📈 S&P 500 hits record high on tech surge

The S&P 500 closed at a new record high today, driven by strong gains in the technology sector. This positive trend was seen across the market, with the Nasdaq also rising following tame inflation data. Meanwhile, the Dow experienced a slight uptick during the trading session. Treasury yields and oil prices both saw a decrease in value. Investors are now watching upcoming economic reports for further market direction. 📈

🤝 India officials might attend Taliban's Victory Day

The Taliban will celebrate the fifth anniversary of Victory Day at the Afghanistan embassy next Monday. Afghanistan charge d’affaires Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor extended the invitation to senior Indian officials. This day commemorates the Taliban's return to Kabul in 2021 after the US-led NATO forces withdrew. Despite not officially recognizing the Islamic Emirate, India maintains pragmatic engagement for regional security and trade. This diplomatic move builds on India's extensive development presence across 34 Afghan provinces. 🇮🇳

🐛 Worms become clone chains with too much food

Tiny flatworms rapidly form chains of connected clones when given abundant food. This discovery was made by scientists at the University of Warsaw in Poland. The transformation occurs when reproductive cycles overlap, leading to chains of four or five zooids around four days after feeding begins. This happens because the worm starts a new reproductive cycle before the previous one separates completely. The chains are temporary and eventually break apart into independent individuals.

🤝 Indian officials invited to Taliban Victory Day event

Taliban will celebrate its fifth anniversary of Victory Day at the Afghanistan embassy in Delhi on Monday. Afghanistan charge d'affaires Mufti Noor Ahmad Noor extended the invitation to senior Indian officials. Victory Day is observed annually on August 15 to mark the Taliban's return to Kabul in 2021. Despite not officially recognizing the Islamic Emirate, India engages pragmatically for regional security and trade. This move follows a recent landmark visit by Afghanistan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India. 🤝

🔌 US grid operator PJM wants to cut data centers during crises

The US grid operator PJM has proposed a new rule to force data centers to power down during emergencies. This proposal targets data centers across the regions managed by PJM. The plan involves mandatory shutdowns during periods of grid stress or emergencies. This move aims to stabilize the power grid when demand exceeds supply capacity. Stakeholders are now reviewing the proposal to determine its final implementation timeline. 🔌

🇮🇳 US sees most attacks on Indians abroad

The US recorded the highest number of attacks against Indians living overseas between 2021 and 2025. This period saw 33 such incidents reported in the US alone. The UAE also registered 32 attacks, while the UK and Canada reported 31 and 30 incidents, respectively. Ireland accounted for 24 cases of violence against Indian nationals during this timeframe. The government stated that the safety of Indians abroad is the top priority and missions are monitoring situations closely. 🇮🇳

⚖️ Judge forces Google to ease rival app store access

Judge James Donato ordered Google to simplify installing rival app stores on Android devices. This ruling came after a jury found Google held an illegal monopoly over Android apps nearly three years ago. The judge mandated changes to allow rival stores within the Play Store and provide full app catalog access for several years. Epic argued that current installation steps created unnecessary 'anticompetitive friction,' which Donato agreed with. Google must implement these changes within one week to fix the search and installation process. 📱

⚓ US signals indefinite naval blockade on Iran

The United States has stated its capability to maintain a naval blockade against Iran indefinitely. This move involves US forces operating in waters near Iran. The announcement reiterates existing economic pressure measures against the Iranian regime. This escalation follows ongoing regional tensions and diplomatic standoffs. The US plans to ramp up economic sanctions further in the near future. ⚓

🩺 Pixel Watch 5 auto-calls in breathing emergency

The Pixel Watch 5 features an AI-powered breathing emergency detection system designed to help users when they are incapacitated. Google developed this feature using heart rate, motion, and altitude sensors to spot signs of a breathing issue. If an emergency is detected, the watch calls emergency services after a 30-second window, which could aid in pneumonia or overdose incidents. Currently, it is only available in some European countries as it awaits FDA clearance in the US. This feature is part of the Health Guardian umbrella, alongside monitoring for blood pressure and sleep quality. 🚨

🚨 Heads up: Apple is warning about spyware attacks

Apple is sending out push notifications to users who might be targeted by spyware capable of hacking their devices. This tech giant notified users in 110 countries on Thursday, bringing the total to over 150 countries worldwide. The notifications advise users on immediate protective actions and suggest enabling Lockdown Mode. This system is a big improvement, helping expose surveillance misuse like the one in Poland. Users must take these alerts seriously to secure their data. 📱

🦠 Ebola outbreak hits sixth DRC province

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has now spread to a sixth province, according to health officials. The infection reached the previously unaffected Bas-Uele province after a man traveled from a neighboring region. The current toll stands at 2,100 deaths, occurring almost three times faster than the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic. This severe situation is happening amid strikes, rebel threats, and misinformation within the region. Clinical trials for potential treatments are underway in Ituri, the most affected province so far. 🦠