🧬 Ancient animal DNA reveals 600M-year evolutionary highways

Scientists traced hidden pathways across animal evolution by analyzing thousands of animal genomes. This study looked at 5,821 chromosome-scale genomes from 4,454 species across 19 phyla. The research examined data spanning 600 million years, noting active chromosome fusions around 550 million years ago. These findings show how ancient chromosome changes persist and influence diverse evolutionary routes. The team developed 'evolutionary genome topology' to map these complex historical paths. 🧬

☀️ Heatwaves are making office attire way more casual

Scorching summer temperatures are pushing men to wear shorts to work across several cities. In Tokyo, the 'Cool Biz' campaign encouraged staff to ditch long trousers for t-shirts and sneakers. Meanwhile, in Britain, retailers saw a huge spike in linen shorts sales, with Marks and Spencer reporting an 183% jump in men's linen trousers from June to July. Unions in Germany are pushing for relaxed dress codes due to increasing heat wave strain on workers. In Warsaw, a bus driver protested the standard uniform, and a petition gathered over 400 signatures for shorts during hot weather. 🥵

🌧️ Rain threat complicates India's WTC hopes in Sri Lanka

India appeared to gain control of the second Test against Sri Lanka after taking crucial wickets. Play was called off when Sri Lanka were 218 for 6, with Sonal Dinusha and Keshara Nuwantha batting unbeaten. A draw could potentially hurt India's WTC final chances, as they are currently fifth with a 53.33 points percentage. A win would move India to fourth, but a draw would see their PCT drop to 51.52. The team faces a tight qualification path with seven Tests remaining, including a New Zealand tour. 🌧️

🏏 BCCI vs OCA: Elections clash over sports act

The BCCI and Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) are currently in a dispute regarding elections, which has reached the state High Court. The BCCI insists OCA must hold elections immediately, threatening fund withholding, while OCA cites the National Sports Governance Act, 2025. The elections, originally due in October 2025, have been postponed twice, with the latest deferral referencing the Ministry's recommendation until December 2026. Both bodies are debating if cricket administration falls under public or private duty, referencing Supreme Court directions. The next hearing in this ongoing legal battle is scheduled for Thursday, August 27. 🏏

❤️ Federer's heartfelt thanks to Mirka on retirement

Roger Federer shared a touching farewell at the 2022 Laver Cup in London. He thanked his wife, Mirka Federer, for her unwavering support throughout his journey. His career spanned 24 years, accumulating 20 Grand Slam titles and 103 tour-level titles. Federer emphasized that Mirka's support allowed him to continue playing despite career pressures. He felt she kept him going and permitted him to pursue his passion until the end. 🎾

🏏 Babar says he's 90% fit for Lord's Test

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has declared himself 90 percent fit to lead the team in the second Test against England. This comes after he battled a hand injury and missed the opening Test in Leeds. The three-game series starts in London on Thursday, with the team aiming to level the score at 1-1. While his batting spot is TBD, Azan Awais might be replaced by the skipper. Babar is confident the team can improve and make a statement at Lord's. 🏏

🚀 Yash's 'Toxic' blasts open with ₹140 crore worldwide

Geetu Mohandas' film 'Toxic' achieved a massive first-day worldwide collection of ₹140 crore. The film, starring Yash, was released on August 26th and surpassed expectations set around ₹110 crore gross worldwide. Domestically, it earned ₹101 crore net across India, with the Hindi version contributing ₹55 crore. This performance placed it second in the domestic market this year, behind Dhurandhar 2. The film will now face scrutiny due to its largely negative reviews. 🎬

🎬 Suriya's film hits Rs 185 cr globally

'Vishwanath and Sons' reached a worldwide gross of Rs 185.08 crore by Day 13. This film, starring Suriya, is performing well across various international markets. As of Day 13, its India net collection totaled Rs 108.11 crore, with overseas gross being Rs 60 crore. Meanwhile, Lokesh Kanagaraj's 'DC' has crossed the Rs 100.86 crore worldwide mark. Both movies are currently showing steady collections as they move through their theatrical runs. 🍿

✨ Apple's big reveal: Foldable iPhone and new Pros coming

Apple is set to unveil its first foldable iPhone and new Pro models on September 9th. The event will be held at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California, starting at 10 am Pacific time. This launch coincides with the iPhone nearing its 20th anniversary and the start of John Ternus's CEO tenure. Analysts suggest high-end foldables will boost Apple's margins, with IDC forecasting over 17m shipments by 2027. Ternus, who was key to the foldable, will lead the event as Tim Cook steps back. 📱

🔬 New 'Aroma-Platins' for smarter cancer drugs 🔬

Researchers have developed a new family of platinum compounds called "aroma-platins" to improve cancer treatment. The team from IISER Berhampur, India, created these compounds by using $\beta$-diketonate ligands with varying aromatic rings. Ant-Platin, featuring the largest anthracene ring, was found to activate fastest inside cancer cells. This enhanced activation allowed better cellular uptake and stronger DNA binding compared to carboplatin. This work suggests a precise new strategy for engineering targeted platinum-based cancer therapies.

🏏 Bowler who hit a WC milestone, then stopped

Debashish Mohanty took a massive 10 wickets in a Duleep Trophy innings against a team with Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman. He was a fast bowler from Orissa who debuted in Test cricket in August 1997 at the SSC in Colombo. His career saw him take 10 wickets in the 1999 World Cup, making him a symbol of the event. Despite his domestic success, he played only two Tests and 45 ODIs for India. Ultimately, his international career concluded shortly after his phenomenal 10-wicket haul in January 2001. 🏏