🎧 Spotify tests skipping podcast ads

Spotify is currently testing a feature that allows some users to skip ad and sponsorship segments in podcasts. This test is happening as Spotify's ad business grows, impacting how ad impressions are controlled. In Q2 2026, Spotify earned €4.78 billion, with 777 million monthly active users. This feature questions what truly counts as an ad impression in the evolving podcast industry. It remains a test, but it could change how commercial content is consumed. 🎧

🎧 Android headphone issues fixed with one hidden toggle

Android was quietly limiting headphone audio via a buried setting in Developer Options. This issue affected the user on a Samsung Galaxy phone, causing sudden volume jumps and stuttery playback. The setting, called Absolute Volume, is enabled by default on Android devices. Disabling this toggle resolves many audio problems for affected users. Users must manually adjust earbud volume after turning this feature off.

🏛️ Lok Sabha approves bill for tribunal oversight panel

The Lok Sabha recently passed a bill to establish a central oversight body for national tribunals. This National Tribunals Commission will be set up across the country to manage appointments and review tribunal performance. The bill, Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, outlines the structure with five members, including a chairperson. This move aligns with the Supreme Court's November 19 ruling regarding judicial independence. If passed, it will replace the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021.

😠 YouTube auto-launches Shorts, users are annoyed

YouTube is increasingly pushing Shorts by automatically launching them when users open the app. This behavior is reportedly happening across multiple users in various locations. Initial reports of this issue date back as far as four months ago. While some believe it's an intended feature, many find the sudden Shorts interruptions highly annoying. The only workaround suggested is setting the daily time limit for Shorts to zero. 😠

🎬 Kunchacko Boban's new movie 'Hail Mary' drops first look

The first look for Kunchacko Boban's new film, 'Hail Mary', was officially released on Instagram on Saturday, August 8th. This project is directed by debutante Vishnu Revikumar and jointly produced by Martin Prakkat Films and Green Room Productions. The film features Suraj Venjaramoodu and Anu Sithara, with the screenplay adapted from a novel by GR Indugopan. This marks the third collaboration between Kunchacko and Martin after 'Nayattu' and 'Officer on Duty'. The movie is set to continue the trend of Kunchacko's diverse roles in Malayalam cinema. 🎬

⚖️ Court slams lawyer over victim's jeans questioning

The Delhi High Court strongly criticized a defense counsel's line of cross-examination during a sexual harassment case. The court found questions regarding the survivor's clothing to be entirely irrelevant and aimed at humiliating her. Justice Chandrasekharan Sudha specifically noted that a woman's decision to wear jeans is a personal choice. This judgment addresses the inappropriate questioning techniques used in sensitive legal matters. The court emphasized respect for the victim throughout the proceedings. ⚖️

🧐 US laws are similar to India's FCRA Bill

India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, defended the proposed FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, on Monday. He addressed concerns from civil society and a US lawmaker regarding the new legislation in New Delhi. The bill aims for more transparency, with foreign contributions growing from $1.2 billion in 2010–11 to $2.67 billion in 2024–25. Kwatra clarified that the law is not targeting any religion and mirrors international regulations like the US FARA. The bill proposes a Designated Authority to safeguard assets upon registration cancellation. 🧐

🏥 Telangana's Med Colleges in National Rankings

Telangana has 36 government medical colleges offering over 4,400 MBBS seats. Only four of these government institutions made it into the top 144 national rankings in IIRF 2026. Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, was ranked 43rd, while Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, followed at 52nd. AIIMS, New Delhi, secured the top spot among all government medical institutions nationwide. The rankings assess nine parameters including research and employability for a comprehensive view of higher education. 🩺

🔬 New Gene Unlocks Heart Cell Maturation

Researchers have successfully identified a key gene responsible for guiding the maturation of human heart cells. This breakthrough was achieved by a team of scientists at a leading research institute. The study, published on October 15, 2023, detailed findings from extensive laboratory experiments. This discovery offers new hope for developing treatments for various cardiovascular diseases. Future research will focus on applying this gene knowledge to regenerative medicine. 🧬

😠 Microsoft jacks up Windows fees, pushing PC prices higher

Microsoft is increasing its Windows licensing fees by 7-10%, putting more pricing pressure on PC buyers. This move affects OEMs and PC makers globally, following major component cost hikes. PC end-product prices are now expected to rise by an additional 5% in Q3 2026. This comes as manufacturers already face challenges from rising RAM, SSD, and CPU costs. Consumers are frustrated with this increase amid existing PC affordability issues. 😠

🚨 Gurugram resident booked for assaulting house help

A resident of DLF Camellias in Gurugram was booked after a video surfaced showing her allegedly assaulting her house help. The FIR was registered by Sushant Lok police station on Sunday night under Section 115 of the BNS. The suspected incident took place last week in July, as seen in a minute-and-a-half clip. The employer and her husband later sent the help back to Nepal after the video went viral. Police are now investigating and trying to reach the victim for further action.