💰 UPI might get fees above ₹2,000, government weighs options

The Indian government is considering reintroducing merchant fees on UPI transactions via proposed payments law changes. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tabled the amendment allowing a Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on digital payments. In July, UPI handled 23.6 billion transactions worth 29.9 trillion rupees. Policymakers are looking at charging fees only on transactions over ₹2,000 or based on a merchant's annual turnover. The government is looking at a 0.3% to 0.5% MDR for large merchants on transactions exceeding ₹2,000.

🌌 NASA captures cosmic exclamation mark in space 🌌

NASA combined data from Chandra and Hubble to capture two galaxies resembling a giant exclamation mark. This pair, known as Arp 302, is located near each other and is in the early stages of a massive galactic collision. The two stellar systems will pull on each other for millions of years before merging into one galaxy. Chandra's X-ray vision detected a growing supermassive black hole in the top galaxy. Netizens have reacted to the striking image, calling it enchanting and beautiful.

🏛️ CM Vijay chairs SC/ST development council meeting

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay chaired the first meeting of the Tamil Nadu State Council for SC/ST Development on Tuesday. The meeting took place at the Secretariat in Chennai, where the Development Action Plan for the financial year was approved. For 2026-27, a total of ₹5,903.51 crore was allocated for SC welfare and ₹349 crore for ST welfare across 23 government departments. Mr. Vijay reviewed efforts to ensure funds reach the intended beneficiaries as per the ‘Vetri Tamilagam’ vision. Officials were directed to ensure the allocated funds benefit SCs and STs fully.

🛡️ Court orders name masking for acquitted woman

The Karnataka High Court directed search engines and judicial record-keepers to mask the name of an acquitted woman from online records. This action was taken by Justice M. Nagaprasanna, addressing issues involving the petitioner in Bengaluru. She was acquitted in 2019 from charges under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956. The court noted that continued visibility of the old accusation caused grave prejudice despite her innocence. This decision asserts the 'right to be forgotten' against digital stigma. ⚖️

🎬 Autodesk solves AI film's control issue with 3D

Autodesk is tackling the limitations of AI filmmaking by expanding Flow Studio into an AI-native creative platform. This new 3D Editor + Canvas workflow places elements like cameras and characters into a proper 3D workspace first. The platform allows creators to make explicit spatial decisions before AI refines the visuals, unlike pure prompt-based methods. Nikola Todorovic notes that filmmaking is inherently spatial, requiring directors to control movement and framing in 3D space. Creators can now choose between fast 2D workflows or precise 3D direction for ultimate flexibility. 🤖

🏛️ Dharwad group demands separate municipal corporation

The Dharwad Pratyeka Mahanagara Palike Horata Vedike demonstrated outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Dharwad on Tuesday. Forum leaders, including B.D. Hiremath and Venkatesh Machakanur, demanded the final gazette notification for a separate Dharwad Municipal Corporation within 15 days. The Governor conditionally approved a draft notification on May 25, 2026, but the final notification is delayed by the Urban Development Department. The group alleges resource disparities and demands a ₹200 crore special grant for the new corporation. If talks don't start in 15 days, they plan a supporter meeting on August 21 to decide on further action.

🌕 Two eclipses hitting in August 2026

Two significant eclipses are set for August 2026, starting with a solar eclipse on August 12th. This celestial event will happen in Leo, while a full moon lunar eclipse is scheduled for August 27-28th in Pisces. The lunar eclipse will be influenced by Uranus, potentially bringing sudden news and suggesting staying home. Eclipses cycle every 19 years, though current planetary alignments make each one unique. Readers are encouraged to send cheering notes to Joyce Meeuwsen in Oregon.

🕊️ Mass funeral for 112 killed in Gaza strike

A massive funeral took place in Gaza City for 112 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. These individuals were killed in an Israeli strike on a residential block in the Sabra neighbourhood on November 22, 2023. The victims belonged to the Abu Sharia and Hassayna families, with 40 children and 38 women listed among the dead. This tragedy occurred six weeks after the October 7 Hamas-led assault on southern Israel. Recovery efforts, supported by the ICRC, are ongoing, with dozens more bodies potentially still buried under the rubble. 😥

🌳 Bezos steps in for rainforest charity's ad drama

Conservationist Paul Rosolie revealed that his group, Junglekeepers, couldn't use the word "Amazon" on Google Ads. This was happening in Peru's Amazon rainforest where the charity fights illegal logging and mining. The issue surfaced in early May 2026 and involved trademark-related hurdles in the ad platform. Rosolie tagged Jeff Bezos on Instagram, prompting a public response and team intervention. The problem was eventually resolved, highlighting digital barriers for environmental work. 🌎

💰 Amazon slashes prices on M4 iPad Air models

Amazon has launched discounts on the new M4 iPad Air, affecting both 11-inch and 13-inch versions. Specifically, the 128GB Wi-Fi 11-inch model is now $689.99, reduced from $749.00. The new 2026 iPad Air features the M4 chip and supports Wi-Fi 7. These models maintain the design of the 2025 iPad Air with an aluminum chassis. Shoppers can find low prices on the 128GB and 256GB Wi-Fi 13-inch tablets as well.

🧐 Rahul Gandhi claims RSS influence growing in Sainik Schools

Rahul Gandhi alleged at a Defence Committee meeting that the RSS's influence in Sainik Schools is unnecessarily increasing across the country. He made this remark while referencing a specific media report during the session. Currently, 70 Sainik Schools are being run by organizations like Vidya Bharati and Saraswati Sishu Mandir via a partnership model. This follows a December 2022 government approval to establish 100 new Sainik Schools with various partners. The committee chair, Radha Mohan Singh, demanded documentary evidence to substantiate Gandhi's claims. 🧐