UK inflation climbed to 3.8% in July, up from 3.6% in June, according to the Office for National Statistics. UKHospitality reports that increased business costs, totaling £3.4 billion annually since April, have forced 80% of hospitality businesses to raise prices. The trade body urges the government to lower business rates, fix NICs, and cut VAT to support the hospitality sector and curb inflation, rather than increasing taxes.

Rapido has been fined ₹10 lakh by the CCPA for misleading ads promising guaranteed auto rides. The ads, ‘Guaranteed Auto’ and ‘AUTO IN 5 MIN OR GET ₹50’, were found deceptive. Compensation was often in Rapido coins with restrictions. Consumer complaints surged, prompting a CCPA investigation. Rapido must cease misleading ads, compensate users fairly, and submit a compliance report. This highlights the need for transparency in the digital economy.

British Airways will now offer year-round flights from London Gatwick to Bangkok, extending beyond the usual winter season. Starting the last Sunday in March until August 11th, there will be three flights per week. Avios seats are now available, but Club World seats are quickly being booked. Consider Qatar Airways for a potentially better business class experience. A separate article will detail other Summer 2026 route changes.

Vodafone Idea (Vi) reported its smallest subscriber loss since 2018, a decline of 500,000 in Q1, driven by improved 4G and 5G services. Gross additions reached 24 million. Analysts highlight the need for fundraising to address debt and statutory dues. Vi's capital expenditure may slow without funding. Subscriber losses are moderating, but balance sheet repair is crucial for long-term survival. ARPU saw a slight increase, but consistency is needed.

Le explains that he drew inspiration from various sources, including other games and real-life experiences. He also credits the multiplayer format used in Action Quake 2 as a crucial innovation that made Counter-Strike successful. The game's permanent death system, where players are out until the end of the round if they die, added a sense of urgency and made players play differently.

Contraband, a luxury fragrance brand founded by Ananya Birla, has partnered with Parcos, India's luxury beauty retailer. This marks the first time an Indian fragrance brand will be retailed across Parcos stores nationwide. The partnership places Contraband alongside established international fragrance houses, reflecting the growing presence of Indian labels in the premium beauty segment.

Delhi faces renewed conflict over stray dogs following a Supreme Court order for their removal. Dog bite cases surged nearly 277% between 2022-2024, with a further spike in January 2025. Experts warn removals are ineffective, citing past failures. Unmanaged waste fuels the stray population and rabies spread. A "One Health" approach, integrating human, animal, and environmental health, is advocated.

Bharat Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram launched "Mannarangile Gramachantha," a weekly village market, every Friday. Farmers and entrepreneurs sell organic produce, homemade food, and ethnic eats directly to consumers. The market aims to eliminate middlemen, offering workshops, training, and cultural programs.

India has surpassed China in smartphone exports to the US, driven by the Make in India and PLI schemes. In the second quarter of 2025, India's share of US smartphone imports reached 44%, a significant increase from 13% in 2024. China's share fell from 61% to 25% during the same period. India's electronics exports have surged from Rs. 38,000 crore to Rs. 3.27 lakh crore between 2014-15 and 2024-25, marking a major shift in the global electronics market.

Following an attack on Delhi CM Rekha Gupta during a public hearing on August 20, the Central Government has granted her Z-category CRPF security. CRPF personnel have taken over her security. The decision was made after concerns arose about her safety. Rajesh Khimji, the accused, has been remanded to five days of police custody. His mother claims he acted out of love for dogs after seeing videos of dogs being taken away.