Google is entering a major new chapter in artificial intelligence after a Google AI leadership shake-up changed the top of DeepMind while four prominent researchers left to create Discovery Loop. Demis Hassabis is moving into a broader scientific role as Jeff Dean ends a 27-year career at Google. DeepMind leadership reset changes Hassabis role Demis Hassabis is stepping away from the day-to-day

The United States has launched Task Force Falcon Strike, a new multinational attack drone initiative designed to operate unmanned systems above, on and below the sea. CENTCOM says the force will combine US capabilities with regional partners as Washington expands drone warfare across the Middle East. Attack drone force expands across multiple domains U.S. Central Command announced Task Force Fa

Europe has entered a new phase of artificial intelligence regulation as EU AI Act transparency rules under Article 50 began applying on August 2, 2026. The rules affect AI chatbot disclosure, AI-generated content marking, deepfake transparency and other forms of Europe AI compliance. AI chatbot disclosure rules take effect People interacting directly with certain AI systems in the European Unio

Indian student applications to US colleges are showing signs of pressure ahead of Fall 2026. Common App submissions from India fell 14%, while visa appointment delays and new F-1 rules add uncertainty for the largest international student group in America. Applications from India are showing signs of slowing as U.S. colleges prepare for Fall 2026. Common App submissions from international applicants declined 9% for the 202

Fall 2026 US student visa delays are creating uneven appointment availability for Indian applicants. Current State Department data show waits varying by consulate, while students are urged to apply early, monitor new slots and contact their university if arrival may be delayed. International students preparing for Fall 2026 are facing uneven access to U.S. visa appointments. NAFSA said on August 11, 2026, that limited or d

The F-1 fixed admission rule scheduled for September 15, 2026, would replace open-ended duration-of-status admissions with fixed periods. Indian students may face new requirements involving I-94 dates, program extensions, OPT, transfers and graduate study. F-1 students would receive a fixed admission date A major U.S. immigration rule scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, would end th

US international student enrollment could fall 9.5% in Fall 2026, with NAFSA and JB International projecting up to 111,000 fewer students. Visa delays, policy changes and graduate-level declines could cut $3.4 billion in spending and affect 39,000 U.S. jobs. U.S. colleges and universities could enroll up to 111,000 fewer international students in Fall 2026, according to preliminary projections released August 11, 2026, by

India's Parliament Monsoon Session 2026 ended on August 13 after weeks of Parliament disruptions driven by student protests, the Ram temple row and demands for government answers. PRS Legislative Research said Lok Sabha worked for only 15% of its scheduled time and Rajya Sabha for 33%, while legislative scrutiny and Question Hour were heavily affected. Parliament disruptions dominate the session

Shiromani Akali Dal president and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was injured in an attack near a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra, on Thursday, August 13. Police detained the alleged attacker, while Badal was taken to a hospital for treatment. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an investigation into the incident. Hospital Update After Nanded Attack

India will celebrate its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, with the national ceremony centred on Delhi’s Red Fort. The Prime Minister leads the Independence Day flag ceremony, while the President plays a different constitutional role. The reason comes from the events of 1947 and the traditions that developed after India became independent. Red Fort tradition The Red Fort has become th

Jammu and Kashmir faces another spell of unsettled weather as the Meteorological Centre Srinagar forecasts widespread rain and thundershowers over the coming days. Heavy to intense showers could increase the threat of flash floods, landslides and mudslides, particularly in vulnerable and hilly areas. Heavy rain likely from August 16 to 19 The Meteorological Centre Srinagar said several spells o

The White Knight Corps GOC security review at CIF Romeo focused on Rajouri-Poonch security, Army readiness, surveillance and counter-infiltration measures. The Indian Army said the visit assessed operational capabilities and preparedness of troops deployed across sensitive hinterland areas. CIF Romeo security review The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps visited the head

The Air India pilot slept for about 30 to 35 minutes during flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi before the aircraft experienced a sudden 300-foot altitude variation, according to accounts emerging during the investigation. The AAIB probe is examining the pilot’s rest, medication, drug test results and possible technical factors behind the August 4 incident. Pilot sleep medication comes under scrutiny

Gen Alpha school protests are drawing attention across India as children demand safer roads, enough teachers, clean drinking water, functioning toilets and reliable transport. From Uttar Pradesh to Maharashtra and Bihar, students are taking local problems directly to administrators and demanding action. CJP rise adds momentum to student activism The protests come after the Cockroach Janta Party

The Andhra Pradesh government has joined hands with IIT Madras to develop a scientific and long-term solution to severe coastal erosion along the Uppada coast in Kakinada district, with a ₹323 crore protection project planned. Andhra Pradesh, IIT Madras Partner for Uppada Coast Protection The Andhra Pradesh government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IIT Madras on Wednesday, August

Karnataka has launched Tathyakosh.in, an open, non-commercial digital public good designed to simplify the discovery and assessment of India’s fragmented public datasets for researchers, startups, developers and policymakers. Karnataka Launches Tathyakosh Public Data Discovery Platform The Karnataka government’s Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence, ACSEL Technology Forum, laun

Iran has called for environmental protection to become part of any future Iran Strait of Hormuz arrangement after reporting oil pollution near Qeshm Island. Tehran says commercial shipping, energy consumers and other parties benefiting from the strategic waterway should share responsibility for environmental damage. Qeshm oil spill raises environmental concer

A Texas Apache helicopter crash has killed two US Army soldiers after an AH-64E based at Fort Hood went down near Salado on Wednesday. Military personnel and emergency responders remain at the scene as investigators work to determine what caused the aircraft to crash during Fort Hood operations. Salado crash kills two Fort Hood soldiers Fo

Karoline Leavitt will leave her position as White House press secretary at the end of August, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday. The high-profile Trump aide cited the demands of raising two young children but plans to remain connected to the president as an outside adviser ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Karoline Leavitt exit follows family decis

A senior adviser to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has suggested Tehran could prolong the Iran-US war until President Donald Trump leaves office, framing a lengthy conflict as a strategy to impose costs on Washington and strengthen Iranian deterrence. Mohammad Reza Naqdi made the remarks during an interview with PBS. IRGC adviser outlines war attriti