✨ Google is leveling up personalization across its apps

Google is rolling out three major personalization features across Search, Discover, and Google News. A new embeddable Preferred Sources button lets users add sites and return to their page after clicking. Discover will soon allow users to tailor their feed using natural language requests. Meanwhile, the Google News app on Android now offers customizable audio briefings by topic. These updates aim to give users more control over the content they see daily. 🤖

🔥 1984 riot survivor recalls horror after Sajjan Kumar's death

Survivors recounted the sheer terror of the 1984 riots following Sajjan Kumar's death on Thursday, August 20, 2026. Mr. Harpal Singh, a 60-year-old car driver, witnessed extreme violence inflicted on the Sikh community in Delhi. The attacks involved burning people alive, with witnesses recalling the destruction of businesses and places of worship. Decades later, many victims still face elusive justice, feeling that police were often part of the crime. The community feels mixed emotions, finding some relief while acknowledging the lack of ultimate punishment for the accused. 😥

💰 Gold bounces back to $4,500 mark

Gold managed to reclaim the $4,500 level even though US Treasury yields and the US Dollar showed signs of rebounding. This movement occurred in the recent market session across global financial markets. Specifically, the price action was observed in the last trading period. Investors are paying close attention to inflation data for further direction. Future trends will depend heavily on central bank policy announcements.

🏛️ Deputy leader asks Gandhi for probe on land issues

T. Harish Rao has written to Rahul Gandhi, alleging major irregularities in implementing Section 22A of the Registration Act, 1908 in Telangana. He specifically demanded the removal of Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivasa Reddy and a commission of inquiry. Rao claimed thousands of private properties, including HMDA and GHMC layouts, were wrongly classified as government or ceiling-surplus lands. These reclassifications are causing uncertainty over ownership, especially in Hyderabad and surrounding districts. He is also accusing CM A. Revanth Reddy of failing to ensure proper oversight on these land matters.

☕ Coffee links to less fat, more muscle, better hormones

A new study suggests regular coffee drinking can improve body composition and metabolic markers. Researchers analyzed data from over 2,200 participants in the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966. Those with the highest coffee intake showed less total and visceral fat and better muscle mass. This finding indicates that BMI alone doesn't capture all body composition differences. Furthermore, higher coffee consumption was linked to favorable hormone patterns in men.

🚢 Caspian Sea: New Military Lifeline for Russia & Iran

The Caspian Sea is becoming a crucial logistics route for Russia and Iran, enabling them to move goods outside Western naval reach. NBC News reported that Moscow is already using this inland sea to send military supplies to Tehran. The corridor is gaining attention as both nations deepen cooperation amid international sanctions and ongoing conflicts. This secure route facilitates mutual support, with Iran supplying drones to Russia while Russia supports Iran's capabilities. US officials are closely watching this growing infrastructure as it bypasses maritime pressure. 🚢

🐕 TTD tests AI dog for forest safety and wildlife watch

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) is testing an AI-powered robotic dog for wildlife surveillance and devotee safety in Tirumala forests. Officials reviewed the dog's performance at the Sri Padmavathi Guest House on Thursday, assessing its use in hazardous terrain. Equipped with thermal and LiDAR, the robot can detect and track wildlife even in low visibility conditions. It generates geo-tagged alerts when wildlife is spotted, enabling faster responses in priority zones like the Alipiri-Tirumala footpath. This system will complement existing patrols to help TTD manage wildlife encounters. 🐾

🛰️ SpaceX rocket crashes on Moon, NASA gets close-up look

A SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage created a new crater on the Moon on August 5, 2026. The impact occurred on the Moon, discovered by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). The crater is modest, about 60 feet across and less than 10 feet deep. Scientists observed a spray pattern revealing differences between old, darkened dust and fresh subsurface material. This event also served as a real-world test for planetary defense tracking models. 🚀

📸 Canon solidifies dominance in global camera market

Overall digital camera unit sales rose from 8.7 million to 9.5 million units globally. Canon maintained its top spot in the market, increasing its share from 43.2 percent to 45.7 percent. Sony remained second with a 24.6 percent share, while Nikon dropped out of the top three places. Fujifilm jumped into third place, boosting its market share to 11.8 percent with increased sales. The industry will now track these shifting market patterns in the upcoming Nikkei Industry Map 2028.

🌿 Karnataka rejects Centre's Western Ghats ESA draft

The Karnataka government announced on Thursday that it will reject the latest draft notification regarding the Eco-Sensitive Area in the Western Ghats. Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Ramalinga Reddy made this decision in the Legislative Assembly in Karnataka. This draft proposed covering 20,668 square kilometres across 1,449 villages, with a 60-day objection deadline. The rejection stems from the state's stance that imposing further restrictions in already reserved forest areas would harm conservation. The government will officially inform the Centre of its decision soon. 🏞️

🎾 US Open boosts tennis prize money to record levels

The 2026 US Open is setting a new record with $5.5 million prizes for singles champions. This massive increase was announced by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) for the tournament held in the United States. The total player compensation has reached $108 million, a 44% jump since 2024. This financial boost comes alongside a new player support programme and the formation of a Grand Slam Player Council. The US Open kicks off on August 23 and finishes with the men's singles final on September 13. 🎾