🛰️ China and Iran teaming up for rare earth tech

China is boosting its scientific ties with Iran in the critical area of rare earth elements. The National Natural Science Foundation of China and its Iranian counterpart announced a joint workshop programme on Monday. This collaboration focuses on the exploration and processing of rare earth elements, with funding details provided. This partnership happens during a sensitive period due to the unresolved US-Israel conflict involving Iran. Rare earths are vital materials for modern defense technology, including missiles and fighter jets. 🛰️

🌳 Puerto Rico trees handle crazy droughts

Tropical trees in Puerto Rico have shown surprising resilience against severe drought conditions. Researchers observed this adaptability across various rainfall extremes throughout the island. Data collected indicates that these species managed the stress during the months of May through August. This finding suggests a natural mechanism allowing tropical flora to cope with changing climate patterns. Scientists will now further study these adaptations to understand ecological impacts.

🔭 JWST spots first 'black hole star' at cosmic dawn

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has detected what is being described as the earliest known 'black hole star'. This incredible discovery was made by researchers observing the early universe. The object was identified in data collected by the telescope. This finding offers new insights into how supermassive black holes formed so early in cosmic history. Scientists plan to further analyze the data to understand this cosmic phenomenon.

✨ Pixel apps get a fresh visual glow-up

Google has rolled out redesigned icons for several Pixel apps to match its latest design language. The Pixel Camera, Calculator, Clock, Recorder, and Weather apps have all received updates across the Pixel 11 launch. The Camera icon features a new Pixel blue gradient reflecting AI integration, while Weather and Recorder drop colored backgrounds. The Clock app leverages Material 3 Expressive, showcasing a major aesthetic shift across the suite. These modernizations align with other Pixel features like Journal and Screenshots.

🏛️ Bombay HC wants ED view on Vijay Mallya's case

The Bombay high court observed that the long-running dispute over Vijay Mallya's dues needed to conclude after his lawyer stated his 2020 petition was redundant. This case involves Vijay Mallya, who left India in March 2016, and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Mumbai. The original petition challenged an order allowing banks led by SBI to use seized assets for unpaid dues as of 2020. The court directed the ED to clarify if settlement is complete, though criminal prosecution must continue. The high court will decide the next steps after hearing from the ED's deputy director. 💰

🛡️ WhatsApp drops new Scam Alert feature

WhatsApp has rolled out an optional Scam Alert feature to protect users from social engineering attacks. This update is for all users on the Meta-owned messaging platform across various regions. It functions by using an on-device machine learning model to scan non-contact messages for scam patterns. Crucially, no message content leaves the device, and automatic reporting is disabled unless the user opts in. The feature is starting with a limited Beta rollout before a wider release. 🛡️

📚 CM releases Leelavathi's Mahabharata take

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan released M. Leelavathy’s new book, Bharathalokam, on Wednesday at her residence in Thrikkakara. Satheesan praised the 98-year-old critic for her unique interpretation of Mahabharata characters. The book features extensive research, offering a critical look at the epic's episodes. Leelavathy stated the Mahabharata strongly conveys a message against war. The release event was attended by N.E. Sudheer, V.E. Abdul Gafoor, Uma Thomas, and Jamal Manakkadan. 📚

🏫 What the law promises students in Indian govt schools 📚

Government schools in India are bound by legal promises covering student welfare and education rights. The RTE Act makes education a fundamental right for children aged six to fourteen, ensuring free and compulsory schooling. These protections include neighbourhood school access and minimum standards for safe buildings and sanitation. The law also strictly forbids corporal punishment and mandates specific pupil-teacher ratios for quality learning. When these standards are breached, as seen in recent viral incidents, the legal framework becomes very visible.

🎶 Tamil Nadu mandates state anthem at all official events

The Tamil Nadu government has made Tamil Thaai Vazhthu mandatory as the opening song at all official gatherings. This directive, implemented by CM C Joseph Vijay in Tamil Nadu, requires the anthem to be played at institutions and government offices. The unanimous Assembly resolution passed on Monday reinforces previous orders from November 23, 1970, and the song's official recognition in December 2021. Vijay stated that this reflects unity in diversity and is not opposed to India's constitutional framework. The move comes as the state navigates the Centre's directive regarding Vande Mataram. 🎶

🌕 Europe crowds gather for solar eclipse viewing

Millions gathered across Europe to witness the total solar eclipse on Wednesday. Iceland, Spain, and northern Portugal were prime locations for this celestial event. The eclipse was set to begin in Reykjavik at 4:47 p.m. local time and reach totality at 5:48 p.m. There are expectations of up to 6 million tourists in Spain, prompting security preparations. Other European cities like Paris and London will experience partial coverage of the Sun. 🌕

💔 Akanksha Chamola & Gaurav Khanna Divorce Pending

Akanksha Chamola confirmed her divorce from Gaurav Khanna during the premiere of Lock Upp season 2. She revealed this personal update is the first time she shared details about their separation publicly. The couple, who married in 2016, stated they haven't found time to sign papers due to clashing work schedules. They took 18 months to decide their marriage was not right for them. Akanksha also mentioned she does not want children in her future plans.