🥃 United Spirits drops court case after FSSAI lifts rum ban

United Spirits has withdrawn its challenge against FSSAI restrictions on certain rum variants after the regulator revoked the ban earlier this month. This issue involved the use of added 'rum flavour' in products from United Spirits and others, specifically in McDowell's No. 1 Rum. The ban was lifted following FSSAI's cancellation of its June 29th order, which affected sales from the Baramati plant. Old Monk maker Mohan Rocky is still contesting a similar ban before the Bombay High Court next Monday. This whole saga stemmed from FSSAI finding external artificial flavouring substances in the products. 🥃

🔬 Semen bacteria linked to pregnancy loss risk

A new Lancet study suggests a bacterial imbalance in semen might link to lower live birth rates and higher pregnancy loss risks. This prospective study in Denmark involved 353 women and 191 male partners undergoing fertility evaluations. Researchers found that seminal vaginal-dysbiosis was associated with poorer reproductive outcomes in IVF cohorts. The study noted a correlation, not direct causation, between these bacteria and miscarriage. Doctors emphasize that this adds another factor to complex reproductive health issues. 🔬

🎬 Jio Studios drops out of Brahmastra 2; new partner hunt begins

Jio Studios has officially backed out of the highly anticipated Brahmastra 2 sequel. The project, starring Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, and Alia Bhatt, is being produced by Starlight Pictures Private Limited. Talks between the makers and Jio Studios did not materialize, and Dharma Productions is also not involved in the second installment. Following YRF's withdrawal after War 2's performance, Ayan Mukerji is now actively searching for a suitable studio partner. Industry sources suggest that given the franchise's success, a major partner should be secured soon.

🧐 BJP member demands probe into Kakinada 'love jihad' case

BJP State unit president Somu Veerraju demanded a probe by central agencies into the alleged 'Love Jihad' conspiracy. This followed the case in Kakinada city where Sarpavaram police registered charges on August 17. The incident relates to the suicide pact on August 16 involving Assistant Engineer K. Nooka Raju’s family. Veerraju alleged that the accused, Sk. Sadhik Khan, insisted on religious conversion and involved a gang. He asserted that the police must now expose the conspiracy behind this issue. 🧐

🪐 Pluto: Facts About Our Former 9th Planet

Pluto was officially reclassified as a dwarf planet by the International Astronomical Union on August 24, 2006. The planet was named by 11-year-old Venita Burney of Oxford, England, and is located 3.7 billion miles from the Sun. Pluto boasts five moons, including Charon, which is nearly half its size. Despite comet-like behaviors, its size and shape confirm it is not a comet. One day on Pluto lasts approximately 153 Earthly hours. 🪐

📉 BLS International stock dips after visa fraud reports

BLS International shares dropped by as much as 14% following reports alleging visa fraud within the company. The company issued a statement denying these claims completely. The market reacted negatively to the news surfacing in early 2024. This situation has put pressure on the company's stock performance and investor confidence. The firm is expected to address the allegations further in upcoming regulatory filings. 📉

📉 Dollar dips as trade spats and Iran sanctions loom

The US dollar has been drifting close to its 3-month lows recently. This movement is being driven by escalating trade retaliations and threats of sanctions against Iran. Specifically, market watchers are observing volatility around these geopolitical tensions. The dollar's weakness reflects global investor uncertainty regarding international trade stability. Analysts are watching future policy decisions closely for a potential shift in this trend.

💉 Missed vaccine? No need to restart the whole series.

If a child misses a scheduled vaccine, there is no need to restart the entire vaccination process from scratch. Health professionals create a catch-up schedule based on the individual's age, prior records, and vaccine type. Generally, previous valid doses count even after a gap longer than recommended, though regulations vary. If records are lost, a healthcare professional analyzes available info to suggest the next steps. Catch-up programs minimize vulnerability, so consulting a doctor is key to regaining protection quickly.

🔬 Non-surgical hope for colorectal cancer patients

A new clinical trial suggests that non-surgical chemoradiotherapy can treat early-stage colorectal cancer. This research was conducted in the STAR-TREC trial involving patients. The treatment involved five weeks of chemoradiotherapy, with follow-up planned for three years. This approach avoids the severe side effects and radical surgery typical of current Total Mesorectal Excision. Researchers will monitor participants over three years to check for recurrence and survival rates.

💨 Cleaner cars might hide new pollution risks

Stricter vehicle regulations are reducing total volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaust emissions. Researchers analyzed seven gasoline vehicles, including one non-plug-in hybrid, using a specific framework. Between China IV and China VI standards, total VOC emissions dropped significantly, yet OVOCs increased to 35% of total VOCs. One hybrid released nearly double the OVOCs compared to its conventional counterpart during low-speed hot starts. This suggests total emission numbers can mask changes in hazardous chemical makeup, needing more species-specific rules.

⚛️ Big Bang secrets from tiny nucleus smashes

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen successfully recreated primordial matter by colliding smaller atomic nuclei. This research, conducted at CERN by the ALICE team, utilized Oxygen-16 and Neon-20 nuclei. The study was published in Physical Review Letters and involved collisions at a specific energy level. This technique helps understand the early Universe's conditions and nuclear physics mysteries. Future experiments will explore even lighter nuclei, like helium-4, to learn more. ⚛️