🔬 Why sex matters: Harvard yeast study reveals advantage

A Harvard experiment tracked yeast reproduction over 960 generations to understand the role of sexual reproduction. Researchers monitored yeast in the lab, where sexual reproduction showed a measurable fitness advantage compared to asexual reproduction. Specifically, sexually reproducing populations increased fitness by 8%, versus 5.7% for asexual ones initially. When environments changed to be saltier or hotter, sexual reproduction maintained its edge by 2% to 5.6%. This suggests genetic reshuffling helps organisms adapt when conditions shift, making sex worth the initial cost. 🧬

💊 Supplements: Need or just marketing hype?

Many people are currently using supplements based on social media trends, raising questions about actual necessity. Two experts, Dr Sreedhara V and Prachi Chandra, from Bengaluru, shared insights on proper supplementation. Supplements are needed when diet alone fails due to illness, pregnancy, or restrictive diets. Food should always be the base, with supplements correcting severe gaps, not replacing meals. Consumers must check nutrient content and manufacturer quality before buying any product.

🌧️ Gurugram's Badshapur Drain Causes Major Waterlogging

Severe waterlogging and traffic chaos hit Gurugram during the monsoon rains due to the Badshapur drain clogging. This 28-kilometre primary drainage system has nearly 18 kilometres impacted by illegal construction and garbage. Incessant rains over two days caused the drain to overflow onto the city roads at places like Tulip Chowk. The report highlights the apathy of the Gurugram Metropolitan Development Authority regarding cleanup efforts. Authorities are being questioned about the failure to clear encroachments along the drain sections. 🌧️

🤒 Weather change making kids sick? Pediatrician weighs in

Children often get sick during seasonal changes due to temperature fluctuations and humidity. Dr Ankur Chawla of Kailash Hospital, Noida, explains that immune systems are still developing and vulnerable to environmental shifts. While staying indoors can increase virus spread, symptoms like sneezing might just be allergies, not infections. Parents should maintain good hygiene, regular sleep, and keep vaccinations updated to reduce risks. Immediate medical attention is needed for difficulty breathing or persistent vomiting. 🤒

🧐 Kangana defends Rakhi ad critique, calls thinking 'foolish'

MP and actor Kangana Ranaut clarified her previous comments on Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan ad were about culture, not the actor personally. She criticized the GIVA campaign's bralette styling and portrayal of the festival. The ad was withdrawn following social media backlash regarding its depiction of traditions. Kangana argued that festivals reflect a civilization's expression and should honor cultural customs. She stated the bigger issue was the lack of traditional elements like parents and sweets in the ad. 🧐

💰 TCS Hooks Employees with Big Pay Hikes in Q1

TCS is offering a substantial variable pay package to its mid and senior level employees this quarter. This significant incentive is being provided by the tech giant across its operations. Specifically, employees are eligible for 60-70% variable pay in the first quarter. This move comes amidst ongoing margin pressure faced by the company in the current market cycle. The company will continue to monitor market conditions for future compensation strategies.

🧐 US panel asks for sanctions on RSS over Bhagwat's visit

A US panel on religious freedom called for targeted sanctions against RSS members and officials complicit in religious freedom violations. This demand came during Mohan Bhagwat's visit to the US, where he is set to speak in New York City this Saturday. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom urged the US government to revoke Mohan Bhagwat's visa. Rights groups argue the RSS promotes majoritarian ideology, citing rising hate speech and anti-conversion laws in India. India's foreign ministry, however, has rejected these assertions, labeling the panel as biased against the nation. 🧐

🚀 India's space economy set to boom to $45B by 2030

India's private space industry is set to grow fivefold, potentially reaching $45 billion by 2030. This boom is centered around startups in rockets, satellites, and surveillance, with 400+ companies by 2026. Key players like Skyroot Aerospace raised $160 million and launched Vikram-1 in July 2026. Policy reforms and government support have driven this private capital influx. The sector is now moving beyond basic innovation into commercial operations across the value chain.

⚽ Madrid crushes Sociedad with Mbappe hat-trick

Real Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 4-1 in their opening match at the Bernabeu. The victory featured a hat-trick from Kylian Mbappe and a goal from Vinicius Junior. This match took place on an unspecified date at the Bernabeu stadium. The performance highlighted improved tactical discipline and solid defensive play from key players. Moving forward, these performances suggest a more balanced and effective team approach for Madrid. ⚽

🐋 Orca mother carries dead calf for 17 days

In 2018, a female orca named Tahlequah gave birth to a calf off Washington's coast that died shortly after birth. She then carried this dead calf for 17 days and over 1,000 miles while traveling the Salish Sea. This heartbreaking display occurred when the Southern Resident killer whales were already struggling with dwindling numbers. Scientists observed this unusual behavior amid concerns over salmon depletion and noise pollution impacting the pod. Eventually, Tahlequah released the calf, showing a profound maternal bond.

📈 Jewellery stocks swing wildly amid gold price hike

Jewellery stocks showed mixed trading action on Thursday, with Kalyan Jewellers seeing a gain while PC Jeweller, Sky Gold, and Senco Gold experienced drops. Kalyan Jewellers shares climbed up to 2.01% to hit an intraday high of Rs 622.60 per share. This movement is happening as 24K gold prices in India rose by Rs 600, reaching Rs 1,60,000 per 10 grams. Analysts note the sector's growth is supported by gold price surges despite challenges like duty hikes. Future demand is expected to remain strong, especially during the festive season.