🔬 Artificial cells reveal how living cells change shape

Researchers uncovered basic physical rules governing how living cells alter their shape using artificial cells. Makito Miyazaki's team at RIKEN, collaborating with Purdue University, conducted this study in Japan. They found that the actin cytoskeleton can create cell shape changes and front-rear polarity without complex biochemical signals. These insights are useful for understanding cell migration and development. Next, the team aims to build more advanced artificial cells for medical applications. 🔬

🌊 Nadda checks out Assam's flood damage

Union Health Minister JP Nadda visited flood-hit areas in Assam on Wednesday to assess the severe damage. He joined Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Sivasagar district for the ground inspection. Currently, nearly 90 people have died, and over 1.22 lakh people are affected across five districts. Nadda assured that the Centre would provide all necessary assistance, including financial aid and rehabilitation. A review meeting is scheduled for the evening to discuss the future steps for the affected regions.

☀️ Korea's tropical nights streak hits record high 🥵

A record streak of over 12 tropical nights has been observed nationwide in Korea since June. Seoul, in the central region, experienced 14 consecutive tropical nights with a low of 29.1 degrees Celsius on Tuesday night. The national average for tropical nights reached 12.1 days, the highest since the 1973 network expansion. This trend is linked to atmospheric pressure shifts and climate change warming the oceans. The hot, dry air system is expected to keep these high temperatures persisting for now.

✅ WhatsApp fixes chaotic group chats with new features

WhatsApp is rolling out updates to make group chats way less messy for users. Key additions include setting deadlines for polls and enabling anonymous voting within the chat groups. Users can now edit poll questions for up to 15 minutes after posting them. Furthermore, @all mentions will now reach everyone, even those who have muted the conversation. Creating spin-off groups from existing ones is also now possible with a single tap.

🚢 Trump warns Iran: Hormuz Strait opens or face action 🚢

President Donald Trump indicated that a breakthrough in talks with Iran might happen within 48 hours. The US, Iran, and Oman are reportedly close to an interim deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated that the strait must reopen very soon, or Iran could face severe military action. This comes after Trump noted positive all-day negotiations between the two sides. Washington had previously prepared for a major military operation before diplomacy took priority.

🏏 India adds spin quartet for Sri Lanka Tests

Team India has called up four young spinners for net practice ahead of the two-Test series in Sri Lanka. The quartet includes Harsh Dubey, Shivang Kumar, Tanush Kotian, and Vipraj Nigam, who will support the squad. This move was made to prepare for expected spin-friendly conditions in the upcoming matches. The first Test against Sri Lanka is scheduled to start on August 15 in Galle. The final Test will take place at the SSC in Colombo from August 23.

🎬 Pankaj Tripathi's reason for supporting Oh My Dog

Pankaj Tripathi agreed to promote his small role in Ohh My Dog because of his friendship with director Amit Rai. Initially, the 49-year-old actor wanted his presence to be a surprise for audiences. The film's release was postponed due to Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, and it is now set for August 7. Tripathi also discussed Mirzapur: The Movie, which promises a bigger scale on the big screen. The actor stressed that the theatrical version introduces a new story universe to viewers. 🎬

🏫 TN budget brings big upgrades for 10,000 schools

The Tamil Nadu government announced a 'Super Clean, Super Campus' scheme for 10,000 schools in the first phase. This initiative was revealed by Finance Minister N. Marie Wilson in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. The scheme allocates ₹139 crore for daily cleaning, water, and security across these campuses. Furthermore, the state is modernizing education with multiple new programs and curriculum overhauls. The total allocation for the School Education Department has reached ₹44,527 crore.

🏛️ Let Modi Govern, Stay Out of It

A recent opinion piece strongly advised against interfering in the current governance of Prime Minister Modi. The author specifically mentioned the need for public support for his administration in the current political climate. The article emphasized that the government has significant ongoing responsibilities across various sectors. It argued that focusing on policy outcomes is more constructive than constant political criticism. Therefore, the piece calls for citizens to allow the existing framework to operate without undue external pressure.

😟 Uber driver's bizarre request sparks major safety alarm

Aneri Thakkar shared a terrifying social media experience involving an Uber Parcel driver in Bengaluru. The intoxicated driver allegedly tried to enter her home and repeatedly asked for her personal phone number. This incident occurred after she booked the service to send a jacket back to a friend. Uber India has officially responded to the video, labeling the driver's conduct as unacceptable and promising an immediate investigation. Users online are now strongly advising women to prioritize safety and avoid letting delivery staff come directly to their homes. 🚨

💔 Actors Amruta Khanvilkar and Himanshu Malhotra Separate

Actors Amruta Khanvilkar and Himanshu Malhotra have been living separately for about one and a half years. This separation is taking place while they are in different locations. They have not discussed any legal separation or divorce as of this time. The couple cited financial matters, different work goals, and family duties as reasons for moving apart. They are currently taking time to figure out their future, and only time will reveal their next steps.