🦠 COVID's long shadow: more than just a faded memory

Six years after SARS-CoV-2 was identified, COVID fear has lessened because current variants are milder and the population has built immunity. National health authorities have adjusted recommendations, now advising routine vaccination only for older adults. Despite this, the virus caused 7.1 million confirmed deaths, with WHO estimating it reached 22 million globally. Long COVID and PCS remain significant challenges, with up to 10% of symptomatic cases developing persistent symptoms. The economic impact is huge, with OECD projecting an extra $11 billion annual cost to healthcare systems. 😥

🌧️ TN set for heavy rains, temps to stay cool

Widespread rainfall is expected across Tamil Nadu until September 21 due to an active Southwest monsoon system. Dindigul district recorded the highest rainfall at 13 cm during the 24-hour period ending Tuesday morning. The Regional Meteorological Centre predicts heavy rain with gusty winds in six districts on Wednesday. This wet weather should prevent further temperature spikes in interior areas currently facing heat. The monsoon is expected to start retreating from parts of the country starting September 19. ☔

🩺 Methotrexate use in IBD: real-world findings

A new cohort study examined methotrexate use in over 1100 IBD patients outside of clinical trials. Researchers analyzed data from 15 French centers covering January 2015 to December 2022. Methotrexate was mostly used as combination therapy, with a median treatment duration of 12.3 months. While adverse events occurred, serious toxicity was uncommon in the group. The study suggests real-life data is key to understanding this treatment's role. 🩺

📚 AI model launched to boost Sanskrit heritage

The Sanskrit Heritage Model and Platform was launched at Madras Sanskrit College on Tuesday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The event took place in Mylapore, Chennai, in collaboration with Articul8. This new initiative aims to make literary treasures more accessible globally, referencing ancient texts. The Finance Minister stressed AI's role in helping people understand complex works like those of poet Kalidasa. The platform is designed to evolve, potentially extending its use to other Indic languages.

💧 Water Woes: Residents Protest in Tiruvannamalai

Residents gathered to protest the non-supply of drinking water to their households on Tuesday morning. This protest took place in Keel Pudupakkam, near Cheyyar town in Tiruvannamalai. The village of approximately 2,500 families has been facing irregular supply for several weeks. The panchayat officials cited defunct motor pump sets from the borewells as the reason for the disruption. Efforts are underway to supply water via private tankers until the necessary pump repairs are completed.

🎬 'Toxic' box office takes a dip on Tuesday

The Yash starrer 'Toxic: A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups' earned Rs 13 lakh net on its third Tuesday, September 15th. This performance was recorded in India, where the film had 248 shows with an occupancy rate of 14 percent. The movie's India net total has now reached Rs 249.37 cr, building on its first-week earnings of Rs 239.30 cr. The film is set in Goa during Portuguese colonial rule, featuring Raya played by Yash and Kiara Advani. The movie will continue its theatrical run with these ongoing collections. 🎬

💸 UPI MDR changes: 0.4% on big payments

The National Payments Corporation of India announced a 0.4% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) for UPI transactions exceeding Rs 2,000. This fee applies to merchants across India starting from October 15, with a cap of Rs 300. Person-to-person transfers and small vendors earning under Rs 1 lakh monthly are exempt from this charge. The Finance Ministry stressed that this MDR is not a tax but supports the UPI ecosystem infrastructure. Larger retailers and online platforms will likely absorb the cost of this new fee. 💸

🧐 Russian Oligarch Pays for Trump Jr.'s Bahamas Wedding

US Congress has started an investigation into reports that a Russian oligarch funded Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding celebrations. The probe targets Umar Kremlev, a wealthy Russian businessman connected to the Russian government, who allegedly paid for the May event in the Bahamas. This action follows a ProPublica report detailing the financial support given to the Trump family. Democratic leaders are questioning the motive behind a Putin ally financially backing the President's son. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called the arrangement potentially a bribe threatening national security. 🧐

⚡ AI's hidden threat isn't just doomsday vibes

While doomsday warnings are circulating, the real friction point is the physical infrastructure of AI. Data centers, powering advanced AI models, are sparking significant local political and environmental backlash in the US. In May, Gallup polls showed 71% opposition to local data centers, surpassing nuclear power station dislikes. This opposition is fueled by concerns over energy rates and water usage, leading to local council losses. This hyper-local pushback could heavily influence upcoming US mid-term elections. 😥

🌿 Sheep wool boosts boxwood growth, study finds

Researchers investigated the effect of sheep wool waste as an organic fertilizer on various boxwood species. This study was conducted by teams at the Black Sea Agricultural Research Institute and Ondokuz Mayis University. Treatments of 0, 50, 100, and 200 g pot⁻¹ were applied, with data gathered around September 2026. Results showed species-specific gains, like a 13.4% shoot increase in B. sempervirens at 100 g. The findings suggest this wool fertilizer is a viable sustainable option for ornamental boxwood production. 🌿

🌊 Bihar woman survives 15 days in Ganga after being swept away

Sunaina Devi, a 55-year-old woman, survived for 15 days after being swept 50km downstream by the monsoon-swollen Ganga. She hailed from Kapurpatti village in Bihar's Buxar district but was found in Chain Chhapra village in UP's Ballia. Her ordeal began on August 30 when she fell in while bathing and drifted across the state border. She managed to survive by clinging to a half-submerged hut and drinking river water. Fishermen spotted her cries on Monday, leading to her rescue and subsequent medical care.