🔬 GLP-1 drugs might fight infections, not just sugar

Recent research indicates that GLP-1 receptor agonists could offer benefits beyond metabolic health by lowering infection risks. An international study involving over 7 million people found these drugs reduced tuberculosis risk in type 2 diabetes patients. These findings suggest GLP-1 agonists might provide extra advantages in infection prevention. A separate US study of 50,000+ adults also linked tirzepatide to lower infection-related mortality. More research is needed to confirm if these medications directly reduce infection susceptibility. 🔬

📡 Bourns integrates LTCC bandpass filters for 5G

Bourns has integrated LTCC bandpass filters into their RF front ends designed for 5G applications. This integration is happening within the broader semiconductor and RF component industry. The components support operations in the C-Band spectrum crucial for 5G networks. These filters are key to ensuring signal purity and performance in advanced wireless systems. This move helps facilitate the deployment and optimization of next-gen 5G infrastructure. 📡

🌋 Robots find massive lava fields under Pacific volcano

Scientists discovered three huge lava flow fields around an active underwater volcano off Oregon's coast. Using robotic vehicles, researchers from Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute surveyed Axial Seamount along the Juan de Fuca Ridge. These flows, dating back up to 25,000 years, are up to 130 meters thick and much larger than past eruptions. This massive lava outpouring likely destabilized the volcano's summit caldera around 1,200 years ago. Continued monitoring is key to understanding the volcano's future activity. 🌋

📺 Ajay Devgn's ₹90 Cr hosting deal for Crime Patrol

Ajay Devgn has reportedly signed a 15-episode deal to host the latest season of Sony's true-crime show, Crime Patrol. He will be hosting the show on Sony TV and streaming on SonyLIV. His reported fees for the season amount to ₹90 crore across the episodes. While this makes him a top TV host, Salman Khan previously earned a staggering ₹250 crore per season. Ajay's hosting debut was announced in August, with the first episode premiering on August 31. 🧐

🌠 Alpha Aurigids shower: what to know

The Alpha Aurigid meteor shower peaks overnight on Tuesday, September 1, and Wednesday, September 2. This annual shower is active from August 25 through September 5, potentially offering five to 10 meteors per hour under dark skies. The meteors originate from comet C/1911 N1 (Kiess), which orbits every 2,490 years. While historically modest, the shower produced about 200 meteors per hour during a 2007 outburst. Stargazers in the Northern Hemisphere should observe in dark areas using only the naked eye.

🐚 Seashells hold secrets to ocean health

Seashells actually provide crucial indicators regarding the overall health of our oceans. Environmental journalist Cynthia Barnett notes that these shells record history with greater accuracy than human written accounts. The science behind these shells offers deep insights into marine ecosystems and human impact. Barnett's work, detailed in her book The Sound of the Sea, explores this connection. Further ocean stories can be explored by emailing shortwave@npr.org.

🤝 ZEDEDA and VAS team up for Saudi Arabia market

ZEDEDA and VAS Limited have officially signed a distribution agreement. This partnership will bring Edge Intelligence solutions to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The deal was finalized recently, marking a significant step for both companies. This collaboration aims to expand market reach and deploy advanced tech in the region. Both entities are set to begin implementation in the coming months.

🎖️ Army officer retires after serving President Murmu

Major Rishabh Singh Sambyal has taken premature retirement from the Indian Army after approximately 12 years of service. He previously served as the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. His career highlights include leading the Jat Regiment contingent in the 2021 Republic Day parade and serving with 4 Para Special Forces. His high-profile appearances with the President led to him being nicknamed the 'national crush' on social media. Sambyal recently met President Murmu to thank her for her guidance and blessings. 🫡

🤝 No double standards on terrorism, says PM Modi

PM Modi called for dismantling the entire ecosystem that enables terrorism during the 26th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. The event took place in Bishkek, and he spoke alongside leaders including Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif. Modi emphasized that terrorism is a grave challenge to humanity and must not be treated as a strategic asset. He proposed 'Security, Connectivity and Opportunity' as India's three pillars for the SCO vision. The Prime Minister stressed that solutions to global tensions must be found through Dialogue and Diplomacy.

🏏 Australia gears up for ODI World Cup defence

Australian selectors are focusing on building their strongest ODI side since the 2023 World Cup final. This planning is happening while balancing preparations for the upcoming Test series in South Africa. The core group includes Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood, Head, and Marsh, with key additions like Green and Carey. Marnus Labuschagne was dropped from the ODI squad for the tour, bringing in Davies and Peake. This tour is seen as a crucial stepping stone as the World Cup is next year. 🏏

💸 UPI MDR fees causing merchant and user jitters

A recent survey found that nearly 41% of merchants are unwilling to accept proposed Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges on UPI payments. This resistance was noted in a LocalCircles survey, with only 17% willing to bear an MDR of 0.3% or higher above Rs 2,000. Separately, an August survey indicated that 53% of consumers would switch from UPI for high-value transactions if they faced charges. The Finance Ministry is considering an MDR of around 0.3% on UPI transactions of Rs 2,000 and above. This situation creates uncertainty over who ultimately bears the cost in the digital payments ecosystem. 💸