🧪 COVID antivirals effectiveness is fading, research shows

New research suggests that COVID antivirals are not working as effectively as previously thought against the virus. In Australia, initial trials showed Paxlovid reduced severe illness by 89%, but newer studies paint a different picture. Two randomized controlled trials in vaccinated people showed no reduction in severe outcomes for either drug. A meta-analysis found Paxlovid was associated with a 40% reduction in hospitalisation, while Lagevrio's results were mixed. Given these findings, GPs should be consulted about antiviral use for at-risk groups. 😟

🎧 AirPods Pro with cameras might be the best smart glasses alternative

Rumors suggest Apple is developing AirPods Pro equipped with cameras to capture environmental visuals. This tech was demonstrated in the macOS Tahoe 26.7 release candidate, showing Siri recognizing book covers. The system can capture left and right paired images for Visual Intelligence, offering stereoscopic data. While privacy concerns exist, the 1-megapixel resolution limits surveillance capabilities significantly. These earbuds are positioned as a capable, glasses-free alternative to current smart glasses. 🎧

😔 Protest at IIT Delhi after MSc student's death

JNUSU held a protest outside IIT Delhi on Sunday demanding accountability following the alleged suicide of a 31-year-old second-year MSc student. Students cited "institutional apathy," noting this was the second student death recorded at IIT Delhi this year. JNUSU president Aditi called for the implementation of the Rohith Act and vowed to raise concerns across campuses. The All India Students’ Association also called for an independent probe into the death and campus suicide patterns. IIT Delhi released a statement mourning the demise and confirmed the Delhi police are investigating the incident. 😔

⚛️ Quantum heat waves spotted at room temperature 🤯

Scientists have observed phonon focusing, a quantum heat behavior, at room temperature for the first time. This breakthrough occurred at the University of California, Los Angeles, involving research published in Nature Physics. The observation was made using boron arsenide material and a nanoscale gold probe around 300 kelvin. This fundamentally changes how thermal management can be thought of in next-gen electronics. The findings pave the way for precisely controlling heat flow in advanced technologies.

🛍️ Onam shopping at Broadway hit by rain in Kochi

Broadway saw a surge in shoppers buying Onam dresses on Sunday, August 23rd, as businesses recovered from a slow period. Street vendors in Kochi reported that despite the uptick, sales were dampened by unexpected rain. Prices for the festive wear started around ₹100, with higher-end items costing ₹500 to ₹600. Vendors expressed concern that customers might be shifting purchases to online stores. They are now anxiously waiting for the rain to stop so they can continue selling. 🌧️

🕊️ Iran invited to Mecca Pact amid Gulf tensions

Iran has reportedly received an invitation to join the Mecca Defence Pact, established by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey on August 7. This is notable due to Iran's rivalry with Riyadh and ties to the Houthis in Yemen. The pact implies an attack on one member is an attack on all three for regional security. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated on August 10 that Tehran had no reason for concern. Actual membership would be a massive shift given the complex ties between Tehran and Riyadh. 🕊️

🚀 India's Space Tech Boom Gets Major Shoutout

On the 3rd National Space Day, PM Narendra Modi praised Gen Z for driving new tech in India's space sector. He met with CEOs of 20 space startups in New Delhi to discuss the industry's growth. Isro chief V Narayanan announced plans for 8 launch vehicle missions and 12 satellite missions this financial year. This momentum follows Chandrayaan-3's success and milestones like 100 launches. India aims to become a developed nation by 2047 with the space sector playing a key role. 🚀

🌶️ Onam rush makes veggies pricey in Kerala

Vegetable prices are skyrocketing in Kerala as Thiruvonam nears, causing a major shock to shoppers. In Kochi, raw bananas cost around ₹65 per kg, while onions jumped from ₹31 to ₹48 per kg in wholesale markets. The Union government attributes sugar price hikes to low domestic production and festive demand. Meanwhile, rice and coconut oil prices have seen a slight dip in local markets. The State government is stepping up market intervention to control these rising costs. 💸

🏏 ECS Belgium Premier 2026 kicks off on August 24

The ECS Belgium Brussels Premier 2026 started its T10 action on August 24, 2026. The opening day featured five matches across the competition. These included Beveren CC vs Brussels Capital Warriors and Hasselt CC vs Beveren CC among others. Fans can track live scores, wickets, and key performances throughout the day. Match predictions for all five fixtures were also available for viewing.

🐊 Giant Crocs Ruled South America's Ancient Food Chain

Fossil bite marks indicate that giant crocodylians, particularly Purussaurus neivensis, were key hunters in Miocene South America. This ecosystem existed over 10 million years ago, featuring vast lakes and various predators like saber-toothed mammals. Purussaurus neivensis, reaching about seven meters long and weighing roughly 1,800 kilograms, was the largest predator. Researchers found this dominance based on analyzing fossils ranging from 10.5 to 16 million years old. This apex predator likely shaped the size of local herbivore populations in the ancient tropical environment. 🐊

🔬 India's scientists drowning in red tape, says report

A new NITI Aayog report highlighted significant procedural issues plaguing India's R&D ecosystem. The report points to a major trust deficit between granting agencies and researchers across the country. India currently spends only 0.6% of its GDP on R&D, and grant release can take 3-6 months after scientific approval. The recommendations urge a more trust-based and outcome-oriented governance model for better efficiency. This shift aims to let scientists focus purely on research instead of administrative hassles.