🚢 US Navy upgrades 19 subs to guided missile warships

The US Navy is redesignating 19 planned Virginia-class submarines with the Virginia Payload Module as guided missile submarines (SSGNs). This change applies to Virginia Block V and Block VI variants fitted with the 70-foot VPM hull extension. The new SSGNs can carry up to 40 Tomahawk cruise missiles, enhancing long-range precision strike capabilities. The first SSGN 803 is set to enter service in fiscal year 2029, with deliveries running until 2038. This shift happens as the Navy prepares to retire its four Ohio-class guided missile submarines by the end of the decade. 🚢

🔥 Messi drops €80k for Madrid fire relief

Lionel Messi made a generous donation of 80,000 euros to aid reconstruction in Madrid. The legendary footballer gave the funds to support areas damaged by recent wildfires in the Spanish capital. This gesture was announced by Isabel Díaz Ayuso on her official social media accounts. Spanish authorities are still managing the aftermath, as fire control stabilized after almost two weeks. Emergency teams continue monitoring hotspots, while seven residential areas remain inaccessible.

🦠 DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Overwhelms Health System

The World Health Organization warned that the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is exceeding current response capabilities. Dr. Vasee Moorthy stated this is the largest such crisis the nation has ever faced. As of August 1, there were 3,748 confirmed cases and 1,657 deaths across five provinces. The response needs urgent financial and operational support to manage the spreading virus. Efforts must now expand treatment capacity and field investigation teams to control the spread. 🦠

😔 Lashkar e Taiba leader admits militants were killed

The top commander of Lashkar e Taiba, Rizwan Hanif, has publicly acknowledged the elimination of several members of his group. He confirmed that over 30 individuals affiliated with the outfit were taken out by unknown gunmen. This admission relates to recent security operations in the region. The incident adds to the ongoing tension surrounding militant activities in the area. Authorities are now investigating the specifics of these targeted killings. 😔

🧐 TPCC chief backs Congress leaders against Harish Rao

TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud supported Congress leaders Addanki Dayakar and Sama Ram Mohan Reddy regarding their claims against BRS deputy leader T. Harish Rao. This statement was made at Gandhi Bhavan on Tuesday, reiterating previous allegations made by the Congress members. Goud claimed there is evidence that Harish Rao visited Tiruchirappalli on March 2 and Shivamogga on June 1. He insisted that the Congress leaders should not be intimidated by the legal notices and that the party will keep raising the issue. Furthermore, he clarified that the Jan Suraaj Party is not associated with the Congress party. 🧐

🔬 Omega-3s and AF risk: new study says calm down

A meta-analysis of over 114,000 participants found that modest atrial fibrillation risk is linked only to high-dose omega-3 therapies in high-risk patients. The research, from the Fatty Acid Research Institute, reviewed 35 randomized controlled trials and incorporated unpublished data. Importantly, low-dose omega-3 supplementation (under 1,500 mg/day EPA+DHA) showed no increased AF risk, even for those with high CVD risk. This contradicts previous headlines suggesting a general increase in AF risk from these supplements. The findings suggest consumers can feel reassured about consuming omega-3s from food and standard supplements.

⛽ Fuel contamination flagged at pumps; govt boosts checks

Automobile body SIAM raised concerns about fuel contamination at petrol pumps, noting damage to engine parts. This issue was highlighted by SIAM to the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas across India. Reports cited chloride levels up to 350 mg/kg and moisture exceeding 10,000 mg/kg in E20 petrol. The Ministry stated OMCs monitor fuel quality and increased testing, detecting only two chloride contamination cases nationwide. Strict action will be taken if any contamination is found in retail outlets. ⛽

🔬 518-million-year-old fossil hints at spider fang origins

Scientists discovered the earliest known evidence of structures that would evolve into spider fangs in a fossil. This finding was made by researchers from Yunnan University and the University of Leicester. The fossil, Urokodia, dates back 518 million years and was found at the Chengjiang fossil site in Yunnan Province. This creature shows an early form of chelicerae, suggesting the evolutionary beginnings of these hunting tools. The research provides a major window into the dawn of complex animal life. 🕷️

🔬 CO2 turns into graphite using molten salt tech

Scientists discovered a way to convert waste carbon dioxide into solid graphite using molten-salt electrolysis. This research was conducted by teams from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, UC Berkeley, and the National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics. The study, published on August 4, 2026, detailed a real-time, two-step molecular process happening inside 500°C salts. This finding suggests a sustainable alternative to traditional mining for critical battery materials. Next, the team will optimize salts and materials for industrial-scale production.

✈️ Sai Sudharsan misses Sri Lanka trip

Team India landed in Colombo on Tuesday for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Captain Shubman Gill led the squad, but batter Sai Sudharsan was reportedly absent from the flight. He is currently managing a minor niggle after a foot injury from the India A series. This absence casts doubt on his participation in the practice match starting August 7. His spot could potentially be filled by Devdutt Padikkal.

📈 Madhuri Dixit bags big profit on Mumbai office sale

Madhuri Dixit sold a commercial office space in Andheri for Rs 4.85 crore, marking a huge real estate gain. The actor sold the property in Andheri to Frames Production Company Private Limited. This sale deed was registered on June 23, 2026, after she bought it on May 14, 2008. The transaction shows an appreciation of roughly 824% due to rising commercial real estate values. The sale reflects her and her husband's recent activity in Mumbai's property market. 💰