🦠 COVID-19 might wake up old viruses inside us

New research suggests that viruses dormant in the body can reactivate during severe COVID-19 infections. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin screened 1,154 hospitalised individuals for viruses other than SARS-CoV-2. Nearly half showed reactivation of chronic viruses like cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus between 2020 and early 2021. This reactivation was linked to more severe COVID-19, though causation remains unproven. Persistent viral activity was also noted in those with ongoing fatigue, hinting at Long COVID mechanisms. 🦠

📈 Forex kitty hits massive $707B mark

The foreign exchange kitty witnessed a huge jump this week. This significant expansion involved global financial markets. The total reached $707 billion, up from $14.14 billion in a single week. This surge reflects increased global liquidity and investor confidence in various currencies. Analysts suggest this trend might continue in the coming weeks.

🗣️ Modi could have stopped 1947 damage, says Yogi Adityanath

Yogi Adityanath blamed the Congress party for the 1947 Partition and the resulting violence. Speaking in Lucknow, he asserted that India would have avoided such damage if Narendra Modi or Sardar Patel had been the prime minister. This statement was made on Friday, marking the horrors of the Partition. Adityanath accused the Congress of being power-driven and causing immense suffering to the nation. He claimed that Sindh and Punjabi-dominated Punjab were wrongly handed over to Pakistan. 😔

⚽ Barca drops interest in Suarez despite rumors

FC Barcelona has officially denied any current interest in South American striker Luis Suarez. The club previously looked at the 28-year-old Colombian forward as a backup plan if Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid didn't join. Although Suarez was offered and his €80 million clause was assessed, Barça decided he wasn't the right fit for their current project. Alvarez remains the sole priority target for the Catalan club. Barcelona is ready to wait for the Argentine to potentially make the move. 🧐

📺 MIB agrees to lift TV ad caps

The MIB has agreed to scrap the existing advertising caps for television commercials. This decision affects broadcasters across India, signifying a major policy shift in media regulation. The previous cap limited advertising to 10+2 slots per day. This change opens up more opportunities for advertisers across the industry. The MIB will monitor the implementation of this new relaxed guideline moving forward. 📺

⚖️ SC asks CBSE to fix OSM evaluation issues for students

The Supreme Court has asked the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to find ways to protect students affected by the On-Screen Marking (OSM) evaluation system. The Bench heard that students couldn't meet minimum marks for entrance exams due to CBSE scores, and some courses had already started. This issue stems from irregularities in the OSM evaluation system, which was introduced in 2026. The Court directed CBSE to examine the matter and safeguard the interests of the affected students. The petitioner sought re-evaluation and provisional admission for students impacted by the system. 😟

⚖️ Karnataka law sparks potential RSS clash

A new public order act in Karnataka has been introduced that is reportedly causing tension. The legislation has drawn attention from right-wing groups, specifically the RSS. Authorities are closely monitoring the implementation of this controversial public order law across the state. The act comes amidst rising political polarization and social debates in the region. Further developments regarding potential protests or reactions are anticipated in the coming weeks. ⚖️

💰 UP considers Rs 50k women's dole before elections

The Uttar Pradesh government is reportedly planning a Rs 50,000 women's dole scheme ahead of the upcoming elections. This potential handout is being discussed within the state's political circles. The scheme, if implemented, would affect women across UP. Opposition parties have strongly criticized this move, calling it questionable. The government is currently weighing the pros and cons before making a final decision. 💰

🔬 DRDO restructuring happens, but core issues remain

DRDO is undergoing a major institutional restructuring directed by the PMO to be complete by 2026. This aims to transform the organisation into a leaner, globally competitive research entity. While DRDO has delivered key systems like Agni and BrahMos, deeper problems persist regarding talent and resources. India's R&D allocation, around Rs 29,100 crore for FY 2026-27, is far less than global leaders like the US and China. Solving this requires rethinking strategic research, not just reorganising labs. 😟

⚽ Gullit thinks Rashford's return could be the summer's best pick 🤩

Dutch legend Ruud Gullit believes Marcus Rashford's unexpected return to Manchester United could be the best signing of the summer. This situation unfolded after Rashford was supposed to permanently move to Barcelona. Last season, the 28-year-old scored 14 goals and made 14 assists in 49 appearances for Barcelona. Gullit suggests his time in Spain helped him find lost confidence and form. The challenge now is if Michael Carrick can replicate that successful environment at Old Trafford.

⚖️ Engineer and orderly jailed in bribery trap case

A former Executive Engineer and an orderly were convicted in a bribery trap case by the ACB court. The accused were Ghulam Nabi Dar, the Executive Engineer from REW Ganderbal, and Mohd. Shameem Parra, the orderly. The conviction, pronounced on August 14, 2026, stemmed from FIR No. 02/2014 registered by VOK (now ACB). This case involved the demand and acceptance of illegal gratification while processing a contractor’s bill. Both individuals received four years’ simple imprisonment and a Rs 10,000 fine each.