🛡️ WhatsApp drops new Scam Alert feature

WhatsApp has rolled out an optional Scam Alert feature to protect users from social engineering attacks. This update is for all users on the Meta-owned messaging platform across various regions. It functions by using an on-device machine learning model to scan non-contact messages for scam patterns. Crucially, no message content leaves the device, and automatic reporting is disabled unless the user opts in. The feature is starting with a limited Beta rollout before a wider release. 🛡️

📚 CM releases Leelavathi's Mahabharata take

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan released M. Leelavathy’s new book, Bharathalokam, on Wednesday at her residence in Thrikkakara. Satheesan praised the 98-year-old critic for her unique interpretation of Mahabharata characters. The book features extensive research, offering a critical look at the epic's episodes. Leelavathy stated the Mahabharata strongly conveys a message against war. The release event was attended by N.E. Sudheer, V.E. Abdul Gafoor, Uma Thomas, and Jamal Manakkadan. 📚

🏫 What the law promises students in Indian govt schools 📚

Government schools in India are bound by legal promises covering student welfare and education rights. The RTE Act makes education a fundamental right for children aged six to fourteen, ensuring free and compulsory schooling. These protections include neighbourhood school access and minimum standards for safe buildings and sanitation. The law also strictly forbids corporal punishment and mandates specific pupil-teacher ratios for quality learning. When these standards are breached, as seen in recent viral incidents, the legal framework becomes very visible.

🎶 Tamil Nadu mandates state anthem at all official events

The Tamil Nadu government has made Tamil Thaai Vazhthu mandatory as the opening song at all official gatherings. This directive, implemented by CM C Joseph Vijay in Tamil Nadu, requires the anthem to be played at institutions and government offices. The unanimous Assembly resolution passed on Monday reinforces previous orders from November 23, 1970, and the song's official recognition in December 2021. Vijay stated that this reflects unity in diversity and is not opposed to India's constitutional framework. The move comes as the state navigates the Centre's directive regarding Vande Mataram. 🎶

🌕 Europe crowds gather for solar eclipse viewing

Millions gathered across Europe to witness the total solar eclipse on Wednesday. Iceland, Spain, and northern Portugal were prime locations for this celestial event. The eclipse was set to begin in Reykjavik at 4:47 p.m. local time and reach totality at 5:48 p.m. There are expectations of up to 6 million tourists in Spain, prompting security preparations. Other European cities like Paris and London will experience partial coverage of the Sun. 🌕

💔 Akanksha Chamola & Gaurav Khanna Divorce Pending

Akanksha Chamola confirmed her divorce from Gaurav Khanna during the premiere of Lock Upp season 2. She revealed this personal update is the first time she shared details about their separation publicly. The couple, who married in 2016, stated they haven't found time to sign papers due to clashing work schedules. They took 18 months to decide their marriage was not right for them. Akanksha also mentioned she does not want children in her future plans.

⚠️ Air India pilot not drug tested before flight

The pilot-in-command of Air India flight AI2379 was not subjected to a pre-flight psychoactive-substance test before the August 4 flight from Phuket to Delhi. Officials confirmed the post-flight screening showed a non-negative result for cannabis, leading to a confirmatory test that reportedly detected the substance. Current DGCA rules only mandate testing post-flight or during duty, unlike the alcohol breathalyser checks. The incident involved a sudden 300-foot altitude loss, leaving 20 people injured. The AAIB is investigating this 'Serious Incident' to clarify the testing protocol.

✨ Entrepreneur sacrifices clients for 6 PM cutoff

An entrepreneur named Sarah Sham shared that she prioritized sending her design team home by 6 PM daily. She operates design projects across 18 cities and implemented a strict 9 am to 6 pm, five-day work schedule. Sham admitted some clients left because they disliked the rule against weekend calls. She stated that pushing exhausted designers leads to less interesting work, not better output. Sham decided to hire extra designers rather than ask her team to work extra hours. 😌

😠 CJP claims police harassed his family in Puducherry

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das alleged that Puducherry Police officials visited his family home and questioned his relatives on Wednesday. He claimed the action was an intimidation tactic orchestrated by the BJP government. The incident reportedly occurred about two hours before Das posted about the issue on X. Das further alleged that the Union government was behind the harassment, which he called 'goonda' behavior. He stated this would only strengthen his fight for a better legal system.

🚨 DSP Bheem Reddy in ACB custody for asset case

The ACB has taken two days of custody of suspended DSP Sankireddy Bheem Reddy for questioning regarding disproportionate assets. He was arrested on July 6th after searches in Telangana and Karnataka revealed several assets. The ACB alleges he amassed over ₹9 crore in assets, with properties potentially worth ₹150 crore if benami assets are included. Reddy, who joined in 1995, denies the charges, claiming properties belong to third parties. The custody period will focus on questioning him about finances and alleged benami holdings.

😥 Haryana youth killed in Germany after French Army service

A 25-year-old youth from Kurukshetra, Vishu Sharma, was allegedly stabbed to death in Frankfurt, Germany. He had previously served in the French Army after moving to France around a year after going to Portugal in November 2022. Sharma had started working in the delivery sector in Germany after leaving the French Army. His family learned of the tragedy on Wednesday morning after not hearing from him on Tuesday. They are now handling the formalities to bring his remains back to India. 💔