🧠 Blood pressure drug might slow rare kids' brain disease

An existing blood pressure medication could slow the progression of vanishing white matter (VWM), a rare childhood brain disorder. The study, led by Amsterdam UMC in the Netherlands, focused on children aged 1 to 6. Over three years, treated children depended on wheelchairs less often than the control group. This shows the fatal disease can be influenced, as no treated children died during the trial. Further long-term studies are planned to monitor these kids. 🧠

📉 Iran's economy struggling under US war pressure

A Tehran resident expressed dismay over limited job options amidst the ongoing war with the US and naval blockade on Iranian ports. Saeed, a 26-year-old, noted that salaries for roles like teaching are below 200 million rials, while expenses are rising fast. Inflation reached about 88% year-on-year, with food inflation exceeding 128% as of late July. This economic strain is compounded by US-Israel war impacts and past sanctions on the country. President Pezeshkian is now considering raising petrol prices, though diplomatic talks continue.

🧐 Kerala police probe exam paper leaks online

Kerala police have started investigating various online tutorial channels that exploit student anxiety. This probe targets Instagram and YouTube channels promising clues about Onam mid-term test papers. Around 40 lakh students from Class I to higher secondary are taking these exams, which end on August 20. The police are checking for illegal data harvesting and potential involvement of teachers. They plan to register cases under the IT Act if violations are found, while trying to remove these fake channels. 🧐

📈 Trump Pushing Harder on Iran Economy

Donald Trump is advocating for increased economic pressure against Iran to influence its policies. This push is currently being discussed by various geopolitical analysts regarding international relations. Specific targets for sanctions could include oil exports and banking sectors, with discussions centered around the upcoming Q3 2024. The goal remains to compel the Iranian government to make significant changes to its current stance. Future moves will depend on international coalition support and Iran's reaction. 📈

🤖 AI protester jailed for calling tech giants to 'regain humanity'

A 69-year-old activist named Wynd Kaufman was jailed after protesting outside OpenAI's San Francisco headquarters. She participated in a February 2025 demonstration organized by StopAI, chaining the doors to call for an end to superintelligence development. Kaufman was convicted of several misdemeanors after refusing to leave the sit-in. She argued that rapid AI advancement poses a serious threat to humanity, urging OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta to 'regain their humanity.' This marks the first documented imprisonment linked to an anti-AI protest. 🤖

⌚ Rolex sues Canadian jeweler over custom watches

Rolex has filed a lawsuit against the Canadian jewellery store Bijoux Medusa concerning customized watches featuring Rolex trademarks. The suit names the Quebec-based Bijoux Medusa and its owner, Julien Duguay, for unauthorized use of the brand. Rolex is seeking damages exceeding $50,000, claiming unfair competition due to the customized products. Bijoux Medusa has strongly denied the claims, asserting that all their watches are genuine and that customizing authentic pieces is a legitimate practice. The store plans to file its formal defense by the end of the month as the proceedings are in their early stages. ⌚

🚄 Bullet train nearing completion; Surat station looks sleek

Construction on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail project is nearing its August 2027 launch. The corridor connects major hubs across Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli. This 508 km route will feature 12 stations, including a diamond-inspired Surat station. BKC station in Mumbai is being built 30 metres underground, which is technically complex. Authorities are closely monitoring progress to meet the set timeline. 🚄

😠 SAD leader shows weapon from Badal's attack

SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal revealed the weapon used in the Nanded attack on her husband, Sukhbir Singh Badal. She made this revelation while addressing Amit Shah, seeking an NIA probe into the incident. The attack happened on Thursday, August 13, inside a gurdwara in Nanded, Maharashtra. Badal sustained an injury to his right arm from the 1.5-foot-long sharp weapon. Kaur alleged this is part of a political conspiracy hatched since 2015 to disturb peace in Punjab. 😠

📉 Nifty likely to stay range-bound this week

Indian benchmark indices closed weakly amid profit booking on Friday. The NSE Nifty 50 settled at 24,366, while the Sensex finished at 78,009 in Mumbai. Analysts expect Nifty to remain range-bound, holding above the 24,000–24,200 support zone. A decisive break below 24,000 could weaken the near-term setup for traders. Moving forward, a sustained move above recent resistance levels could signal a resumption of the uptrend. 📈

😠 P Chidambaram slams PM Modi with Naxal jab

Congress leader P Chidambaram made a strong statement criticizing Prime Minister Modi. This commentary was delivered by Chidambaram, who is associated with the Congress party, in a public forum. The remarks were made without specifying exact dates or numerical figures in the immediate context provided. Chidambaram framed his opposition by referencing the term 'dimagi Naxal' when addressing the Prime Minister. This political jab is expected to intensify the ongoing ideological debate between the two major parties.

💪 Muscle loss starts in 40s; 3 ways to fight it

Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass, can begin as early as your 40s. This condition affects individuals across various demographics in India. Studies indicate that muscle loss accelerates notably after this age group. Maintaining strength and mobility becomes crucial for long-term health and quality of life. Experts recommend specific lifestyle changes to proactively manage and combat sarcopenia.