in a record 19 days. This makes it the fourth movie to reach this milestone, and the second for Zendaya and third for Tom Holland. The movie is currently expected to bring in around $9M on its third Tuesday. It is projected to lead the upcoming weekend's box office with an estimated $35M hold. 🕷️