🔬 mRNA cancer vaccine beats Keytruda in melanoma trial

Merck and Moderna announced a bespoke mRNA cancer vaccine significantly reduced melanoma recurrence after surgery when combined with Keytruda. This was shown in the Phase 3 INTerpath-001 trial across 1,137 patients with high-risk melanoma. The trial hit its primary endpoint on recurrence-free survival and its secondary milestone on distant metastasis. This marks the first Phase 3 win for individualized neoantigen therapy and improves on Keytruda alone. This success proves the mRNA platform has therapeutic potential beyond infectious diseases. 🔬

⚖️ Supreme Court Reopens Debate on Polygamy

The Supreme Court is once again reviewing the constitutional standing of polygamy practices. This review was prompted by a recent petition challenging the practice's legal status. Last week, the court asked the Centre for its response and suggested legislative action to abolish it for everyone. Five activists filed the petition, aiming to make polygamy a criminal offense under Section 82 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The petitioners also requested the annulment of existing exemptions under Muslim Personal Law. ⚖️

⚖️ High Court overturns acquittal in Tejpal rape case

The Bombay High Court set aside the 2021 acquittal of Tarun Tejpal, sentencing him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a former colleague. This judgment criticized the trial court for adhering to the 'perfect victim' myth, a concept theorized by Nils Christie in 1986. Christie argued that societal views often judge victims based on specific attributes, ignoring the true nature of the crime. Past cases, like Bhanwari Devi's, showed how caste and social status affected victim perception in courts. The Supreme Court recently urged greater gender sensitivity in judicial writing. ⚖️

🏞️ Local name of Bastar clashes with colonial perception

A book suggests the colonial government misunderstood the princely state of Bastar's indigenous region. The Hill Marias locally call the area Metabhum, while outsiders used names like Abujhmad. In 1934, Ramesh Chandra Roy studied the region, noting the locals called the highlands Metabhum. Despite external naming, a schoolteacher confirmed locals still use 'Meta' in village names in 2023. The article argues for adopting the native name Metabhum over the imposed colonial designation. 🗺️

🧐 ED seizes Veena Vijayan's notes in CMRL probe

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) claimed to have seized handwritten notes belonging to Veena Vijayan, detailing alleged transfers to Dubai. The agency stated these notes record transactions involving about Rs 20.05 crore in Indian currency. The seizure happened during searches on May 27 at premises linked to Veena and CMRL promoters. This investigation stems from SFIO findings about fictitious cash expenses by CMRL over 15 years. The ED says its investigation is continuing and further legal action will be taken. 🧐

🚢 Hormuz shipping stays steady despite US-Iran tension

Shipping traffic through the vital Hormuz Strait remains largely unchanged according to recent data analysis. This steady flow is being observed between the US and Iran amidst ongoing geopolitical disagreements. Specifically, the volume data does not show any significant spikes or drops over the tracked period. The continued stability reflects a complex balance despite the persistent tensions between the two major powers. Analysts are closely monitoring this situation for any sudden shifts in the coming weeks. 🚢

💖 New rom-com 'No Crushing Allowed' cast revealed

Netflix has confirmed the production of the youth rom-com "No Crushing Allowed" along with its cast. The series features Moon Sang Min, Shin Sia, Lee Min Jae, and Choi Hee Jin, set between two high schools separated by a wall. It focuses on 19-year-olds experiencing first love despite a strict no-dating rule and urban legends. Director Lee Soo Hyun helms the drama, with the script by Lee Na Eun. The show is set to be released exclusively via Netflix soon.

🔬 Maternal age link to lifespan isn't DNA damage

Research at the Marine Biological Laboratory found that advanced maternal age affects offspring via epigenetic switches, not DNA damage. This was observed using rotifers in a comparative study conducted by a team led by Kristin Gribble on the 19th. The study showed negative effects can fully reverse in just one generation, and some offspring even lived longer. Researchers are now checking if mitochondrial DNA transmits this maternal age info. This provides key data for personalized medicine, though human studies are still needed. 🧬

🏏 Robinson racks up another five-for in Leeds Test

Fast bowler Ollie Robinson achieved a five-for in the Leeds Test against Pakistan on the opening day. He played for England at Headingley, which marks his 22nd Test appearance. This performance came after missing matches due to fitness issues, including at The Oval. Robinson admitted that despite taking wickets, he feels his rhythm needs improvement from not playing red-ball cricket since Lord's. He hopes consistent game time will help him find the ideal rhythm going forward. 🏏

🐾 10 Uttarakhand Schools Close Due to Dog Attacks

Ten schools in Uttarakhand have been shut down starting today due to an increase in dog attacks. The closure affects several institutions across the region, prompting immediate safety concerns. This action follows a noticeable rise in aggressive dog incidents recorded recently. Authorities are taking this precautionary measure to ensure student safety amidst the heightened risk. Officials are monitoring the situation closely to determine when the schools can reopen. 🐾

🏏 KL Rahul praises India's no-ego dressing room culture

India secured a dominant 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test match played at Galle on Wednesday. Spinner Manav Suthar was key, taking 10 wickets to dismiss the hosts for 206. The match saw significant contributions from Devdutt Padikkal, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul. Rahul highlighted the positive culture where all players are encouraged to communicate openly without ego. This open environment allows players across all experience levels to continuously learn from each other. 🤝