⌚ Google shade at ugly smartwatches in Pixel Watch 5 tease

Google dropped a new teaser video for the upcoming Pixel Watch 5 ahead of its launch event. The teaser, which shows a shadowy outline, reinforces the August 12 launch date for the new device. During the video, Google made a dig, stating its smartwatch "still has the decency to look like a watch." This comment is likely aimed at the bulky designs of competitors like the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Ultra 3. Pre-orders for the new Pixel devices will be available before the event starts at 6:00 PM ET on August 12.

🏛️ Modi meets NDA MPs, flags Parliament chaos

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted about 45 NDA MPs for breakfast at his New Delhi residence on Friday, August 7, 2026. The meeting included MPs from NCPI and Shiv Sena (UBT) who joined the NDA bloc. PM Modi raised concerns that frequent Parliament disruptions are blocking talented new MPs from being heard by the country. He stressed the need for smooth parliamentary functioning and urged MPs to focus on nation-building. Modi assured all present MPs of his support for their constituency development. 🤝

🥃 Liquor firms challenge FSSAI rules on labels

Liquor makers are taking on the FSSAI regarding restrictions on rum and whisky labeling. United Spirits and Mohan Meakin filed petitions in the Bombay High Court. The dispute involves flavour disclosure and aging claims, which FSSAI flagged in recent orders. The court noted that an abrupt sales halt could severely impact the industry across states. The matter is set for a further hearing on Monday after instructions from FSSAI.

💧 Arilova residents demand daily water supply from GVMC

Residents, led by CPI(M) leaders, protested with empty pots in front of the GVMC Assistant Engineer's office at Balajinagar in Arilova on Friday. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) demanded daily drinking water supply to Arilova colonies and better water storage at the Mudasarlova Reservoir. The protest included a road blockade because officials were reportedly unavailable, disrupting traffic briefly. CPI(M) leaders urged diverting water from the TSR Complex pipeline and replacing old borewells in Wards 11, 12, and 13. The party warned that their agitation would intensify if the water issue remains unresolved. 💧

🔫 Ex-Panchayat Chief Shot Dead in Karnataka

A former Gram Panchayat president and contractor was shot dead at point-blank range in Udupi district, Karnataka. The fatal attack occurred in front of St. Francis Xavier Church in Pilar village on Friday. CCTV footage revealed that an attacker shot D'Souza as he opened his car door. Udupi police tracked down the attackers around 1:45 am, leading to one arrest. A search is currently ongoing for the other two suspects while the motive remains unclear. 😥

🔫 Ex-Panchayat Chief Shot Dead in Udupi

A former Gram Panchayat president and contractor was fatally shot at point-blank range in Udupi district, Karnataka. The incident occurred in front of St. Francis Xavier Church in Pilar village on Friday. Two unidentified men arrived on a motorcycle and shot D'Souza before leaving the scene. CCTV footage captured the attacker approaching and shooting D'Souza as he opened his car door. Police have launched an investigation, deploying SOCO and a dog squad to identify the assailants and the motive. 🔫

🕵️ Ganja bust on Konark Express train

A 22-year-old man was arrested with 18.538 kg of dry ganja worth ₹9.26 lakh on Konark Express. The arrest happened aboard Train No. 11020 in coordination between the RNCC and RPF. The seizure occurred during an inspection of suspicious luggage on August 7, 2026. The accused allegedly carried the contraband from Odisha to Pune under instructions from an absconding individual. Authorities are now tracing the suppliers and investigating the organized drug trafficking network. 🕵️

🔭 JWST's red dots might be early galaxy stages

Mysterious 'little red dots' spotted by James Webb Space Telescope could evolve into full galaxies. The JWST found these objects at redshifts between 13.2 and 12.2 billion years ago. Researchers hypothesize these dots are 'black hole stars' fueled by hidden supermassive black holes. A team identified WISEA J123635.56+621424.2, nicknamed Saguaro, as a possible descendant at redshift 2. This suggests little red dots are just a developmental phase for galaxies.

🤖 Adobe bets big on ChatGPT with creative suite integration

Adobe has launched a ChatGPT plugin embedding over 70 tools from Photoshop, Premiere, and Acrobat directly into the conversational AI interface. This move targets enterprise buyers in a market projected to hit $1.1T by 2031 at a 10.9% CAGR. The plugin allows users to move from brainstorming to finished assets without switching platforms. Adobe aims to drive adoption by leveraging ChatGPT's user base while countering vendor switching risks. This strategy strengthens ecosystem lock-in against rivals like Canva and Figma. 🤖

🤖 Google polishing Proactive Assistance for Pixel 11

Google is finalizing a new Gemini Feature called Proactive Assistance ahead of the Pixel 11 launch. This feature is expected to evolve Magic Cue by pulling app info based on screen context. Early views were spotted using version 17.47.17.sa.arm64 of the Google app. The onboarding screens show how users will be guided through the tool while addressing privacy concerns. The full integration with Magic Cue will likely be revealed during next Wednesday's event.

⚖️ Shakib ready to return for trial with security

Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan is willing to return to Bangladesh for his court trial if government security is guaranteed. He is currently playing with Jaffna Kings in Sri Lanka and is facing charges related to the 2024 protests. The legal situation has shifted after his recent appearance with Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India. Bangladesh's sports minister has now changed his stance on accommodating Shakib's return. Shakib previously expressed a desire to play a farewell series at home before retirement.