Researchers at Sungkyunkwan University have successfully developed a new catalyst. This breakthrough was achieved by the team working at the university in Korea. The catalyst effectively converts carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals. This innovation holds major potential for sustainable chemistry and carbon capture technologies. The next steps involve scaling up the process for industrial application. 🧪
business Crude oil prices edged up on Friday as traders felt uneasy about the shipping situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude was trading at $83.33 a barrel, which was 1.02% higher at 7:25 am IST, while WTI was up 0.89% to $77.98 a barrel. This rally follows Thursday's surge after Iran reviewed legislation blocking US and Israeli vessels from the Strait. Iran and Oman are discussing new transit proposals, including potential fees and restrictions for hostile ships. The market remains cautious about a full return to normal tanker movements due to sanctions and insurance issues.
tech OpenAI is developing its first portable smart speaker, which will be doughnut-shaped and cost between $300 and $400. This AI-first computer will feature moving parts, a camera, and sensors for environmental awareness. The device is slated for a 2027 release and could eventually lead to a family of replacement smartphones. Meanwhile, OpenAI filed a motion on August 5th to dismiss an Apple lawsuit regarding alleged intellectual property theft. The company insists it is building something entirely new and distinct from Apple's offerings. 🤖
business Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma officially started the application form distribution for three student schemes on Thursday. This launch took place at the Srimanta Sankardeva International Auditorium in Guwahati, Assam. Around 7 lakh students are anticipated to benefit from these flagship initiatives starting this year. The schemes offer financial aid, like up to Rs. 2,500 monthly, to encourage higher education for both girls and boys. Eligible students from families earning under Rs. 4 lakh can now apply for this support. 📚
business The Ministry of External Affairs officially launched its Snapchat account on Thursday, becoming an early ministry on the platform favored by Gen Z. This move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent push for cabinet members to boost social media engagement with youth. Modi specifically advised ministers to use interactive content like reels on platforms like Instagram. This directive came after a month-long youth protest by the Cockroach Janta Party over the NEET paper leak. Going forward, the MEA aims to connect with young audiences through exclusive stories and engaging content. 📱
business A Hyderabad founder recounted hiring a taxi driver as his very first employee ten years ago. The man lacked corporate experience and even English skills, leading to initial doubts from others. Gajula decided to take a chance based on the driver's hunger and honesty. The company invested in him through English classes and impactful work. Now, the former driver heads procurement with pan-India responsibilities.
india RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat pitched engaging with youth, stating Gen Z protesters are not anti-national and their concerns are real. Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge criticized this outreach, accusing RSS and BJP of just changing vocabulary. This followed Bhagwat's address to 2,000 Gen Z and Gen Alpha participants at IIMUN in Mumbai on August 7, 2026. Kharge suggested this is just 'Same Sangh, just different slang' without ideology change. He also shared a caricature mocking Bhagwat's interaction with the younger generation. 🙄
business FSSAI ordered Dabur to halt sales of food items using '100 per cent' claims due to them being vague and misleading to consumers. This directive was issued to Dabur India in Delhi after the regulator flagged products like honey and cow ghee. The ban covers various items and was given with a 15-day window to submit an action-taken report. Dabur is challenging the order, claiming it violated natural justice principles by not giving them a prior hearing. The company seeks judicial intervention against the regulator's restrictive directive. ⚖️
business The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) conducted searches at five locations in Munger District, Bihar, on Thursday, August 6, 2026. These raids targeted M/s Jollywood Music Industries Pvt. Ltd. and M/s DLMS Jollywood Music Pvt. Ltd., which are controlled by Jitendra Kumar Rajeev. The scam promised investors ₹15,000 monthly for an investment of ₹2,56,500, totaling about ₹11.67 Crore. The company intentionally slowed its website to prevent payouts after collecting the money. ED is currently scrutinizing recovered documents to proceed under PMLA, 2002. 💰
world Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly had a secret meeting with a man introduced as Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in Tehran. The encounter took place inside a dark, tinted-window vehicle, during which Pezeshkian could only hear a voice, not see the leader. This alleged meeting, which reportedly lasted only a few minutes, contrasts sharply with Pezeshkian's public claims of a two-and-a-half-hour cordial discussion. The meeting only happened after Pezeshkian threatened to resign, and he later doubted if the voice belonged to the Supreme Leader. This secrecy continues amid international speculation, with recent conflicting reports on Khamenei's status. 🧐
business The Indian stock market ended on a mixed note on Thursday, with the Nifty 50 trading in a narrow range. Vaishali Parekh of Prabhudas Lilladher recommends buying Shriram Finance, BEL, and Bharat Dynamics for intraday trades. The Gift Nifty Live price is currently oscillating around 24,650, suggesting a potential flat opening. Parekh maintains an overall positive bias, advising that any dip should be treated as a value buying opportunity. Investors should watch for a decisive breach above the 200-period MA at 24,750 for a fresh upward move.
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