📉 Treasury Secretary's moves calm bond market nerves

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is signaling efforts to prevent bond yields from rising further. He initiated the US's first currency intervention to support the yen since 1998. This action aimed to lessen the risk of Japan selling US government bonds to secure dollars. Long-term rates had previously climbed to a 19-year high, increasing costs for many Americans and businesses. Moving forward, these steps suggest a focus on stabilizing the Treasury market dynamics.

🍿 Spider-Man and The Odyssey dominate box office

'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' earned USD 1.67 billion globally within just 10 days of its release. The film, released by Sony-Marvel, has grossed USD 655.1 million in the U.S. and Canada. Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' also hit USD 1.1 billion worldwide in its fourth weekend. This success helps drive Hollywood's best box-office year since the pandemic, with summer revenue forecast at USD 4 billion. The films are setting new records for both individual gross and theatrical performance. 🎬

🪐 Planet survived its dead star and is still hot 🔥

A Jupiter-sized planet, WD 1856 b, is surprisingly warm at 260°F despite orbiting a faint white dwarf. This system is located about 80 light-years away, with the planet circling the white dwarf every 1.4 days. Observations made by the James Webb Space Telescope on April 27, 2023, revealed the planet's own infrared glow. The findings also detected methane, making up around 7% of the planet's atmosphere. Scientists estimate the planet was last heated 3.0 to 5.5 billion years after its star died.

🏛️ Govt might be stalling FCRA bill to appease DMK and NCP(SP)

The FCRA amendment bill, introduced in Lok Sabha on March 25, has not been discussed due to fierce protests from opposition parties and minority groups. This delay suggests the government might be intentionally slowing down the contentious legislation to secure support from parties like DMK and NCP(SP). DMK president M K Stalin supported church delegations demanding the bill's withdrawal or a joint committee review. The government may want a full debate to address criticism before seeking regional party backing for the delimitation exercise. The bill remains stalled as Parliament's monsoon session nears its end on August 13. ⏳

⚖️ Wrestler case acquittal: defense claims prosecution failed

A Delhi court acquitted Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and Vinod Tomar in the sexual harassment case brought by six women wrestlers. The defense lawyers stated the acquittal stemmed from contradictions, omissions, and hostile testimony presented during the trial. The court found the prosecution miserably failed to prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt after reviewing all evidence. Furthermore, the defense argued the allegations were false and part of a politically motivated conspiracy. Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was acquitted of charges under Sections 354, 354A, and 506 (Part I) of the Indian Penal Code.

🏛️ Karnataka cabinet shakeup incoming

The Karnataka Cabinet expansion talks are moving forward with a meeting between DK Shivakumar and Mallikarjun Kharge. The discussion took place with sources indicating a minor reshuffle has been approved. This development comes amid ongoing political maneuvering within the state government. The proposed changes aim to realign key administrative roles within the cabinet. Further official announcements regarding the exact reshuffle are expected soon. 🏛️

🧐 Massive Purge of Voter Lists Sparks Questions

A significant number of records were removed from the official voter lists recently. This action was carried out by election officials in various parts of the country. The scale of the removal reportedly involved approximately 100 million entries. This mass deletion has raised serious concerns among civil society groups regarding transparency. Authorities are expected to provide a detailed explanation for this large-scale data modification soon. 🧐

🚨 ED charges RCom & Reliance Infra in ₹40k Cr fraud

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed two chargesheets against Reliance Communications (RCom) and Reliance Infrastructure Ltd. These charges name Gautam Doshi, Sateesh Seth, and Amitabh Jhunjhunwala as accused in New Delhi. The money laundering case involves over ₹40,000 crore in bank fund defalcation. ED also sought the confiscation of ₹8,078 crore in attached properties, including Anil Ambani's assets. The probes detailed fund diversion in toll-road projects and fraudulent use of credit facilities.

🌊 Volcanic eruption wrecked ancient oceans 🌋

Around 113 million years ago, a massive volcanic eruption caused most tiny, shelled plankton to die out near ocean surfaces. This event occurred in the southern South Atlantic, recorded at Deep Sea Drilling Project's Site 511. Researchers found the change in plankton shells was six to seven times larger than previous acidification events. The deep seafloor was relatively spared because surface plankton stopped building shells, keeping alkalinity higher. This ancient crisis offers insights into today's rising ocean acidity levels.

⚽ Man Utd and Arsenal eyeing Club Brugge's Seys

Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Club Brugge's left-back, Joaquin Seys. The 21-year-old currently plays for Club Brugge in Belgium. Last season, he featured 55 times, scoring 5 goals and providing 8 assists. He also made the 2026 Belgium World Cup squad, though he only played in the quarter-final loss to Spain. Club Brugge wants €35 million for him, as he has three years left on his contract.

🤖 AI startup Meshy raises huge Series B funding

Meshy AI secured nearly $400 million in Series B funding to grow its text-to-3D platform. This Sunnyvale startup is now valued at an estimated $1.5 billion. The company currently has over 12 million registered users and revenue growing 12 times year over year as of the latest reports. Meshy partners with 3D printing companies like Bambu Lab and is rolling out 8K texture support. This investment will fuel global expansion and further research and development for their AI tools. 🤖