🗣️ 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.

💊 Rs 45 Crore Meth Seized From Ambulance in Mizoram

Methamphetamine tablets valued at Rs 45 crore were seized from an ambulance in Mizoram's Aizawl district. A joint team of Assam Rifles and DRI conducted the operation in the Seling area on Thursday. They seized 15 kg of meth tablets and arrested three individuals, one of whom was a woman pretending to be a patient. The seized narcotics, the trio, and the ambulance were handed over to the DRI for further legal action. Assam Rifles stated this was a significant seizure highlighting anti-drug network coordination.

🔄 Kangana Ranaut shifts stance on Gen Z

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut walked back her 'gutter generation' comments on Friday. She addressed reporters outside Parliament, stating the generation is a source of national pride. She clarified that only 10-15 people were misrepresenting the whole group, unlike her earlier statements. Ranaut pointed to positive youth contributions, like students in Jharkhand and medal-winning athletes. She challenged Gen Z to support causes like Environment Day, marking a sharp shift from her July 27th posts.

🤖 Google Maps can now order your food

Google has significantly upgraded its Gemini-powered Ask Maps feature, adding the ability to order food directly within the app. This functionality partners with providers like Square and Toast, with Uber Eats integration expected soon. Ask Maps can also check real-time prices for local hotels and events, offering direct booking links. By connecting to Gmail, it remembers past conversations and offers personalized recommendations based on your travel plans. These updates, including live transit tracking, are rolling out everywhere Ask Maps is available, starting with US food ordering. 📱