🤖 Accel-backed Keenable is indexing the web for AI agents

Keenable is building a specialized web search index tailored for AI agents, moving beyond traditional human-centric search models. The startup, founded by Andrey Styskin and Matthias Petri, recently secured $26 million in seed funding led by Accel. Keenable claims to have indexed over 100 billion documents and its API is actively used in AI labs. The company aims to offer a more cost-efficient alternative to giants like Google for agentic queries. With 15 staff, Keenable plans to double its headcount by year-end to push its go-to-market strategy. 🚀

🛡️ WhatsApp beefs up security with passkeys and better 2FA

WhatsApp is rolling out major security upgrades, including multi-platform passkeys and stronger two-step verification. This update lets users add multiple passkeys across Android and iOS devices, while 2FA now accepts alphanumeric passwords instead of just a six-digit PIN. Additionally, call screens will show more context for unknown numbers to combat scams. These features are part of WhatsApp's wider push against fraud, which also includes a 'Scam Alert' beta. These enhancements aim to protect the over 3 billion users across 180 countries.

🚀 Qualcomm's next Snapdragon chip hits 5 GHz CPU speed

Qualcomm is previewing its next-generation Snapdragon flagship platform, starting with the new Oryon CPU. This upcoming chip will feature the Oryon CPU, which is the first mobile CPU to reach 5 GHz. This breakthrough is credited to a fully custom microarchitecture design and implementation choices. The architecture includes two Prime Cores and six Performance Cores, boosting real-world performance. Full specs are pending, with the official preview happening at Snapdragon Summit from September 22-24.

🛡️ WhatsApp boosts security with stronger verification features

WhatsApp announced new security features, including stronger two-step verification and multi-passkey support, on Tuesday. These updates are rolling out across the Meta-owned app for all users. The two-step verification now allows for longer, alphanumeric passwords instead of just a six-digit PIN. Furthermore, users can now add multiple passkeys, which is useful for cross-platform use like iOS and Android. Android users will also get more context about calls from unknown numbers.

🧠 Perplexity and Nvidia drop local AI agent

Perplexity is launching Portable Computer, a local AI agent that runs entirely on user hardware instead of the cloud. This tool is developed with Nvidia, starting on DGX Spark and Linux machines equipped with Nvidia RTX GPUs. At launch, it supports Qwen 3.8 27B or PPLX 27B, with Windows support planned for September. The system can handle sensitive tasks locally, like reviewing financial documents, while offering hybrid cloud escalation when needed. This move signals local AI is now practical, allowing zero token cost for on-device work. 💻

🎾 Sabalenka advised to chat with Djokovic before US Open

Aryna Sabalenka has been encouraged to speak with Novak Djokovic before the US Open begins. This advice came from Mark Petchey during 'The Big T Podcast' as she prepares for the tournament. Sabalenka and Djokovic will play mixed doubles in the first round on Tuesday, August 25. Petchey suggests she talks to him about his toughest moments to help overcome her current WTA Tour slump. She must perform well at Flushing Meadows to retain her world number one ranking. 🎾

😔 TDP leader Cherukuri Vasanth Kumar passes away

Senior TDP leader Cherukuri Vasanth Kumar passed away due to a cardiac arrest on Monday, August 24, 2026. He was a former Chittoor Municipal Corporation corporator from Bengaluru. The sudden death occurred while he was reportedly eyeing the Chittoor mayoral election. His body was taken to his native village, Peddakalva, and cremated on Tuesday, August 25. Many political leaders extended their condolences following the unexpected demise.

🚗 Speeding Truck Crashes on UP Highway

A speeding truck tragically rammed into a car on a highway in Uttar Pradesh, resulting in multiple casualties. The incident involved the truck and a car on the UP highway. Authorities confirmed that four people died in the collision, and the event took place on a specific date not mentioned. The accident highlights serious concerns regarding reckless driving habits on major routes. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of this fatal crash. 😔

😠 Tamil Nadu Speaker calls out MLA misbehavior

Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar voiced his disapproval regarding the conduct of certain MLAs during the recent session. He stated that both the ruling party and the Opposition share the duty to maintain the House's dignity and decorum. Over the past two days, he observed members from both sides crossing limits by leaving their seats while raising hands. Prabhakar expressed concern over the inappropriate language used, reminding members that the proceedings are live-streamed. He urged all members not to force him into taking disciplinary action against anyone. 😠

🧊 Manhattan-sized ice island breaks off Greenland glacier

A massive 76 sq km ice island broke free from Petermann Glacier in northwest Greenland on August 4, 2026. This event, documented by Copernicus Sentinel-1, is the largest calving since 2020 and the biggest since 2012. The ice island, roughly Manhattan-sized and up to 150 meters thick, highlights rapid polar shifts. Researchers are tracking it to understand ice island dynamics and sea-level rise. Further fragmentation of this and other potential ice masses is being monitored. 🧊

🏛️ TN Govt defends scrapping Parandur airport plan

The Tamil Nadu government defended dropping the Parandur greenfield airport project in the Assembly, stating it lacked clearance and incomplete land acquisition. Energy Resources Minister R Nirmal Kumar clarified that only 48 per cent of the required land had been acquired as of the date. The project needed 5,846 acres, but land acquisition hadn't even started in villages like Ekanapuram. The government is now focusing on expanding Chennai International Airport at Meenambakkam to handle 55 million passengers annually. Villagers from Ekanapuram expressed gratitude for the Chief Minister's decision to abandon the problematic site.