🦖 Birds and crocodiles are actually close cousins 🐊

Surprisingly, birds are the closest living relatives to crocodiles, both originating as archosauriforms about 250 million years ago. This evolutionary split led to two lineages, with a total of 500 million years of change separating them today. New research suggests early crocodiles were warm-blooded, evidenced by their four-chambered hearts. These fossils show both lineages maintained high metabolic rates until around 66 million years ago. Crocodiles likely reverted to cold-bloodedness to survive extinction events.

🚢 India plans massive ₹10,000 Cr waterway boost 🚢

India is pushing a ₹10,000 crore plan to expand its operational waterways network towards its Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 goal. This initiative involves identifying 19 new waterways, mainly for tourism, across various states. Cargo movement has grown significantly, hitting the 2030 target in FY26 itself, surpassing the government's initial goal. The focus is shifting to creating commercially viable, end-to-end economic corridors linking industry and transport. Incentives like the Jalvahak scheme are being used to encourage freight movement onto these inland waterways.

🇺🇸 Trump cuts SK military drills over Iran stance

President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to substantially scale back joint military exercises with South Korea. This decision was made due to Seoul’s refusal to join US efforts to denuclearise Iran and his relationship with Kim Jong Un. The 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, involving about 18,000 South Korean soldiers, were scheduled to begin this week. Trump stated the drills sent an inappropriate and hostile signal to North Korea. The pact with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan was also welcomed by Trump. 🤝

🔥 Iran warns of attack if US diplomacy fails

Iran's military stance is shifting towards offense as tensions rise in the Middle East. This development comes amid stalled US-Iran talks regarding the conflict resolution. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed significantly over the weekend following tanker attacks. Iran explicitly rejected Trump’s proposal to make the Strait of Hormuz a US territory. The country asserts its sovereign rights over the waterway, signaling further action if diplomacy fails. 🚢

🚢 US-Iran tensions rise, shipping slows in Hormuz

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed down over the weekend due to tanker attacks, according to Kpler data on Monday. This occurred while US-Iran talks to resolve the Middle East conflict have stalled, with Lebanon seeing fresh fighting on Sunday. Five commodity vessels passed through on Saturday, but none were registered for Sunday, down from 31 the previous weekend. Iran has rejected President Trump's suggestion to claim the strait as US territory, asserting Iranian control. Oil prices remained steady as these escalating tensions continued to muddy the outlook for peace. 🚢

🎬 Suriya's film hits Rs 110 Cr worldwide

Suriya and Mamitha Baiju's 'Vishwanath and Sons' has garnered a strong worldwide collection after three days in theaters. The film, starring Suriya and Mamitha Baiju, grossed Rs 110.22 Cr globally as of Day 3. In India, it earned Rs 20.55 Cr on Day 3, which was 7.6% less than Saturday's figure. Meanwhile, Vijay's 'Jana Nayagan' has hit Rs 321.75 Cr worldwide in 25 days. Both films feature Mamitha Baiju in the lead female role.

📱 iPhone users spend way more on microdrama than Android users

New Omdia research shows iPhone users spend about 40% more on microdrama apps compared to Android users. This trend was observed across several major markets globally, challenging old assumptions about niche audiences. For instance, in South Korea, 59% of iPhone users pay versus 45% of Android users. Data also indicated iPhone users spend roughly $14 weekly, while Android users spend about $10 weekly. Maria Rua Aguete will present these global market findings at IBC 2026 and MIPCOM 2026.

🎬 Avengers and Dune 3 hype sets up huge holiday box office

Advance tickets for Avengers: Doomsday are now available, signaling a major holiday blockbuster season. This is happening with Marvel Studios and Warner Bros./Legendary, who are pushing these tentpoles. Sources indicate Doomsday presales are 65% ahead of Spider-Man: Brand New Day's pace after just two days. The hype, especially around Robert Downey Jr., is driving massive early fan engagement. Dune: Part Three also shows strong interest in exclusive Imax 70mm screenings.

🤔 Rijiju clarifies PM Modi's 'dimaagi Naxals' remark

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju clarified that PM Narendra Modi's 'dimaagi Naxals' comment was not aimed at Opposition leaders. The remark followed Congress veteran P. Chidambaram posting he was proud to be a 'dimagi naxal.' Modi had used the term in his Independence Day address to describe ideological backers of armed Naxalites. Rijiju listed who qualifies as 'dimaagi Naxals' based on supporting Maoists or separatists. This generated mixed reactions, with some critics calling it desperation while others embraced the phrase.

🧠 Blood pressure meds might slow rare kids' brain disease

A study from Amsterdam UMC found that a blood pressure medication could slow a rare brain disease in children. Patients were screened for vanishing white matter (VWM) between May 31, 2021 and May 31, 2024. Researchers compared treated children against 66 others, noting treated kids needed wheelchairs less often. This showed the fatal childhood disease could be influenced by guanabenz. A follow-up study is planned to monitor children long-term. 🧠

😮 Shortness of breath while sitting? Know the signs.

Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is experienced when the body lacks enough oxygen or lungs/heart work too hard. Globally, about 1 in 5 adults suffer from this condition, with 62.6 crore people affected in India. Acute dyspnea starts suddenly, while chronic dyspnea persists for a month or more. It can stem from lung, heart, blood, or even anxiety issues. Consulting a doctor is key if breathlessness occurs repeatedly at rest.