🏏 ECB keeps Joe Root as Test captain, skips Harry Brook

The ECB decided to bring Joe Root back as the Test captain after Ben Stokes retired from the team. This decision was made despite Harry Brook being tipped to take over, as Brook currently captains England's white-ball teams. Marcus North stated that overloading Brook across all three formats is not the board's current priority. Root's extensive experience is seen as a key asset for the Test side at this moment in time. The ECB remains committed to Brook as a future Test captain when the timing is right. 🏏

🔫 Gunpoint robbery attempt in jewellery shop

Two armed men tried to rob a jewellery shop in broad daylight on Thursday, August 6. The incident happened at Premashiva Jewellery Shop within the Dobbspet Police Station limits. The attackers fired four rounds after the owner, Kunnaram, 55, resisted their attempt. He managed to raise an alarm and the accused fled without taking any valuables. Police are analyzing CCTV footage and have formed special teams to track the suspects. 😟

🏆 India U20 boys clinch win vs Singapore

The India U20 men's team secured a 1-0 victory against Singapore in their second closed-door friendly match. This game took place at the Centre for Sports Excellence in Bengaluru on Thursday, August 6, 2026. Sumit Sharma Brahmacharimayum scored the decisive goal in the fifth minute. This win follows an earlier 3-0 victory against Singapore on August 3. The team is now prepping for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers in Uzbekistan from August 31 to September 6. 🏆

🧠 Wearable tech spots stress signals from fingertip

Researchers found that fingertip measurements can detect physical patterns linked to stress, anxiety, and depression. Experts from Aston University conducted this international study involving 132 adults across 19 countries. The study took place in relation to assessments completed on dates not specified. This suggests non-invasive photonic wearable technology could provide extra data for monitoring mental health changes over time. Future work needs larger trials to validate this approach as a supportive tool. 🧠

🏛️ SC to hear plea on Form-7 misuse in UP voters' list

The Supreme Court has agreed to consider a plea by Congress MP Tanuj Punia regarding fraud in the UP SIR process. This case involves allegations of widespread misuse of Form 7 during the claims-and-objections phase in Uttar Pradesh. The final voter list, after the SIR process ended in April, showed an increase of 84 lakh to 13.39 crore electors. Punia claims targeted deletions, especially against minority groups, using fake or bulk Form 7 submissions. The court has tentatively scheduled the hearing for late August, ahead of potential Assembly elections in 2026/2027.

🤝 Netanyahu and Modi Chat About West Asia Updates

Benjamin Netanyahu recently contacted Prime Minister Modi to discuss current developments in the West Asia region. The conversation focused on the complex geopolitical situation across the area. Specific details regarding the discussions were not disclosed in the report. This diplomatic outreach reflects the ongoing strategic interest between the two leaders. Further official statements on the outcome of the call are awaited. 🤝

🚢 Strait of Hormuz strategy includes hefty fines

A new strategic plan has been developed for managing the Strait of Hormuz. This plan involves imposing fines of up to 20% of a vessel's cargo value. This measures aims to control maritime activity in the crucial waterway. The details of the implementation timeline have not yet been disclosed. The global shipping sector will be closely watching this development.

📱 Should India Regulate Social Media for Kids?

Experts are pushing for stricter regulations on social media in India due to growing concerns about Big Tech's effects on young people. These concerns include mental health issues, cyberbullying, online exploitation, and addictive algorithms. The calls for stronger safeguards are intensifying across the country right now. This debate follows Mark Zuckerberg's recent apology regarding these issues. The government is now under pressure to act on these safety concerns. 📱

🔭 Argonne powers dark energy survey findings

The Dark Energy Survey (DES) has released results from its six-year campaign to study dark energy. The survey, conducted by scientists at Argonne National Laboratory and others, utilized data captured between 2013 and 2019. DES collected nearly 300,000 images, revealing 669 million galaxies across the Chilean Andes. Argonne helped transform this massive imaging data set into scientific insight through advanced computing. This research helps scientists understand how cosmic structures evolve and the nature of dark energy. 🌌

😔 IISc student found deceased in hostel room

A 19-year-old BTech student named Rakshan allegedly ended his life in his hostel room on Thursday morning. The incident occurred at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, India. Police were alerted on Thursday, August 6th, after staff found the unresponsive student, with the suspected event taking place on Wednesday night, August 5th. Authorities are investigating the unnatural death, with reports suggesting academic stress was a factor. IISc is offering mental health support services to the campus community going forward. 😔

🧭 Earth's core is forcing airports to renumber runways

Subsurface movements deep within the Earth are causing global airports to update runway markings. This is happening because the magnetic north pole, generated by molten iron in the core, is constantly shifting its position. The runway numbers, which represent compass bearings, become inaccurate when the pole moves more than three or four degrees. For example, Tampa International Airport had to renumber its primary runway in January 2011. Navigational models require updates, leading to these maintenance tasks at various international locations. ✈️