🔬 One-dose drug could end malaria infections

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a new oral antimalarial drug that successfully eliminated malaria parasites in animal studies. The drug was tested on mice infected with Plasmodium yoelii, a model for human malaria. It targets dormant parasites and shows no signs of inducing drug resistance in initial tests. Malaria currently affects about 250 million people annually, causing over 600,000 deaths globally. The team is now seeking NIH funding to advance the compound toward human trials. 🔬

🏆 Lock Upp 2 winner crowned with ₹1 crore prize

Shreya Kalra was declared the winner of Lock Upp 2 during the grand finale on August 5, 2026. She secured the victory against Shivangi Joshi in the competition hosted by Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh. The finale saw Shreya Kalra clinch the ₹1 crore cash prize after defeating several contestants. Kalra also promised to cover the therapy bills for other inmates after her intense journey. The season, which began on June 27, concluded after 40 days filled with drama and tasks.

🤖 Gemini Robotics: Walking & Grasping in One Go

The new Gemini Robotics model demonstrates an ability to perform complex tasks like moving a watering can to a specific bin. This capability was shown by Apptronik's Apollo 2 unit during a recent demonstration. Previously, Gemini Robotics models were limited to tabletop work attached to a fixed base. The real breakthrough is integrating locomotion and grasping under a single policy, conditioned by language instructions. This fundamentally changes how movement is treated within the action space.

🏦 Why FDs are still a solid play right now

Experts suggest choosing fixed deposits based on personal goals and cash flow, not by trying to time interest rate changes. The RBI kept the repo rate at 5.25% in its latest monetary policy review, signaling caution on rate hikes. Public sector banks offer 6.6% to 6.8% on 1-3 year FDs, while private banks are at 6.4% to 7.0%. Investors are advised to consider laddering for stability while checking post-tax returns against inflation. FDs are great for capital preservation but should not replace long-term equity investments. 💰

😠 Parliament panel demands apology from Zuckerberg over PM video removal

A parliamentary panel chairperson demanded an apology from Mark Zuckerberg regarding the removal of PM Narendra Modi's video. This incident occurred on July 23 when the video about the NEET paper leak was taken down from Meta's platform. The panel warned Meta they could recommend removing safe harbour protection, which is under Section 79 of the IT Act 2000. Opposition members countered that the government should not regulate democracy, while the BJP questioned content moderation algorithms. Neither Meta nor Zuckerberg has officially responded to the demand for an apology.

🧠 Perimenopause: Why online trends aren't enough

Social media has increased talk about perimenopause, but experts caution against relying on online remedies for management. Radiologist Dr Bimalpreet Mohan stated that symptoms vary widely and are not the same for every woman. She advised that self-diagnosis is risky as other health issues can mimic perimenopause complaints. Doctors use age, history, and evaluations, not just blood tests, for diagnosis. Women should use social media to start conversations, not to end them with assumptions. 🩺

📱 iPhone 20 Pro rumored to get a bigger screen

Rumors are suggesting the iPhone 20 Pro will feature a larger display than its predecessor. Digital Chat Station reported this news regarding the iPhone 20 Pro, which will reportedly have a 6.4-inch panel. The iPhone 20 Pro Max is also expected to get a 7-inch screen, up from the iPhone 17 Pro Max's 6.9 inches. Both models might sport a new quad-curved, bezel-less front design. This leap to the 20th generation is likely to mark Apple's 20th anniversary celebration. 📱

🎬 Why Jean Grey is in Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Producer Amy Pascal explained Jean Grey's inclusion in 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' was driven by director Destin Daniel Cretton. The casting decision was not based on her X-Men affiliation, but on Cretton's vision for the narrative. Pascal noted that Cretton wanted a story about isolation relatable to everyone today. The film achieved over USD 1 billion in its opening week, making it the second fastest to hit that mark. Moving forward, the focus remains on Peter Parker's relatable story.

🎬 Bhumi Pednekar spotted after NEET protest row

Bhumi Pednekar was spotted for the first time following controversy over her comments regarding NEET protests. She shared an Instagram video addressing the language used in circulating youth videos. Bhumi stated that the current language was not reflective of the country's culture or values. She emphasized that collective discussion on problems and achievements is key for national progress. Professionally, she is set to star in 'The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj' directed by Sandeep Singh.

🏛️ Home Secretary Govind Mohan gets one-year extension

The Centre has granted Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan a one-year tenure extension until August 22, 2027. This approval came from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) under relaxed service rules. The order was issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on August 5, 2026. This extension allows the 1989-batch IAS officer of the Sikkim cadre to serve beyond his original retirement date. Mohan, who was appointed in 2024, previously served in various key government roles.

🕷️ Spider-Man: Brand New Day: Pan-India reach, English-led revenue

Spider-Man: Brand New Day grossed Rs. 320.50 crores Nett in its first six days across 1.07 lakh shows. Dubbed versions sold 53.9% of tickets, while the English version sold 46.1% of admissions. Despite this, the English version drove 55.3% of the revenue due to higher ticket pricing. 3D format dominated the business, contributing 76.9% of the total collections. This shows the film is pan-India in audience reach but English-led in monetization. 🎬