⚽ Álvarez tells Simeone he wants to leave for Barça

Julián Álvarez met with Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone on Wednesday to express his strong desire to move to Barcelona this summer. The meeting took place briefly before the morning training session at the club. Simeone confirmed that the club has already decided not to sell him, sticking to his stance from the weekend. Despite earlier frustration, Álvarez maintained a professional demeanor during their face-to-face interaction. He continues to push for his dream move to Catalonia. ⚽

🏛️ High Court tells govt to boost welfare for freedom fighters

The Kerala High Court directed both Union and State governments to look into special welfare measures for living freedom fighters. The Division Bench, led by Chief Justice Soumen Sen, heard a public interest litigation filed by Sabu Stephen in Thiruvananthapuram. Currently, only 60 freedom fighters reside in Kerala, with 27 receiving a central pension and 33 receiving the state pension. The court also mandated the State to build a portal listing eligible freedom fighters for welfare schemes. However, the court dismissed claims regarding national flag hoisting and medical assistance due to lack of evidence.

🏛️ Karnataka Cabinet finally gets its portfolio list

The Congress Government under DK Shivakumar has finally allocated portfolios to its 19 new ministers before the Monsoon session. Senior ministers K.H. Muniyappa and Ramalinga Reddy secured new portfolios after earlier disagreements. The allocation came out on Wednesday evening, August 12, 2026, ahead of the session starting on Thursday, August 13, 2026. The government is facing issues like deficit rainfall while the distribution was finalized after ten days of lobbying. The ministers will have their first full Cabinet meeting on Thursday afternoon. 🏛️

🔬 Immune cell protein might drive brain aging

Immune cells in the brain that become senescent release a protein causing dysfunction in other brain cells, according to Weill Cornell Medicine researchers. This was observed in a mouse model of accelerated aging, where the protein DLK1 is secreted by senescent immune cells. The study noted that DLK1 disrupts neurons and oligodendrocytes, key cells for nerve fiber protection. This finding suggests DLK1-driven dysfunction could be a major mechanism behind reduced brain function with age. The team hopes to test neutralizing this protein to potentially slow down brain aging. 🧠

🏍️ Mumbai biker dies after heavy vehicle hits bike in Chhattisgarh

Mumbai biker Riddhi Thakkar, 24, passed away after her motorcycle was struck by an unidentified heavy vehicle. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning around 6 am at Markatola Ghat, under Purur police station limits in Chhattisgarh's Balod district. She was traveling with a 20-member biking group towards the Bastar region on National Highway 30. Thakkar was critically injured and later succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment. Police are currently trying to trace the vehicle and identify the driver involved in the accident. 💔

🔬 Plant-based drug developed for diabetic ulcers

Scientists at CSIR-IICT have created a phytopharmaceutical from Gymnema sylvestre to treat diabetic foot ulcers. The research team, led by Anthony Addlagatta, was based at CSIR-IICT. This advancement was part of the ‘CSIR Phytopharmaceutical Mission Phase III’ and has secured patents in India and globally. A complete IND-ready data package has been generated after extensive testing and validation. The tech is now being transferred to Viridis Biopharma Pvt. Ltd. for clinical development.

🌌 Three massive black holes found in one galaxy

Scientists have successfully discovered three supermassive black holes residing within a single galaxy for the first time. This groundbreaking finding was achieved by an international team of astronomers studying the galaxy. The observation was recorded on October 26, 2023, revealing an unprecedented cosmic structure. This discovery provides new insights into the formation and evolution of galactic centers. Future research will focus on understanding the dynamics between these multiple black holes. 🌌

🔋 New Recyclable Energy Storage Device Unveiled

Researchers have developed a novel energy storage device specifically designed for easy recycling. This innovation was presented by a team at MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The device boasts a cycle life of 500 cycles and has been tested up to the date of October 15, 2023. This development addresses growing environmental concerns surrounding electronic waste in energy tech. Future plans include scaling up production to make it commercially viable soon. 🔋

📈 Gold hits $4,400 as inflation data surfaces

Gold prices have risen and are currently sitting above the $4,400 mark. Investors are closely analyzing recent U.S. inflation data across global markets. This upward trend reflects market reactions to economic indicators released recently. The surge indicates a shift in investor sentiment regarding potential future inflation risks. Markets will now await further economic reports to gauge the next move for gold.

🕊️ Iran halts progress on US peace talks

Iran has stated that there is no progress being made in reviving the interim peace deal with the United States. This development was announced by Iranian officials regarding ongoing diplomatic discussions. The talks were intended to move forward, but current status remains stalled as of recent reports. The sticking points involve complex geopolitical and regional issues between the two nations. Future steps will depend on both sides finding common ground to resume negotiations. 🕊️

🎭 Vivek Oberoi lived in slum for role audition

Vivek Oberoi had to rent a room in a Mumbai chawl for three weeks to prepare for his debut film, Company. This intense preparation was required because Ram Gopal Varma felt his polished look didn't suit the rugged character, Chandu Nagre. Despite having the option to be launched by his father, he chose to struggle for 18 months to prove himself. He transformed his look completely, becoming almost unrecognizable to the director. This commitment led to his debut in 2002, and he is now also a successful businessman.