🗺️ Google Maps gets AI to order food and book stays

Google has upgraded Ask Maps with new AI agents capable of handling complex tasks like ordering food and booking hotels directly within the app. This update, powered by Gemini AI, allows the application to perform multi-step actions using real-time mapping data. In the US, users can order meals via Square and Toast integrations, with support for Australia and other global regions. The feature also lets users find and book accommodation based on budget and amenities. Going forward, Google plans to integrate this with Gmail and Calendar for smarter travel planning. 🗺️

🌠 Giant cosmic river found in Orion star system

Astronomers discovered a massive stream of gas flowing into the GW Orionis triple-star system. This finding was made by Maria Galloway-Sprietsma's team using data from the ALMA in Chile. The gas streamer stretches nearly 30 arcseconds and has an estimated mass of 1.6 Jupiter masses. Researchers propose this incoming river gradually tilted the outer ring, explaining the system's unusual geometry. Future surveys are planned to check how often such streamers shape planetary orbits. 🌌

⚖️ Court stays order over cockroach posters at MG University

The Kerala High Court has stayed the MG University VC's order demanding a refund of ₹2.81 lakh for a national conference. This dispute occurred in Kerala where the university objected to 'cockroach-themed' publicity posters. The initial sanction was ₹3.75 lakh for the conference held from August 3 to August 6, 2026. The university claimed the posters held political overtones, while the union argued they symbolized resistance. The case is set for its next hearing on October 9, 2026. 🏛️

🗣️ Protesting isn't anti-national, says Omar Abdullah

Omar Abdullah stated that protesting against the government should not be equated with being against the nation. He addressed the NEET examination protests in Jammu, where students raised legitimate issues against irregularities. This sentiment aligns with Mohan Bhagwat's remarks, which Abdullah found encouraging. Abdullah called for an end to actions like harassment against protesters and urged dialogue in Jharkhand. He also expressed concern over civilian casualties in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

🏏 Namibia hosts SA and Zimbabwe for T20 series

Namibia will host a seven-match T20I tri-series featuring South Africa and Zimbabwe later this month. This series is part of growing cooperation among the three southern hemisphere nations, who will also co-host the 2027 ODI World Cup. The matches will all take place at the Namibia Cricket Ground in Windhoek. This current series is a precursor to a proposed Africa T20 Cup, which is being discussed from 2027 onwards. Proceeds from the series will help develop the game across the African continent. 🏏

💰 Jharkhand tables huge supplementary budget for FY'27

The Jharkhand government introduced a supplementary budget of ₹8,399 crore in the Assembly on August 7, 2026. Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore presented the document amidst opposition protests in Ranchi. This comes after the government initially presented the ₹1.58 lakh crore annual budget earlier in February. The Assembly's Monsoon session began on August 6, 2026, and is set to wrap up on August 12. Debates regarding the budget demands are scheduled to take place on August 10.

💻 IIT Delhi Convocation: PM Modi Launches AI Supercomputer

The IIT Delhi 57th Convocation is scheduled for August 8, 2026, with PM Narendra Modi attending as the Chief Guest. The event will see over 3,000 students, including 587 PhD scholars, receive their degrees at 11 AM. A major highlight is the inauguration of 'Param Pragya,' an AI-powered supercomputer at the Sonipat Campus. This launch emphasizes India's push towards advanced computing and AI research capabilities. The new facility aims to boost research across complex scientific and engineering problems.

🔬 Semaglutide shows promise in MASH trial

A Phase 2 trial investigating zalfermin plus semaglutide for MASH fibrosis did not meet its main goal. The study involved 698 adults across 22 countries with biopsy-confirmed MASH stages F2 to F4c. At week 52, semaglutide alone showed a nominally significant benefit, with 30% meeting the endpoint versus 16% on placebo. Adding zalfermin did not significantly boost fibrosis outcomes beyond placebo in this cohort. These results suggest semaglutide needs more study for advanced MASH patients.

🛰️ NASA keeps Voyager 2 alive with smart power hacks

NASA engineers devised a plan to conserve more power for the Voyager 2 spacecraft, which is drifting through interstellar space. This veteran probe is currently located about 13.3 billion miles from Earth. With only three instruments remaining, the team implemented a 'Big Bang' plan involving power swaps to extend its operation. These savings should keep the trio of instruments functioning for at least one extra year. The agency plans to apply this same strategy to the even farther Voyager 1 spacecraft next. 🚀

⚽ Bayern beats Aston Villa in preseason clash ⚽

Bayern Munich secured a 2-1 victory against Aston Villa during their Asian preseason tour in Hong Kong. The match, played on Friday, August 7th, 2026, saw goals from Luis Díaz and Tom Bischof. Bayern is reportedly negotiating for midfielder João Palhinha from Aston Villa for €25M. Tom Bischof impressed significantly, performing like the team's MVP during the friendly. Next weekend, Bayern faces RB Leipzig in the Telekom Cup with their full squad.

🦠 AI creates nature-never-seen viruses 🧬

Scientists successfully used AI to design 16 novel viruses not found in nature. This work was conducted by researchers from Stanford and Arc Institute. The study, published in Science, involved testing 285 phages and finding 16 viable ones. These AI-made viruses successfully wiped out E. coli resistant to natural ones, showing potential for new therapies. However, there are safety concerns about repurposing these powerful tools for dangerous pathogens moving forward.