🛵 Top scooter sales in July 2026 are out

The combined sales of the top 10 scooters hit 6,87,279 units in July 2026, showing a 20.4 percent YoY growth. Honda Activa maintained the top spot, securing a 30 percent market share in the list. TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, and Ather Rizta all achieved triple-digit YoY growth figures. This segment saw a rise in EV presence, with 11.2 percent of overall two-wheeler sales being electric. Future performance will be tracked as these models continue to compete in the market. 🛵

🏑 India takes on Olympic silver champs in Hockey World Cup

India is set to face a tough challenge in the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 opener. The Indian women's team will be taking on the Chinese team at the tournament. This opening match is a stern test for the Indian squad against Olympic silver medalists. The game is part of the qualification rounds leading up to the 2026 event. Fans will be watching closely for India's performance in this crucial fixture. 🏑

😔 Mamata Banerjee mourns MLA Asish Banerjee's passing

Mamata Banerjee expressed deep sorrow over the death of former TMC MLA Asish Banerjee, who was found at a party office in Birbhum on Sunday. Banerjee, a five-term MLA, had dedicated his life to teaching and serving people in Rampurhat and Birbhum. The incident followed reports that he endured intense mental and emotional strain due to public hostility. Both Banerjee and TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee condemned the relentless pressure and smear campaigns he faced. Authorities have registered a case, and further investigations are currently ongoing into the matter. 😔

💰 Gold and silver rally could continue next week

Bullion prices might keep rising next week, depending on global economic and geopolitical signs. Analysts are watching Middle East developments, US housing data, and inflation figures from various economies. Gold futures for October delivery hit Rs 1.54 lakh per 10 grams on MCX, while Comex gold futures reached $4,437.3 per ounce. The Federal Reserve minutes will also be closely checked for clues on US monetary policy. Investors are now focused on the US dollar, interest-rate expectations, and ongoing geopolitical events. 💰

💣 Trump threatens hard economic hits to Iran

President Donald Trump vowed to severely impact Iran's economy following recent warnings from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. These aggressive measures come amidst existing sanctions by the US, UN, and EU over Iran's nuclear program and human rights issues. Since February, Washington has added maritime, energy, and financial sanctions, impacting over 1,000 entities since Trump's second term began. Potential follow-ups include targeting Chinese 'teapot' refineries or imposing secondary sanctions on Chinese banks. Ultimately, the US might try a land blockade or leverage new tariff powers through recent Senate legislation. 😟

🧠 Blood pressure drug might slow rare kids' brain disease

An existing blood pressure medication could slow the progression of vanishing white matter (VWM), a rare childhood brain disorder. The study, led by Amsterdam UMC in the Netherlands, focused on children aged 1 to 6. Over three years, treated children depended on wheelchairs less often than the control group. This shows the fatal disease can be influenced, as no treated children died during the trial. Further long-term studies are planned to monitor these kids. 🧠

📉 Iran's economy struggling under US war pressure

A Tehran resident expressed dismay over limited job options amidst the ongoing war with the US and naval blockade on Iranian ports. Saeed, a 26-year-old, noted that salaries for roles like teaching are below 200 million rials, while expenses are rising fast. Inflation reached about 88% year-on-year, with food inflation exceeding 128% as of late July. This economic strain is compounded by US-Israel war impacts and past sanctions on the country. President Pezeshkian is now considering raising petrol prices, though diplomatic talks continue.

🧐 Kerala police probe exam paper leaks online

Kerala police have started investigating various online tutorial channels that exploit student anxiety. This probe targets Instagram and YouTube channels promising clues about Onam mid-term test papers. Around 40 lakh students from Class I to higher secondary are taking these exams, which end on August 20. The police are checking for illegal data harvesting and potential involvement of teachers. They plan to register cases under the IT Act if violations are found, while trying to remove these fake channels. 🧐

📈 Trump Pushing Harder on Iran Economy

Donald Trump is advocating for increased economic pressure against Iran to influence its policies. This push is currently being discussed by various geopolitical analysts regarding international relations. Specific targets for sanctions could include oil exports and banking sectors, with discussions centered around the upcoming Q3 2024. The goal remains to compel the Iranian government to make significant changes to its current stance. Future moves will depend on international coalition support and Iran's reaction. 📈

🤖 AI protester jailed for calling tech giants to 'regain humanity'

A 69-year-old activist named Wynd Kaufman was jailed after protesting outside OpenAI's San Francisco headquarters. She participated in a February 2025 demonstration organized by StopAI, chaining the doors to call for an end to superintelligence development. Kaufman was convicted of several misdemeanors after refusing to leave the sit-in. She argued that rapid AI advancement poses a serious threat to humanity, urging OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta to 'regain their humanity.' This marks the first documented imprisonment linked to an anti-AI protest. 🤖

⌚ Rolex sues Canadian jeweler over custom watches

Rolex has filed a lawsuit against the Canadian jewellery store Bijoux Medusa concerning customized watches featuring Rolex trademarks. The suit names the Quebec-based Bijoux Medusa and its owner, Julien Duguay, for unauthorized use of the brand. Rolex is seeking damages exceeding $50,000, claiming unfair competition due to the customized products. Bijoux Medusa has strongly denied the claims, asserting that all their watches are genuine and that customizing authentic pieces is a legitimate practice. The store plans to file its formal defense by the end of the month as the proceedings are in their early stages. ⌚