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  • What happened today (July 31) in history? Key events to look back on

    What happened today (July 31) in history? Key events to look back on

    Some dates are remembered for moments that transformed global politics, advanced space exploration and celebrated influential figures. July 30 brings together events linked to diplomacy, scientific achievement and international observances that continue to shape the modern world. Here are five events associated with this day.

    World Ranger Day observed globally

    Every year on July 31, World Ranger Day honours park rangers who protect wildlife and natural heritage across the globe. The day also remembers rangers who lost their lives or were injured while safeguarding forests, national parks and endangered species.

  • Inside Telangana’s digital election battlefield: The rise of political narratives

    Inside Telangana’s digital election battlefield: The rise of political narratives

    Elections in India are increasingly being fought on two fronts: on the ground through rallies, campaigns and public meetings, and online through social media platforms where narratives can spread within minutes. In Telangana, this shift has become particularly evident over the past few election cycles, with political debates unfolding simultaneously across Facebook, X, Instagram, WhatsApp and YouTube.

    Political messaging today extends beyond manifestos and speeches. Viral videos, edited clips, screenshots, hashtags and influencer-led campaigns frequently shape public conversations before official agencies or courts have an opportunity to establish facts. As a result, digital perception has become an increasingly important factor in modern election campaigns.

    How social media became the new battleground for Telangana politics

    Political parties across Telangana, including the BJP, Congress and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), have significantly expanded their digital outreach in recent years. Social media is now used not only to promote policies and campaign messages but also to respond to criticism, mobilise supporters and influence public opinion.

    Communication experts note that digital platforms reward speed and engagement rather than verification. Content that evokes strong emotional reactions often travels faster than carefully verified information, making online discourse an increasingly influential part of election campaigns.

    Also Read | Facebook down? ‘Account temporarily unavailable’ error hits thousands of users

    While digital platforms have widened democratic participation by enabling direct communication between political leaders and voters, they have also created space for misinformation, misleading edits and selective presentation of information.

  • Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber: Google’s answer to large scale security models

    Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber: Google’s answer to large scale security models

    Google has recently launched the Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber, particularly as a cheaper rival to large scale security models such as Anthropic and Open AI. It scans, finds and patches software vulnerabilities automatically.

    Features and reason behind its creation

    The model expands Google’s existing automated defence work, building on its internal code security agent, CodeMender. Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber is currently limited to a restricted pilot programme, available only to government bodies and select enterprise partners through CodeMender. Google is going for a careful rollout.

    Also Read | Can AI medical advice be dangerous? Lawsuit claims ChatGPT left man critically ill

    Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber’s lightweight design lets it run multiple fat, low-cost scans across large codebases instead of one expensive pass. CodeMender uses 3.5 Flash Cyber repeatedly across different sections of code to analyse vulnerabilities, then combines the results into a single security report.

    Google says that because of being cheap and fast to run, the model can be built directly into regular software updates, daily code commits, and time-sensitive product launches without adding significant cost.

    The model is running across several production systems of Google such as Chrome, Android, Google Cloud, Ads, and YouTube. After sharing results from the CyberGym benchmark, Google proved that running the new model up to five times per task through CodeMender, it delivered results competitive with much larger and costlier models.

  • Royal Enfield becomes the world’s third-strongest auto brand

    Royal Enfield becomes the world’s third-strongest auto brand

    Royal Enfield has secured the third spot among the world’s strongest automotive brands in the Brand Finance Automotive Industry 2026 rankings, overtaking global names like Ferrari and Audi.

    Royal Enfield has achieved a major global milestone after being ranked as the world’s third strongest automotive brand in the Brand Finance Automotive Industry 2026 report. The iconic Indian motorcycle manufacturer now sits behind only Toyota and BMW, surpassing luxury names including Audi and Ferrari. The recognition highlights the company’s growing global influence, strong customer loyalty and successful expansion strategy while also showcasing India’s rising presence in the international automotive industry.

    Royal Enfield climbs global rankings with stronger brand value

    Royal Enfield recorded a Brand Strength Index score of 88.9 out of 100, earning the highest AAA rating from Brand Finance. The company’s brand value also increased by 30 per cent to reach $1.2 billion.

    According to the report, the company’s focused motorcycle portfolio and its positioning as a lifestyle brand have played a major role in strengthening its global identity. Rather than competing across multiple vehicle segments, Royal Enfield has continued building its reputation around classic motorcycles, adventure touring and premium riding experiences.

    The London-based consultancy evaluates brands using factors such as marketing investment, customer perception and overall business performance.

    Also Read | ‘Balance bike for kids’: What is Tesla’s new addition?

    Global expansion continues to drive Royal Enfield growth

    Royal Enfield now sells motorcycles in more than 80 countries through a network of over 3,200 retail outlets and seven overseas CKD assembly facilities.

    Popular models such as the Hunter 350 and Super Meteor 650 have helped the company attract younger riders while retaining its heritage appeal. Their combination of retro styling, simple engineering and competitive pricing has strengthened the brand’s position in international markets.

    The company has also received recognition for product quality, topping the J.D. Power 2025 two-wheeler initial quality study and leading the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations dealer satisfaction survey.

  • WhatsApp Web gets voice and video calling: Here’s how it works

    WhatsApp Web gets voice and video calling: Here’s how it works

    WhatsApp Web calling is finally becoming a reality. Meta-owned WhatsApp has started rolling out support for voice and video calls directly through web browsers, marking one of the platform’s biggest calling updates in recent years.

    The feature removes the need for users to install WhatsApp’s Windows or Mac desktop application to make or receive calls. According to WhatsApp, the update is being released in phases and will become available to users globally over the coming weeks.

    Also Read | Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber: Google’s answer to large scale security models

    How does WhatsApp Web calling work?

    With the latest update, users can place both voice and video calls directly from WhatsApp Web using a supported browser.

    To make a call, users simply need to relaunch WhatsApp Web, open an individual chat and tap the audio or video call icon. During the first call, the browser will request permission to access the device’s microphone and camera before connecting the call.

    Until now, WhatsApp users could make voice and video calls only through the mobile apps or the dedicated desktop applications for Windows and Mac.

    What other calling features are coming?

    Alongside browser-based calling, WhatsApp has introduced several new features aimed at improving group calling and video quality.

    A new Call Transfer feature allows users to move an ongoing group call between devices without disconnecting. For example, a call started on a smartphone can now be transferred seamlessly to WhatsApp Web or the desktop app for a larger viewing experience.

    WhatsApp has also added a Waiting Room feature for call links. When users enable the “Require approval to join” option while creating a call link, participants must wait for the host’s approval before entering the call. The feature works similarly to waiting rooms available on video conferencing platforms.

  • Bank of Baroda confirms data breach amid cyber concerns

    Bank of Baroda confirms data breach amid cyber concerns

    On Monday, July 27, Bank of Baroda (BoB), a leading state-owned brand, confirmed a security incident that led to unauthorised access to “certain data” by threat actors. BoB also confirmed that the incident involved compromise of an employee’s email account.

    BoB’s statement

    In a post on X, BoB said, “The matter was promptly identified, and immediate containment measures were implemented.” The bank did not elaborate on the scale of the data breach and what type of data was accessed by the threat actor, it said that core banking systems were not breached in the incident and continue to remain secure.

    In the post, BoB further clarified that it is carrying out a forensic probe of the incident and is working closely with relevant authorities in accordance with regulatory requirements.

    Also Read | Bank stocks under pressure as RBI moves to defend rupee, what’s behind the slide?

    Social media posts also alleged that nearly 1 terabyte (TB) of data, including BoB’s personal and corporate banking records, were stolen by a threat actor. However, the information has not been verified independently.

    Srikanth L speaks up

    Cybersecurity researcher Srikanth L, who also runs a consumer awareness initiative called Cashless Consumer, said that the leaked data includes customer details, loan papers, internal audit records and identification documents. Cited by Reuters, Srikanth also said that the data appeared on a dark web site on Saturday night, July 25, and was advertised as a cache containing more than 700 gigabytes (GB) of information.

  • What is the world’s most visited country? Here’s the answer

    What is the world’s most visited country? Here’s the answer

    round the world there are magnificent places which attracts millions of tourists every year.

    Whether its exploring scenic mountains, relaxing on pristine beaches or admiring history, travelling is one of the most popular hobbies. Here are the most visited countries in the world.

    France remains in number one

    As per latest international tourism statistics, the most visited country in the world, with over 102 million international tourist arrivals in 2024, is France.

    It has consistently maintained its position. One of the biggest reasons for this is France’s mix of world-famous landmarks and rich cultural experiences.

    The country offers an unmatched combination of history, art, fashion and natural beauty and this blend keeps France at the top. Visitors can experience the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and the picturesque French Riviera, along with a charming countryside, vineyards, villages and cuisine.

    Spain occupied the second spot on the list, with 93.8 million international tourists in 2024.

    It presents a combination of vibrant culture, sun-soaked beaches, lively festivals and historic cities that blend centuries of heritage with modernity.

    Also Read | From desk jobs to disease: 8 in 10 working Indians overweight as lifestyle illnesses hit younger age groups

    The third spot was secured by the United States of America, with an estimated 72 to 79 million international tourists annually. Popular places include the New York City, the Grand Canyon, Hollywood, and numerous national parks.

  • Kolkata to see cloudy skies today as IMD forecasts light to moderate rain

    Kolkata to see cloudy skies today as IMD forecasts light to moderate rain

    Kolkata woke up to cloudy skies on Friday as the impact of the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal weakened. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Kolkata and several parts of South Bengal through the day, indicating that the monsoon is far from over.

    According to Alipore Meteorological Department Director Habibur Rahman Biswas, rainfall intensity has reduced compared to the past few days. However, intermittent showers are still expected on Friday. From Saturday onwards, rainfall activity over South Bengal is likely to decrease further. In contrast, North Bengal is expected to continue receiving heavy rainfall.

    Low-pressure impact weakens, monsoon trough remains active

    The latest update from the Alipore Meteorological Department said the deep depression that formed over the Bay of Bengal has dissipated. Even so, the monsoon trough currently stretches from Ganganagar in Rajasthan to the Bay of Bengal, keeping favourable conditions for rain over the state.

    Alipore Meteorological Department Director Habibur Rahman Biswas said, “Although the intensity of rainfall has decreased, Kolkata and several parts of South Bengal are likely to receive light to moderate rain on Friday. From Saturday, rainfall over South Bengal may reduce further. On the other hand, heavy rainfall will continue across North Bengal.”

    Kolkata weather today

    Kolkata is expected to witness a cloudy sky throughout Friday, with spells of light to moderate rain likely at isolated places.

    The weather office said the city’s maximum temperature on Thursday was 29.4 degrees Celsius, while the minimum settled at 27.1 degrees Celsius.Between 6:30 am on Thursday and 6:30 am on Friday, Kolkata recorded 9.6 mm of rainfall.

    South Bengal weather forecast

    The weather department said rainfall has eased across South Bengal for now. On Friday, all districts in the region are likely to receive light to moderate rain, but no heavy rainfall has been forecast.

    From Saturday, both the intensity and coverage of rainfall are expected to reduce further.

  • Taipei Open 2026: Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma and Kiran George reach quarterfinals

    Taipei Open 2026: Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma and Kiran George reach quarterfinals

    India produced an encouraging set of results at the Taipei Open Super 300 on Thursday, with Kiran George, Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma and Devika Sihag securing places in the quarterfinals after convincing performances. Their victories kept India’s challenge alive in both the men’s and women’s singles competitions.

    However, it was a disappointing day for HS Prannoy and Anmol Kharb, who bowed out after second-round defeats.

    Kiran George cruises into last eight

    Experienced campaigner Kiran George delivered a clinical display against fellow Indian Tharun Mannepalli, registering a straight-game victory in just 32 minutes.

    The 25-year-old wrapped up the contest 21-15, 21-16 to move into the quarterfinals without much trouble. Kiran, who has previously won the 2022 Odisha Open, 2023 Indonesia Masters, and 2023 Odisha Masters, will now face fourth seed Yudai Okimoto of Japan for a place in the semifinals.

    Unnati Hooda, Tanvi Sharma and Devika Sihag shine

    India’s women’s singles campaign also gathered momentum as three players advanced to the final eight. Third seed Unnati Hooda came through an all-Indian clash against Tanya Hemanth, winning 21-19, 21-12. The former Odisha Masters champion recovered after a close opening game before taking complete control in the second.

    Teenage sensation Tanvi Sharma continued her impressive run by overcoming Indonesia’s Thalita Ramadhani Wiryawan in a hard-fought encounter. Tanvi sealed the match 21-17, 22-20, holding her nerve in a closely contested second game.

    Eighth seed Devika Sihag also progressed comfortably, defeating Indonesia’s Ni Kadek Dhinda Amartya Pratiwi 21-16, 21-15 to book her place in the quarterfinals.

    India guaranteed a women’s singles semifinalist

    The quarterfinal draw has ensured at least one Indian player will feature in the women’s singles semifinals. Unnati Hooda and Devika Sihag are set to face each other in an all-Indian last-eight contest.

    Meanwhile, Tanvi Sharma will take on fourth seed Supanida Katethong of Thailand as she looks to continue her impressive run in the tournament.

    HS Prannoy and Anmol Kharb exit

    The day ended on a disappointing note for two Indian shuttlers. Seventh seed HS Prannoy was knocked out after a 9-21, 19-21 defeat to Hong Kong’s Jason Gunawan in a match that lasted 39 minutes.

    Youngster Anmol Kharb also exited the competition after losing 10-21, 20-21 to local favourite and second seed Lin Hsiang Ti.

    With four players still in contention, India remains firmly in the hunt for silverware at the Taipei Open Super 300, with the women’s singles draw guaranteeing at least one semifinal appearance for the country.

  • UEFA threatens FIFA boycott over World Cup investment plan, European football unites in opposition

    UEFA threatens FIFA boycott over World Cup investment plan, European football unites in opposition

    European football has taken a united stand against FIFA’s proposed commercial restructuring, with all 55 UEFA member associations agreeing to boycott the FIFA World Cup and every other FIFA competition unless the governing body withdraws its private investment proposal.

    According to The Athletic, the decision was reached during a virtual meeting involving UEFA’s national associations. It marks the strongest resistance yet to FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s plan to open the commercial rights of the World Cup and other major tournaments to outside investors.

    UEFA later confirmed the outcome, stating that its members had unanimously opposed the proposal to transfer ownership interests in FIFA competitions.

    “As a result of today’s discussion, no UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive, unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that FIFA will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership,” the governing body said.

    FIFA’s commercial proposal explained

    Earlier this week, FIFA unveiled plans to establish a commercial subsidiary known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). The proposed company would oversee the commercial operations of FIFA’s flagship events, including the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

    Under the proposal, private investors would be allowed to purchase minority ownership stakes in the new entity. FIFA estimates the venture could raise up to $4.2 billion, placing the value of FFE at around $20 billion.