⛽ Punjab Assembly wants centre to drop E20 petrol rule

The Punjab Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Union Government to roll back the nationwide E20 petrol rollout. This move was made by lawmakers in Punjab, Chandigarh, due to concerns over vehicle damage. The resolution highlights apprehension regarding engine wear, mileage loss, and high modification costs for older vehicles. Legislators demand that unblended or lower-blend petrol must be available alongside E20 at all filling stations. This formal forwarding marks a policy friction point between state and central authorities on biofuel standards. ⛽

📈 Google testing anchor text links in ad descriptions

Google is currently experimenting with integrating keyword-rich anchor text hyperlinks directly into ad descriptions on Google Search. These links direct users to the identical landing page URL as the main ad title link. Nayan Prakash observed this change, noting it appears Google selects text based on user search intent. This update builds on previous tests like 'learn more' links within Google Ads. This development is expected to potentially boost the Click-Through Rate (CTR) of search ads. 📈

🏆 IIT hub girl wins boxing gold after brutal attack

Arundhati Choudhary recently won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. Hailing from Kota, Rajasthan, she faced pressure from her father to pursue engineering instead of sports. After achieving success, a fellow male boxer allegedly foul punched her during training, leading to a month-long hospital stay. This severe head injury caused her to suffer frequent blackouts, almost making her quit boxing. She eventually recovered with the help of Ayurvedic treatment and continued her journey to global success. 🥊

🥃 FSSAI bans Old Monk & McDowell's for fake aging

FSSAI has banned several liquor brands, including three Old Monk variants and McDowell's No. 1 Rum. This action targets brands using artificial flavors instead of proper aging methods in their production. The ban affects products like Old Monk's Legend and Gold Reserve, manufactured by Mohan Rocky Springwater's Khopoli unit. The regulator found that Old Monk was deceptively labeling XXX Rum as '7 years' blended when it contained less than 5% aged rum. Further regulatory action is expected across multiple manufacturers after these violations were found. 🧐

🇮🇳 India's big move into Central Asia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is planning a visit to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan later this month. This strategic trip is set to boost India's role in Central Asia, a region seeing intense global competition. The itinerary includes attending the SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan and holding trade talks in Uzbekistan. Bilateral trade between India and Uzbekistan already exceeds one billion dollars, with more potential for growth. These visits reinforce India's growing strategic and economic footprint in the region. ✈️

🗓️ UPPSC 2026 Exam Calendar is out, check dates

The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission released its 2026 examination calendar detailing several recruitment tests starting from August. Key dates include the Assistant Teacher Main Exam on August 16, 2026, and the GIC Lecturer Main Exam on August 30. Various exams follow in September and October, covering roles like Assistant Professor and Food Safety Officer. The Combined State/Upper Subordinate Services (PCS) Preliminary Exam is set for December 6, 2026. The commission has already conducted several exams prior to August, according to the schedule.

🧤 Ter Stegen joins Ajax on loan from Barcelona

Dutch giants Ajax officially confirmed the signing of goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen on a season-long loan from Barcelona. The move was requested by new Ajax manager Míchel, who previously worked with Ter Stegen at Girona. The 34-year-old aims to help Ajax return to its top form after dealing with major injuries over the past two years. Barcelona will cover 90% of his salary while at Ajax. His performance this season could lead to a permanent transfer next summer.

👓 Samsung ditches single AI model for smart glasses

Samsung is not planning a proprietary AI model locked to its own devices, according to a top executive. This strategy will extend to smart glasses and other wearables, emphasizing hardware combined with the best available AI. The company is already using multiple models across its devices, not just relying on Gemini. Samsung's differentiation comes from integrating top-performing models with its unique hardware and services. Core AI services will remain free for now, though sustainability is a factor being assessed.

😟 Ozempic hair: what's the lowdown on hair shedding?

Excessive hair shedding, informally called 'Ozempic hair,' is a noted side effect of popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro. This concern has been brought up by people using GLP-1 medications in India. Research indicates that over 12.7% of weight loss medication users developed nutrient deficiencies within 6 months of usage. Doctors suggest the rapid weight loss from diet, not the drug directly, is the main cause, leading to telogen effluvium. If hair loss persists beyond six months, seeking medical help is strongly advised.

🦷 Bleeding gums might signal heart issues

Bleeding gums can be a warning sign for serious health issues beyond just teeth problems. Researchers have found strong links between gum disease and chronic conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Severe gum disease, or periodontitis, is a chronic infection that allows oral bacteria to enter the bloodstream. Inflammation from infected gums can worsen insulin resistance and damage blood vessels over time. Treating gum disease can lower overall inflammation, supporting general wellness. 🩺

😟 Karnataka Congress cabinet drama shakes up state politics

The Congress government in Karnataka is facing internal turmoil following Siddaramaiah's boycott of the swearing-in ceremony. This occurred because of disagreements over cabinet appointments, specifically regarding Gayathri Shathegowda and other members. The cabinet formation process involved intense political negotiations among key leaders like Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah. The final list saw major community representation, with the 'Ahinda' group securing nearly 60% of the berths. This widespread discontent among MLAs suggests future instability ahead of the May 2028 state elections. 😟