🛰️ NASA's big guide for STEM career jumps 🚀

NASA has put together a back-to-school guide detailing its internships and career programs for students and educators. This resource connects learners with NASA's missions, technical staff, and scientific data across the globe. Opportunities include mentored agency projects and citizen science, with details found on separate websites. The agency is building a pipeline of skilled technical workers through these diverse activities. Upcoming missions like Nancy Grace Roman Telescope launch and Artemis III are also tied to educational outreach.

🔥 US-Iran tensions rise; new economic moves coming

The US is planning unprecedented economic isolation measures against Iran, which Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Thursday. These actions will be combined with the ongoing blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Vice President JD Vance stated that keeping oil and gas prices low for Americans is the top priority, followed by stopping Iran's nuclear program. Furthermore, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested the naval blockade on Iranian ports can continue indefinitely. Despite these pressures, peace talks remain stalled amidst regional instability. 💣

🚢 US warns Iran over never-before-seen sanctions

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that Washington will impose unprecedented measures on Iran. This statement was made during an interview with Newsmax on Thursday. The plans include severe economic isolation and a continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. These actions follow past intelligence warnings regarding alleged assassination plots against President Trump. Washington plans to maintain the naval blockade indefinitely as negotiations stall. 🚢

🚨 Omar Abdullah slaps attack on SAD leader

J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack on Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal as heinous and unacceptable. The incident occurred in Amritsar, where Badal was targeted by an assassination attempt. This condemnation was made on Thursday, August 13, 2026. Abdullah expressed deep concern regarding the security lapse following the earlier attempt. He questioned why better protection hasn't been provided for Mr. Badal since the previous incident.

🧑‍⚖️ BCI retracts barring Nalsar students over CJI protest

The Bar Council of India (BCI) dramatically withdrew its directive barring Nalsar students from being enrolled as advocates. This action followed student campaigns against CJI Surya Kant's participation in the convocation ceremony at Nalsar University of Law in Hyderabad. The initial order, issued earlier, targeted those who organized opposition to the CJI's invitation for the 2026 graduating class. BCI Chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra stated that the vast majority of students were innocent, while some teachers were allegedly instigating the move. The BCI will now await an inquiry report from Nalsar to finalize its decision. 🧑‍⚖️

🎤 Gunil addresses Xdinary Heroes exit controversy

Former Xdinary Heroes leader Gunil addressed his departure from the group and JYP Entertainment. He admitted the leaked recording of him badmouthing fans was real, originating from a person he knew for two weeks. This came amid severe privacy invasions, including GPS trackers placed on his vehicle. Gunil claimed his harsh remarks targeted sasaengs, not all Villains, while still loving his five members. The letter sparked mixed reactions, with some international fans showing sympathy and others questioning his actions. 😥

📉 Human Smuggling Money Drops Amid Trump's Crackdown

Reports of money transfers linked to human smuggling decreased by over 60% in 2025, according to a US Treasury report. This drop was observed in US-flagged suspicious transfers across the US and Latin America during Trump’s second administration. Specifically, suspicious transfers fell to 11,018 in the first year, while migrant encounters on the southern border dropped by roughly 90%. Despite this, suspected smuggling funds reached over $4.9 billion between 2023 and 2025. Consequently, smugglers are taking bigger risks, as seen by recent migrant deaths near Laredo, Texas.

💹 Japan bracing for more currency moves?

A former top FX diplomat suggests Japan might face increased yen intervention in the near future. This shift is expected to be driven by faster interest rate hikes from the Bank of Japan (BOJ). Specifically, the diplomat anticipates these changes could occur soon. The situation is being watched closely due to global economic uncertainties affecting the Japanese market. Further actions from the BOJ are being awaited by financial analysts. 💹

💰 Tom Holland nearing top box office elite club

Tom Holland is rapidly climbing the global box office rankings thanks to Spider-Man: Brand New Day's strong performance. He is set to join Scarlett Johansson and Zoe Saldana in the top 3 highest-grossing actors worldwide. The movie is expected to cross $2 billion globally this weekend, with the career total already over $13.6 billion. This massive total is largely fueled by his MCU roles, including the Spider-Man and Avengers films. If Brand New Day hits $2 billion, Holland could reach $15 billion, potentially hitting this year. 🚀

🎬 Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan finishes three weeks

Thalapathy Vijay's film Jana Nayagan has completed three weeks in theaters, facing a losing verdict in India. The movie, directed by H Vinoth, had a massive budget of 350 crore and earned 67 lakh on day 22. After three weeks, the total net collection in India reached 195.02 crore. Despite the deficit, it might become the highest-grossing Tamil film of 2026 by the Independence Day weekend. The film currently has a budget recovery of only 55.72%.

🎗️ 1 in 8 Indian Women Diagnosed With Late-Stage Breast Cancer

A new study reveals that nearly 13% of women in India are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. This finding is based on data from over 76,000 women across India's National Cancer Registry Programme. This rate is roughly double that observed in many high-income countries. Experts suggest low awareness and stigma are major contributors to these delayed diagnoses. Early detection through self-checks and screenings is highlighted as crucial for better outcomes.