🦠 COVID wakes up old viruses, linking one to long COVID

COVID-19 has been shown to reactivate dormant viruses in hospitalized patients, according to new research. Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital and partners studied 1,154 patients across 20 U.S. hospitals. The study, which spanned a year, identified 11 reactivated viruses within the first 40 days of admission. Notably, Anelloviridae reactivation showed a strong link with long-term disability and long COVID. This finding suggests inflammation, not just immune suppression, might trigger viral activity, leading to new treatment paths. 🔬

😔 Ex-Bengal Deputy Speaker Found Dead in Birbhum

Former deputy speaker of the Bengal assembly, Ashis Banerjee, was discovered deceased at the Trinamool Congress office in Rampurhat, Birbhum on Sunday morning. A supposed suicide note was recovered from the party office alongside his body, which has been sent for post-mortem examination. Banerjee had resigned as chairman of the Birbhum district core committee in June following a major election defeat for the TMC. He was a five-time MLA who represented Rampurhat continuously from 2001 until 2026. The exact reasons for his death remain unclear as authorities investigate the incident. 😔

🎤 Yash on Rashmika's 'Mr Showoff' comment

Yash addressed the 2017 controversy regarding Rashmika Mandanna's 'Mr Showoff' comment during Rajat Sharma's 'Aap Ki Adalat'. This incident arose from a rapid-fire segment where Rashmika named Yash in the Kannada film industry. Yash stated that while opinions are fine, they do not define his personality, asserting his identity remains unchanged. He also clarified that personal attacks on actors do not equate to fan loyalty. Yash is currently preparing for his upcoming movie, 'Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups'.

🔥 Israel strikes Lebanon amid rising Iran-US tension

Israel conducted strikes in southern Lebanon, killing at least 11 people in attacks since the June ceasefire. These actions come as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed shipping routes with Oman, contingent on a US MoU. Iran's IRGC warned of shifting to offensive military actions as the 60-day US-Iran deadline nears on August 17. Meanwhile, Hamas urged the Board of Peace to compel Israel to accept a Gaza peace plan. Additionally, Iran's economy is showing early signs of recovery despite ongoing regional conflicts. 💥

🩺 India's menopause policy shift is here

Menopause is increasingly being recognized as a health transition needing support, moving beyond just aging. Maharashtra launched menopause clinics in January for health screening and counseling across government hospitals. In July, Tamil Nadu is considering public health programs, while Karnataka announced the 'Ruthuthare' health program last week. India has roughly 46 million women aged 45-49 in 2024, projected to rise to 57 million by 2050. Experts stress that policies must focus on preventive care starting in the 30s, not just symptom management.

🔥 Awarapan 2 nails Independence Day collections

Awarapan 2 achieved an outstanding run at the Indian box office thanks to the Independence Day holiday. The Emraan Hashmi starrer brought in Rs. 33.50 crore nett on its second day in India. This surge brought the two-day running total to approximately Rs. 56 crore nett. The film is now considered a SUPER HIT and could become a BLOCKBUSTER depending on Monday's hold. It is the fifth HIT or better film of the year for the Hindi film industry. 🤩

⚽ Schalke 04 vs Real Madrid: How to watch globally

The club friendly match between Schalke 04 and Real Madrid is scheduled for August 16, 2026, at 16:00. Global broadcasting options vary widely, requiring a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions for viewers worldwide. Schalke 04 has a recent form of three wins, one loss, and no draws in their last five games. In contrast, Real Madrid is in stronger shape, having won four of their last five matches. Viewers can use a VPN, like ExpressVPN, to secure their connection and stream the game live. ⚽

💣 US report: Pakistan's nukes failed to deter India strikes

A US report reveals that Pakistan's nuclear deterrence limits were exposed during the May 2025 military confrontation with India. This clash followed India's Operation Sindoor, a counterterror action after an attack in South Kashmir’s Pahalgam. The conflict involved India targeting nine terror facilities and later 11 Pakistani airbases. The findings suggest a strategic shift towards conventional military power over nuclear reliance. Moving forward, Pakistan faces a reality where nuclear weapons complicated crisis management. 😟

🧐 Humans subconsciously copy others: The chameleon effect

Psychologists call the unconscious behavioral matching between people the chameleon effect. This phenomenon was first documented by Tanya Chartrand and John Bargh in 1999, observing posture and mannerism shifts. Experiment 1 showed NYU students mirrored confederate behaviors like face rubbing more often. Furthermore, Experiment 2 revealed that being mimicked made participants feel the interaction was smoother and liked the confederate more. Newer work suggests context, like perspective-taking, heavily influences whether this mimicry helps or feels intrusive. 🧠

✨ Photobook explores trans lives at Koovagam festival

Shino Cherian's debut photobook, 'Souls of Someone,' sensitively captures trans women at the Koovagam festival. The book documents the festival in the town, featuring the 18-day celebration which Cherian and Ram Manu Prasad witnessed. The festival connects to the Mahabharata epic where Aravan sacrificed himself, a narrative mirrored in the community's rituals. Cherian grapples with the ethical questions of documenting these lives through his lens. The work shows a cycle of celebration and ritualistic mourning experienced by the community. 📸

☢️ US Report: Nuclear deterrence failed in India-Pakistan clash

A US report stated that Pakistan's nuclear weapons failed to deter India's strikes during the May 2025 military confrontation. This clash occurred after India launched Operation Sindoor following a terror attack in Pahalgam, South Kashmir. The report noted that nuclear deterrence did not prevent the crisis or stop India from striking deep inside Pakistan. Consequently, Pakistan is shifting focus towards conventional military power, as seen by reduced focus on 1998 tests. This trend suggests conventional strength now holds more political value for the Pakistani military. 🧐