📉 WPP's Half-Year Revenue Takes a Dip

WPP reported a 3.2% fall in its revenue for the first half of the year. The decline was influenced by a 2.9% drop in the Indian market and a 3.8% decrease across the APAC region. This performance reflects broader industry shifts and economic headwinds affecting global advertising spend. The company will now focus on strategic adjustments to stabilize revenue in the coming quarters. Stakeholders are closely watching WPP's Q3 outlook for a clearer picture of recovery.

🩺 AP NEET UG 2026 Counselling Registration is Live

Registration for AP NEET UG Counselling 2026 for MBBS and BDS admissions has officially started. Dr. N.T.R. University of Health Sciences is managing this process for the 2026-27 academic session in Andhra Pradesh. The regular window runs from August 5 to August 12, 2026, while late applications are accepted until August 14, 2026. This entire counselling process, including fee payment, will happen online for eligible NEET UG 2026 qualifiers. The first classes for MBBS and BDS are scheduled to commence on September 8, 2026. 🩺

🔭 Spanish astronomer sees total eclipse from home setup

A Spanish astronomer nicknamed 'Galactic Shepherd' plans to observe a total solar eclipse. This individual is located in Spain and intends to use a DIY observatory setup for the viewing. The eclipse is set to occur on April 8th, with specific timings to be monitored closely. This ambitious setup allows the scientist to study celestial phenomena without needing a massive institutional facility. Future observations will rely on the success of this personal, self-built astronomical station. 🔭

🔭 Shepherd to catch century eclipse from home setup

Retired shepherd Joaquin Tapioles is getting ready to witness a rare total solar eclipse next week. He is located in the tiny Spanish farming village of San Agustin del Pozo on the Iberian peninsula. The event is scheduled for August 12, and he plans to watch it with his family. This self-taught astronomer built his own observatory and tracks the sky with a unique telescope setup. Tapioles shares his passion but wants to focus on family during this significant celestial moment. 🔭

🏛️ 8th Pay Commission: NC-JCM's big pension demands

The 8th Pay Commission consultations are entering a crucial phase, focusing heavily on employee welfare and retirement security. NC-JCM’s demands, including higher gratuity and pension parity, are set to shape these discussions across various stages. The commission, chaired by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, started consultations on November 3, 2025, with the next round starting in Delhi on Thursday. Specific demands involve raising gratuity limits to ₹75 lakh and restoring the Old Pension Scheme for all Central Government employees. The panel is expected to submit its final report around May or June 2027.

🤝 Modi tells MPs to dodge lobbyists

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a breakfast meeting with 36 Rajya Sabha lawmakers. The meeting took place in Delhi, where Modi advised them to stay grounded and avoid power brokers. The discussions happened on Wednesday, with various BJP and former TMC/AAP members present. He stressed the importance of connecting with constituents and mastering parliamentary procedures. Furthermore, Modi cautioned them about technology misuse and urged them to maintain decorum.

🧶 Old Craft Meets New Chances in Tharad

A large women-led appliqué collective in Tharad is keeping a centuries-old tradition alive. This local craft has successfully turned into a major source of livelihood for many local women. The story detailing this transition will be showcased on August 7th. This initiative is proudly supported by the Flipkart Foundation and AIACA. It shows how heritage can drive modern economic opportunity. 🧶

🚢 Iran-Oman deal aims to reopen Strait of Hormuz

An Oman-Iran deal is reportedly set to reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz without imposing any fees or tolls. This arrangement involves traffic routing through paths closer to Iran for inbound ships and closer to Oman for outbound traffic. The agreement was reported on Wednesday and is intended to reset the ceasefire and the 14-point MoU. It kicks off a 60-day clock to negotiate issues like Iran's nuclear program and frozen assets. This step follows US President Trump's comments on progress towards reopening the strategic waterway. 🚢

✨ Vivo S2 drops in India, S-series back after 7 years

The Vivo S2 is officially launching today, marking the return of the S-series to India after seven years. The smartphone is being launched by Vivo on today's date at 12:00 PM IST via Amazon and Flipkart. Key features include a 50MP Sony sensor, 4K video recording, and a premium curved AMOLED display. This launch targets Gen Z users prioritizing design and content creation over just raw specs. Final details on the chipset and battery capacity are yet to be confirmed by Vivo.

🚨 Cambridge prof under fire for resume fakery

Ex-Cambridge professor Jason Arday is facing serious backlash over multiple false claims on his resume. The 41-year-old, who was the youngest black professor at Cambridge, allegedly claimed positions at three other universities. Reports indicate he falsely listed roles at Ohio State University, University of Glasgow, and Durham University. These allegations surface amid prior controversy regarding extensive plagiarism in his doctoral thesis. Arday insists multiple thorough investigations found no academic misconduct, while institutions confirm review processes were followed.

⚖️ Andhra Pradesh moves to draft advocates' protection bill

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Law, N.Md. Farooq, announced steps for the Andhra Pradesh Advocates’ Protection Bill, 2026. The draft is currently being prepared by Law Secretary Pratibha Devi and will soon go to the Advocate General and Finance Department. The government, led by CM N. Chandrababu Naidu, has already released ₹46.92 crore for 1,173 deceased advocates. Lawyers have been demanding this legislation for over two decades due to safety concerns. The bill will be placed before the Cabinet for approval after necessary departmental reviews.