✨ Sivananda Guruji's Centenary Kick-off Event

The Sanathana Dharma Charitable Trust is hosting a curtain-raiser event ahead of Satguru Sri Sivananda Murty's centenary celebrations. This event will take place at the VMRDA Children’s Arena in Siripuram, with Vinay L. Varanasi leading the performance. The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026, starting at 6 p.m. The program features a classical narrative performance and the release of a brochure for the Sivananda Cultural Centre. Entry for this cultural gathering is free and open to all music lovers. 🎶

🤔 DMK might back delimitation if three changes are made

The DMK may support the constitutional amendment Bill for delimitation if three key changes are made by the Narendra Modi government. The party wants the 1976 amendment freeze extended by 25 years and a 50% blanket increase in Lok Sabha seats. This comes as the government seeks support amidst shifting political dynamics in the Lok Sabha. The DMK insists on receiving a formal schedule detailing each state's seat count before making a final decision. The government is actively engaging with opposition parties to build necessary support.

🏛️ DMK sets conditions for delimitation Bill support

The DMK has laid down three conditions to potentially back the government's delimitation Bill. This is in response to the government's push for a fresh delimitation exercise for all states. They want the 1971 freeze extended by 25 years and a 50% blanket increase in Lok Sabha seats. The party also demands a specific seat allocation schedule for each state. They will make a final call only after the Bill is officially circulated. 🗳️

🤝 India and Russia discuss army tech in Delhi

India and Russia are holding their fifth Army Land Systems Sub-Group meeting in New Delhi. The discussions focus on reviewing current military technical cooperation and strengthening land systems collaboration. This four-day event takes place from August 4 to August 7, 2026. The talks are held under the India-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Military and Military Technical Cooperation. Both sides aim to advance defence industrial and technological cooperation moving forward. 🤝

📱 Vivo V80 series launch delayed in India

The launch of the Vivo V80 series premium smartphones has reportedly been postponed in India. The delay affects the lineup, which was anticipated sooner, now pushing the debut to August 12. This revised date is based on tips from Sanju Choudhary and is not officially confirmed by Vivo. The delay might allow Vivo to perfect its marketing strategy before the big reveal. These phones are expected to pack a 7,000mAh battery and ZEISS cameras. 📱

🛡️ New rules coming for ride-sharing apps

A new Motor Vehicle Aggregator Policy is set to launch soon to boost passenger safety and transparency. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar announced this initiative for app-based aggregators operating in India. The policy review committee finished consultations and is finalizing its recommendations shortly. Key areas under review include passenger safety, driver welfare, and fare transparency. The government will soon implement these changes to improve transport tech services.

🏥 MP asks Centre for two more AIIMS in Andhra Pradesh

Jana Sena MP Lingamaneni Ramesh wrote to Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Thursday requesting more healthcare infrastructure. He asked for two new AIIMS, one in Rayalaseema and one in North coastal districts, and to upgrade AIIMS-Mangalagiri. This move aims to fix regional healthcare gaps in the reorganized State of Andhra Pradesh. Currently, one AIIMS struggles to serve the state's nearly five crore population across three regions. The MP stressed this is needed due to increased healthcare demand over the last decade. 🏥

🚢 Hormuz passage deal hits snags for shipping

A proposed deal regarding the Hormuz passage has been deemed unfeasible by multiple sources in the industry. This situation involves major shipping interests navigating geopolitical complexities. The negotiations have been ongoing, but specific dates for finalization are not yet set. The proposal aimed to streamline maritime transit through this critical waterway. Further discussions are expected to determine the viability of the passage agreement. 🚢

🛂 Trump plan could raise H-1B, L-1 visa costs

A potential plan under the Trump administration might increase the costs associated with H-1B and L-1 visa extensions. This policy change would specifically affect Indian professionals working in the US. The details of the increased fees are yet to be officially released, but the proposals are circulating. This move is being scrutinized by immigration experts and the tech community. It suggests a stricter approach to skilled worker immigration in the future. 💼

🐒 Monkeys care for animals outside their family, just like us

A new Springer study systematically reviewed 427 cases of inter-species social interactions involving primates. This research found interactions across at least 88 primate species and 127 non-primate species, happening both in the wild and captivity. The documented encounters suggest that caring and curiosity are ancient traits shared across primates, not just humans. Play and grooming were common behaviors, with young primates showing the most curiosity. These findings offer insights into the evolutionary roots of human-animal partnerships.

⚽ Rodri ditches Madrid, teams up with Barcelona

Manchester City's midfielder Rodri Hernández has reportedly agreed to personal terms with FC Barcelona. This move places Barcelona in the lead as they now negotiate with the English club for the signing. The potential transfer was reported on Tuesday by MARCA, Fabrice Hawkins, and Fabrizio Romano. Rodri is apparently drawn to Barcelona's footballing style and his potential reunion with eight Spanish World Cup squad members. Real Madrid remains in the race but will need a significant effort to secure the midfielder.