🏏 Dickwella back for SL Test series against India

Niroshan Dickwella is confirmed to be returning to the Sri Lanka Test squad for the upcoming two-match series. Key players Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are reportedly out due to injury concerns and workload management. The selectors chose Dickwella's experience over Anjala Bandara's promise in Mendis's absence. Asitha Fernando will lead the pace attack, with the first Test starting on August 15 in Galle. Nishan Madushka is set to keep his spot in the top order despite Nissanka's absence. 🏏

🪐 Mars rock from Oman helps rover on Red Planet

A dark rock found in the gravel plains of central Oman turned out to be a fragment from Mars. This Martian meteorite, catalogued as SaU 008, is now a calibration target aboard the Perseverance rover. The rock was ejected from Mars by an impact roughly 600,000 to 700,000 years ago and found in 1999. It is crucial for SHERLOC to provide ground truth for mapping minerals on Mars. This piece helps scientists understand chemical interactions between the Martian surface and its atmosphere. 🛰️

⚽ Araujo calls Liverpool switch a 'necessary move'

Ronald Araujo has spoken about his recent move to Liverpool on loan from Barcelona. The Uruguayan joined the Reds and will wear number 33 at Anfield. This transition happened quickly, with Liverpool covering 100% of his wages. Araujo stated that moving away from Barça at this career stage was necessary for him. He is excited about the opportunity and believes his attributes suit the English league. ⚽

🪐 Planet spin might cause extreme heat

Scientists suggest that a planet's slow rotation could be the reason for its harsh, hellish conditions. This theory was discussed by researchers from Technology Org. The observations relate to several exoplanets studied over the past few years. Astronomers believe this rotational inertia plays a crucial role in atmospheric dynamics and temperature distribution. Further studies are planned to confirm if spin rate is a major factor in planetary habitability. 🪐

🏳️‍🌈 Australia adds optional sexual orientation and gender questions

Australians aged 16 and over are now being asked optional questions about their sexual orientation and gender for the first time. This is happening across the country, with the 66-question census running this Tuesday. The questions allow respondents to select various options for sexual orientation and current gender. This follows a reversal by the Labor government after earlier debates about social cohesion. The ABS expects nearly 11 million overall responses for the census. 🏳️‍🌈

🚗 Mumbai road rage: Man attacked, car windows smashed

A fitness trainer and his wife were traumatized after five men in an SUV allegedly chased and assaulted them in Bandra. The incident happened near Sahil Hotel on SV Road in Bandra (West) on Saturday midnight. Three accused, including Anas K, Bilal Shaikh, and Rajen, were detained and later released after an FIR was registered on Sunday. The road rage started when the SUV obstructed the victim's way, leading to a physical attack with sticks. Further investigation is currently ongoing by the Bandra police. 😠

📚 CJP founder launches big push for village schools

Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of CJP, has announced a massive nationwide campaign focused on enhancing the quality of government schools in rural areas. This initiative is being rolled out across various villages under the CJP banner. The campaign aims to address existing infrastructure and educational gaps noted in these schools. Dipke stated the goal is to bring better educational opportunities to underserved communities nationwide. Further details on the implementation schedule are expected in the coming months. 📚

📱 Budget buyers ditch 5G for cheaper 4G phones

Rising costs associated with 5G technology are pushing budget-conscious consumers back towards older 4G smartphones. This trend is being observed across various markets as affordability becomes a major deciding factor for shoppers. Specifically, reports indicate that sales of entry-level 4G models are seeing a noticeable increase over the last quarter. The high price point of 5G devices is making them inaccessible for many first-time or budget buyers. Consequently, manufacturers and retailers are re-evaluating their entry-level 5G strategies. 📱

🔬 Chip writes DNA using electricity, ditching toxic solvents

Scientists have created a silicon chip that can write DNA sequences using just electricity and water-based enzymes. This breakthrough came from a Harvard-led team, collaborating with the Broad Institute and others. The chip can produce 64 different DNA sequences, each up to 39 nucleotides long, in a cleaner way. This method is a major upgrade from old chemistry that used hazardous organic solvents. Future plans include making portable DNA-writing devices for global labs and clinics.

🤒 Delhi sees six-fold spike in H1N1 cases 🤧

H1N1 influenza cases in Delhi have surged by nearly six-fold this season, with 1,344 infections reported against just 229 last year. Doctors at various institutes noted a rise in patients with cough and high fever over the past three to four weeks across the NCR. Vulnerable groups like the elderly and those with diabetes are at higher risk of complications from the swine flu. General precautions include masking, frequent handwashing, and isolating for two or three days if diagnosed. Anyone with pneumonia-like symptoms or difficulty breathing must seek prompt medical attention.

🗣️ BSP targets BJP, Rahul Gandhi ahead of UP polls

BSP leader Akash Anand attacked the BJP government over jobs, education, and crime at a Hathras conference. The remarks were made while BSP ramps up preparations for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections next year. Anand alleged the BJP spent over Rs 7,000 crore on ads while over four lakh posts remained vacant. He also criticized the Yogi Adityanath government's development projects and law and order record. Moving forward, Anand stressed that systemic change requires changing the government, not just holding protests. 🗳️