⚕️ West Africa boosts health response to epidemics

Two hundred eighty-two experts gathered in Abidjan to reaffirm commitment to stronger epidemic responses across West Africa. Representatives and partners attended a four-day workshop focused on validating the third Regional Strategic Plan for Epidemic Preparedness. The new framework aims to bolster sub-region health security for the years 2027-2031. Health threats like yellow fever and cholera persist, complicated by climate change risks. ECOWAS members are also increasing surveillance due to the Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda.

🧠 10yo inventor wins big with AI 'electronic nose'

Ten-year-old Hsu Ting-wei won the top prize at the Silicon Valley International Festival in California for his invention. He represents Kang Chiao International School and developed an AI-powered 'Novel Artificial Electronic Nose.' The invention combines air sampling, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and AI odor recognition technology. Hsu hopes his device can stop diseases like African swine fever and intercept drugs like fentanyl. This win contributes to Taiwan's record 24 gold medals at the festival. 🏆

💰 Barça sets strict price tag for Fort's exit

Barcelona's plan to offload defender Hector Fort has become complicated after initial talks with Borussia Dortmund. The Catalan giants have now set clear financial conditions for the player's departure. They are demanding €20 million for 100% of his rights, or €8-€10 million for 50% of the rights. Real Sociedad's late interest has added another serious contender to the transfer race. Any interested club meeting these demands can move forward with the transfer process.

😟 UAE cuts economic ties with Iran amid missile claims

The UAE has indefinitely suspended all economic ties with Iran following allegations that Tehran fired ballistic missiles toward its territory. The UAE, a major commercial partner, announced the halt in trade and financial transactions due to escalating regional tensions. These measures will remain in place until further notice, as stated by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Despite the cut-offs, the UAE reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and regional stability. Iran has officially denied any targeting of the UAE using its missile capabilities. 😟

🤖 Claude can now reply to your Gmail messages 🤖

Anthropic has upgraded Claude to actively manage Gmail messages on behalf of users. This new feature integrates with Google Workspace, allowing Claude to draft and send replies after user approval. Users can now ask Claude to search, summarize long threads, and pull info from multiple emails. This moves AI assistants from just answering questions to completing actual tasks. Availability is rolling out to Claude users who connect their Gmail account to the service.

🚨 I&B Officer Caught Taking 10 Lakh Bribe

An Indian Bureau (I&B) officer was caught red-handed while demanding a bribe of Rs 10 lakh to process a file. The CBI successfully apprehended the officer at the scene of the alleged corruption. This incident was reported in the context of ongoing anti-corruption drives across the region. The officer's actions highlight systemic issues within certain bureaucratic processes. Authorities are currently investigating the matter to take further legal action against him.

⛽ Govt pushes PNG to cut LPG worries

Due to Middle East tensions impacting LPG supplies and raising import costs, the government is offering incentives to gas companies. This initiative is aimed at reducing India's reliance on LPG by encouraging a shift to Piped Natural Gas (PNG). Reuters reports that the Centre plans these special incentives for city gas distributors. The broader strategy seeks to utilize existing gas infrastructure better and minimize dependence on imported fuel. This push aims to transition households to PNG gradually across urban areas.

🧠 Reels might lower brain focus areas, study finds

A new study discovered that brain regions for attention and self-control become less active when young adults watch enjoyable short videos. This research was conducted on 56 young adults using functional MRI scans in a published study. The findings point to deactivation in the dACC and dlPFC when participants watched preferred content. This reduced activity could explain why people find it hard to stop scrolling through engaging clips. Researchers caution that this does not mean short videos cause permanent brain damage. 🧐

🐐 Messi hints at career end, football era nears close 🐐

Lionel Messi recently shared cryptic words hinting that he might not continue playing for much longer. The Argentine posted a tribute to his late father on Instagram, sparking worldwide discussions about his illustrious career. He scored eight goals in eight games during the 2026 tournament, cementing his legend status. His style has adapted to his age, and he plays for Inter Miami until December 2028. Messi stated he will retire when he no longer enjoys or can help his teammates.

😔 Sunita Ahuja drops divorce case against Govinda

Sunita Ahuja has officially withdrawn her divorce case against Govinda, according to his manager Shashi Sinha. The confirmation came after she was seen at the Bandra, Mumbai court. This follows years of media buzz surrounding their marital issues and controversial statements. Shashi Sinha expressed his disappointment that the family matter became a public spectacle. The couple, married in March 1987, has navigated public scrutiny over the past few years. 💔

🚢 Chinese tankers reroute amid Hormuz tensions 🚢

Two Chinese very large crude carriers have made U-turns in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Bloomberg reports. The vessels, Sea V and Hestia, are currently idling in the area, with one turning back from Iraq. Earlier this week, Chinese shipping majors diverted vessels due to high drone and missile strike risks in the waterways. These giants, like COSCO and China Merchants Energy Shipping, operate over 100 VLCCs. Tanker operators are now using ship-to-ship transfers outside the straits to avoid risk.