🗳️ EC cancels Tamil Nadu bypoll over welfare schemes

The Election Commission cancelled a bypoll in the Ranipet Assembly constituency of Tamil Nadu in 1993. This decision was made after the AIADMK, led by Jayalalitha, launched major welfare programmes. The cancellation followed the State Government's announcements of schemes worth ₹503 crores and the bifurcation of South Arcot district. Opposition leaders criticized the move, claiming the Chief Minister solely bore responsibility for the poll's cancellation. Eventually, the bypoll was rescheduled for August 19 and the AIADMK candidate won by 12,661 votes. 🗳️

📱 vivo X500 Pro video specs dropped

vivo has started teasing its upcoming X500 series, revealing key details about the X500 Pro and X500 Pro Max. The phones will support 4K 240fps slow-motion video, thanks to a new Sony and vivo custom Phantom 900 sensor. This new sensor boasts 17EV dynamic range and 3-axis OIS. Furthermore, the models will offer 4K 480fps and 4K 960fps slow-motion recording using interpolation algorithms. The vivo X500 series is scheduled to launch in China later this month. 🚀

📶 Jio's Rs 445 vs Rs 450 plan showdown

Reliance Jio has two close-priced prepaid options, the Rs 445 and Rs 450 plans. The Rs 445 plan offers 2GB daily data and 56GB total, plus many OTT perks. The Rs 450 plan provides 2GB daily data and a higher 72GB total over 36 days. Both plans include unlimited voice calling and 18 months of Google AI Pro subscription. Users must check the specific OTT benefits to decide which one suits their needs best. 📱

🔥 Trump claims US has 'total control' of Hormuz

US President Donald Trump stated that Washington has nearly total control over the Strait of Hormuz and that Iran's economy is completely collapsing. This statement followed a fresh wave of US airstrikes against Iran on Tuesday, which led to Iranian retaliation in Jordan, Bahrain, and Iraq. Since the conflict started in February, Trump has repeatedly asserted US control, despite Tehran denying it. He further challenged the Iranian people, asking when they would rise up against their government. Globally, this escalation caused oil prices to jump over $4 a barrel on Tuesday. ⛽

👴 Kerala launches dedicated senior citizen welfare dept

A new Department of Senior Citizens’ Welfare is taking shape in Kerala, marking a major focus from the UDF government. Key posts are being redeployed, and proposals for new welfare initiatives have been submitted to the government. The state budgeted ₹10 crore for this department's operations and schemes as of the first budget. This move addresses Kerala's aging population by moving beyond mere assistance to comprehensive care. Plans include a state-level directorate, a 24-hour helpline, and a dedicated services portal. 👴

⚠️ Mumbai flyover's smoothness is causing biker crashes

The new Mrinaltai Gore Flyover in Mumbai is causing bikers to skid and fall despite its modern construction. This issue was first noticed after its inauguration on June 6, with reports of skidding especially on wet surfaces. The problem involves the slick mastic asphalt surface and potential bitumen bleeding, as noted by transport planner Vivek Pai. While older roads develop smooth surfaces from traffic wear, this flyover has specific material issues. Further checks are needed to address the grip concerns on this technologically advanced road. 😥

🩺 Fear vs. Love of Surgery in Spine Issues

A prospective study investigated the relationship between surgical fear and preference among patients with spine disorders. The research was conducted to explore the psychological factors affecting surgical decisions in this patient group. Data collected spanned a specific timeframe to analyze patient attitudes towards spine surgery. This study aimed to better understand the spectrum of tomophobia and tomophilia in orthopedic care. Future research will likely build upon these findings to improve patient counseling and treatment planning. 🩺

🏏 Stanlake surprises as potential Test cricketer

Stanlake has emerged as an unexpected contender for the Test squad. He is based in the region of Maharashtra. The selection consideration is happening around this time in the ongoing cricket season. This development sparks discussions about potential lineup changes in the team. Future matches will reveal whether he makes the final cut. 🏏

🛰️ NASA's Swift Telescope Faces Deadline Crisis 🛰️

NASA's Swift telescope is running on borrowed time as its critical operational deadline approaches due to atmospheric drag. Officials attempted a maneuver using the LINK satellite to boost the observatory's altitude above Earth. Currently, low-drag operations have extended the telescope's time above 185 miles until October. Below this threshold, operating the spacecraft becomes difficult, and its descent rate increases rapidly. NASA must recover or adjust the telescope before it falls below this crucial altitude.

🔭 China's FAST telescope cracks star formation mystery

Scientists are using China's FAST telescope along with DESI to study cosmic evolution. Researchers analyzed about 2.5 million galaxies across one-third of the sky over the last 4.5 billion years. The measurements showed star formation was 2.5 times higher 4.5 billion years ago, but neutral hydrogen density was only 1.4 times higher. This suggests that the decline in star formation wasn't solely due to neutral hydrogen running out. Instead, the decrease in overall gas density is reducing the efficiency of forming star-forming molecular clouds.

🚨 Delhi police recover missing 3-year-old from Bihar

A three-year-old boy kidnapped from GGS Hospital in Delhi was safely recovered from Munger, Bihar. The recovery was achieved after a police pursuit spanning over 1,000 km across Delhi and Bihar. The incident began on August 27 when the child went missing while near the hospital. Police used CCTV footage and local intelligence to track the kidnapper to her native village in Bihar. The child was successfully reunited with his family in Delhi.