🔬 New DNA tech shows promise for DMD treatment

A supercharged oligonucleotide therapeutic has shown potential for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in preclinical studies. Researchers from Nanjing Antisense Biopharm used bifunctional antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) in mouse models of the disease. The 5D-ASO technique, featuring an 8-nt tail, robustly enhanced exon skipping in skeletal and cardiac muscles. This approach restored dystrophin expression and showed a favorable safety profile in cynomolgus monkeys. These results position bipartite-ASO technology as a powerful platform for exon-skipping therapeutics.

😠 MP moves motion over 'lungiwala' slur

CPI(M) MP John Brittas has filed a privilege motion against BJP MP Sushmita Dev. The incident occurred in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, August 10, during a discussion on The Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Mr. Brittas alleged that Ms. Dev repeatedly heckled him and used the term 'lungiwala.' He claimed this was a deliberate personal attack invoking a derogatory stereotype against South Indians. The motion highlights historical instances of anti-South Indian targeting.

🤖 OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap is stepping down

Brad Lightcap, a long-serving executive at OpenAI, announced he is leaving the company to start a new venture. He joined in 2018, serving as CFO for four years before becoming COO in 2022. Amidst executive shakeups, he transitioned to leading special projects earlier this year. Lightcap helped build many core operations, from Finance to Legal, at the powerful AI lab. He hinted at future projects while OpenAI prepares for a major IPO. 🚀

⛽ 8 arrested for crude oil pipeline heist in Gujarat

The Gujarat ATS has arrested eight individuals for allegedly stealing crude oil from an HPCL pipeline. The operation took place in Rajasthan's Balotra district after intelligence pointed to crude oil sales on the Ahmedabad-Rajkot highway. The arrests, which started with one man near Sokhda village, included seven others from Tapra village in Balotra district. Investigators are currently probing whether a larger network was involved in this illegal theft. A case was registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the accused. ⛽

✈️ Delhi to Vijayawada flight lands safe after snag

A flight destined for Vijayawada experienced a technical issue while airborne on Tuesday. Air India flight AI 2903, traveling from Delhi, landed safely at Gannavaram airport around 8 p.m. The pilot initially considered landing in Hyderabad but successfully brought all 154 passengers to Vijayawada. The return flight to Delhi scheduled for 8:45 p.m. was cancelled, and refunds are currently being processed. Authorities are still investigating the exact cause of the problem and the time needed for repairs.

🏛️ Monsoon Session stuck on FCRA bill and Shah statement

The Monsoon Session is nearing its end with two working days left, dominated by the FCRA Bill deadlock. The standoff involves the Opposition's demand for a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding Jantar Mantar protests. While the Centre is considering a Joint Parliamentary Committee for the bill, the Opposition remains unconvinced. Delimitation discussions are also stalled, despite talks between Kiren Rijiju and Rahul Gandhi. Efforts will focus on comprehensive debate on the student issue in the final stretch.

👷 Construction site deaths spark safety debate in Bangalore

Two laborers tragically died at a BDA construction site on Tuesday, reigniting calls for stricter safety guidelines across the industry. Girish Tumakuru highlighted that contractors exploit labor instead of using available advanced technologies in sensitive work areas. These incidents are part of a trend, as nine laborers have died in two such mishaps across the city within two months. Bengaluru has been ranked first for the highest civic negligence deaths for the last six years. The BDA confirmed providing ₹8 lakh compensation to each family and is managing medical care for injured workers. 👷

🤖 AI tools making tech jobs harder, not easier

Workers at OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta are reporting that AI development is increasing workload, not reducing it. Employees at these companies face long hours, sometimes exceeding 90 hours weekly during development pushes. This pressure stems from the intense pace of the AI race across various projects. While leaders talk about efficiency, workers feel they are simply being asked to produce more output. Research also suggests AI can boost pace while increasing total tasks handled. 😟

📉 Nifty support slips amid Hormuz uncertainty

The NSE Nifty 50 closed down 0.46% to 24,471.70 on Tuesday, while the Sensex fell 0.49% to 78,154.25. Derivatives analyst Dhupesh Dhameja identified 24,385–24,350 as the critical support zone for August 12. A break below the 200-DEMA could push selling towards 24,250–24,200. Conversely, the 24,600-24,630 zone is noted as the immediate resistance hurdle for upward momentum. Traders are advised to closely monitor these key technical levels for potential market shifts. 📉

⚕️ Meghalaya fighting HIV with new campaign

Over 10,000 individuals, including nearly 500 children, have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Meghalaya. The government plans to intensify an IEC campaign starting on International Youth Day in 2026. This effort will be launched by Minister Wailadmiki Shylla at Lady Keane College, Shillong. The campaign targets youth, pregnant women, and vulnerable groups to combat myths and promote testing. East Jaintia Hills remains a critical focus district for these enhanced prevention measures.

🏥 23k+ posts vacant in 28 central health spots

Over 23,000 sanctioned posts are currently vacant across 28 central health institutions, according to Minister Anupriya Patel. This data was shared in the Rajya Sabha following a question raised by V. Sivadasan from CPI(M). The vacancies include 2,921 at AIIMS New Delhi alone, and 1,645 at 18 PMSSY institutions for 2026-27. This shortage severely impacts healthcare availability, prompting a call from MP Sivadasan for timely filling of these positions. The government is urged to create posts based on patient load and bed strength moving forward. 🏥