📉 Walmart's sales growth cools, shares drop 9%

Walmart's sales growth is showing a slowdown, which is putting pressure on consumer spending habits across the market. This trend was noted in the retail giant's recent performance reports from the United States. Specifically, the company's shares experienced a significant dip of 9% following the latest financial disclosures. This slowdown comes amid ongoing economic uncertainties affecting household budgets nationwide. Investors will now closely watch upcoming quarterly reports for any signs of a turnaround. 📉

💰 YouTube pays millions, but watch out for Netflix 😬

YouTube is offering millions of dollars to creators to keep their content exclusive to the platform. This deal aims to prevent channels from simultaneously posting on Netflix, a competitor. The offer includes direct financing and a share of large brand campaigns, according to a Bloomberg report. Creators who cross-post face reduced marketing push and exclusion from revenue streams. YouTube argues this keeps its channels as its primary home, a strategy used before with Vessel.

⚖️ Ex-Bank Employee and Others Get 10 Years Jail Time

A former Deputy General Manager of Bank of India and five others have been sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment in a bank fraud case. The convicts include officials from Tamil Nadu government, and the case was heard in a special CBI court in Chennai. The fraud involved nearly Rs 2.39 crore, and the court also fined the six convicts a total of Rs 2.70 crore on Thursday. The CBI registered the case on May 19, 2010, after allegations of diverting lender funds. Proceedings continue for other accused while some died during the trial.

🎧 Sennheiser drops new wireless earbuds with changeable batteries

Sennheiser has launched its new Momentum True Wireless 5 earbuds. These new audio devices are available for consumers in various markets. They feature user-replaceable batteries, with the release date set for late 2024. This design choice aims to enhance the long-term usability and sustainability of the product line. The company plans to release detailed specs closer to the launch date. 🎧

🧐 ED raids Congress leader's home over liquor scam

The Enforcement Directorate searched the residence of Congress leader Ram Gopal Agrawal on Thursday, August 20, 2026. This search occurred in Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh, shortly after his arrest by the central agency last week. The alleged liquor scam reportedly took place between 2019 and 2022 under the Congress government led by Bhupesh Baghel. The ED claims a syndicate caused a ₹2,883 crore loss to the state exchequer in this case. More raids are underway in Raipur, while opposition leaders allege these actions are intimidation tactics. 🧐

😔 19-year-old NEET aspirant dies by suicide

A 19-year-old student, Suraj Subhash Shinde, allegedly died by suicide at his home in Khandala, Maharashtra. He was preparing for the highly competitive NEET medical entrance exam when the incident occurred. Preliminary reports suggest the immense stress from his studies and future was the cause. He left a note promising his parents he would become a doctor in the next life. The NEET controversy, involving paper leaks and protests, highlights the pressure on young students.

📚 BJP-linked members join new NCERT panel

Four RSS and BJP-associated members have been included in the new NCERT panel reviewing Class 11 and 12 Political Science textbooks. This appointment was made by the government, with the individuals joining the committee tasked with curriculum updates. The panel review process is ongoing, and changes to the textbooks are expected soon. The selection has sparked debate regarding political influence in educational content. Future editions of the textbooks will reflect the panel's recommendations.

🏘️ What RWAs can and cannot legally ban in your building

Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) handle community matters like maintenance, parking, and common areas. However, their rules cannot override the lawful rights of residents, as confirmed by legal experts. RWAs generally cannot impose blanket bans on bachelors or dictate what residents cook inside their apartments. They can regulate conduct causing nuisance or address safety issues within the community. Penalties like fines must have a clear, lawful basis for enforcement.

📸 AirPods with cameras pushed to 2027

Apple is developing AirPods equipped with cameras for Visual Intelligence features. The initial leak, found in a software beta, suggested an earlier release for the earbuds. However, Mark Gurman now confirms that the effort is scheduled for 2027 due to supply chain and software issues. These low-resolution sensors will scan the environment to help Siri and AI tools, not take photos or videos. Apple is reportedly considering names like AirPods Vision for this new product. 📱

🎮 Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 release times are here

Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 is arriving with anticipated seasonal changes and updates. Epic Games will disable matchmaking globally before the servers enter maintenance for the new season. The approximate worldwide schedule suggests India will see the update around 1:30 PM IST on the day of the launch. Players should verify the final timing through Fortnite Status as the schedule is not yet officially confirmed by Epic Games. Before the update, players should finish any unfinished seasonal objectives and check their storage space.

😠 Kids halt MLA convoy over bad roads in UP

Gen Alpha schoolchildren stopped the convoy of Samajwadi Party MLA Rajendra Chaudhary in Uttar Pradesh. The protest took place in the Basti district on Wednesday after school hours due to the poor road conditions. The students highlighted that the muddy and waterlogged road makes daily commuting unsafe for hundreds of them. MLA Chaudhary listened to their complaints and immediately assured the children that action would be taken. The students were only allowed to proceed after receiving this assurance from the representative.