🧠 Google levels up study game with AI tools

Google unveiled several new study tools across its Search and Gemini platforms this Wednesday. These features aim to make Gemini a top learning assistant while competing with rivals like OpenAI. Search now offers interactive visuals and custom quizzes for complex topics, starting from the initial announcements. In the coming weeks, Lens in Search will enable AI to explain problems from uploaded photos. Furthermore, Gemini can generate functional 3D simulations and host multi-step research reports for users.

🔭 Fastest Star Detected Near Milky Way's Black Hole

Astronomers have spotted the fastest known star orbiting Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the galaxy's core. This stellar speedster, named S301, is located in the Milky Way galaxy. It travels at speeds up to 56 million miles per hour over an 8.7-year orbit. This discovery could potentially help measure the spin of the central black hole for the first time. The star's closest approach to Sgr A is about 11.5 times an astronomical unit.

🕺 Song Kang flexes legs in new Polham campaign

Actor Song Kang featured in a new pictorial for Polham's 2026 FW collection, themed "RE: ARCHIVE." He showcased fall and winter items like knits and check shirts in the shoot. Standing at 186 cm, his height and long legs were a major highlight of the campaign. Polham blends classic casual styles with modern sensibility, emphasizing items since 2004. Song Kang will also be seen as an actor in the drama Four Hands, Two Sonatas, premiering on the 29th. 🤩

💀 Methanol booze kills 6 in Gujarat party

Six people died and at least 25 others were hospitalized after consuming methanol-spiked liquor packaged in "Royal Stag" bottles in Bhavnagar district. The incident occurred on Sunday night during a party where attendees drank the liquor, which was believed to be IMFL. As of Wednesday, officials confirmed the deaths of Upendrasinh Gohil, Kartik Makwana, and Ghanshyamsinh Jadeja. The State Monitoring Cell (SMC) has taken over the investigation due to concerns over initial reporting delays. Investigators suspect the liquor came from a chain of bootleggers operating within Bhavnagar itself.

👮 TN Police Set Up Vigilance Cells for Integrity

Tamil Nadu police have formed 'Internal Vigilance Cells' across all Districts and Commissionerates. This move, directed by DGP Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal, aims to boost transparency and public trust in the department. These cells will monitor and investigate corruption, misconduct, and abuse of power by police officers. Citizens can report issues via dedicated District/City WhatsApp numbers for easy access. The police assure strict confidentiality and protection against retaliation for all complainants.

🌍 Five African nations stop polio outbreaks 🌍

Five African countries have successfully halted the spread of polio following technical assessments by OBRA. Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Congo, and Uganda were the nations where transmission was interrupted. This milestone was confirmed by the WHO Regional Office for Africa after reviews conducted between January and June 2026. These successes highlight the impact of strong national leadership and health worker dedication in combating the virus. Continued vigilance and high immunization coverage are crucial to prevent future polio outbreaks.

😠 Congress sticks to 2-stanza Vande Mataram; BJP slaps label

The Congress decided to adhere to its 1937 resolution, singing only the first two stanzas of Vande Mataram at party events. This decision came amid government efforts to enforce the full version at official events. The BJP sharply criticized Congress, labeling the party a "new Muslim League" for its stance. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal defended the move, citing top leadership decisions from 1937. The controversy reignited after Sonia Gandhi's gestures and Mallikarjun Kharge's singing at a Goa event.

🧠 Webinar on future of integrative mental health

Buddhi Clinic and The Hindu are hosting a webinar to discuss the evolving landscape of integrated mental healthcare in India. The event will explore merging mainstream medicine with evidence-based traditional and complementary approaches like Yoga and Ayurveda. Key discussions will cover policy development for integrative mental health as a specialty in India. Speakers include Ennapadam S. Krishnamoorthy, B.N. Gangadhar, and Shivarama Varambally. Interested people can register for the session happening on August 21 at 5 p.m. 🧠

🚮 Bengaluru owner fined for construction waste dump

A property owner was fined Rs 1 lakh for improperly dumping construction debris in Bengaluru. This incident occurred in Koramangala, specifically on 6th Main Road, during a morning inspection. The fine was imposed by civic officials after a marshal from the BTM Layout division noticed the waste. David, the property owner, was fined for damaging the public drain and footpath. He has also been ordered to clear all the debris at his own cost. 🚮

🩺 Pune survey shows TB returning post-treatment

A large-scale tuberculosis survey in Pune revealed a worrying trend of recurrent TB in survivors. Researchers monitored 1,076 TB survivors and 3,309 household contacts between Jan 21, 2021, and Sept 4, 2023. They found 75 TB survivors, or 7% of the surveyed group, developed recurrent TB within the follow-up period. This highlights the critical need for active surveillance after TB treatment completion. The data is expected to guide future policy decisions regarding post-treatment TB monitoring. 🩺

🏏 England dominates first day, Pakistan struggles

England managed to trail by 59 runs after a dominant first day of the Test match. Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue both took five-wicket hauls while playing at Headingley. Pakistan scored 171 runs, while England reached 112 for 2 on the date. Despite initial resistance, Pakistan suffered a destructive collapse towards the end of the day. The match will continue with England holding a strong position heading into the next session. 🏏