✨ Pixel 12 leaks hint at big changes ahead

The Google Pixel 12 is expected to debut next August, potentially bringing a major design shake-up after three years of similar looks. Four models are rumored: base, Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold. RAM upgrades to LPDDR6 and silicon-carbon batteries are possible features for the new devices. Users are hoping for a modern GPU and better ergonomics instead of the current flat design. Google is expected to continue its trend of introducing experimental hardware surprises with the next iteration. 📱

🤡 UK politics: Clown vs. Trash Can in by-election

A satirical candidate, Count Binface, surprisingly won a by-election in Clacton-on-Sea. This event occurred amidst the deep political chaos following Brexit in England. The election took place on Friday, August 14, 2026, following Nigel Farage's resignation. The political landscape is currently baffling, mirroring a dysfunctional, trial-period government experience. Future politics might require complex explanations similar to those described by Pramod Mahajan. 🤷‍♂️

🇮🇳 Dharwad hosts massive Tiranga Yatra for Independence Day

A 200-metre-long Tiranga Yatra was held in Dharwad on Friday for Independence Day celebrations. The event, organized by ABVP, marked the 150th anniversary of the national song 'Vande Mataram'. The procession started at Lingayat Bhavan, passing Saptapur Bavi and KCD Circle before ending at Jubilee Circle. Hundreds of students, youth, and citizens participated in this patriotic march. The yatra aimed to boost unity and remember the freedom struggle's key figures. 🇮🇳

🏏 Vijay Shankar joins Dublin Guardians alongside Ashwin

Former Indian allrounder Vijay Shankar has signed with Dublin Guardians, one of the six franchises in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). He will reunite with R Ashwin, who is appointed captain and mentor for Dublin, in Europe. The inaugural ETPL season runs from August 26 to September 20 across Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. Vikram Rathour has been appointed as Dublin's head coach for this new venture. This league is set to be Europe's first ICC-sanctioned multi-country franchise T20 league. 🏏

🏏 Vijay Shankar joins Dublin Guardians with Ashwin

Former Indian allrounder Vijay Shankar has signed with the Dublin Guardians for the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). He will reunite with R Ashwin, who is appointed captain and mentor for the franchise in Dublin. The ETPL inaugural season runs from August 26 to September 20, featuring six teams across multiple countries. Vikram Rathour has been appointed as the head coach for the Dublin Guardians. This move follows Shankar's retirement from IPL and Indian domestic cricket in May. 🏏

🇮🇳 TN Governor sends Independence Day vibes

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar extended Independence Day greetings to the people on Friday. He addressed the citizens of Tamil Nadu in his message regarding the national day. The message emphasized remembering freedom fighters' sacrifices and India's progress since independence. He stressed that every citizen must contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. Arlekar urged the youth to dedicate themselves to building a stronger India for future generations.

😠 Rajnath slams Rahul Gandhi's jabs at Modi, foreign policy

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh strongly condemned Rahul Gandhi's comments regarding PM Narendra Modi and India's foreign policy as petty and condemnable. The comments were made by Rahul Gandhi at a Congress event, targeting the PM's focus on foreign relations. This happened following Gandhi's criticism that the PM's job is protection, not just friendship, on a date yesterday. Singh asserted that Gandhi insulted not just the PM but also India's international prestige. He questioned Congress's claim to political legacies after such conduct. 🇮🇳

⚽ Barcelona seals €6m deal for Jofre Torrents

Barcelona has reportedly agreed on a transfer deal with Ajax for young full-back Jofre Torrents. The deal, reported by Diario Sport, involves Ajax paying €6 million for 50% of the player’s rights. Torrents is scheduled to travel to Amsterdam for a medical and to sign his contract soon. This move comes as he leaves Barcelona, joining Marc-Andre ter Stegen's exit. The 19-year-old struggled to secure a regular spot after his La Liga debut last season.

🧐 Warren grills Treasury on Yen intervention details

Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding the Trump administration's rationale for intervening in the yen. She pressed him for a detailed justification and specifics on taxpayer fund usage related to the July 31 actions. Bessent confirmed the US-Japan joint intervention, noting the use of euros from the Exchange Stabilization Fund (ESF). Warren demanded the administration's legal analysis for using the ESF by August 28. Furthermore, she asked about the potential impact of Japanese market turmoil on US jobs. 🧐

😥 Tribal community carries patient over 5km on bamboo stretcher

A 50-year-old patient named Poomani was carried over 5 km on a makeshift bamboo stretcher to Societykudy hospital on Friday. The individual, from Meenkuthikudy in Edamalakkudy, was suffering from a fever that worsened on that day. Locals built the bamboo structure and covered the patient to shield her from the rain during transport. This difficult journey was necessary because of the absence of a permanent bridge over the Manaliyar River. These frequent incidents highlight the ongoing lack of proper infrastructure for tribal settlements.

🌍 Global view of India at 80 years old

A Pew Research Center survey across 36 countries reveals that a global median of 45% hold a favorable view of India. The South Asian view is extremely split, with Sri Lanka at 79% positive and Pakistan only at 7%. Favourability has declined sharply in places like Bangladesh, where the positive share dropped by 15 percentage points since 2024. Conversely, India's image has improved significantly in countries like Sri Lanka, with a 14-point rise since 2024. Overall, the world's perception is a complex mix of strong support and notable regional hostility.