🔬 COVID wakes up old viruses, inflammation might be the trigger

Severe COVID-19 reawakened 11 dormant viruses in hospitalized patients across 20 U.S. hospitals. Among these, Anelloviruses showed the strongest link to long-term physical disability and long COVID. The study found that reactivation occurred even when immune defenses were normal. Researchers concluded that systemic inflammation, not immune weakness, was the likely trigger for these viruses. This finding suggests a new way to understand and potentially treat long COVID.

🤔 Delhi land sitting idle for 17 years, cost Rs 29.45 cr

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) highlighted that 81.42 acres of land in Baprola, Delhi, remained unused for over 17 years. The Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) acquired this land in December 2006 for a Gems and Jewellery Park and Fashion Design Hub. An audit from April 2019 to March 2023 showed only 56.21 acres were used, leading to Rs 29.45 crore in unfruitful expenditure. Repeated plan changes, like shifting to a KBI Park, caused the prolonged indecision on the site. Further action is pending as the 2024-29 policy awaiting approval till November 2024.

😠 Abdullah frustrated over J&K statehood delay

Omar Abdullah expressed deep frustration over the ongoing delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He stated this issue has caused widespread anger and has hurt his own political credibility. Abdullah urged the Centre to provide a clear timeline for the process, criticizing the current Union territory setup. He rejected the notion that terrorism eradication is a prerequisite for statehood restoration. His administration will continue to push for statehood via dialogue and protests.

🚨 16yo girl rescued from Kolkata red-light area

Police rescued a 16-year-old girl from Sonagachi's red-light area after she was allegedly sold. The victim, a native of North 24 Parganas, was found in the area following a distress call to the helpline. Arrests were made for Shafiqul Molla (20) and Saharul Laskar (39) on Saturday. The girl stated she left home with her lover, Shafiqul Molla, and was later sold to Saharul Laskar. A case has been registered under BNS, POCSO Act, and ITPA, 1956. 💔

🤔 AAP U-turns on extremist parole for Sikh outreach

The AAP-led Punjab government has reversed its stance on Jagtar Singh Hawara's parole application. This move was made in Chandigarh to appease Sikh religious leaders and counter a potential BJP-SAD alliance. Initially, in March 2026, the government recommended rejecting the application for the convict of Beant Singh's assassination. However, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann urged the Governor in August due to the mother's declining health. This shift is seen as a political move ahead of the assembly polls. 🤝

🏛️ Heritage cupolas at Anna University face road widening threat

CEG alumni have warned about potential damage to historic cupolas near Anna University. These structures, which are integral to the early 1900s architectural elements, are threatened by the widening of Sardar Patel Road. The cupolas, replicas of the main building's dome, are likely to be demolished as they interfere with the proposed road alignment. Engineers suggest the cupolas can be relocated 15 feet inwards by careful crane lifting. The association awaits concrete plans from authorities despite oral assurances from the University Registrar. 🏛️

⚽ Barcelona vs Nottingham Forest: Lineups Dropped

The starting lineups for the match between Barcelona and Nottingham Forest have been officially announced. The game is scheduled to take place in Barcelona, featuring both teams in action. Key details include the expected match date of May 20th, with confirmed team news released recently. This fixture is part of the ongoing European league schedule for both clubs. Fans are eagerly anticipating the intense action as both sides prepare for the showdown.

👋 OnePlus exits Europe with a free charger offer

OnePlus has officially confirmed its departure from both Europe and North America. As a farewell gesture, the brand is giving away a free AIRVOOC 50W magnetic wireless charger in the UK, Germany, Spain, and France. Only 5,600 of these chargers are available across the four specified countries on a first-come, first-served basis. To claim it, users must subscribe to the Oppo newsletter on the German website and link their OnePlus account to Oppo. Additionally, Oppo is offering various product discounts, excluding smartphones, via the campaign. 📱

🪐 Liquid nitrogen flowing on Pluto's giant glacier

New Horizons images suggest dark streaks on Pluto's nitrogen glacier indicate past liquid nitrogen flow. This evidence comes from an analysis of Sputnik Planitia, a massive glacier larger than Texas and Oklahoma. The features are found on the northern edge of this glacier, which stretches about 850 km east to west. Researchers propose nitrogen melted beneath the ice and rose through cracks before flowing across the surface. More lab work and higher-resolution mapping are needed to confirm this exciting finding. 🪐

🚫 Bengaluru bans POP idols before Ganesh Chaturthi

The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) has banned the making, selling, and immersion of Ganesh idols made from POP and non-biodegradable materials. This restriction applies across the entire city of Bengaluru ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Specifically, the civic body also prohibited immersing idols painted with heavy metal chemical paints in water sources. Special Commissioner Sushama Godbole stated these measures are needed to stop pollution to water bodies and soil. Violators of these directives will face legal action under the Environment (Protection) Act.

🗣️ Rijiju slams Rahul Gandhi's focus on Prayagraj

Union minister Kiren Rijiju criticized Rahul Gandhi's participation in a Prayagraj event on Saturday. Rijiju stated that Rahul Gandhi should have instead visited Ranchi, where students are protesting. This commentary followed Rahul's speech criticizing job scarcity, education costs, and AI's impact on Indian youth. Rahul also heavily criticized the government's economic policies, including demonetisation and GST issues. Further talks between the Jharkhand government and student groups are scheduled for Sunday to address the protests.