⚛️ New insights on atomic toroidal transitions revealed

Researchers are revisiting the search for rare toroidal transitions in atoms, finding that low quantum number transitions are most promising. This study was conducted by scientists at Nanyang Technological University and National University of Singapore. The research refines prior work, noting that diamagnetic coupling was underestimated in earlier analyses from 2022. They developed a differential measurement technique to isolate the weak toroidal signals from stronger electric dipole effects. This advancement could open new ways to manipulate light and matter at the quantum level. ⚛️

🤔 Perimenopause: Still a Mystery for Experts

Experts are stating that perimenopause continues to be the least understood phase of a woman's life journey. This transitional period affects women across various demographics globally. The stage is characterized by hormonal shifts occurring leading up to menopause. Understanding this complex biological phase is crucial for better women's health management. Further research is needed to fully grasp the nuances of perimenopause.

⚖️ SC says compulsory retirement isn't punishment

The Supreme Court ruled that compulsory retirement is not inherently punitive when used to address declining performance. This decision was made by a bench of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Shree Chandrashekhar while dismissing a CISF officer's challenge. The Court stated the goal is to remove underperformers to maintain high standards of efficiency and integrity. While not punitive, the order is subject to judicial review if it is found to be mala fide, arbitrary, or perverse. The bench noted the officer's performance had dropped from 'Good' to 'Average' in the two years before the order.

☕ Square and Google level up coffee ordering with AI

Square is expanding its collaboration with Google to integrate US food and beverage sellers into Ask Maps. These sellers can now surface in Google Maps' conversational AI experience by activating a Google Business Profile. The integration automatically syncs menus and hours from the Square Dashboard, requiring no extra setup or fees. Customers can discover, browse menus, and complete orders via Ask Maps using Cash App. This move is part of a larger effort to make food ordering more seamless across Google’s ecosystem. ☕

♟️ Five GMs nail spots in Esports World Cup

GMs Vladislav Artemiev, Parham Maghsoodloo, Wei Yi, Oleksandr Bortnyk, and Alexander Grischuk secured five spots in the $1.5 million 2026 Esports World Cup. This happened after a three-day Last Chance Qualifier held in Paris, which is the event's home base. The main event kicks off on Tuesday, August 11, and the total prizes are now $75 million. The qualification process ensures each of these players receives at least $20,000 prize money. The remaining two slots will be decided in an eight-player Play-In tournament on Tuesday. ♟️

🏛️ Govt says creamy layer can't be excluded from quotas

The government told the Supreme Court that excluding affluent members from SC/ST reservation benefits is complex. It argued that discrimination against SC, ST, and OBC/SEBC communities isn't solely based on economic factors. A seven-judge verdict on August 1, 2024, allowed sub-categorization based on backwardness, but the government pushed back. The Centre insisted that policy changes need thorough empirical study and legislative action by Parliament. This stresses that only Parliament can modify the official list of SC and ST communities.

🤝 Modi and Netanyahu chat about ties and West Asia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a call from Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to discuss bilateral relations. The two leaders reviewed progress on their special strategic partnership while also exchanging views on the West Asia situation. This call happens as Israel faces losing support due to Netanyahu's military offensive against Hamas. Modi had previously stated India would back Israel against terrorism in the Israeli Parliament. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation for mutual benefit. 🤝

🏥 Hospital roof collapses on woman in Rajasthan

A 25-year-old woman named Kiran Meghwal was injured when a section of the roof fell on her at a government hospital. This incident happened in Churu district, Rajasthan, on Wednesday after she was leaving the facility. She reportedly received two stitches after the debris crashed down on her. Hospital officials stated that repair work had been requested from the Public Works Department on August 4. Opposition parties are now heavily criticizing the BJP-led Rajasthan government over the infrastructure failure.

📱 Samsung Galaxy S26 FE gets FCC approval

Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S26 FE has officially passed through the FCC for regulatory approval. The device is set to feature an Exynos chipset and modem, alongside a Qualcomm chip for Wi-Fi. It supports 45W fast wired charging, wireless charging, NFC, and satellite connectivity. Rumors suggest the phone will adopt Samsung's latest design with an oval camera island. The S26 FE might come at a higher price point compared to the S25 FE.

📈 Foreign funding surges despite FCRA rule tightening

Foreign contributions reached Rs 22,963 crore in the 2024-25 period, according to the home ministry figures. This inflow was received by 16,200 NGOs across India. Over the three years from 2019-20 to 2021-22, Rs 55,741 crore was received by 13,250 NGOs via FCRA. This continues despite the progressive tightening of laws governing foreign contributions. The ministry clarified the amendments apply uniformly and target a specific channel, not civil society broadly.

🔬 Scientists 3D print Earth's hardest metal

Researchers developed a new 3D printing technique for tungsten carbide-cobalt (WC-Co), an extremely hard industrial material. This breakthrough was achieved by a team using hot-wire laser irradiation in a lab setting. They successfully produced the material with hardness above 1,400 Vickers Hardness (HV) while using less raw material. This method bypasses traditional powder metallurgy, which is expensive and wasteful. If scaled up, this could significantly lower production costs for tools and equipment. 🛠️