🐊 Crocodile brains barely changed in 100 million years

New CT scans of 43 crocodile species, living and extinct, revealed a surprisingly stable brain design. The research, led by Paul Burke at the Swedish Museum of Natural History, utilized high-resolution CT scanning on skull anatomy. This study highlighted the remarkable stability of the brain structure across a vast evolutionary timeline. The findings suggest crocodylians established a highly effective anatomical template early in their history. This resilience allowed them to survive the dinosaur extinction event largely intact. 🐊

🚌 School bus hits tree in Bareilly; 13 kids hurt

A school bus collided with a roadside tree on Friday morning near Jatau Patti village in Bareilly, UP. Thirteen children sustained injuries in the crash, with six being admitted in serious condition. The incident happened around 6:30 am while the bus was transporting 31 children to school. Parents alleged that the bus was in poor condition and that driver complaints had been previously lodged. Police are currently investigating the matter and will take action if negligence is found.

🔬 NASA rover zaps Mars rock with laser, finds gems

A NASA rover successfully utilized a laser to interact with a rock sample on the surface of Mars. The mission took place within the Martian environment, gathering crucial data for scientists. The rover performed this experiment on October 26, 2023, collecting spectral data. This action aims to analyze the rock's composition for evidence of past water or organic molecules. Future analysis will determine if these findings point towards hidden gemstone formations on the Red Planet. 🔬

🤝 UPST Rank Holders End Protest After Minister's Assurance

The UPST Rank Holders Association called off its 17-day protest outside the Secretariat on Friday, August 14, 2026. This action followed assurances given by General Education Minister N. Samsudheen in Thiruvananthapuram. The association had demanded an end to repeated PSC notifications without vacancy reports and an extension of the current rank list. Minister Samsudheen promised to sympathetically consider these demands and study the appointment issue for 45 days. Furthermore, he directed the DGE to check appointments for model and fisheries schools from existing rank lists.

🌌 Astronomers spot a 'black hole star' in early universe 🌠

Astronomers discovered a new cosmic object dubbed a 'black hole star' in the early universe. This object, MoM-BH-1*, was found 660 million years after the Big Bang using the James Webb Space Telescope. Its extreme light signature rules out it being an ordinary star, suggesting a young black hole is encased in dense hydrogen gas. This discovery could explain other 'little red dots' seen by JWST across the early cosmos. Researchers are now trying to nail down the black hole's actual mass despite the unusual light scattering.

📰 The Hindu's history mirrors Chennai's rich legacy

Tamil Nadu Minister Rajmohan stated that The Hindu's history is as rich as that of Chennai during the exhibit opening. This event, 'Madras on Stage,' was held at The Hindu office on Anna Salai. The exhibition featured rare photos and articles from the archives, running until its conclusion. The curator noted how diverse cultures influenced the city's street life and community spaces over the years. The event aimed to encourage Chennaiites to explore and question more about their vibrant city. 🌆

🚗 Maruti Baleno facelift drops Sept 5

The updated Maruti Baleno facelift is scheduled for an official launch on September 5th. This new version is set to hit the market in India. The company has not yet released specific pricing or feature changes for the model. This facelift aims to refresh the existing popular hatchback's appeal. Details regarding the full lineup and booking will be revealed soon.

🕯️ High Court allows torchlight procession in Mysuru

The Karnataka High Court permitted the Hindu Jagarana Vedike to hold its 'Akhanda Bharata Sankalpa Dina' torchlight procession in Mysuru. This decision was made by Justice Suraj Govindaraj concerning the event on the eve of Independence Day in Mysuru. The procession is scheduled to start at 5:30 PM and end at 7:30 PM on August 14, involving around 100 people. The Court overruled the State's objections despite past anti-social records of some organisers. Organisers remain fully responsible if any untoward incident occurs during the march. 🕯️

🔫 UP constable's wife dies by suicide

A constable's wife took her own life using her husband's service rifle. This incident occurred at their rented home in Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday. Savita, 32, shot herself in the neck while her husband, Constable Tinku Singh, was bathing. The couple and their two daughters have been tenants in Haqiqat Nagar for about two years. Police are now investigating possible reasons like family disputes and mental stress.

⚓ US threatens indefinite Iran blockade amid sailor concerns

The US has threatened an indefinite naval blockade on Iranian ports and new economic measures due to deadlock in ceasefire talks. Lawmakers raised alarms over dire conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln, including reports of sailors attempting to jump overboard. This US flagship has been continuously at sea for nearly seven months, surpassing previous deployment records. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent promised unprecedented economic isolation combined with the ongoing Strait of Hormuz blockade. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed the worsening conditions reports as completely misrepresented. 🚢

✨ Tara Sutaria channels vintage Hollywood for 'Toxic' promotions

Tara Sutaria showcased a vintage Hollywood look for the promotions of her film 'Toxic'. She appeared at an event with Yash in Goa, styled in a Rs 44,000 black lace gown by Helsa. The look featured pearls worth Rs 7.42 lakh and was inspired by Rita Hayworth and Lauren Bacall. This glamorous photoshoot is part of the promotion for 'Toxic: A Fairytale for Grown-Ups'. The film, set in Goa, is scheduled for a worldwide release on August 26, 2026. 🎬