🤖 Gemini 3.7 Flash drops with huge coding boost

Google released Gemini 3.7 Flash, significantly upgrading its coding capabilities for developers. The new model shows a DeepSWE v1.1 jump to 65.3% compared to previous versions, as reported by Google DeepMind. Introductory pricing is 50% off until December 31, 2026, before doubling on January 1, 2027. This release positions Gemini as a powerful workhorse for agentic and coding tasks. Teams should evaluate the unit economics before the price increase takes effect. 🚀

🩺 AP gears up for health emergency simulations

The Department of Health is organizing simulation exercises across various districts to beef up emergency response capabilities. Commissioner K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu confirmed these sessions will test the whole system's performance, not just specific procedures. The first exercise on leptospirosis is set for Machilipatnam, Krishna district, on August 18 and 19. Subsequently, an HPAI drill will take place in Bhimavaram, West Godavari district, on August 20 and 21. Future exercises will cover dengue, scrub typhus, and cholera in different districts.

🛡️ FDA Chief on restaurant bribery allegations

Maharashtra FDA Chief Tukaram Mundhe addressed rumors regarding potential bribery attempts during an NDTV Profit interview. He stated clearly that he does not believe anyone would dare to try and bribe him or his department. This statement comes as he is praised by citizens for enforcing food safety standards across Maharashtra. Mundhe acknowledged some accusations of being arrogant, attributing it to his forthright nature. He concluded by emphasizing that honest performance of one's role builds a great society. 🛡️

🏆 Arsenal vs Man City Community Shield showdown ⚽

The 2026 Community Shield match between Arsenal and Manchester City is scheduled to kick off on Aug 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The game will take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Arsenal arrives as Premier League champs, while City navigates a turbulent summer transfer period. Both clubs are using this fixture as their first competitive test of the new season. Viewers in the US can stream the action via Fubo, ESPN, or ESPN Deportes.

🚨 Campus Programs Fail to Stop Sexual Violence, Says Review

A recent review has determined that one-off campus programs are insufficient in preventing sexual violence incidents. This analysis covered various educational initiatives across multiple institutions. The review looked at data from specific programs implemented between 2020 and 2023. It highlighted that standalone awareness campaigns often lack sustained impact and comprehensive support structures. Future efforts must incorporate long-term, holistic strategies to effectively tackle this issue.

🥊 Makhachev vs Garry: UFC 330 details drop

Islam Makhachev is set to face Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 13, 2026. Makhachev is defending his UFC welterweight title against Garry in the main event. If he wins, he secures his 17th straight UFC victory and achieves a multi-division title defense. The main event is scheduled to start around midnight ET, while the entire event streams on Paramount+. Mackenzie Dern will also defend her strawweight title in the co-main event.

🤝 Deco sets condition for Barca to sign Rodri

Barcelona's pursuit of Manchester City's Rodri faced a hurdle from sporting director Deco. He made the condition that Barça should not engage in a bidding war against Real Madrid for the midfielder. The Catalans then agreed to this, and Rodri confirmed his preference for Barcelona over Los Blancos. Negotiations with Manchester City are now reportedly in the final stages of the transfer deal. It is anticipated that the final approval might come over the weekend. 🤞

🏔️ Eurasian lynx spotted in Sikkim's high-altitude plateau 🏔️

A Eurasian lynx has been photographed for the first time in Sikkim on the Tso Lhamo plateau. This sighting occurred in January 2026 in the Mangan district, marking the second such record in the Eastern Himalayas. The discovery challenges the idea that high-altitude rangelands are barren deserts, showing they are productive ecosystems. Researchers emphasize that this indicates a healthy predator-prey system in this unique transition zone. Future work will aim to determine if the lynx is a resident or just a visitor in the area.

🏏 Kashmir's Auqib Nabi makes India Test squad

Auqib Nabi, a young pacer from Kashmir, has been selected for the Indian Test squad for the Sri Lanka series. He hails from Sheeri in north Kashmir and is replacing the injured Jasprit Bumrah. The 29-year-old is the first player from Kashmir to receive an India Test call-up. He gained recognition after taking 60 wickets in the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy for J&K. His journey inspires his village and the entire region. 🏏

🔬 SCTIMST unveils Chitra Core, its first coronary stent

SCTIMST has introduced Chitra Core, its first indigenous coronary stent, alongside the upcoming Chitra TiN. This innovation, developed by SCTIMST, was showcased at a conference in the capital on August 15, 2026. Chitra Core reduces vessel damage by having 30-40% less metal content than standard stents. Chitra TiN is now moving into pre-clinical evaluations for a global rollout. Both stents are part of a major 'Make in India' success story. 🩺

🕉️ Sabarimala ghee quality check gets a boost

Minister K. Muraleedharan has requested the Travancore Devaswom Board to set up testing labs at Pampa and Sannidhanam. These labs will check the quality of ghee devotees donate for Sabarimala's appam and aravana. The setup involves joint operations from Health, Food Safety, and Forensic Medicine departments. Testing requires three samples from each storage tank, with one tested locally and others sent for deeper analysis. Urgent measures are needed before the Mandala pilgrimage season begins to ensure devotee safety. 🕉️