📱 Pixel 11 series is finally live for sale

The Google Pixel 11 series officially became available in stores and via carriers today after being unveiled last Wednesday. The models launched across many regions, including the US, India, and UK. In the US, the Pixel 11 Pro starts at $1,100 for 12GB/256GB, while the Pixel 10 starts at $900. Major US carriers are even offering zero-price deals under certain conditions for these new phones. Additionally, the refined Google Pixel Watch 5 is also available now. 📱

🤖 Walmart staff asked to fix AI mistakes in stores

Walmart employees are reportedly taking on a new role correcting errors made by the company's expanding AI tools. This is happening across various stores as AI assistants monitor staff via the MyWalmart app. The rollout includes task assignment and safety monitoring, with reports of inaccurate timing and irrelevant alerts since the implementation. While Walmart states feedback is key for improvement, some workers feel the AI ignores real-world job complexity. The company assures staff they will not be punished for not following the technology's guidance. 😟

🚨 Woman found dead near Bengal-Bihar border

A woman was found dead and another injured following an alleged attack near the Malda-Bihar border while collecting grass. The victims were residents of Malda's Harishchandrapur, and the incident occurred in Gobindpur under Ahmadabad police station jurisdiction. Preliminary reports indicate the deceased had her windpipe cut, and a joint cross-border investigation is underway as of August 20, 2026. The incident caused protests in Harishchandrapur, demanding the accused's immediate arrest. Police are awaiting post-mortem and forensic findings to confirm the rape allegation and identify the accused. 😔

📶 Vi hits 20M connections in Gujarat with strategy shift

Vodafone Idea has surpassed 20 million wireless connections in Gujarat, solidifying its presence in a key market. This growth occurred in June 2026, with the company adding 111,335 connections during that month. Vi's total base was roughly 4.17 million larger than Airtel's in the circle. The company holds a 27% applicable gross revenue share and is in the No. 2 ApGR position. Moving forward, Vi continues focusing its network strategy on 17 vital circles. 📈

🗣️ Mufti tells US not to take them too seriously

Mehbooba Mufti commented on US Ambassador Sergio Gor's remark calling J&K an 'important part of India'. She stated India doesn't need to take America too seriously due to its global interventions causing destruction. The former CM also noted that foreign dignitary tours in the Union Territory have become much more controlled since 2019. Mufti agreed with CM Omar Abdullah that Delhi must solve J&K's issues, not the US. She further pointed out the suffocating atmosphere due to imprisoned locals and dismissed employees.

🧊 South Korea tests Arctic shipping route with Russia

South Korea is testing a new Arctic shipping route to Europe to check its commercial viability. The voyage involves the PanStar Acro ship traveling from Busan to Europe, with stops in Britain, Netherlands, and Poland. This round trip is scheduled for 40-45 days, with the Arctic route potentially cutting voyages by up to 35%. However, the route requires Russian permits, causing concern among Western allies aiming to isolate Moscow. Seoul plans to establish regular Arctic services by 2030, facing competition from China. 🚢

🧬 AI tool tracks cancer root cause using DNA

Indian researchers developed 'MutAIverse,' a world-first generative AI platform to decode DNA damage linked to cancer. This system was tested on 27 head and neck cancer patients in Guwahati, Assam, to trace exposures like smokeless tobacco. The platform expanded DNA adduct reference libraries from under 400 to over three lakh. It functions like a detective, tracing damaged DNA back to potential environmental carcinogens. Further clinical and epidemiological evidence is needed to conclusively prove the link. 🧬

⚓ Century-old tugboat rises from Serbia's drought-hit river

The wreckage of the steam tug 'Slovenac' has surfaced in Serbia's Sava River due to low water levels. This 177-foot vessel, built in 1913, sank in April 1945 after hitting a German mine near Drenovac. It survived two world wars and served the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes after WWI. The drought has exposed much of the hull, which has been submerged for nearly 80 years. Authorities are monitoring the site amid a wider European river crisis.

📱 Modi Govt ramps up social media game for Gen Z

A report reviewed the social media performance of Union Ministers from May 1 to August 15, 2026, evaluating engagement across platforms. Prime Minister Narendra Modi ranked at the top of this assessment based on various metrics. Following recent Gen Z protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, the government is refining its digital outreach strategy. This new approach heavily features casual Instagram Reels and creator-style short-form content. Furthermore, a 'One Day One University' campaign will see ministers interacting directly with college students nationwide.

🤖 Hackers using AI target US water systems

US security agencies are warning that hackers are actively breaching Siemens devices within critical water infrastructure across the nation. CISA, the FBI, and the NSA issued this alert on Wednesday regarding Siemens S7 programmable logic controllers. These attacks are part of broader efforts against US water supply and wastewater systems. The threat involves hackers using AI to generate exploit scripts against outdated or unsecured controllers. Officials have already reported intrusions in states like Minnesota, Michigan, Arkansas, Georgia, and New Jersey. 💧

🔬 AI designing viruses raises biosecurity alarms 🦠

Scientists used AI to design genetic instructions for bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect bacteria. This research took place with bacteriophages targeting E. coli, and the AI model, Evo 2, had safety restrictions. The experiment questions if current biosecurity safeguards are keeping up with AI's biological design capabilities. Potential uses include treating bacterial infections, but this also brings new security challenges. Future safeguards must be strengthened across multiple levels, from AI training to international preparedness.