A 24-year-old man, Sonu Vishwakarma, was arrested in Lucknow on August 7 for allegedly raping a street dog. The arrest followed a complaint filed by the NGO Aasra - The Helping Hands with the Gomtinagar police. Vishwakarma reportedly lured the dog with food before committing the act, while his friend filmed the incident. The video went viral, leading to widespread condemnation and the subsequent police action.

Gutti Vanakaya Kura, a flavorful stuffed brinjal curry, hails from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. This dish features whole brinjals filled with a spiced masala of peanuts, sesame seeds, and coconut, slow-cooked in a tangy tamarind gravy. It's a beloved comfort food often enjoyed with rice and ghee, showcasing the region's rich culinary heritage and offering a delightful experience for all.

A viral video shows a Korean man with Indian roots trying sannakji, a Korean dish of live octopus. The man films his experience, expressing initial hesitation before tasting the wriggling tentacles dipped in sesame oil. He then says, "Hmm, acha hai" (Hmm, it's good). Online reactions varied from amusement to aversion, with some users expressing reluctance to try the dish and others sharing positive experiences.

Vodafone Idea (Vi) is expanding its IoT-enabled smart meter business beyond electricity to sectors like oil and gas. Vi aims to connect 12 million smart electricity meters nationwide, supporting India's smart grid mission. Vi is also piloting commercial gas smart meters. This move aligns with the government's RDSS scheme to replace 250 million traditional meters by 2028. Vi sees potential in automotive, utilities, and smart lighting, offering an end-to-end IoT solution.

Khenrab Phuntsog, a wildlife guard from Ladakh, has rescued 47 snow leopards since 2000. Inspired by a childhood sighting, he joined the Wildlife Protection Department. Initially using basic tools like blankets and nets, he now uses modern techniques. Ecotourism helps locals protect snow leopards, but habitat loss and climate change pose threats. Khenrab advocates for snow leopard conservation to maintain ecological balance.

Five individuals are being recognized for their work in transforming Indian agriculture through innovative practices and traditional methods. They include Cheruvayal Raman, who has preserved 54 indigenous rice varieties; Dr Manoj Kumar, who developed a flood-resistant makhana variety; Umendra Dutt, who promoted organic farming in Punjab; Raimati Ghuria, who conserved rare millet varieties; and Abhishek Kumar, who introduced modern techniques for medicinal plants.

Arbitrage funds' AUM surged 22.2% in the June 2025 quarter, followed by Multi Asset Allocation funds at 15.4%. Balanced Hybrid funds grew 8.9%. Private banks led sectoral holdings at ₹94,029 crore, ahead of IT at ₹41,397 crore. Refineries saw 15% market value growth. Government Securities remained top debt holdings despite an 11% decline. Investors favor hybrid schemes amid market volatility, seeking stability and returns.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund increased its stake in ITC and 11 other stocks, including Axis Bank and ICICI Bank, in July. It added 65.70 lakh shares of Power Grid. The fund introduced Motilal Oswal Financial Services to its portfolio, while reducing its stake in IPCA Laboratories. Exposure in 15 stocks remained unchanged. The fund's AUM stood at ₹1.13 lakh crore as of July 31, 2025.

SEBI proposes regulatory changes to expand Foreign Portfolio Investment participation by resident Indians. The move aims to create a more inclusive investment environment and offer Indian investors increased opportunities to diversify their portfolios globally. Key proposals include enabling retail schemes in IFSCs, aligning contribution limits, and allowing Indian mutual funds as constituents of FPIs.

Asian Footwears will invest ₹100 crore over 18 months to boost manufacturing, retail, and marketing. Aiming for 40% revenue growth in FY26 from ₹525 crore in FY25, the company plans to double its exclusive brand outlets to 100, focusing on tier-II and tier-III cities. The company prioritizes volume growth with affordable pricing, supporting the 'Make in India' vision by sourcing raw materials domestically.