🔊 Kanto Audio drops Hi-Fi upgrade for its turntable

Kanto Audio has launched the second-generation version of its popular turntable, the Obi3 (Gen 2). This Canadian brand, known for speakers, released this upgraded model less than a year after the original Obi3 in October 2025. The new version weighs 12.1 pounds and features a speed sensor-controlled motor for more accurate playback. It includes an auto-stop feature and a heavier build, aiming for a high-end feel at an entry-level price. The Obi3 (Gen 2) is now available for $250. 🎧

🦠 Ebola tracing improves, but virus still dominates DRC

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are tracking more Ebola exposures, yet the epidemic in the east is outpacing their ability to isolate the sick. As of Tuesday, Congolese authorities reported 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths across five provinces. The outbreak is concentrated in Ituri province, with the contact-tracing rate hitting 85 per cent nationally. However, treatment centres are overwhelmed, and security issues are hindering the response efforts. Urgent capacity expansion is needed until case detection surpasses transmission. 😟

🔬 OpenAI backs Hepatitis C cure with $100M

OpenAI Foundation has committed a massive $100 million towards improving hepatitis C cure rates globally. This significant investment will be directed towards various initiatives focused on research and patient access. The funding commitment was announced today, marking a major push in global health tech. This move highlights the increasing intersection of AI and public health challenges. Future efforts will concentrate on scaling up successful treatment models across diverse populations. 🔬

🦟 Mosquito bites could become malaria boosters

Researchers at WEHI in Melbourne, Australia, found a new vaccination approach against malaria. This method uses an antimalarial drug candidate combined with mosquito-delivered parasites to boost immunity. The preclinical study showed protection in mice for up to two years, covering two malaria seasons. This innovation targets parasites at the late liver stage, preventing disease before it starts. The goal is a 'vaccinate and boost naturally' system through routine mosquito bites. 🦟

😔 Health Minister apologizes over disability term

Disability rights activists protested the Tamil expression used by Health Minister K.G. Arunraj to describe people with disabilities. The incident occurred while he was speaking at the Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super-Speciality Hospital on August 14, 2026. The Minister used a term that activists claimed was outdated and inappropriate for the context. Following the statement going viral on social media, Dr. Arunraj issued a public apology on his X account. He expressed deep regret for inadvertently using an expression that should be avoided as per convention.

😟 US colleges face student drop due to new visa rules

US colleges are predicted to see a drop of up to 1.1 lakh international students in Fall 2026. This trend affects Indian students significantly, as India is the largest source of international students in the US. The enrolment is estimated to drop from 11.69 lakh in 2025-26 to 10.57 lakh in 2026-27. Stricter visa rules and prioritizing FIFA World Cup ticket holders add to the uncertainty for Indian applicants. Further changes include a new rule limiting international student stays to four years without an extension.

🧑‍🎓 UP teacher aspirants plan massive social media push

Teaching job aspirants in Uttar Pradesh are launching a social media campaign on August 16 to push for primary school teacher recruitment. The action is being taken by candidates across the state who feel neglected by the government. Specifically, they point out that no major recruitment drive has happened at the primary level for over five years. Organizers are aiming for 10 million posts on X to demand a notification and a timeline for appointments. The Congress has also supported the aspirants' efforts to secure employment. 🧑‍🎓

🚀 Space nuclear power faces cost and production hurdles

Panelists highlighted cost and production as major challenges for upcoming space nuclear power and propulsion missions. Vince Bilardo, of Intuitive Machines, discussed the need for radioisotope power systems for challenging lunar environments. The company received a $15 million NASA award in 2023 to use americium-241 instead of scarce plutonium-238. NASA aims to establish a lunar base by 2030, requiring significant material and regulatory breakthroughs. Officials stressed the need to address production gaps and launch indemnification swiftly. 🚀

🛑 Tribal Body Demands Farmer Rights Before Cement Project

An apex indigenous body in Meghalaya has given the state government 10 days to protect farmers' and landowners' rights. This demand was made by the Jaintia National Council in the East Jaintia Hills district regarding a ₹1,800-crore cement and limestone mining project. The project, proposed by Shree Cement Limited, covers 217.394 hectares in Lum Syrman and has been opposed since May. The JNC insists that customary rights must be addressed, not just environmental clearances, for the project to move forward. They are calling for transparent verification of records and fair compensation before any irreversible steps are taken. 🚜

⛰️ CM says minerals and land belong to Jharkhand

Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren strongly opposed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, which limits state tax power on mineral rights. The Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and cleared by the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Soren called it a "black Bill," warning of major agitation against the Centre's move. Jharkhand holds about 40% of the country's total minerals, which he claims this bill severely impacts. The CM stated that Jharkhand will take decisive action if their rights are not restored. ✊

🚨 Protest clash in Ambala leads to injuries

The Haryana Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee president and others were injured when police used cane charges and tear gas on protesters in Ambala Cantonment. These members blocked traffic on the Amritsar-Delhi National Highway on Thursday. The incident occurred after over six hours of blockade, with traffic restored around 9 pm on that date. Protesters demanded action against Gursimran Singh Mand and the release of two arrested youths. Despite an FIR being registered against Mand and his son, the community refused to lift the blockade. 😥