🇮🇳 Political debates turning into loyalty tests

Controversies flared over 'Vande Mataram' and Modi's 'Dimagi Naxal' comments on Independence Day. The BJP called Congress's decision to sing only two stanzas 'anti-national' after a prior incident. Amit Shah strongly objected to the Congress Working Committee's reaffirmation of its 1937 position. This links to the BJP's use of 'Urban Naxal' against critics over the years. The issue questions when political disagreement becomes a test of national loyalty. 🇮🇳

😠 Hassan DC slams JD(S) leader's comments

Hassan Deputy Commissioner K.S. Lathakumari strongly objected to remarks made by JD(S) leader H.D. Revanna. The incident took place during a press conference in Hassan on Monday, when Revanna ridiculed her appointment. Lathakumari asserted she secured her post constitutionally through her own efforts and criticized his personal attacks. She clarified that the DC holds the final power to notify Gram Panchayat reservations under the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj Act. Lathakumari stated that MLAs have proper channels to object to any mistakes, but none have done so in writing. 😠

🤯 US ramps up H-1B visa fee to over $103k

The US Homeland Security Department announced plans to hike the H-1B visa fee to $103,265. This change follows a July ruling where a federal judge struck down a previous $100,000 fee imposed by President Donald Trump. The H-1B program permits 65,000 visas annually, plus 20,000 for advanced degree holders. Currently, employers usually pay between $2,000 and $5,000 for these visas. Indian nationals account for the majority of these specialty occupation visas. 🤯

🕊️ Ukraine's 4th I-Day Amid War: How Drones Held Back Russia

Ukraine is celebrating its fourth Independence Day while the full-scale war with Russia continues since February 24, 2022. Ukrainian anti-tank missiles and drones have stopped Russia's preferred large-scale armored tactics. CSIS reports show Russia is now using attritional tactics, mounting hundreds of thousands of casualties. Western support helps Ukraine defend its territory despite relentless strikes on cities. The conflict has become a long endurance test, reshaping Europe's security order. 🕊️

🤝 India, Bangladesh push to ease yarn imports

Bangladesh and India met to discuss easing Dhaka's restrictions on Indian yarn imports through land ports. The meeting took place yesterday at the Secretariat in Dhaka, involving Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir and Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi. Bilateral trade currently stands around $13 billion, but it has slowed over the last one and a half years. Discussions covered making land ports fully operational and reopening closed border haats for better trade. Both sides plan to form a joint task force to boost business cooperation and investment. 🤝

🏛️ Land Regularization Calls Surge Over Section 22A Lands

The Revenue department logged 1,162 calls via the toll-free number regarding lands listed under Section 22A of the Registration Act. Of these, 547 calls concerned agricultural lands while 433 related to non-agricultural properties. Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy noted that most registrations were resolved within 24 hours. The government is actively preventing vested interests from regularizing government and Bhudan lands. Review meetings are held every Monday to address these ongoing land disputes. 🧐

⛰️ Garmin Fenix 9 Pro gets titanium body and bigger screen

Garmin is expected to unveil the Fenix 9 and Fenix 9 Pro as early as Tuesday, August 26th. The Fenix 9 Pro is rumored to boast a brand-new, all-titanium unibody design for its build. This new model is also anticipated to receive a larger display upgrade compared to its predecessor. The standard Fenix 9 is expected to keep a design similar to the Fenix 8, featuring metal accents. Prices are reportedly staying largely unchanged from the Fenix 8's launch range of $1,099 to $1,199.

📱 iPhone 16 under 50k possible with card deals

The iPhone 16 is currently available on Flipkart for Rs 65,900, marked down from Rs 69,900. Customers can get extra discounts up to Rs 4,180 using Flipkart Axis Bank or SBI credit cards. Furthermore, an exchange offer can provide savings up to Rs 60,200, potentially bringing the price to Rs 41,420. The phone features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display and is powered by the A18 chip. It also boasts a 48-megapixel main camera and offers long-term iOS support. 📱

🤝 Healthify merges with US nutrition giant Berry Street

Healthify has completed an all-stock merger with US-based nutrition firm Berry Street. This strategic alliance brings Healthify's AI platform together with Berry Street’s large insurance network. The merger aims to boost their US footprint and explore new global markets. Tushar Vashisht and Noah Kotlove will jointly lead the new entity as co-CEOs. This combination sets the stage for significant international expansion for the combined company. 🤝

💧 Monsoon's effect on your mouth health

Bad breath and bleeding gums can worsen during the monsoon season due to seasonal changes. In places like where Dr Tania Nijhawan speaks from, changes like respiratory infections and mouth breathing increase oral issues. Warm, humid conditions support bacterial growth, making plaque buildup a major concern. Frequent snacking on sugary items and nasal congestion also contribute to dry mouth and breath problems. Maintaining a strict oral hygiene routine is key to managing these monsoon-related dental risks.

🚨 Manipur ambush suspect arrested by security forces

A suspected insurgent linked to the 2021 Manipur ambush has been arrested by security teams. The 28-year-old Thiyam Boycha Singh alias Balin was caught in Thoubal district on Saturday. This operation followed intelligence regarding his presence, linking him to the November 13, 2021, attack. The ambush killed Colonel Viplav Tripathi, his wife Anuja, son Abeer, and four personnel. Investigators are now questioning him to uncover more about the conspiracy.