🇸🇾 Syrian President names Kurdish leader as advisor

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi as a presidential adviser on Friday. This appointment came after Abdi announced the dissolution of his Kurdish forces under an integration deal with Damascus. The SDF, a Washington-backed group, dissolved its forces following the January agreement with Sharaa. This deal ended Kurdish hopes for autonomy as new Islamist authorities seek full state control across Syria. Abdi stated that the integration process was complete, aiming to cement his people's rights constitutionally. 🤝

🔬 Platform built to optimize quantum computer resources

Researchers have developed AutoQuREO, an automated framework for full-stack Quantum Resource Estimation and Optimisation. This platform was created by Fujitsu Research of India to act as a 'digital twin' for quantum computing stacks. It achieves a 10x reduction in the computational cost of exploring complex design spaces. This capability allows for the systematic analysis of quantum computing stacks, overcoming previous complexity limits. Further validation across diverse algorithms and hardware is currently ongoing. 🚀

🚀 Galaxy S26 FE lands with all Exynos 2500 chip

Samsung officially revealed the new Galaxy S26 FE, marking a key upgrade over the S25 FE. This new phone exclusively features the Exynos 2500 chipset across all markets. Samsung states the Exynos 2500 boosts big-core CPU performance by 15% and on-device AI by 39% over the Exynos 2400. The device also boasts a faster Xclipse 950 GPU compared to its predecessor. This comprehensive upgrade means the S26 FE is a significant jump from the S25 FE.

🇸🇾 Syria President names ex-SDF commander as advisor

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa appointed Mazloum Abdi, the leader of the now-dissolved Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), as a presidential advisor. This move was made on Thursday, according to the Syrian state news agency Sana. Abdi announced the SDF's dissolution just three days prior to this decree. The appointment follows an earlier proposal to make him deputy defence minister to restore state control over SDF areas. This action supports al-Sharaa’s goal of reunifying the country after Bashar al-Assad's overthrow in December 2024.

🌾 Zinc and Sulfur Boost Soybean Protein Production

Researchers have found that zinc and sulfur are crucial nutrients for enhancing protein content in soybeans. This study was conducted by scientists at a specific agricultural research institution. The research detailed significant protein increases observed during trials conducted in the field. These elements are vital for achieving sustainable and efficient crop yields in modern farming. Future work will focus on integrating these findings into large-scale agricultural practices. 🌾

👶 Kids' accidental drug ingestion rates jump since 2000

A new study reveals a massive increase in unintentional recreational drug ingestions among young children over the last 25 years. Researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Central Ohio Poison Center analyzed calls to US poison centers from 2000 to 2024. The ingestion rate per 100,000 children under 6 jumped 3,307%, with the rise accelerating notably starting in 2013. Cannabinoids caused 85% of these ingestions, largely driven by edible marijuana preparations. Experts stress the need for better parent education and safer storage practices to prevent these incidents. 😥

✨ Sagittarius horoscope: Confidence up, goals flow

Sagittarius natives might start slow on August 28, 2026, with mixed feelings of restlessness and unease. Jupiter supports bigger goals while the Moon causes some rhythmic disruption throughout the day. Students and children are expected to have a strong day with easier goal attainment and maturity. In career, a bold move can trigger a heavy workload, rewarding consistent effort over luck. Finances require grounded effort, advising against impulsive spending or seeking easy gains. 🪐

✈️ Nepal PM's first foreign trip likely to be to India

Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah's initial foreign visit is anticipated to be to India, according to Nepal’s Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle. Wagle stated this confidence while speaking at an NDTV summit in Kathmandu on Thursday. The trip is expected to happen before the end of the year, though exact dates are still being arranged. This discussion follows devastating flash floods in Nepal that killed 389 people. India has already provided significant relief, totaling 47.5 tonnes, to the flood-hit nation. 🤝

🚨 UP on high alert after deadly Nepal floods 🌊

Uttar Pradesh has sounded a high alert in border districts and sent rescue teams to Nepal following deadly flash floods. This action was taken in Maharajganj and Kushinagar districts after the floods killed at least 177 people and left thousands missing. The disaster, which began due to an ice-rock landslide blocking a river, affected several districts in Nepal. The UP government deployed a 32-member SDRF platoon and 22 PAC personnel for relief efforts. Authorities are now monitoring water levels and keeping rescue teams ready near the border areas.

🗣️ TN Speaker targets social media sharing of deleted remarks

Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker J.C.D. Prabhakar promised to prevent expunged remarks from being shared on social media platforms. This assurance was given after DMK member E.V. Velu raised concerns about social media misrepresenting House proceedings. The issue was discussed following Velu's two letters, referencing the practice in the U.S. and U.K. Prabhakar stated they are studying these international practices and might consider the matter directly. He also advised departmental secretaries to attend House sessions when relevant questions arise. 🏛️

🐙 Octopus Army Deployed Against Invasive Blue Crabs 🐙

Scientists have released 130,000 young octopuses into the Adriatic Sea to control invasive blue crabs. This initiative, called Octo-Blu, is led by researchers at the University of Bologna in collaboration with the Emilia-Romagna regional government. The project began in 2024, with releases happening this summer near Cesenatico and Riccione. The strategy uses the native octopus's appetite to manage the crab population, which has cost the shellfish industry tens of millions of euros. Researchers aim to keep the crabs under control, though survival rates for the young octopuses are a major concern.