💸 Punjab employees earn more than central counterparts

Punjab government employees historically earn significantly more than their central government counterparts across various cadres. Despite the central government offering 60% DA versus Punjab's 42%, state pay scales keep salaries higher in many categories. The Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the state to clear pending DA for employees and pensioners within two weeks. The state argues that the higher central DA cannot be stacked on top of its already elevated pay scales. This judgment is expected to increase Punjab's already high salary burden, impacting development spending. 💸

✊ Congress workers block highway for Laxmi Hebbalkar

Congress supporters blocked the Pune-Bengaluru national highway near Hire Bagewadi in Karnataka on August 3rd. They were demanding a cabinet berth for MLA Laxmi Hebbalkar, who served as a minister in the Siddaramaiah-led government. The protestors insisted she be given a ministerial post in the D.K. Shivakumar-led government. Supporters claimed her inclusion would help the party in future elections and boost women's representation. The Congress high command was urged to ensure justice for Ms. Hebbalkar. ✊

🏸 Gopichand warns new badminton scoring could wipe out players

India chief national coach Pullela Gopichand predicts the BWF's shift to a 15x3 scoring format will radically change badminton. This change, approved by the BWF, replaces the current best-of-three games to 21 points starting next year. Gopichand stated that a few players might be wiped off while others could benefit from this tactical transformation. He believes the shorter format will increase the importance of speed, power, and mental resilience in the game. Doubles specialists are expected to feel the biggest impact, with crucial pressure points arriving much earlier in matches. 🏸

🧪 New Fiber Tech Detects Tiny Gas Levels

Researchers developed a microcavity-enhanced optoelectronic fiber photoacoustic spectroscopy method. This technique was tested by a team at a specific research institute. The system achieved detection sensitivity down to parts per billion (ppb) levels. This advancement significantly improves the capability to monitor trace gases accurately. Future applications could include environmental monitoring and industrial safety checks. 🧪

📈 GeForce RTX 50 prices jump in South Korea

The average price of GeForce RTX 50 graphics cards has seen a significant increase in South Korea. This price hike affects consumers buying the new GPUs in the country. Reports indicate an average rise of 30% within just a few days. This surge is attributed to high demand and limited initial stock availability. Market analysts expect prices to stabilize or potentially rise further in the coming weeks. 📈

🕊️ Former Governor D Y Patil passes away at 91

Educationist and former Governor D Y Patil passed away on Tuesday morning at his Kolhapur residence. He held the Padma Shri award and served as Governor for Bihar, Tripura, and West Bengal. The passing occurred when he was 91 years old after a long illness. His visionary leadership significantly shaped many lives and educational institutions. His family, including his sons and daughter, is mourning this loss.

🧐 Voters' forum challenges BJP over family certificates

The Telangana Voters’ Rights Forum questioned the BJP’s objection to Family Register Certificates being accepted under the SIR process. The forum addressed the Telangana unit of the BJP, which opposed the move, claiming it legitimized Rohingya and Bangladeshi vote banks. This opposition came despite urging from figures like AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi for help during SIR. TVRF demanded evidence against the allegations, noting lakhs of migrant workers and undocumented women need these documents. The forum welcomed the move, citing similar state-level introductions when the BJP was in power. 🧐

💸 Gigabyte GPU prices jump in Japan

Gigabyte graphics card prices have seen a significant increase across Japan. The price hike affects various models sold in the region. Specifically, prices have risen between 20% and 40% recently. This surge is impacting consumers as some outstanding orders might face cancellation. Retailers are currently managing the stock and price adjustments. 💸

✨ Bengaluru influencer Rida Tharana joins Traitors 2

Bengaluru-based social media sensation Rida Tharana is set to debut on Season 2 of The Traitors. She joins the game alongside Apoorva Makhija, who appeared in Season 1. Rida boasts 1.6 million Instagram followers and holds a degree in biotechnology and genetics. Previously, she worked as a model and emcee, hosting over 400 events. Fans are waiting to see if she can win the trophy on the reality show. 📺

⛽ Tanker traffic low despite Trump's peace talk talk

Tanker crossings in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb stayed quiet at the start of the week. Data from Kpler showed a dozen tankers passed through Bab el-Mandeb on Monday, while only three crossed the Strait of Hormuz that same day. Trump's claims about peace talks caused oil prices to shift late last week and this week. However, prices reversed as traders doubted the talks and saw reports of the US Central Command seeking new ways to pressure Iran. Iran continues its strategy to cause economic pain by blocking energy trade routes. ⛽

🕊️ Suneil Anand's cremation scheduled for August 4 in London

Suneil Anand, the son of Dev Anand, passed away due to a second heart attack while in London. His funeral service is set for August 4, 2026, at 1:30 pm local time in Putney Vale. He passed away at the age of 70 after suffering a cardiac arrest on July 26, 2026. Dev Anand's niece, Gina Narang, is overseeing the last rites as his mother is unwell. The family has requested privacy during this difficult period.