🌍 Rubio on Modi-Pezeshkian meet: No India-Iran trade deal

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the meeting between PM Narendra Modi and Iran President Massoud Pezeshkian at the SCO Summit in Bishkek. Rubio stated that he does not believe there is any trade deal between India and Iran, noting that many countries interact with Tehran's regime. This meeting was the first since the US-Iran war started, following earlier attacks. Rubio also warned that countries helping Iran evade sanctions will face repercussions. Pezeshkian had appreciated India's support and urged Modi to promote dialogue for peace in the region. 🤝

🍄 Zombie Beetles: Fungus Makes Them Die on Flowers

A fungus is turning goldenrod soldier beetles into mobile corpses that die on flowers. Researchers observed this phenomenon in Arkansas involving the Chauliognathus pensylvanicus beetle. In one 1996 collection of 446 beetles, 90 were found infected, showing a 20.2% prevalence. The beetles grip flowers before dying, which may help fungal spores spread to new hosts. This study offers insights into fungal prevalence and beetle-plant interactions. 🧐

🌊 Nepal hydropower flood: Banks knew the risks

A massive water surge hit Nepal's 216-MW Upper Trishuli-1 hydropower project, trapping workers in the tunnel. Of the 13 Indians initially in the group, only eight have returned home after the incident on August 26th. The project, funded by $150 million from ADB and AIIB, faced known climate risks. Experts noted that banks failed to conduct proper climate resilience assessments despite earlier warnings. Now, over 600 workers remain missing as rescue operations continue. 😟

🌊 Nepal floods pose real risk for India

The death toll from devastating floods in Nepal has surpassed 1,000, highlighting shared Himalayan river risks. Nepal shares over 6,000 rivers with India, with seven to nine major ones flowing south into Indian plains. Bihar is the most exposed state, facing threats from rivers originating in Nepal, while Uttar Pradesh is also vulnerable. The flood severity depends on Nepali rainfall and Indian conditions like embankments. India can get a warning of 12 hours to two days for monsoon floods. 🌊

✈️ Fighter Pilot Abhinandan Quits IAF for Private Airline

Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman has left the Indian Air Force to join a private airline, according to officials. He was the Wing Commander who shot down a Pakistani F-16 over the Line of Control (LoC) on February 27, 2019. At that time, he was 35 years old, and he was later returned to India on March 1, 2019. This event followed the Pulwama attack and earned him the Vir Chakra for his actions. He officially departed the IAF on March 31 and joined Fly91. ✈️

🏛️ Tata Sons share transfer inquiry finally closed

The Maharashtra Charity Commissioner closed the inquiry regarding the 1989 transfer of 833 Tata Sons shares by NRTT to Naval H Tata. This decision was reached in Maharashtra, concluding a decades-long dispute among Tata stakeholders. The transaction, dated January 18, 1989, was deemed compliant with the laws in force at that time. The sale was necessitated by tax considerations after the CBDT declined to recognize NRTT as a national trust in November 1988. This outcome provides relief for Noel Tata as he consolidates control over the business empire. 🏛️

🚨 Police arrest 2 over fake AI cop image

Hisar Police have arrested two individuals linked to a fake AI-generated image circulating online. The accused reportedly used an AI chatbot and mobile phone to create a misleading photo showing violence involving a cop and a sanitation worker. This fabricated image was allegedly shared on social media as if it were a real incident. An investigation is ongoing, with digital evidence being examined to track its creation and spread. Police warn that spreading such fake AI content can lead to legal consequences. 👮

🔬 EU moves away from animal testing for chemicals

The European research community is actively working to phase out animal testing in chemical safety assessments. The European Commission published a new roadmap for this gradual transition, with the Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine ITEM driving development. The ASPA workflow, a key tool in Next Generation Risk Assessment, uses in silico and in vitro methods for risk-based evaluation. This system integrates data from various new approach methodologies, covering toxicokinetics, hazard, and exposure. Ultimately, this aims to provide transparent, scientifically sound safety assessments for regulatory authorities. 🧪

🏏 Shiv Sunder Das: Career cut short after slump

Shiv Sunder Das was a promising Indian opener who struggled after a dip in form. He had played 18 Tests, scoring 1,202 runs at an average of 40.06 across Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and South Africa up to early 2002. Despite scoring 250 in England, he was replaced by Virender Sehwag. The decision was tactical, bringing in Sanjay Bangar for bowling utility. His international career ended at just 24 years old. 😥

🎬 'Padmaavat' Jauhar scene defended by writer

Prakash Kapadia defended the Jauhar sequence in 'Padmaavat' following criticism from Swara Bhasker. He stated that the film was based on research and historical sources from that period. The controversial scene reflected the harsh reality of a 'do or die' situation for the characters. Kapadia also mentioned that male warriors wore 'kesariya' before battles where victory was impossible. He concluded that people have the right to interpret the film however they wish. 🎬

🌳 Mangroves in Pichavaram worth ₹2,485.38 crore

A recent study valued the Pichavaram mangrove ecosystem at a Total Economic Value of ₹2,485.38 crore. This assessment was conducted by M. Balasubramanian and his team across five villages in the region. The study covered data up to 2024, detailing various services like coastal protection and carbon sequestration. This highlights the vital role mangroves play in biodiversity, fisheries, and climate regulation for coastal communities. The research recommends integrating these ecosystem values into future coastal development planning. 🌳