🌍 Zambia votes as China and US eye copper wealth

Zambians are heading to the polls in a general election that will define policy for a major copper producer. President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking re-election in Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer. The election comes after a debt crisis, with 8.8 million voters registered for the contests on the specified date. The outcome will shape mining taxes and power policy, which are key for investors and global powers. China and the US are closely watching to influence supply chains for the global energy transition. 🌍

🚑 10-min ambulance rule on highways now

NHAI has implemented strict new rules mandating ambulances reach crash sites within 10 minutes on national highways. This directive applies to all ambulances operating under NHAI across its network. Specific guidelines were issued on Wednesday, August 13, 2026, aiming to boost road safety response. Failure to meet the 10-minute arrival or one-hour hospital transfer deadline attracts a hefty Rs 10,000 penalty. All units are now fitted with GPS for monitoring to ensure compliance with this critical service level benchmark. 🚑

🦴 Ancient fossil suggests early live birth in mammals

New research provides strong evidence that some cynodonts might have been viviparous, meaning they gave birth to live young. This finding centers on *Chiniquodon theotonicus*, which lived approximately 236 million years ago in northwestern Argentina. Calculations estimate this newborn weighed about 1.7kg, marking a 14% of its adult mass. This pattern closely resembles modern placental mammals, differing greatly from reptiles or birds. The study suggests live birth evolved much earlier in the mammalian lineage than previously thought. 😲

🎬 Actor on uncensored abuse in Dhurandhar 2

Suvinder Vicky discussed his intense role as Arjun Rampal's father in Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge. Vicky shared that he worried his abusive dialogues would be censored during filming with director Aditya Dhar in the movie. Dhar confidently assured him that no profanity would be cut, allowing for improvisation. However, Dhar set boundaries, stating they would not use slurs targeting mothers or sisters. This film follows Ranveer Singh's character in Karachi's criminal underworld. 🎬

🏏 Ayodhya back in Sri Lanka's T20 Asia Cup squad

Mithali Ayodhya has returned to the Sri Lanka Women's T20I squad for the Asia Cup. She is joining alongside Vihanga and Chethana Vimukthi in the lineup. The tournament starts on August 29, with Sri Lanka facing the UAE in Group B. Ayodhya previously picked up four wickets in the June 12-team World Cup in England. Sri Lanka are defending their title after defeating India in the 2024 Dambulla final. 🏏

🤖 China's BioflexBot stretches way beyond human reach

China unveiled BioflexBot, a robotic hand capable of stretching 3.5 times further than human hands. The device was developed by researchers for precise manipulation in tight spaces, unlike traditional complex robotic hands. It demonstrated fine control by operating a pipette and twisting a bottle cap nearly four times farther. This low-cost, simple design can be used in labs, aircraft inspection, and humanoid robots. The team plans to evolve the prototype into a fully automated platform soon. 🤖

😷 Delhi sees huge spike in H1N1 cases this monsoon 😷

Delhi is experiencing a sharp rise in H1N1 influenza infections this monsoon season. This surge was reported across Delhi, with 1,349 cases compared to 229 in 2025. Hospitals have set up dedicated wards to manage the growing number of patients. Experts suggest that temperature changes during the monsoon season contribute to this increase. Further research is needed to pinpoint the exact reason for this year's rise.

🌧️ Delhi-NCR gets rain alerts from IMD 🌧️

The IMD has issued red, yellow, and orange alerts for various parts of Delhi-NCR due to expected rain. Heavy rain with thunderstorms and lightning is anticipated over Central, South, New, South West, and West Delhi. These forecasts were issued by the Regional Meteorological Centre, New Delhi, on Thursday, August 13, valid until 5:55 pm. This rain follows humid days as Delhi deals with an uneven monsoon pattern. Residents should expect localized showers with varying rain intensity throughout the afternoon.

🛣️ Mystery curve on Amaravati's new road explained

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu inaugurated the second phase of the 'Seed Access Road' today, which will be central to Amaravati's transport. CRDA officials also handed over new residences for MLAs and MLCs to the CM. The S-shaped curve on the road sparked a propaganda campaign by YSR Congress regarding land acquisition. The government clarified this design aligns with the future Phase-3 corridor connecting to NH-16 near Manipal Hospital. This road aims to boost connectivity between Amaravati and Mangalagiri/Vijayawada while easing traffic congestion.

🥊 Harbhajan suggests Sreesanth as roommate to clear past

The long-standing rift between Harbhajan Singh and S. Sreesanth is resurfacing nearly 18 years after the 2008 IPL controversy. Sreesanth recently issued a public boxing challenge to Harbhajan to settle their differences. Harbhajan, however, suggested that cohabitation could help clear the air. He stated in an interview that if they are in the same room, many things will get solved. This comes after the infamous 'Slapgate' incident from IPL 2008. 🥊

✈️ Plane crash investigation launched in Essex

A criminal investigation has been started following a fatal plane crash into a field. The incident occurred in High Ongar, Essex, involving Indian student Vamshi Mandala and pilot Dylan Patel. The crash took place on June 30th during a short 30-minute flight trip. This happened while the two young men were celebrating Mandala finishing university. Police are investigating while the Air Accidents Investigation Branch also looks into the accident. ✈️