🗳️ BNP picks Fakhrul for Bangladesh presidential race

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party nominated its secretary general, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, for the upcoming presidential poll. This nomination was made on Thursday following a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The election is scheduled to take place on August 20, and Alamgir would become the nation's 23rd president if elected. The election is taking place because former president Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned on July 24 due to health issues. Since the president is elected by Parliament, Alamgir is in a strong position to win. 🗳️

🔭 New model predicts solar storm impacts 🛰️

Scientists have developed a 3D computer simulation model to forecast Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and their effects on Earth. This multi-institutional team, led by researchers from IIA, collaborated with experts from the US, Hungary, and Finland. The model traces magnetic energy build-up in the Sun's atmosphere, simulating eruptions that can disrupt power grids. Findings show magnetic reconnection rates directly relate to CME acceleration. This research helps advance space-weather forecasting systems.

🚨 SC gives Centre two weeks for food warning labels

The Supreme Court sharply criticized the Centre and FSSAI for delaying front-of-pack warning labels on high-sugar and high-salt packaged foods. Justices JB Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran gave the government a final two-week window to make a decision. The court stressed this is a public health issue, especially concerning children's well-being. Arguments about Indian food complications and international standards were dismissed by the bench. The court warned it would dictate the judgment if a final decision was not recorded.

📱 Apple scores cheaper OLED panels for iPhone 18 Pro

Apple reportedly secured a better deal for OLED display panels from LG and Samsung for its upcoming devices. This procurement benefits the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which are expected to launch soon. The company is reportedly paying around $68 per panel, down from the $110-$120 paid for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This cost saving is key as Apple plans to increase prices across its lineup next year. Additionally, analysts predict the iPhone 18 might get 12GB RAM and a redesigned Dynamic Island.

⚓ US-Iran Strait talks stuck in deadlock

US President Donald Trump claimed total control of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran angrily denies as of Wednesday. The Iranian Persian Gulf Strait Authority stated the strait remains blocked until US demands on sanctions and aggression are met. This vital waterway sees one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments, and traffic has dropped to a one-week low. Iran is currently holding talks with Oman, while Pakistan also tries to mediate the situation. Future prospects hinge on these Iran-Oman discussions establishing safe shipping lanes.

🩺 Hospital shifts ignoring staff health risks

Night shifts are causing chronic metabolic issues among healthcare professionals globally. This problem affects workers in hospitals worldwide, regardless of their specific roles. According to a 2023 study, over one in three Indian adults already face abdominal obesity. This metabolic stress is often dismissed as personal weakness instead of an occupational hazard. The system needs to recognize and address these risks proactively through policy changes. 🩺

🤝 Mizoram & Nagaland welcome FCRA Bill to JPC

The Chief Ministers of Mizoram and Nagaland have welcomed the Centre's referral of the FCRA Amendment Bill, 2026, to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. This decision was acknowledged by Mizoram CM Lalduhoma and Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio, thanking Home Minister Amit Shah for the action on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The move allows for wider consultation and careful consideration of various concerns raised by stakeholders. The Assam Christian Forum also supported this democratic step, expecting constructive engagement with the Ministry of Home Affairs. This process aims to shape a balanced law that supports civil society without hindrance. 🤝

🤖 Xiaomi rolls out first HyperOS 4 beta devices

Xiaomi has officially announced HyperOS 4, and the beta program is kicking off soon in China. Eight devices, including the Xiaomi 17 and Redmi K90, are set to get the Android 17 test update on August 14, 2026. The testing will span three phases across August and September 2026 for various models. HyperOS 4 promises significant upgrades like a 17.5% faster response time and improved app stability. The global rollout timeline remains unconfirmed but is expected to follow the Chinese launch. 🚀

🌊 Deep sea exploration is way slower than we think 😮

Even with a fleet of 1,000 deep-sea vehicles, surveying the entire deep seafloor would take over 100,000 years. This estimation comes from a 2025 Science Advances paper led by Katherine Croff Bell of Ocean Discovery League. The analysis used 43,681 visual dive records spanning from 1958 to 2024 to calculate coverage rates. The mean coverage rate across nine systems was determined to be 2.9 square kilometres per year. Consequently, researchers suggest shifting focus to strategically sampling areas rather than aiming for total coverage.

🎸 Actor Rajesh Hebbar goes viral with rock covers

Malayalam actor Rajesh Hebbar is gaining new buzz for his rock cover performances. Hailing from Palakkad, he has been a fixture in Malayalam cinema for over two decades. His music journey includes college band Primitive Knights, active from the late 1980s through the 1990s. After posting covers on Instagram, his renditions of songs by Scorpions and Black Sabbath have gone viral across Kerala. He aims to challenge age-based stereotypes about tastes and interests. 🤘

✈️ India's Big Move for Air Power Self-Reliance

India is set to purchase a substantial fleet of transport and trainer aircraft to boost its defense capabilities. This major acquisition involves 60 transport aircraft and 150 trainer planes. The deal is part of a strategic push towards achieving greater self-reliance in the aerospace sector. This initiative is aimed at strengthening India's military preparedness and operational capacity. Further details regarding the procurement process are expected to be announced soon. ✈️