🤖 Tech CEOs are getting AI clones

AI clones are becoming more common, with tech founder David Nussbaum showcasing his digital double in Los Angeles. Proto Hologram is using these replicas for business functions, as of recent demonstrations. The clone can attend trade shows and answer questions in hundreds of languages for his company. Other big names like Dara Khosrowshahi and Mark Zuckerberg are also exploring AI twins for their roles. These replicas offer scaling benefits but raise serious questions about trust and autonomy. 🤖

😤 RS ruckus over 'lungiwala' jab

A major uproar hit the Rajya Sabha after CPI(M) MP John Brittas was allegedly called a 'lungiwala' by BJP MP Sushmita Dev. This incident occurred on August 10 during a discussion on the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Brittas, representing Kerala, has since filed a privilege motion against Sushmita Dev for the remark. The CPM called the comment an insult to South Indians, sparking a debate on dignity in the House. The matter now rests with the Chairman and the Committee of Privileges to address the controversy. 😤

🏥 Brit saves big on implants in India, sparks debate

An X user shared that a 51-year-old Brit saved thousands by getting advanced implant treatment in India. This experience highlighted the country's affordable and quality medical care across various international observers. The treatment, which would cost around £40,000 in the UK, was done happily by the patient and his wife. This situation points to India's fast-growing medical tourism sector, projected to exceed $22 billion by 2031. The post ignited a wide online discussion about healthcare costs and India's strengths. 🏥

🩺 Viral hepatitis deaths up despite prevention efforts

Viral hepatitis remains a huge global health issue, with HBV-related deaths actually rising despite prevention gains. The 2026 WHO Global Hepatitis Report analyzed data from 140 Member States covering 2015 to 2024. In 2024, an estimated 1.3 million deaths were linked to HBV and HCV, showing a 17% jump in HBV deaths since 2015. Globally, only 27% of the 240 million people with chronic HBV infection had been diagnosed. Moving forward, integrated care linking testing, prevention, and treatment is essential for hitting the 2030 elimination goals. 😟

🤕 Kounde back, Bardghji injured at Barça

Jules Kounde has rejoined training after his holiday and World Cup participation at FC Barcelona. Meanwhile, Roony Bardghji has suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. The German coach, Flick, is protecting six players who might leave the club. Joan Garcia is taking number '1' and Szczesny is switching to '13' for the club. Yaakobishvili is also expected to depart soon, possibly via a loan or transfer.

🧩 NYT Connections answers for August 12

The NYT Connections puzzle for August 12, 2026, had several tricky categories for players. The yellow group required words meaning 'hold onto, as a feeling,' with answers foster, harbor, maintain, and nurse. The blue group consisted of NBC sitcom surnames like Benes, Bing, Lemon, and Scott. The purple group featured words starting with affirmative responses, such as fine, good, great, and OK. These solutions complete the daily puzzle for fans of word games.

⚽ Chelsea secures left-back Pep Chavarría

Chelsea has officially completed the signing of Pep Chavarría from Rayo Vallecano on a five-year deal. The 28-year-old left-back joined the English club after negotiations reportedly valued the transfer at €19m plus bonuses. Chavarría expressed excitement about this 'dream come true' move to one of the world's biggest clubs. This signing is seen as potentially completing the puzzle for Chelsea's new manager in his first season. He is ready to bring high intensity and energy to the team's efforts. 🤝

🏛️ FCRA Bill sent to JPC amid heated protests

The FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026 was referred to a 31-member JPC via a voice vote despite strong Opposition protests. This move sparked a sharp exchange between Akhilesh Yadav and Kiren Rijiju in the Lok Sabha. The bill was introduced on March 25, and the JPC is set to submit its report by the last day of the first week of the Winter Session of 2026. Critics allege the legislation targets minorities and NGOs, while the government insists it ensures legal frameworks for foreign funds. The committee will have 21 Lok Sabha and 10 Rajya Sabha members for detailed examination.

🛡️ Windows 11 gets urgent security patch for zero-day exploit

Microsoft rolled out the August 2026 cumulative update for Windows 11, fixing 236 vulnerabilities including an actively exploited flaw. This update, KB5121003, was released today for Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1. The most critical issue, CVE-2026-68820, was reportedly exploited by Lazarus since early July 2026 against military targets. Exploitation requires a local, low-privilege attacker to trigger a race condition to gain SYSTEM privileges. Users must install this update ASAP via Settings > Windows Update to secure their systems. 🛡️

🦟 National team rolls into Gujarat for virus outbreak

A national team from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been deployed to Gujarat to investigate the Chandipura virus disease outbreak. This team is collaborating with state authorities to understand, control, and find treatments for the illness. ICMR teams have been actively investigating this disease in Gujarat for the past two years. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also sent a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to Gujarat and Rajasthan. WHO notes that this virus, transmitted by vectors like sandflies, can cause severe symptoms, with past fatality rates between 56 to 75 per cent. 🦟

⛽ Russia starts buying Indian gasoline for the first time

Russia has begun importing gasoline from India for the very first time due to severe domestic fuel shortages. This trade is happening between Moscow and the South Asian nation, with the first cargo arriving on August 5. The current situation stems from repeated Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries, which caused processing to drop to 3.6 million barrels a day in July. Indian refiner Nayara Energy is supplying this fuel via Russian-linked tankers and ship-to-ship transfers off Egypt. More shipments are anticipated as Russia works to manage its critical gasoline imbalance.