🏘️ No split for Hubballi-Dharwad city council

Speakers at a public dialogue strongly argued against splitting the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation. This event, hosted by the Hubballi Dharwad Metropolitan City Forum at the Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, took place on Monday. A resolution was passed demanding an expert committee and the declaration of the twin cities as a metropolitan area. Santosh Naragund suggested establishing the HDMA based on the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act-2024. The group plans to meet with the Chief Minister and Urban Development Minister soon. 🏘️

🏏 Rocky Flintoff smashes maiden senior hundred 🏏

Rocky Flintoff achieved his first senior century by scoring 123 runs off just 76 balls. This milestone happened for Lancashire against Somerset at Taunton on Tuesday. He reached the three-figure mark in 65 balls, adding to Lancashire's 443 for six score. The 18-year-old, son of Andrew Flintoff, has often faced comparisons due to his father's fame. This performance firmly established his own mark in senior cricket.

🤖 AI startup Manus goes solo after Meta deal ends

AI startup Manus is resuming its independent operations after its deal with Meta has officially unwound. The company was operating under the partnership which involved significant strategic collaboration. This transition is taking place following the conclusion of the agreement terms. Manus was previously leveraging resources and infrastructure provided by Meta for its AI development goals. The startup will now focus solely on its own independent growth trajectory moving forward.

😠 Ex-Minister slams NSS leadership in public feud

The long-simmering conflict between K.B. Ganesh Kumar and the NSS leadership exploded into public view on Tuesday. Kumar, formerly the Transport Minister, accused the organization of corruption and nepotism after being removed from the NSS director board in June. He alleged that the NSS denied dignitaries access to Mannathu Padmanabhan's resting place and disparaged Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan. Furthermore, Kumar claimed the NSS invalidated 12 bank accounts due to an employee's credentials issue. He urged the Nair community to hold the NSS accountable for its actions. 😠

🗣️ Student Activist Neha Bora on 'Anti-National' Tags

Neha Bora discussed the 'anti-national' tag she has faced during an express interview. She spoke about figures like Umar Khalid and her future political engagement. The conversation touched upon the pressures faced by activists in the current climate. Bora also addressed the possibility of her participating in upcoming polls. Her stance on activism and politics remains a key focus for observers.

🏔️ Mountaineer Nirmal Purja passes away in an avalanche

Nirmal Purja, a renowned mountaineer, tragically died aged 43 in an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan. He was a celebrated and controversial climber, known for his ambitious approach to high-altitude peaks. His career highlights include completing the 14 8,000-metre peaks in a record six months and six days in 2019. Purja's methods brought Himalayan climbing into the influencer age, gaining him global fame. His legacy includes founding the Nimsdai Foundation to support mountain communities.

🔥 Mirzapur movie coming thanks to fan hype

Producer Farhan Akhtar confirmed that the adaptation of Mirzapur to the big screen was driven entirely by massive fan demand. The show, which started in 2018, is gaining such traction that its movie trailer was recently released. Pankaj Tripathi will reprise his role as Kaleen Bhaiya in this new cinematic chapter. The film continues from Season 1, featuring iconic characters like Munna Bhaiya and Guddu Pandit. The narrative expands beyond Purvanchal, focusing on the intense race for the Gaddi. 🎬

💪 Makhachev's bulk vs. Garry's vegan diet for UFC 330

Islam Makhachev has gained around five kilograms of muscle since moving to 170 pounds for UFC 330. He is making this change while fighting Ian Machado Garry in the welterweight division. Makhachev reportedly added roughly 11 pounds of muscle since leaving lightweight, while Garry credits his vegan diet for better recovery. Makhachev's focus on size complements his wrestling, contrasting with Garry's emphasis on nutrition. Both fighters will test their distinct preparation methods on August 15.

🩺 Extreme diets and kidney stress: what to know

Kidney problems can sometimes show subtle signs like swelling or changes in urination, not always dramatic ones. For those on restrictive diets, periodic medical checks are better than waiting for symptoms to appear. Protein is still vital, but intake must match individual needs like age and activity level. The focus should be on sustainable changes rather than the most extreme trending diet. Doctors stress that diets need to be personalized based on kidney function and overall health.

🏢 TikTok demands 5-day office week for US staff

TikTok is tightening its work policy and mandating a full five-day return to the office for its US employees starting in September. This affects thousands of people across its offices in various US cities like New York and Los Angeles. Previously, the company had mentioned preparing for a full return in 2026, but this September change is sooner. This move aligns with a broader push in the tech industry toward stricter in-office attendance requirements. Some companies, however, are still favoring flexible or virtual-first setups.

📈 Axis Direct flags 3 stocks for August gains

Axis Direct released a monthly report highlighting three stocks showing strong bullish momentum for August. The recommendations include Ramkrishna Forgings, Endurance Technologies, and 360 ONE WAM. Specific buying ranges, stop-loss levels, and price targets are provided for traders to monitor. Ramkrishna Forgings recently surpassed its July 2025 swing high of 691, signaling uptrend continuation. Endurance Technologies broke above a September 2025 trendline, suggesting a new medium-term uptrend. 📈