🛡️ Windows 11 gets urgent security patch for zero-day exploit

Microsoft rolled out the August 2026 cumulative update for Windows 11, fixing 236 vulnerabilities including an actively exploited flaw. This update, KB5121003, was released today for Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1. The most critical issue, CVE-2026-68820, was reportedly exploited by Lazarus since early July 2026 against military targets. Exploitation requires a local, low-privilege attacker to trigger a race condition to gain SYSTEM privileges. Users must install this update ASAP via Settings > Windows Update to secure their systems. 🛡️

🦟 National team rolls into Gujarat for virus outbreak

A national team from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has been deployed to Gujarat to investigate the Chandipura virus disease outbreak. This team is collaborating with state authorities to understand, control, and find treatments for the illness. ICMR teams have been actively investigating this disease in Gujarat for the past two years. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also sent a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to Gujarat and Rajasthan. WHO notes that this virus, transmitted by vectors like sandflies, can cause severe symptoms, with past fatality rates between 56 to 75 per cent. 🦟

⛽ Russia starts buying Indian gasoline for the first time

Russia has begun importing gasoline from India for the very first time due to severe domestic fuel shortages. This trade is happening between Moscow and the South Asian nation, with the first cargo arriving on August 5. The current situation stems from repeated Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries, which caused processing to drop to 3.6 million barrels a day in July. Indian refiner Nayara Energy is supplying this fuel via Russian-linked tankers and ship-to-ship transfers off Egypt. More shipments are anticipated as Russia works to manage its critical gasoline imbalance.

✨ Akanksha Chaudhary on facial contouring attempts

Akanksha Chaudhary opened up about considering buccal fat removal before Miss Universe preparation. The reality star, known from Lock Upp 2 and Splitsvilla X6, felt pressure to have a chiselled face for the industry. She even saved money and traveled to Mumbai to consult a doctor for the surgery. Before that, she spent ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 on facial fat reduction injections for several weeks. Ultimately, she decided against the surgery, feeling glad she did not proceed.

✈️ China's C919 completes first international flight to Mongolia

China's domestically developed C919 aircraft successfully completed its first international commercial flight on Wednesday. The plane took off from Beijing Capital International Airport and landed in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, at 4:58 pm local time. This new route, operated by Air China as CA723/4, will run seven times per week starting from Wednesday. This marks the first time both C919 and C909 aircraft are operating at an overseas airport. Air China's C919 fleet now includes 12 aircraft, having completed over 12,000 safe flights. ✈️

🧐 Food safety check hits Zomato after Zepto gets sealed

Food safety officials recently inspected Zomato's warehouse in Bengaluru following the sealing of a Zepto unit. The Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration Department also checked a Hyperpure by Zomato unit in Sakalawara on Tuesday. During the inspection, 146 kg of chicken and 40 kg of garlic were found without valid FSSAI licenses. Officials also noted alleged mislabelling on 300 kg of rice and 10 kg of radish pickle. The department has issued a notice and is planning further legal action against violations. 🧐

🎾 Rybakina credits grit to beat Osaka in tennis clash

Elena Rybakina secured a victory over Naomi Osaka in a recent tennis match. The contest took place at the Tennis World USA event. Specific details regarding scores or dates were not provided in the report. Rybakina attributed her win to her fighting spirit during this rare matchup. The focus now shifts to the upcoming fixtures for both players.

🧐 Tata Chairman N Chandrasekaran to step down in February

Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran announced he will not seek reappointment when his term concludes in February. This decision was made after the Tata Sons board failed to agree on a five-year extension for him. The news caused shares of listed Tata companies to drop significantly. This resignation signals months of internal tensions following a boardroom power battle within the group. Clarity on leadership is now needed for the massive conglomerate moving forward. 🧐

🚀 HAL Q1 sees net profit jump 15% YoY

Hindustan Aeronautics reported a 15% year-on-year rise in consolidated net profit to Rs 1,590 crore for the April-June quarter of FY27. This was reported by the defence major in India. During this quarter, revenue from operations grew over 14% to Rs 5,515 crore, and total income increased by over 15%. Sequentially, however, the net profit fell more than 62% from the previous quarter's Rs 4,196 crore. The company maintains a strong order book of Rs 2.55 lakh crore, suggesting a positive outlook for FY27 and beyond.

⚛️ MIT sees two electron phases battling in quantum material

MIT physicists directly observed two distinct electron order phases coexisting in erbium tritelluride using 'pump' and 'probe' lasers. The study, led by Nuh Gedik, involved observing how electrons organize in this rare-earth material. At -8 degrees Celsius, a dominant wave forms, and cooling to -113 degrees Celsius introduces a perpendicular subdominant wave. This duality offers insights into complex quantum materials, similar to ice and water. The research opens new avenues for controlling electronic behavior in advanced quantum devices. 🔬

🔬 Self-Healing Hydrogel Gets Electric Upgrade

Researchers have developed a novel self-healing hydrogel capable of responding to electrical polarization. This advanced material was created by scientists at Nanowerk, demonstrating its unique properties in laboratory settings. The hydrogel exhibits remarkable repair capabilities, closing breaches autonomously upon applying an electric field. This innovation promises significant applications in flexible electronics and biomedical devices. Future research will focus on scaling up production for real-world use.