💰 UPI fees might be coming soon

The government introduced The Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the bill to amend several key financial acts. Clause 2 of the Bill aims to change Section 10A of the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007. This change could allow charges on specified electronic payment methods, potentially reintroducing an MDR on high-value UPI transactions. The amendment seeks to create the legal basis for imposing these fees moving forward. 💰

🏏 Fire secures win, boosts qualification hopes

Welsh Fire managed a three-wicket victory over Manchester Super Giants at Emirates Old Trafford on August 5, 2026. Ireland's Orla Prendergast was the standout performer, taking 4 wickets for just 18 runs. The Super Giants were restricted to 85 runs, while Fire chased the target with nine balls remaining. This win keeps the teams separated by only two points in the standings. The teams will continue competing intensely for spots in the tournament. 🏏

🏏 Fire beats Super Giants to boost qualification hopes

Welsh Fire defeated Manchester Super Giants by three wickets at Emirates Old Trafford on August 5, 2026. Ireland's Orla Prendergast was the standout player with figures of 4 for 18 in the match. The Super Giants were restricted to just 85 runs for 9 wickets in their innings. This win keeps the teams close in the standings, with only two points separating them. The result helps Fire maintain strong qualification hopes moving forward. 🏏

🌱 Vegan diet might slow aging in just four weeks

New research suggests that switching to a vegan diet for only one month can start slowing biological ageing and reducing inflammation. Scientists from the University of California San Diego and University of Freiburg conducted the randomized clinical trial with 48 healthy adults. Participants on the vegan diet showed changes in DNA methylation linked to healthier immune function over the four weeks. This finding emphasizes that biology is highly responsive to everyday dietary choices, according to the co-senior authors. Further, larger trials are needed to confirm if these changes translate to lower risks of diseases like cancer. 🥦

🚕 Auto drivers threaten strike over govt policies

The Telangana State Auto Drivers JAC has issued a charter of 14 demands after recent protests by cab and delivery drivers. This action was taken by the JAC in Telangana, with the strike scheduled to start indefinitely from August 24. Key demands include a ban on bike taxi services and a waiver of traffic challans, alongside a ₹12,000 monthly financial assistance. The JAC claims government EV promotion policies and bike taxis have negatively impacted their earnings. They are demanding immediate policy changes or an indefinite strike will commence on August 24. 🚕

🌊 Cyclone impact: Social vulnerability changes over time

After tropical cyclones, social vulnerability initially rises in affected communities due to external stresses. Researchers analyzed 2,118 U.S. county instances impacted between 2005 and 2018. The social vulnerability indices (SVIs) first increased by about 2% before decreasing after 9 years. By 15 years post-cyclone, affected areas showed an average SVI 2% lower than non-affected ones. This shift risks gentrification, potentially forcing original residents to relocate. 😥

🛸 Physics Prof Joins UFO Research Council

SUNY physics professor Kevin Knuth is back to discuss UFO and UAP research updates. He has been appointed to Avi Loeb's UAP Science Advisory Council, joining the conversation hosted by Ray Graf. Knuth previously worked at NASA Ames Research Center and studied leaked NAVY UFO sightings in 2022. His current focus covers quantum information, robotics, and unidentified aerial phenomena. Listeners can call 1-800-348-2551 or email VoxPop@wamc.org for more details.

🌱 Minister pushes awareness on farm schemes in Dharwad

Minister Santosh Lad held a review meeting regarding drought and development programs in Dharwad district on Wednesday, August 5th. He directed officials to inform farmers about government welfare schemes and mandate CCTV cameras in anganwadi centers and fertilizer outlets. The meeting noted that 85% of the crop survey in Kalaghatgi taluk is complete, while 16 villages are facing drinking water scarcity. Lad emphasized awareness for drip irrigation and ensuring timely, transparent fertilizer supply at prescribed prices. Officials were also tasked with repairing school and anganwadi buildings across the taluk. 💧

🦖 New bird-like dinosaur found in New Mexico

Paleontologists identified a new genus of two-legged, bird-like dinosaur called Dinevenator robustus. This discovery was made by researchers from the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science in northwestern New Mexico. The species lived approximately 73 million years ago, alongside other dinosaurs in the Late Cretaceous period. This finding enhances understanding of the troodontid family's diversity in North America. Plans are underway to transfer the key fossil specimen to the NMMNHS. 🦖

🕵️ New malware hides C2 IP in blockchain addresses

Cybersecurity researchers found an evolution of blockchain C2 technique called NullReceiver. This method was observed in two trojanized npm packages, "bianira-ui" and "fluid-type-ui," and is linked to North Korea. The packages were published starting July 28, 2026, with total downloads reaching over 1,500 across the identified sets. NullReceiver embeds the C2 IP directly into the bytes of a zero-value Ethereum transfer address instead of using smart contracts. This tactic makes detection much harder because every transaction uses a unique, disposable address. 🧐

⚖️ Opposition Puts AAP on the Spot in Punjab

Opposition parties are pressuring the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Punjab Assembly regarding a demand for a sacrilege law. This confrontation is taking place within the Punjab Assembly premises. The political push revolves around specific legislative demands being raised during the current session. This issue has become a major talking point in Punjab's political landscape. The next steps will determine how AAP responds to this strong opposition stance. ⚖️