🔬 US reviewing childhood vaccine policy

The US administration is currently reviewing its childhood vaccines policy, leaning toward recommending fewer vaccines. Dr Michael Ybarra of PhRMA cautioned against accepting a "lower bar of protection" against serious diseases. The current schedule is based on decades of rigorous US scientific research and public health expertise. Imposing a narrower schedule based on foreign recommendations would mean accepting lower protection standards. This discussion follows President Donald Trump's previous comments on August 24, 2026.

📱 Budget phone challenges big brands' repair prices

A new smartphone priced at $650 is entering the market with a specific goal in mind. This device is targeting the high repair costs associated with Apple and Samsung products. The launch aims to provide an affordable alternative for consumers. This move is set to disrupt the current market dynamics between major players. The industry is watching to see how this new player performs in the coming months.

📉 KPMG Australia cutting almost 400 jobs amid market worries

KPMG Australia is implementing a significant workforce reduction, cutting nearly 400 positions across the firm. This move affects employees working within the Australian operations of KPMG. The layoffs are set to take place starting in the coming weeks, following recent market instability. The firm has publicly warned about the challenging economic climate impacting the business sector. KPMG plans to restructure its operations to better align with current market demands moving forward. 📉

✨ Love vibes change as Mercury shifts signs 🌠

Mercury is spending its final day in Leo on Monday, August 24, 2026. This shift means the focus in love is moving from big gestures to practical, lasting connections. For Aries, Mercury in Virgo helps organize relationship plans, while Taurus needs to communicate feelings openly. Gemini should focus on building a healthier foundation by being honest about needs. Ultimately, the energy encourages authenticity and real-life demonstration of affection.

⚖️ Bangladesh: Political opponents stuck in jail

Human Rights Watch called for an end to indefinite pretrial detention of politicians in Bangladesh. This concerns thousands of officials and activists detained after Sheikh Hasina stepped down in August 2024. As of February 2026, at least 10 Awami League office holders have died in prison without charges. Critics argue the government's new bill could block investigation into arbitrary arrests. Authorities keep cycling cases to prevent bail for those detained without evidence.

🔱 Akshaye Khanna as Asura Guru in Mahakali

Akshaye Khanna's portrayal of Shukracharya, the Asura Guru, was revealed in director Pooja Kolluru’s Mahakali on Wednesday, August 19. He plays this mystical mentor character in the upcoming saga featuring Prasanth Varma. The story traces Shukracharya's journey from a brilliant student to mastering Sanjeevni Vidya. His complex role contrasts with simple good vs. evil narratives, focusing on mortality differences. Ultimately, this character arc sets up intense conflict, culminating in a personal test with Kacha.

🤔 Modi govt possibly sabotaging caste census?

The Modi government is proceeding with caste counting in the next census, despite prior controversies. This decision follows a U-turn from April 2025, initially criticizing the 2011 survey method. Critics now argue the chosen open-ended methodology will render the data useless, similar to the 2011 issues. Sociologists call this a "planned failure" because variations in spelling create massive entry problems. Activists worry this misses the OBC population, which historically was estimated at 52%.

🚀 Mars trip could impact bone density, study warns 🦴

A mathematical model suggests a round-trip Mars mission could last roughly three years and affect bone density. Researchers from NASA Ames and Stanford used bone-density data from 69 astronauts on short flights to build this projection. The model predicts significant bone mineral density loss for conjunction-class missions lasting 1,000 to 1,200 days. This extrapolation doesn't account for countermeasures like exercise, which were absent in the initial 69 astronaut data. Therefore, this should be viewed as a stress test for mission planning, not a final diagnosis.

📉 USD dips, CAD gains strength in forex moves

Net-long exposure to the US dollar is decreasing, though the pace hasn't been as fast as expected in recent reports. Traders are reluctant to drop the dollar despite the US Treasury's buyback plan, according to COT data up to last Tuesday's close. The Japanese yen managed a rare win against the US dollar last week, influenced by Treasury yield movements. Meanwhile, the Australian dollar rallied for its eighth straight week, nearing an 11-week high. Over the past month, the dollar has lost ground against the Pound, Euro, AUD, NZD, and CAD.

📺 Two dramas hit record ratings last night

Both "Spooky in Love" and "Love on the Menu" achieved new all-time high viewership numbers last night. On August 23, tvN's "Spooky in Love" concluded with an average nationwide rating of 7.9 percent according to Nielsen Korea. Meanwhile, KBS 2TV's "Love on the Menu" reached a nationwide average of 16.4 percent in its latest episode. This marked the highest ratings for both shows during their runs. The success celebrated the hard work of the respective casts and crews.

🔥 Iran pushes regional bloc vs US pressure

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticized US economic strategies while sanctions intensified. He mocked Washington officials, specifically Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, on August 24, 2026. Iran claims regional neighbors are supporting a new security order bypassing US influence. Tehran plans to deepen trade ties using national currencies to avoid unjust sanctions. The goal is linking security arrangements with regional economic cooperation, like around the Strait of Hormuz.