🔬 Laser signals beat air turbulence in open air

Scientists found a way to send laser data over 270 meters in open air without complex correction systems. A joint team from Wits University and the University of Bordeaux tested this in a Johannesburg university campus. They achieved this by encoding data using skyrmions, which are resilient to atmospheric turbulence. This method allows for high-fidelity information transfer, often above 98%. This breakthrough suggests faster, simpler open-air laser communication is possible soon.

🙏 80 pilgrims lost in Nepal floods; Sadhguru distraught

Sadhguru revealed that 80 Isha Foundation members were lost in the devastating flash floods near the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday. The incident occurred while the team was returning from the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage near Tibet's Saga. Official reports state around 170 people have died and 1,500 are missing in the region. This tragedy, possibly triggered by an ice avalanche, has severely impacted the area. Efforts are now underway to secure travel permission for Sadhguru to the affected Gyirong area. 😥

🏏 Dinusha's century saves India from loss in Colombo Test

Sri Lanka snatched a draw in the second Test against India at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Thursday. Sonal Dinusha scored a magnificent 133 not out, preventing a potential Indian victory. The hosts reached 429 for nine in their second innings after a strong comeback. This batting performance kept the hopes of the visitors alive throughout the final day. The match ended in a draw, concluding the series at 1-0 for India. 🏏

🤖 AI boom brings junior consultants back to the office

Junior consultants are being called back to physical offices as the integration of Artificial Intelligence changes workplace dynamics. This shift is happening across various firms globally as businesses reassess their operational needs. Reports indicate a noticeable increase in demand for uniquely human skills within professional services. The move suggests that while AI automates tasks, human oversight remains critical for complex problem-solving. Companies are now focusing on upskilling their workforce to manage AI-augmented workflows going forward. 💼

⚠️ Moody's warns US sleepwalking into economic crisis 😟

Moody's chief economist Mark Zandi cautioned that the US might be sleepwalking into an economic crisis, noting alarming economic signals. He pointed to the US debt-to-GDP ratio crossing 100% in April, a level unseen since post-WWII times. The government maintains a $2 trillion annual budget deficit, and cumulative national debt has now passed $40 trillion. Zandi believes an external shock is likely needed to force necessary fiscal changes in the US. The Treasury Department plans to buy back bonds in early September to manage rising interest rates.

🌡️ Drought exposure linked to higher risk of preterm birth

New research indicates that exposure to drought during pregnancy can increase the likelihood of preterm birth. This nationwide Brazilian cohort study analyzed data from almost 30 million live births between 2001 and 2020. Researchers found that drought was linked to about 2% higher odds of preterm birth across various exposure periods. The risk was much higher in municipalities with low Human Development Index scores and in biomes like the Amazon. These findings stress the need to consider maternal health in climate adaptation plans. 🌡️

🤖 16-year-old AI genius pays dad a salary

Sixteen-year-old Raul John Aju, still in Class 12 in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, is a massive AI prodigy. He runs a startup with 15 employees and has trained nearly five lakh students globally. Raul recently met UN Secretary-General António Guterres after building 15 impactful AI tools. He pays his father Rs 2 lakh monthly to gain practical industry experience. His journey proves innovation knows no age limit, setting up big things for India. 🚀

📖 New book explores Indian takes on Jane Austen's work

A new book features essays examining Indian responses to Jane Austen's fictional universe. This collection was released in November 2023, showcasing global engagement with the author's timeless stories. Austen, who turns 250 in 2025, continues to captivate readers across different times and places. Her mastery of language and sharp insights into human nature are what maintain her enduring appeal. The book highlights how her work resonates even with readers who might initially find the Regency era stiff. 📚

🌕 Deep lunar eclipse visible across the US tonight

A deep partial lunar eclipse is happening this evening, with the majority of the Moon passing through Earth’s darkest shadow. This celestial event is visible across North and South America, Africa, and western Europe on August 27, 2026. Maximum eclipse will occur at 12:13 A.M. EDT on the 28th, covering 96% of the Moon’s area. The August Full Moon, also known as the Sturgeon Moon, officially happens just minutes after the maximum eclipse. The partial eclipse will completely end just before 3:02 AM EDT on August 28.

😠 Punjab employees protest over DA and pension issues

Angry protests broke out at the Punjab Secretariat on Thursday as employees demanded pending Dearness Allowance (DA) and Old Pension Scheme benefits. Over four lakh employees and lakhs of pensioners observed a 'Maha Hartal' in Chandigarh and Amritsar. This action was taken to pressure the AAP government to clear long-pending dues. CM Bhagwant Mann stated that talks would happen only after the employees ended their protest. This large-scale agitation poses a political challenge before the 2027 Assembly elections.

🏏 Ramesh's unfulfilled cricket promise 🏏

Sadagoppan Ramesh showed promise by averaging 53 in his first six Tests while opening, even against Wasim Akram. He featured in the 2001 Test series win against Australia and scored 323 runs across his initial three Tests. Despite his solid performances, he was left out of the 2003-04 Border-Gavaskar Trophy due to Ganguly choosing Yuvraj Singh. His ODI career was very short, lasting only 187 days between March and October 1999. This case highlights many Indian players whose careers hinted at more but didn't materialize.