🚇 Bengaluru's underground market stuck in limbo

The Krishna Devaraya Palike Bazaar, Bengaluru’s first underground AC market, still lacks vendors two years after its opening. This ₹13 crore facility in Vijayanagar has 79 shops, inaugurated in August 2024, but only a few are operational. Street vendors are hesitant due to high rents and business worries, despite the BWCC's efforts. Two vendor associations are divided, with one demanding relocation of outside vendors first. The BWCC has set a deadline of September 10 for new tenders and vendor movement. 😥

🚀 India's space launches are surprisingly pricey

A peer-reviewed article found that India is the most expensive market among six for satellite launches. As of the end of calendar year 2025, the cost stood at $13,302 per kilogram. This figure is over four times the US rate of $3,225 per kg. While Skyroot Aerospace is stepping up, industry experts say cost reduction is key. India aims for $3.5 billion in annual revenue by 2033, but scalability is a challenge. 🚀

♓️ Pisces horoscope: Don't judge people by fantasy

Pisces is set for a positive day with potential for unexpected rewards and assistance. For those in relationships, it is crucial to handle spouse matters with care and open communication. Career-wise, efforts may be noticed, leading to potential profit increases or recognition for students. Financially, gains look promising, making it a good day to manage debts and invest wisely. The main challenge remains inner restlessness, so mindful practices before sleep are recommended. ♓️

😔 Afghanistan life struggles five years after Taliban return

Five years have passed since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, ending the previous Islamic Republic's rule. On August 15, 2026, a parade was held in Kabul, marking this fifth anniversary of the takeover. This event followed the Taliban's entry into the capital on August 15, 2021, as Ashraf Ghani fled. The collapse ended America’s longest war and saw the Taliban reassert power. Despite this, life in the country remains marked by numerous ongoing struggles.

🔬 BITS scientists make cheap bioink for 3D medicine

Researchers at BITS Pilani developed a novel bioink using low-cost, approved polymers for 3D printing. This breakthrough allows creation of skin scaffolds and customized drug tablets using starch and alginate. The technology was tested on 21 Aug 2026, showing 70% cell survival in scaffolds. This move lowers costs, potentially bringing personalized medicine out of the lab. Future applications could include on-demand skin grafts and tailored patient pills. 🧬

🧬 South Asians missing from global health data 🧬

A significant portion of South Asians is absent from global health databases used for medical research. This lack of diversity is evident in studies like the NHGRI-EBI GWAS Catalogue, where over 86% of participants were of European ancestry between 2005 and 2025. This data gap means tools built on European data are less accurate for South Asians, who face higher rates of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Researchers stress that local evidence is essential because South Asia is incredibly diverse, not a single group. Therefore, validating and recalibrating risk models using South Asian data is crucial for equitable healthcare. 🩺

🎬 Killer Drama: Kong Hyo Jin & Jung Jun Won's First Meet 💥

New stills from the drama "A Bona Fide Killer" show a pivotal past encounter between Kong Hyo Jin and Jung Jun Won. The scene features Yu Bo Na, who is struggling with burnout, standing on a hospital roof. Jung Jun Won, as Kwon Tae Sung, approaches her in a hospital gown to try and stop her from giving up. This emotional moment is revealed in the upcoming episode of the action drama. The next episode will air on August 21 at 9:50 p.m. KST.

🚨 US promises 'toughest sanctions ever' on Iran

The US stated it will implement the toughest sanctions in history against Iran, according to Treasury chief Scott Bessent. This announcement was made on Thursday following President Donald Trump's prior threat of 'Economic Warfare' against supporters of Iran. Oil prices jumped to over a three-week high on Thursday due to these impending financial penalties. This action aims to end a conflict that has stranded millions of barrels of Middle Eastern oil, which has been ongoing for nearly six months. Bessent promised further details on the sanctions package during a press conference on Monday. ⛽️

💧 Are you drinking too much water? Hydration myths busted

Hydration advice often sounds simple, but the reality behind water intake is more complex. Dr. Kay Alkara explains that the US National Academies suggest about 3.7 liters for men and 2.7 liters for women, which includes food and other drinks. The common 'three liters a day' rule is not a strict mandate for everyone. Thirst is the body's natural guide, but urine color can also offer a clue for hydration levels. It is crucial to drink enough, not just more, especially in extreme heat. 💧

💣 US pushes China to back economic war on Iran

The US asked allies and China on Thursday to join President Trump's plan to isolate the Iranian economy. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned of the toughest sanctions in history against Iran. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called these threats "economic terrorism" and a diversion from US debt issues. Oil prices rose on Thursday following threats of financial penalties meant to end the near six-month war. CENTCOM also reported redirecting 67 commercial vessels to enforce the blockade.

📈 US Stock Futures Chill After Wall St Dip

U.S. stock futures remained stable after the Wall Street market saw a slide. This movement occurred as Treasury yields started to rise across the market. Specifically, the indices experienced fluctuations on the day of the report. The shift is being monitored closely due to the impact of rising interest rates. Investors are now watching for further developments in the bond market. 📈