🔬 New Ebola Vaccine Candidate in Congo Race

A fifth experimental Ebola vaccine candidate is advancing toward human trials for the Congo outbreak. Minapharm Group, based in Egypt, is set to receive up to $16.5 million from CEPI. This vaccine targets Bundibugyo Ebola, which has seen 5,713 confirmed cases and 2,744 deaths since May. CEPI aims to get at least two candidates authorized for the current and future epidemics. Initial Phase 1 trials will assess safety and immune response before moving to efficacy studies. 🔬

🛡️ Taiwan Parliament Blocks Drone Plan, Passes Own

The Taiwan parliament has rejected the government's proposed military drone plan. The legislative body, consisting of elected representatives, made this decision in Taiwan. This rejection occurred after extensive debate during the parliamentary session. The parliament instead passed its own alternative version of the drone strategy. This new version will guide future military procurement decisions. 🛡️

🎮 7 Gamescom Opening Night Live surprises you missed

Seven unexpected reveals from Gamescom Opening Night Live have surfaced, catching many attendees off guard. These announcements were showcased by various developers across the convention grounds. Key reveals included game titles and dates for upcoming releases, with some slated for late 2024. The event showcased a mix of AAA titles and indie gems, keeping the gaming community engaged. Fans will be eagerly waiting for more official details on these surprising game drops soon.

🧠 Brain skill that gets better with age

A new study found that language skills do not decline with age, unlike other brain functions. Researchers observed this in 64 older adults aged 41 to 80 and 483 younger adults aged 17 to 39. Brain scans showed nearly identical activity in the language processing network across both age groups. This suggests language functions are less prone to age-related decline compared to executive systems. Vocabulary growth and increased reading can also contribute to improving language skills over time. 🧠

🌊 Nepal floods: survivors detail terrifying ordeal 🌊

Survivors of the Nepal flood disaster recounted harrowing firsthand experiences with the media. In the Nuwakot district, Kalpana Malla watched her family get swept away during the massive event. Authorities have recovered 10-12 bodies downstream as of today, following the disaster on Wednesday. The huge wall of mud and rock collapsed into the Lhende Khola river valley at about 02.55 GMT, causing the catastrophe. This event has claimed at least 270 lives, with over 800 people reported missing.

🏦 SBI Clerk recruitment 2026 opens for 7,680 posts 🏦

The State Bank of India has announced applications for 7,680 regular Junior Associate positions in the clerical cadre. Eligible Indian citizens can apply for these roles across various States and Union Territories. The application window is open from August 11 to August 31, 2026, with exams tentatively set for September and November 2026. Applicants must be between 20 and 28 years old as of April 1, 2026, and hold a graduation degree. Selection will be based on the Main Examination marks, pending local language proficiency tests.

🌍 Iran diplomacy heating up with big official visits

High-level delegations are visiting Tehran as mediation efforts intensify to de-escalate tensions between Iran and the United States. Qatar's PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani is visiting, alongside Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir and Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi. These visits are happening amid continued hardline stances from both sides regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar acts as a key negotiator, aiming to revive talks and restore the strait to its pre-February 28 status. The US is cautiously resuming diplomatic staff returns, despite Trump saying he is in 'no hurry' for peace talks. 🤝

😟 China warns of action over US tariff threat

China has issued a warning that it might take countermeasures if the US imposes new tariffs based on an overcapacity investigation. This warning came from Beijing after a report indicated Washington was considering a 7.5% tariff on Chinese goods. The Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson reiterated opposition to the US probe on Thursday. This action follows broader trade tensions despite recent truce efforts between the two nations. China is urging the US to reset bilateral relations to a more positive path. 😟

🌟 Barcelona promotes teen star Xavi Espart to senior squad

FC Barcelona has officially registered teenage prodigy Xavi Espart as a first-team player for the club. The versatile La Masia talent is expected to debut tonight against Athletic Club in La Liga. Espart impressed in pre-season with his flexibility, playing midfield and right-back roles. This follows his standout performance in Spain's U19 Euro triumph over the summer. Barcelona also plans to improve his contract given his elevated status in the squad. 🌟

🛰️ Space traffic chaos: How to save our satellites

Space traffic is becoming extremely crowded due to debris and satellite constellations in Low Earth Orbit. Effective management requires tougher rules, debris removal, and stronger satellite design to keep space accessible. Currently, there are over 54,000 debris objects larger than 10cm, and Starlink performed over 355,000 collision avoidance maneuvers annually. Regulations like the FCC's mandate for five-year re-entry are being implemented globally. A unified, civil-led space traffic management system is needed to bridge engineering and governance gaps. 🛰️

🎣 Kerala fishers face crisis amid low catches and bans

The Kerala fisheries sector is struggling with empty nets and economic distress following the post-trawl ban season. Fishermen and boat operators in Kollam are facing unemployment due to barren waters and weather restrictions. Over the past two months, nearly 30 days of fishing bans have been enforced, causing drastic drops in production. Unlisted workers are excluded from relief, and high-value catches like squid and cuttlefish are critically scarce. The government needs to establish a structured compensation policy to prevent the coastal economy from collapsing. 🎣