💸 UPI's massive growth and the fee debate

UPI was launched in 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India to revolutionize digital payments in India. The system saw explosive growth, with 45 crore Indians actively using it by 2025, handling ₹261 lakh crore in transactions. A key factor was the government mandating zero charges starting from 2020 for both users and merchants. However, in August 2026, Parliament passed a bill amending the 2007 law to potentially allow Merchant Discount Rates. The coming months will determine if fees return and how that impacts everyday transactions. 💸

🏏 Taskin regrets Nahid's absence for Australia Tests

Bangladesh pace bowler Taskin Ahmed commented on the absence of Nahid Rana ahead of the two-match Test series in Australia. The leading pacer, Rana, was ruled out due to a side strain, while Shoriful Islam also missed the first Test with a hamstring injury. Taskin stated that the pair's presence would have made the series different, but this offers a chance for other bowlers. The team is drawing confidence from their recent ODI win against Australia in sporting conditions. 🏏

⚖️ High Court orders police to list pending cases for TMC MLA

The Calcutta High Court instructed the Chandannagar police commissionerate to provide a list of any pending criminal cases against former TMC MLA Asit Majumder. His lawyer raised concerns that Majumder might face other charges after being bailed on July 21 following an arrest. Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya mandated the Commissioner to deliver this list within one week. Previously, the CBI had reported no pending cases against him in a report filed earlier. Majumder was arrested over a land grabbing complaint but did not contest this year's Assembly polls. ⚖️

🤝 Bangladesh PM wants better India ties

Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman called for a conducive environment to improve bilateral relations with India on Monday. He made these remarks during a meeting with India's new high commissioner in Bangladesh. The government is currently dealing with issues following the removal of Sheikh Hasina from power in August 2024. Dhaka is also pressing New Delhi to expedite the extradition of the ousted Prime Minister. Hasina recently announced her plan to return to Bangladesh in December.

🍎 ICMR denies studying food addiction traits

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has not studied if ultra-processed foods show addiction-like behaviors, as informed to the Lok Sabha on Friday. Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav stated this while noting that higher consumption links to risks like obesity and diabetes. These health issues are complex, and the food consumption data is mostly observational, not proving cause. ICMR runs awareness programs, and the 2024 Dietary Guidelines suggest limiting processed food intake. FSSAI also runs campaigns like 'Eat Right India' to promote healthier eating habits. 🍎

💥 Drone strike kills 13 in Russia's Nizhnekamsk

A Ukrainian drone attack tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people in Russia's Nizhnekamsk city. This attack occurred in the Tatarstan region, which is located about 800km east of Moscow. Regional authorities reported that 39 others were wounded during the Monday incident. The strike targeted an oil facility, which is crucial for Russia's oil exports. Russia has launched a criminal investigation, labeling the event as a terrorist attack. 💣

🐉 House of the Dragon dragon is real: New lizard found in Thailand

A new lizard species, Acanthosaura syrax, has been discovered in the evergreen mountain forests of Mae Wong National Park in western Thailand. This species was named after Syrax, the dragon from the popular House of the Dragon series. The discovery, made by a team led by Poramad Trivalairat, brings the Acanthosaura genus total to 23 species as of August 10, 2026. The lizard shares traits like yellow color and large egg clutches with the fictional dragon. Researchers are now calling for stronger protection of these vulnerable high-elevation Thai forests. 🐉

🐅 Kazakhstan lets first tiger loose in 70 years 🐅

Kazakhstan has released Umit, an adult female Amur tiger, into the wilderness of the Ile-Balkhash State Nature Reserve. This historic event took place on July 31, 2026, in southeastern Kazakhstan. The release marks the first tiger introduction in over 70 years, since the last confirmed sighting in 1948. The government fitted Umit with a satellite collar to monitor her real-time movements and behavior. Future plans involve releasing other tigers once behavioral tests confirm their readiness to survive independently.

🛡️ Delhi HC protects Tabu from online abuse

The Delhi High Court granted interim protection to actress Tabu against the unauthorized use of her personality rights. This order was passed by Justice Jyoti Singh, directing platforms like Meta and Google to remove obscene content within 36 hours. The court also ordered these intermediaries to share user IP logs within three weeks. Tabu sought action against AI-generated obscene content and fake merchandise exploiting her image. The matter is set for its next hearing on December 7. 🎬

🌧️ Van swept away in MP drain during heavy rains

Nine people, including a girl, tragically died when a van carrying 11 passengers was swept away. This incident happened in Rajgarh district, Madhya Pradesh, near Sarangpur town on Monday morning. The strong current overwhelmed the vehicle while it crossed a swollen nullah around 9 am. Local administration and villagers had warned the driver, but he proceeded anyway, leading to the accident. A case has been registered at the Sarangpur police station following the event.

🚀 Elon Musk's insane wealth growth in 2026

Elon Musk added $319.5 billion to his net worth between 2025 and 2026. This rise saw his fortune hit $725.1 billion in July 2026, compared to $405.6 billion the prior year. This translates to an average daily wealth increase of roughly $875 million. The movement is heavily linked to SpaceX's stock performance following its IPO. Next, SpaceX expects revenue to potentially exceed $1 trillion as early as 2029.