🤖 SwitchBot drops kata AI for smarter homes

SwitchBot has launched kata AI Assistant, an LLM-powered smart home expert integrated directly into the SwitchBot App. This assistant serves users within the SwitchBot ecosystem across all stages of the smart home journey. Kata can handle everything from new product setup to complex troubleshooting, supporting users with voice or text commands. It allows users to create automations naturally, like asking the system to adjust settings based on how the room feels. The AI maintains context during sessions and guides users to further support if needed.

🔭 Solar eclipse 2026: Protect your tech and eyes

A solar eclipse is set for August 12, 2026, across parts of Iceland and Spain. Experts warn that recording the event can cause irreparable damage to mobile phone sensors. The phenomenon will be visible in areas like the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, Portugal, and Spain. Phone cameras can overheat and permanently damage sensors when exposed to sunlight without a filter. Viewers must use ISO 12312-2 safe glasses or filters for short bursts only.

🎉 Adivasi Day celebration in Araku Valley ✨

World Adivasi Day was celebrated grandly at Government Degree College Grounds in Araku Valley on Monday. The event saw Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Gummadi Sandhya Rani, attend as the chief guest. Officials highlighted that 13,267 self-help groups received ₹24.23 crore, and no maternal deaths were reported in 11 pilot health centres between April and July. Minister Rani detailed welfare schemes like the ₹1,000 crore Adavi Thalli Bata road connectivity program. Various tribal crafts and food were showcased at stalls organized by the Girijan Cooperative Corporation.

💥 Old water tank collapses during demolition in Palakkad

An old water tank, which supplied water from Meenkara dam to Kollengode, suddenly collapsed during demolition on Monday, August 10, 2026. The incident occurred in Kollengode, Palakkad district, damaging a nearby house and the village office. The tank, built between 1992 and 2004, was scheduled for demolition due to structural weakness. Residents claim safety precautions were missing, and the contractor failed to inform local authorities. The Kerala Water Authority has since issued a show-cause notice to the contractor.

📉 Vodafone Idea & Zee Entertainment Q1 Results Drop

Vodafone Idea reported a net loss in its first-quarter results, while Zee Entertainment saw its profit decline by 47%. These financial reports cover the recent quarterly performance across both companies. The specific figures and dates for these results were disclosed during the Q1 earnings call. This downturn reflects ongoing market challenges and operational pressures in the media and telecom sectors. Investors are now closely watching the next quarter's guidance for both Vodafone Idea and Zee Entertainment. 📉

⛽ Ethanol-diesel blend fails safety tests, says govt.

Ethanol-blended diesel failed crucial safety specs because ethanol significantly lowered the fuel's flash point. This finding was reported by Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi in a written reply to Parliament. Scientific evaluations conducted by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies took place, and the tests were done on Monday, August 10, 2026. This issue arises as India tries to increase ethanol use, which is currently focused on petrol with a 20% blending target. Future increases will depend on detailed scientific studies and consultations with relevant industry bodies.

✈️ India boosts e-visa access to 88 ports

India has expanded its e-visa network by notifying 11 additional international entry points. These new locations include nine land ports, such as Attari, and two airports in Bhopal and Tirupati. With this update, the total number of e-visa entry ports now stands at 88. This move aims to make India's electronic visa system more accessible for global travelers. Currently, 78% of all visas issued by India are e-visas. ✈️

🤖 Zuckerberg pushes for more AI rules and open models

Mark Zuckerberg released a 6,500-word letter advocating for broader AI strategies centered on individual empowerment. He detailed this vision while working at Meta in Menlo Park, calling for governmental oversight. The plan includes resuming open-source AI releases and launching a $1 billion fund for local communities. Zuckerberg insists on proactive collaboration between AI labs and government bodies for regulation. Meta will also implement new board oversight for all released AI models. 🤖

🔭 Solar eclipse glasses shortage hits UK stores

A frantic rush is happening across the UK because high street stores are running out of protective eclipse glasses for Wednesday's partial solar eclipse. The Royal Observatory Greenwich confirmed the shortage due to an unprecedented volume of orders for the event. Availability issues are being seen across online and physical retailers, with delivery dates extending far past the event. Experts advise that ordinary sunglasses are unsafe to use during the eclipse viewing. Viewers are encouraged to use indirect methods if they cannot secure proper protective eyewear. 🔭

🏛️ India Govt won't bring back Old Pension Scheme

The Indian government has stated it has no plans to restore the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) due to fiscal concerns. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary made this clarification in the Lok Sabha on Monday, August 10th. Currently, states like Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh have asked to revert from NPS to OPS. The Centre argues that OPS poses an unsustainable fiscal liability compared to the defined contribution of NPS. Instead, the government introduced the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) starting April 1, 2025. 💰

🚨 Food safety crackdown ahead of Onam in Kozhikode 🚨

The Food Safety department has increased inspections across Kozhikode to stop bad food from hitting the market before Onam. Six special squads are currently active, conducting checks at suspected locations throughout the district. So far, 369 establishments have been checked, and 193 samples were collected between July 27 and August 5 alone. The drive targets catering spots, distributors, and retail outlets to ensure fair operation for everyone. Strict actions and heavy fines await any business violating food safety rules, with reporting options available.