🔬 HPV vaccine boosts STI knowledge in teens

A new Danish study found that adolescents receiving the HPV vaccine have better knowledge of STIs without riskier sexual behaviour. Researchers examined responses from adolescents on STI knowledge and condom use across different vaccination statuses. The study looked at data from adolescents, with specific findings detailed by the authors. This suggests HPV vaccination programs can effectively deliver broader sexual health education alongside cancer prevention. The authors conclude that combining vaccination with education empowers teens to make informed health decisions.

🛍️ Big discounts drop on tech during Amazon and Flipkart sales

Major consumer tech brands like Dreame, Sennheiser, and Nothing have launched discounts during the Amazon Great Freedom Festival Sale and Flipkart Freedom Sale. Dreame is offering cuts on smart home gear during the Amazon sale running from August 7 to August 13. Sennheiser slashed prices up to 60 percent on audio products through the same Amazon sale period. Nothing is featuring special pricing on its Phone (4a) and Phone (4b) series across the Flipkart sale from August 7 to August 16. Buyers can avail bank discounts and EMI options across these festive deals. 💸

🔭 Rover spots Earth disappearing behind Mars moon

NASA's Perseverance rover captured the first-ever sighting of Earth being occulted by a Martian moon from another planet's surface. This unique event occurred on 2 July 2026 from the rim of Mars' Jezero Crater. Earth, appearing as a tiny light dot, vanished behind the crescent moon Phobos during the early evening. Scientists clarified this was a Phobos occultation, not an Earth eclipse, despite initial speculation. Perseverance continues its mission observing the Martian landscape and sky. 🛰️

🏏 Bethell out; Pope, Carse, Lawrence back for Pakistan tests

Jacob Bethell has been ruled out of the three-Test series against Pakistan due to a knee injury. Ollie Pope, Brydon Carse, and Dan Lawrence have returned to the 16-man squad for the opening two Tests in England. The series starts on August 19th at Headingley, with the first two Tests at Leeds and Lord's. Lawrence rejoins the team after a strong County Championship run, while Jordan Cox takes Bethell's spot at No. 3. England is currently ranked 7th in the World Test Championship standings. 🏏

🚨 Bishnoi Gang Used Canadian Visas for Crime

A classified CBSA report revealed the Lawrence Bishnoi gang utilized Canadian student and work permits to build its criminal network. This threat was documented in December 2025 for border officials to understand the gang's tactics. Between 2019 and 2023, about 4,000 Indian students faced 17,929 criminal charges in Canada. The gang's main activity involves extortion, threatening South Asian businessmen via WhatsApp messages. Goldy Brar, a key aide, is identified as central to expanding this North American operation. 🚨

🎬 Preity Zinta recalls Sunny Deol shouting at her

Preity Zinta is making a comeback in Batwara 1947 after an eight-year break. She shared anecdotes about Sunny Deol while discussing the shoot in Lahore. Zinta recalled an incident where Sunny shouted, "Ye bhi koi time hai call karne ka!" when she called late at night. Despite initial nerves due to the demanding first scene, Sunny was supportive on set. The period drama, directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, is set for release on August 14. 🎬

😠 Punjab Congress factions clash in Ludhiana

A significant clash was narrowly avoided among Punjab Congress supporters during a party meet in Ludhiana. Tensions rose between supporters of Charanjit Singh Channi-Bharat Bhushan Ashu and those backing Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring. This incident occurred on Thursday at Guru Nanak Bhawan. Ashu supporters raised slogans, leading to counter-slogans like "RSS workers bahar jao" from Raja Warring's faction. The event lasted about 40 minutes, and Ashu supporters later voiced their disappointment to Bhupesh Baghel. 😬

⚽ Barcelona takes lead in Rodri transfer race

FC Barcelona has reportedly pulled ahead of Real Madrid in the pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri. The Catalan club initiated direct contact with the player's camp and Man City's executives recently. Real Madrid's talks stalled because they couldn't agree on City's €75 million valuation. Barcelona is now making a major financial offer, forcing Rodri to reconsider his prior verbal agreement with Real Madrid. Ultimately, the decision rests with Rodri, who is weighing both offers.

🔬 Ovarian Reserve Test to Shape Breast Cancer Treatment

Researchers are exploring a new way to personalize breast cancer therapy using ovarian reserve blood tests. This innovative approach was studied by scientists at Technology Networks. The research focused on correlating specific markers with treatment outcomes across various patient groups. This could allow doctors to tailor chemotherapy and hormone therapy more effectively to individual patient needs. Further clinical trials are planned to validate this promising diagnostic tool. 🔬

⚖️ Supreme Court allows Asaram a caretaker, denies interim bail

The Supreme Court denied interim bail to godman Asaram in a 2013 minor rape case on August 6, 2026. The court, hearing his health plea, allowed him to use a trained caretaker for constant assistance. The Rajasthan High Court had upheld his life sentence on May 27, 2026. Experts had previously suggested he needed round-the-clock medical care, not hospitalization. The apex court's decision comes after various hearings regarding his challenging the conviction.

✈️ Air India CEO almost joined Pakistan's PIA

Tewolde Gebremariam was reportedly set to lead Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) before securing the top role at Air India. The former Ethiopian Airlines chief was the preferred candidate for PIA following its privatization. Reports from July suggested he was lined up for PIA's turnaround, but the appointment was never made official. Instead, Air India appointed him after a global search for transformation experience. This move signals Air India's shift towards profitability and global growth under the Tata Group. ✈️