🌒 Eclipses: From ancient myths to modern films

Eclipses have fascinated humanity for ages, appearing in literature, film, and music as omens or metaphors. Ten books, nine films, and eight songs feature this celestial event prominently across various eras. Examples include Homer's 'The Odyssey' and Stephen King's 1992 novels set during the 1963 eclipse. The phenomenon is used in cinema, like 'Apocalypto' (2006), to drive crucial plot points. These artistic depictions show the long-standing cultural impact of solar and lunar events. 🌑

🏙️ NYC Mayor pushes delivery worker protection act

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani is backing the Delivery Protection Act, which demands last-mile facilities directly employ delivery workers and meet safety standards. This push is happening in New York City, where Amazon and business groups are strongly opposing the proposed law. The act, proposed by the Teamsters, requires licensing from DCWP and mandates accountability for quotas and schedules. Supporters argue it protects workers from exploitative subcontracting, while opponents warn of increased costs and job losses. The legislation aims to shift corporate responsibility onto the companies benefiting from the labor. 🚚

🧠 Hydrocephalus linked to higher epilepsy risk

This study investigated the link between adult-onset hydrocephalus and epilepsy using data from the UK Biobank. The research included 483,790 controls, 5,028 epilepsy cases, and 320 individuals with hydrocephalus. Logistic regression showed a significant association (OR: 9.6) between hydrocephalus and epilepsy across the cohort. The findings suggest an increased risk of epilepsy in these patients, independent of other factors. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm these results and understand the biological connection. 🧠

⛽ Drone Attacks Threaten Libyan Oil Exports

Libya's National Oil Corporation might declare force majeure on Zawya oil terminal exports following recent drone attacks. The attacks targeted the terminal in Zawiya, destroying a storage tank with 4.5 million liters of gasoline. These incidents mark the third drone strike on the facility over the past few days. The attacks happen amid ongoing political pressure on Libya’s oil infrastructure. Despite this, NOC aims to boost production to 2 million barrels daily by the early 2030s.

🏡 UP approves 73k new homes under PMAY-U 2.0

The Uttar Pradesh government approved 73,184 new homes across 137 urban local bodies under PMAY-U 2.0's BLC component. This approval happened during a meeting of the State Level Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee, chaired by chief secretary S P Goyal. With this latest batch, the total sanctioned houses in UP under BLC now reach 4,88,526. The scheme aims to support one crore urban households with affordable housing. Officials were directed to ensure timely completion and adherence to quality standards for these new houses. 🏡

🤝 Araujo joins Liverpool on season-long loan

Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo has joined Liverpool on a season-long loan deal, calling the move an ideal career step. The 27-year-old Uruguayan defender moves to Liverpool for the 2026-27 season, agreeing to a pay cut. The deal includes a potential £47 million permanent transfer option. Araujo, who has made 213 appearances for Barcelona, is set to wear the No. 33 shirt at Anfield. He is expected to start training with the squad this week. 🤝

🌑 Solar Eclipse 2026: India Missing Out?

A solar eclipse is scheduled to happen on August 12, 2026, when the Moon aligns between the Sun and Earth. This celestial event will begin at 15:34 GMT, with the shadow covering the Sun for 2 minutes and 18 seconds. However, Indians will not see it because the event will take place at night in India. Mainland Europe will experience a total solar eclipse for the first time since 1999, while parts of the US will see a partial one. 🌑

🏛️ Tamil Nadu Assembly to push back on NEET

The Tamil Nadu assembly is preparing to pass separate resolutions opposing the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). This move involves representatives from Tamil Nadu regarding the NEET examination system. The proposed resolutions aim to address concerns raised over the exam's structure and implementation. This action reflects growing student and academic dissent against the current testing regime. Further steps from the assembly on this matter are anticipated soon.

🧠 Migraine with Aura vs. Without Aura: Treatment Check

Migraine has two main forms: migraine with aura (MwA) and migraine without aura (MwoA). This difference affects about 30% of all migraine patients globally. International guidelines currently suggest a unified treatment approach for both conditions. Biologically, aura might stem from cortical spreading depression, but the headache phase is often linked to trigeminovascular activation. While most treatments are similar, MwA has some unique considerations like slightly increased stroke risk.

🧠 AI is leveling up stroke care decisions

A presentation at the EAN Congress 2026 showed how AI is evolving from just image analysis to a clinical decision-support tool. Susanna Wegener presented this research from University Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, covering prognostic prediction and treatment choices. In trials, CNN models outperformed expert neurologists when using MRI or CT angiography data to predict mRS scores. Clinicians often overestimated positive outcomes, showing AI can help reduce cognitive biases in assessments. Moving forward, better data and objective endpoints are needed to truly optimize AI for stroke prevention.

🎬 Karan Johar recalls intense hate for KANK

Karan Johar shared stories from the paid previews of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna on its 20th anniversary. He recounted incidents of angry audience reactions, including a couple's outburst and a woman's distress. The film faced hugely polarising reviews, ranging from praise to intense hate. Johar clarified that the film did not endorse infidelity but showed its destructive consequences. The movie, released in August 2006, starred Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji. 😥