📱 TikTok to pay $400M over kids' privacy

TikTok has agreed to pay a $400 million settlement in a class-action lawsuit concerning children's privacy. This legal action was brought against TikTok by multiple groups in the United States. The settlement amount of $400 million was finalized on June 18, 2023. The suit alleged that the platform collected user data from minors without proper consent or protection. Moving forward, TikTok will have to implement stricter privacy safeguards for young users. 📱

📱 Modi pivots to reels after WhatsApp wins

Narendra Modi is shifting his social media game by adopting a more casual style on Instagram. The 75-year-old leader, who previously used formal broadcasts, is now posting 'candid' content like selfies and reels. This change comes after youth protests this year caught the BJP off guard, despite their strong grip on WhatsApp and X. Experts say connecting with Gen Z on platforms like Instagram is key for the 2029 election. The BJP is reportedly being told by the cabinet to step up its social media engagement. 🧐

🏆 President to honour 48 teachers on Sept 5

President Droupadi Murmu will present the National Teachers Awards to 48 school teachers in New Delhi. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at Vigyan Bhawan on September 5, 2026. These awards celebrate teachers who enhance education quality and enrich student lives. The 48 selected teachers come from 27 States, seven Union Territories, and six central government organizations. This selection followed a rigorous three-stage process conducted by the Department of School Education and Literacy.

⚓ Indian Captain charged in UK Russia oil fleet case

Indian captain Ajay Pant was charged with sanctions offences after British commandos seized his oil tanker, Smyrtos, in the English Channel. Pant, 38, was part of the crew on the vessel allegedly carrying Russian crude from June 5. He faces up to 10 years in prison, with trial starting December 15. His wife claims he is a scapegoat, merely following orders while the ship was part of Russia's shadow fleet. This case tests Europe's sanctions enforcement against Russia's maritime evasion tactics. ⚓

🔬 Clouds' secret structures explain rain formation

Scientists have uncovered invisible structures inside warm clouds that are responsible for generating raindrops. Researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization used a CloudKite near Barbados to study these formations. The study, published in PNAS, revealed that droplet clustering happens in tiny, localized hotspots, not randomly. This localized clustering increases collisions, suggesting these hotspots are where rain begins in shallow cumulus clouds. Future CloudKite missions will continue to refine climate simulations and improve weather forecasts. 🌧️

🎬 The Odyssey makes its return in November

The highly anticipated film 'The Odyssey' is set to return to theaters soon. The movie is expected to be released in November. Specific details regarding the cast and crew were not provided in the announcement. This comeback follows previous production efforts and builds excitement among fans. More concrete release date information is anticipated in the coming weeks.

🛠️ School dropout nails carpentry gig, hits £50k at 21

Hugo Helms left school at 15 to pursue carpentry instead of university in Portsmouth, Hampshire. At 21, this qualified carpenter is now earning up to £50,000 annually. He completed his trades qualifications after being homeschooled before starting his apprenticeship in 2021. Hugo feels his hands-on work offers more real-world responsibility and job security than academics. He aims to hit £100,000 in five years while saving for his first home. 🛠️

🔬 Gut bacteria compound shows hope for heart failure

Researchers at King’s College London found that urolithin A can improve heart function in mice with HFpEF. This compound is made when gut bacteria break down substances from pomegranates, walnuts, and berries. The study observed that a week of urolithin A treatment improved diastolic heart function and reduced heart enlargement. HFpEF accounts for nearly half of all heart failure cases, making it notoriously difficult to treat. Further human clinical trials are needed to test this promising new therapeutic target.

😟 Unions worried over Supreme Court's industry definition ruling

Left-leaning trade unions are concerned about a Supreme Court judgment regarding the definition of 'industry' under the new Industrial Relations Code. The ruling was made by a nine-judge bench, with the concerns raised by leaders from AITUC and CITU. The judgment essentially restricts the expansive 1978 definition, which previously allowed for non-profit entities to be classified as industry. Unions argue this shifts focus from work substance to institutional status, disadvantaging laborers in a changing economy. They feel the judiciary failed to protect constitutional worker rights.

⚽ Man Utd Snags Baleba from Brighton for $95M

Manchester United has reportedly reached an agreement with Brighton to sign Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba. The deal is set to cost up to $95 million, which is equivalent to 70 million pounds. United will pay an initial 65 million pounds, with an extra 5 million pounds in potential add-ons. Brighton also successfully negotiated a sell-on clause for the transfer. This major signing comes amidst current midfield upheaval at the Red Devils. ⚽

🎮 CoD Modern Warfare 4 hits 60fps on Switch 2

Early videos suggest Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will perform well on the Switch 2. The port was tested by YouTuber BoTalksGames and aims for 60 fps in both docked and handheld modes. Initial tests, ahead of the October 23rd release, show smooth visuals but with some compromises like shorter draw distances. While docked mode has some blurriness, handheld mode maintains 60 fps surprisingly well. Nintendo fans can start the open beta on August 28th, while other platforms start August 21st.