🧠 One setting cut Claude Code token burn by 45%

A tech journalist discovered that adjusting a setting in Claude Code significantly reduced token consumption. This finding was made while testing five different coding tasks using Claude Code. Across these tests, the token burn dropped by 45% when switching the effort level to Medium. This adjustment allowed the model to be more economical without severely impacting task completion. The author suggests choosing the right effort level for the specific job rather than always using the highest setting.

🤝 US VP Vance chats with PM Modi on stronger ties

US Vice President JD Vance called Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday to discuss deepening the India-US partnership. The leaders reaffirmed commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, defense, and critical technologies. The conversation happened near the time the US Senate passed a bill imposing 100% tariffs on five nations, including India and China, for Russian oil purchases. Both leaders exchanged views on various global developments that are mutually important to both nations. Future discussions aim to further enhance the Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership between India and the US.

🚨 Pilot of turbulent flight possibly failed drug test

The captain of Air India's Airbus A320, which experienced severe turbulence near Odisha, reportedly tested positive for psychoactive substances upon arrival. This incident occurred on Tuesday, August 4th, when the aircraft carrying 145 people suddenly dropped 300 feet. Thirteen passengers and four crew members were hospitalized after the turbulence event. The DGCA is currently investigating the event, including the pilot's handling and potential causes. As per protocol, the flight crew has been taken off flying duty pending further investigation.

🏀 Curry couple hits $100M mark with charity

Stephen Curry and Ayesha Curry's foundation, Eat. Learn. Play, recently announced a major $100 million milestone. The foundation has been working in Oakland to benefit children and underprivileged families for the last seven years. This investment has resulted in 35 million meals distributed, 7,500 students tutored, and 24 schoolyards transformed. The initiative aims to provide quality food and education to children from their hometown. They emphasize that their work is just beginning to give every kid a happy childhood. 🏀

💰 UPI MDR proposed, but P2P stays free

The government has suggested that a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) might be introduced for UPI transactions. This proposed MDR would range from 0.25% to 0.4% and would apply only to transactions exceeding Rs 2,000. Importantly, all person-to-person transactions will remain free for consumers and merchants. The UPI and Services Steering Committee, led by NPCI, will make the final decision on this rate. This move aims to keep India's digital payment infrastructure sustainable and competitive.

😟 Jharkhand protest talks hit a snag again

A second round of talks between students and the government in Jharkhand did not manage to break the ongoing deadlock. The discussions involved students from various institutions and government officials from the state. The talks were scheduled for a recent date, with negotiations continuing over specific demands. This impasse continues to affect the educational atmosphere in the region. Future steps in resolving the dispute remain uncertain for now. 😟

📚 India's education spending misses UNESCO's mark

UNESCO's 2026 SDG 4 scorecard reveals India's education spending is below the prescribed threshold. Education accounts for 4.1% of GDP but only 14.2% of total public expenditure, which is less than the 15% benchmark. This situation is significant because India's secondary school completion rates are lagging behind national targets. Lower secondary completion is 86%, falling short of the 99% benchmark for 2025. The global trend shows many countries are moving away from these public education expenditure benchmarks. 📉

⚽ Barcelona misses Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup

Barcelona ultimately failed to secure the Friuli Venezia Giulia Cup after losing 1-0 to Udinese in the triangular tournament in Udine. Both teams observed a minute's silence before the match to honor Messi's father. Despite dominating possession, Barcelona only threatened twice and couldn't convert their chances. Ivorian Bayo scored the winning goal in the final minute to seal the defeat. The match highlighted Barcelona's offensive struggles despite control and young player promise.

🏏 Super Giants secure crucial win in the Hundred 🏏

Manchester Super Giants defeated Southern Brave by 10 runs in a tense encounter. The match took place at the home ground, where Super Giants managed to keep their campaign alive. With Walter scoring 64 and Seifert adding 55, the Super Giants posted a total of 149 for 8. Despite a spirited chase, Atkinson's bowling kept the Braves from scoring enough to reach the knockout stages. The Super Giants now look to play SunRisers Leeds on Tuesday to secure a prime qualification spot.

💰 Buffett's successor is spending Berkshire's cash

Greg Abel, who took over as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway this year, started increasing stock spending significantly. He is leading the conglomerate in Omaha, Nebraska, where the cash pile dropped from $380 billion to $365 billion by June. Berkshire bought $23.5 billion in stocks and repurchased $4.6 billion, reversing a long trend of selling. This shift contrasts with the previous period when Buffett held a massive cash reserve. Abel emphasizes a nimble culture for making thoughtful investments as the company moves forward. 💸

🗣️ Rijiju and Rahul trade jabs on women's quota bill

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju asked Rahul Gandhi to support the women's reservation bill. Rahul countered that the bill was already passed unanimously by Parliament in 2023. The exchange started after Rijiju referenced Rahul's post on X about women's empowerment. Rahul then questioned why the 2023 law hasn't been implemented after three years. He demanded that the government implement the 2023 law without any conditions.