🛰️ Swift observatory rescue mission gets a second chance

NASA announced an update on saving the Swift space observatory from atmospheric descent. Katalyst Space is running the robotic assistance satellite, LINK, which is meant to boost Swift back up. LINK faced attitude control issues because two of its three flywheels malfunctioned before rendezvous. The Katalyst team uploaded new software to manage stability using the remaining actuators. This extension in time keeps Swift above critical altitude into early fall. 🛰️

✨ Street Muse: Kallo's unexpected glow-up

Kallo, who was cast out from her neighborhood, became the muse for a toothpowder seller. This vendor used her striking appearance to promote his product at Friday evenings. She performed various menial jobs like washing and cleaning in exchange for meager meals. Despite her harsh life, she was shown moments of unexpected kindness by a local resident. The narrative contrasts her harsh reality with idealized notions of 'home' and beauty.

🔬 Soil Fungus Helps Citrus Handle Toxic Manganese

Beneficial soil fungi called arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) might let citrus trees handle toxic manganese levels. Researchers conducted this study involving teams from Yangtze University and King Saud University in China and Saudi Arabia. The study involved trifoliate orange seedlings exposed to excessive manganese over a specific period. These trees colonized by the fungus grew better, had healthier roots, and kept higher photosynthesis compared to untreated plants. This suggests these fungi could be part of future strategies to boost citrus health in tough soil conditions. 🌳

🏏 Sri Lanka names KL Rahul as biggest India threat

Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva identified KL Rahul as the biggest threat for their upcoming two-Test series. This naming comes as Team India tours Sri Lanka for the first time in over nine years. Rahul previously played in the second and third Tests of India's 2017 tour, scoring a top score of 85. He is set to open the batting again, alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, in the series. The first Test is scheduled from August 15 to 19 in Galle, with the second in Colombo from August 23 to 27.

🏏 Auqib Nabi's surprise India call-up story

Pacer Auqib Nabi received a surprise call-up to the Indian squad for the Sri Lanka series. He was selected as a replacement for the injured Jasprit Bumrah for the two-Test series starting on Saturday. Nabi had previously been part of Jammu and Kashmir's first Ranji Trophy title win last season. He stressed that a player's mindset should focus on performing, regardless of the call-up. Nabi found out about his selection while he was at the airport. 🏏

🐠 Niagara River fish passage getting a major upgrade 🐠

Four years after a pilot fish ladder was built, crews are now extending steel baffles along another 700 feet of the Buffalo seawall. This expansion builds on the 78-foot section finished in May 2022, aimed at letting emerald shiners reach Lake Erie. The EPA project is set to wrap up in December 2026 as part of a larger restoration effort. This work helps address the Degradation of Fish and Wildlife Populations Beneficial Use Impairment in the area. Successful completion will improve the local food web and repair damage in western New York.

🗳️ BNP picks Fakhrul for Bangladesh presidential race

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party nominated its secretary general, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, for the upcoming presidential poll. This nomination was made on Thursday following a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The election is scheduled to take place on August 20, and Alamgir would become the nation's 23rd president if elected. The election is taking place because former president Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned on July 24 due to health issues. Since the president is elected by Parliament, Alamgir is in a strong position to win. 🗳️

🔭 New model predicts solar storm impacts 🛰️

Scientists have developed a 3D computer simulation model to forecast Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and their effects on Earth. This multi-institutional team, led by researchers from IIA, collaborated with experts from the US, Hungary, and Finland. The model traces magnetic energy build-up in the Sun's atmosphere, simulating eruptions that can disrupt power grids. Findings show magnetic reconnection rates directly relate to CME acceleration. This research helps advance space-weather forecasting systems.

🚨 SC gives Centre two weeks for food warning labels

The Supreme Court sharply criticized the Centre and FSSAI for delaying front-of-pack warning labels on high-sugar and high-salt packaged foods. Justices JB Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran gave the government a final two-week window to make a decision. The court stressed this is a public health issue, especially concerning children's well-being. Arguments about Indian food complications and international standards were dismissed by the bench. The court warned it would dictate the judgment if a final decision was not recorded.

📱 Apple scores cheaper OLED panels for iPhone 18 Pro

Apple reportedly secured a better deal for OLED display panels from LG and Samsung for its upcoming devices. This procurement benefits the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, which are expected to launch soon. The company is reportedly paying around $68 per panel, down from the $110-$120 paid for the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This cost saving is key as Apple plans to increase prices across its lineup next year. Additionally, analysts predict the iPhone 18 might get 12GB RAM and a redesigned Dynamic Island.

⚓ US-Iran Strait talks stuck in deadlock

US President Donald Trump claimed total control of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran angrily denies as of Wednesday. The Iranian Persian Gulf Strait Authority stated the strait remains blocked until US demands on sanctions and aggression are met. This vital waterway sees one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments, and traffic has dropped to a one-week low. Iran is currently holding talks with Oman, while Pakistan also tries to mediate the situation. Future prospects hinge on these Iran-Oman discussions establishing safe shipping lanes.