⚽ Transfer tea: Big moves across Europe ⚽

West Ham has officially signed former Brighton defender Joel Veltman on a free transfer after his contract expired last season. Meanwhile, Sky Germany claims Yan Diomande's move to Real Madrid is a done deal for a £120m fee. Arsenal is heavily linked with Bruno Guimaraes, with Alan Shearer praising the potential midfield upgrade. Jose Mourinho is actively pushing for Vinicius Junior to sign a new contract with Real Madrid. Barcelona has also reportedly made contact with Manchester City regarding a potential move for Rodri.

⚖️ Tarun Tejpal's defense after rape conviction

Tarun Tejpal has defended Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam following his rape conviction. The incident took place at JNU in New Delhi. The conviction was finalized on September 28, 2018, with multiple charges filed against him. This defense is being framed amidst ongoing political tensions and controversies in academia. Authorities are expected to proceed with the sentencing phase shortly.

🔫 Drunk Techie Fires Air Gun for 45 Mins in Bengaluru

A 40-year-old IT professional allegedly fired an air gun at security guards and vehicles inside an apartment complex. The incident occurred at Sipani Apartments near Bandapur in Anekal, Bengaluru. This happened on an unspecified date, with the firing lasting for nearly 45 minutes. The accused, Anurag Tiwari from Lucknow, was reportedly heavily intoxicated and shouting on the phone. Police have seized the gun and registered a case while investigation continues. 🔫

🚨 Drunk Techie Fires Air Gun From Bengaluru Balcony

A tech professional in Bengaluru allegedly fired an air gun from his apartment balcony. The incident involved the man targeting guards and vehicles nearby. Reports indicate the event occurred on a specific date, although the exact time is not detailed in the initial report. This alarming behavior is being investigated by local authorities after the public disturbance. Police are currently looking into the matter to determine the full sequence of events.

🏛️ Tax Bill Clears LS to Boost Electronics & UPI

The Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill was cleared by the Lok Sabha on Thursday without much debate. This legislation aims to attract more foreign capital and support domestic electronics manufacturing in India. The bill also introduces provisions to allow for MDR on UPI transactions and extends tax benefits until FY2040-41. It simplifies regulations for foreign cloud companies using Indian data centers. Ultimately, these measures aim to make India a more attractive destination for global investment and business. 📈

⛰️ China's dual strategy in Tibet raises India's security alarms 😟

Indian intelligence suggests Beijing is using a two-pronged approach in Tibet to strengthen its position along the LAC. This strategy involves erasing Tibetan Buddhist identity while building dual-use infrastructure for the PLA. Authorities in Drago County transformed a revered Buddha statue site into a racecourse since 2023. These developments aim to convert Tibetan settlements into military-support zones near the frontier. Furthermore, Beijing is encouraging Han Chinese migration and promoting Mandarin to alter local demographics.

🌸 Upcycled petals market set to hit $604M by 2036

The upcycled floral and petal ingredients market is projected to grow significantly from $295.8 million in 2026 to $604.0 million by 2036. This expansion is driven by natural color needs and carotenoid usage across the industry. The market is led by Marigold, which holds a 57.5% share in 2026, while India shows the fastest growth at a 10.1% CAGR. Food and cosmetic makers are adopting these traceable botanicals for clean-label products. Future growth relies on optimized extraction and sustained consumer demand for natural ingredients.

🗣️ CJP launches 'Kya Bolti Public' pressure campaign

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) announced it will operate as a public pressure group rather than entering electoral politics. The organization's founder, Abijeet Dipke, stated this after a two-day core team meeting in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra. The 'Kya Bolti Public' campaign will gather public views on issues like unemployment and education across the country starting in September. CJP aims to build pressure to restore accountability in institutions like the judiciary and media. Young people will be a key focus as the group targets governance and institutional reforms. ✊

📱 Apple gears up for September iPhone event

Apple has started making preparations for its big September iPhone event. The tech giant is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and a new foldable iPhone at the showcase. The event is scheduled for the first half of September, possibly on September 8 or September 9. Apple also launched a lottery for US retail employees to help manage the media gathering at Apple Park. Employees can apply for this program until August 8 to potentially support the massive product launch. 📱

🗣️ Rahul Gandhi joins Insta trend after Modi's reels

Rahul Gandhi has started an 'Ask Me Anything' session on Instagram to engage directly with Gen Z students. This move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent viral reels aimed at connecting with younger audiences. The initiative comes as political leaders are trying to boost their reach on Instagram amid student protests. Last month, PM Modi specifically asked Union ministers to use Reels for better youth engagement. This trend shows a wider political push to connect with Gen Z through social media platforms. 📱

🏏 Noman Ali inks six-match deal with Lancashire 🏏

Noman Ali has signed a six-match contract with Lancashire for the County Championship run-in. This deal means he will be in the UK, ready to cover for Pakistan's spin bowling needs during their Test series against England. The contract was signed as Noman, 39, is looking to experience county cricket in England for the first time. He previously played well in late 2024 but was later replaced during the West Indies tour. Lancashire hopes his experience will boost their chances of promotion in the final six fixtures.