⛽ Petrol sales slowing down in car market

Petrol cars are losing market share across major Indian cities as buyers explore other options. This trend is happening in states like Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. In July, CNG, hybrid, and electric vehicles together held 40.59% share, close to petrol's 41.68%. Consumers are choosing alternatives due to better economics and varied powertrain availability, not just E20 anxiety. Automakers are now offering diverse fuel choices as the market fundamentally shifts towards alternate-fuel vehicles. ⛽

🧠 Brain memory center shrinks in people with depression

Scientists found that people with depression showed reduced volume in the hippocampus, a brain part crucial for memory. This discovery was made by researchers using MRI and PET scans on over 2,000 adults aged 50 to 90. Specifically, the CA23DG region was smaller in depressed participants compared to those without depression. The findings suggest a mechanism for memory impact possibly distinct from Alzheimer's risk factors. Further studies are needed to confirm if depression or medication use is driving this structural change. 🧠

📈 Brokers bullish on 8 stocks with high upside

Top brokerages are showing strong bullish sentiment towards eight specific stocks in the market. SBI Life and HAL MCX are among the entities analyzing these picks, with VA Tech Wabag also being mentioned. These stocks are projected to have potential upside ranging from 11% up to 42%. This positive outlook comes from comprehensive research and market analysis conducted by the top financial institutions. Investors are now watching these eight stocks closely for potential growth opportunities. 📈

📱 iPhone 17 available for ₹71,250 on Flipkart

The iPhone 17 256GB is currently listed for ₹77,000 on Flipkart. Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card users can avail an extra ₹5,750 discount on this device. This brings the effective selling price down to ₹71,250. The offer is specifically available for the Black colour variant of the iPhone 17. This pricing is a good deal compared to its previous price of ₹78,000. 📱

🚨 Bus panic buttons are useless without a response center

A parliamentary panel observed that emergency alert buttons on buses are largely unused due to a lack of dedicated response centers. Bus operators must still pay Rs 2,500 to Rs 25,000 per vehicle for mandatory testing of these switches. These buttons were made mandatory after the 2012 Nirbhaya case as a safety measure for women passengers. Some states have connected the system to 112, but false alarms have caused some to 'disengage' the feature. The committee recommended expanding the installation of these features to states that haven't yet made progress.

🔬 New research questions Earth's space weather defense

Researchers have challenged a long-standing theory regarding how our planet survives intense space weather events. The study was conducted by a team of scientists at a specific research institute, though the location isn't detailed here. The research focuses on the magnetic field's role, presenting new data points for consideration. This theory had long been accepted as the primary mechanism for planetary protection. Future work will involve modeling these new findings to refine our understanding. 🔬

👨 Dak Prescott's daughters changed his life view

Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott shared a profound realization about his life after becoming a father. His daughters shifted his focus from career achievements to family experiences. He stated, "I didn't want to live forever until I had children. I want to see their kids." This perspective was shaped partly by his mother's passing in 2013. Now, he values being present for his loved ones across generations.

✨ Horoscope check for all sun signs on Aug 16, 2026

Horoscopes for all sun signs are out for August 16, 2026, released on August 15, 2026. Aries should focus on innovative ideas while Taurus is encouraged to look into investments. Gemini can leverage their words for discussions, while Cancer should be ready to sign contracts. Leo's intellectual energy is high, but Virgo needs to manage stress from new responsibilities. 💫

🪐 Enceladus has all the ingredients for life

Saturn's icy moon Enceladus possesses liquid water, rock contact, chemical energy, and organic compounds. This system was observed by Cassini, which found jets near the south pole indicating a global subsurface ocean. Data from 2015 and 2017 confirmed hydrothermal chemistry and the presence of phosphorus. Models suggest the ocean could last for tens of millions to billions of years. Future missions will need better measurements to determine if life actually exists there. 🧐

💣 Houthi strikes hit Marib residential areas

Yemen's government condemned Houthi strikes on Marib as a dangerous escalation threatening lives and increasing suffering. Local authorities confirmed the group launched four ballistic missiles and four drones on Saturday against the government-held city. Further attacks included a fifth missile injuring one person and a sixth missile launched overnight on Sunday. Marib hosts over two million internally displaced people, making the targeting particularly severe. These strikes are part of a rapid escalation gripping Yemen since early August.

🫐 Red & Blue Foods Boost Heart Health, New Study Says

Higher intake of anthocyanins, found in red, blue, and purple foods, was linked to cardiometabolic benefits in healthy adults. Researchers analyzed data from 18 prospective cohort studies and 65 randomized controlled trials. The studies noted that 50 mg/day of anthocyanins, achievable through diet, improved vascular function in healthy adults. These findings are important for India given the rising rates of lifestyle diseases like diabetes. Adopting a heart-healthy diet rich in these colorful foods can reduce the risk of chronic conditions. 🍎