🚀 South Korea's massive chip fund launch 🚀

South Korea is launching a $3.5 billion fund to boost its semiconductor industry significantly. This initiative involves the government and major tech players across the country. The funds are set to accelerate the development of key semiconductor hubs over the next few years. This move comes as the global demand for advanced chips continues to rise rapidly. The nation plans to solidify its leadership position in the high-tech manufacturing sector.

✨ Google Play Store rolls out 'Expand everything' feature

Google is starting to roll out its first experimental feature in the Play Store called "Expand everything." This feature automatically expands search results by default for some users across the platform. Normally, users tap a downward arrow to expand details, but this new setting changes that behavior. While it provides more info instantly, it also uses up more screen space for each result. Users can easily toggle this experimental feature on or off via the Play Labs settings. 📱

🛑 Border closure threat over Cauvery water dispute

Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj has called for closing the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border at Attibele on August 10. This action is part of a statewide bandh he called for August 13 regarding the Cauvery water crisis. He stated that Kannada activists would stop all vehicles crossing between the two states during this blockade. Vatal has been demanding action on projects like Mekedatu, Mahadayi, and Kalasa-Bandhuri. He further threatened to block the airport if TN CM C Joseph Vijay doesn't support the Mekedatu reservoir. 🌊

🏅 India bags 3 medals at U20 Athletics Worlds

High jumper Pooja Singh and the women's 4x400m team faced disappointments at the World Athletics U20 Championships. India secured a total of three medals across various events at the competition. These medals included silver and bronze finishes by Ashish Yadav, Basant Kumar Meghwal, and Shahnavaz Khan. The team's performance helped India match the medal haul achieved in the 2021 and 2022 editions. Future performances will be watched closely as India aims to build on this recent success. 🥇

🐕 Stray dog bites over 130 people in Kalyan

A stray dog bit over 130 people in Adharwadi, Kalyan, on Sunday evening. The Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) launched a search for the aggressive white dog. This massive incident occurred over a span of seven hours, leading to widespread panic. Victims were subsequently treated at KDMC’s Rukmini Bai Hospital and received anti-rabies injections. The administration successfully caught the dog around 1:30 am after an extensive search.

🕉️ Shivling found under Deoband seminary site

A Hindu outfit has announced plans to conduct a Ganga water offering at the Deoband seminary. The discovery reportedly involves a Shivling located beneath the premises of the institution. This finding was brought to light recently, though specific dates were not mentioned in the report. The incident has sparked discussions regarding religious coexistence in the area. Further details about the planned ceremony are yet to be disclosed by the organizers. 🙏

📈 Bernstein hikes Paytm target on UPI MDR upside

Bernstein has increased its target price for One97 Communications to Rs 2,200, maintaining an 'Outperform' rating. This upgrade is based on the potential introduction of Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI transactions starting from FY28. The brokerage projects MDR could add significant EBITDA, ranging from Rs 1,320 crore in FY28E to Rs 2,160 crore in FY30E. Paytm was the third-largest UPI player in June 2026, processing transactions worth Rs 1.93 lakh crore. The main risk is now how much of the published rate Paytm can actually retain due to market competition. 💰

🔫 Ex-MP shoots at official in Thailand

A local government official was shot at a government office in Nonthaburi, on the outskirts of Thailand’s capital, on Monday. The alleged gunman, Chalong Reawraeng, a 71-year-old former lawmaker, was arrested in the incident. Two people were wounded and sent to the hospital for treatment following the attack. This comes days after a deadly school shooting in the same province, which killed nine people. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has reiterated the intention to strengthen gun controls.

🔫 Another Gun Attack Rocks Thailand After School Shooting

A local government official was hospitalized after being shot at a government office in Nonthaburi on Monday. The suspect, a former lawmaker, was arrested by provincial police commander Major General Dejrapee Kongdee. This incident follows a deadly school shooting on Friday where a 14-year-old killed nine people and injured over 20. The attacks have reignited the national debate regarding gun control in Thailand. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening firearm regulations moving forward. 🔫

🚌 APSRTC JAC ramps up protests, seeks wider support

APSRTC Employees’ Joint Action Committee leaders met with APNGOs State president A. Vidya Sagar on Sunday, August 9, 2026, to intensify their agitation. They sought support from other employee and student organizations regarding RTC employee issues. The JAC is planning a two-day mass hunger strike on August 17 and 18 across 28 districts. Vidya Sagar pledged full support, asking the government to purchase electric buses and fill vacant posts. The JAC will meet other unions on Monday to build broader backing for their demands. 🚌

📱 Vivo X300 FE sees another price jump in India

The Vivo X300 FE has received its second price increase since its launch in India. This hike, added to an earlier ₹7,000 increase, brings the total price jump to ₹10,000 across variants. The latest adjustment is due to rising memory costs stemming from a global RAM shortage. The phone originally started at ₹79,999 for the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant. Buyers can now find new pricing, including an 8GB+256GB model at ₹84,999. 💸