🔬 Zinc helps cut infections in kids with anemia

A randomized clinical trial in Uganda found that daily zinc supplementation at 20 mg reduced all-cause infections in 100 children under five with sickle cell anemia. The study participants were treated for six months, and no adverse events requiring study discontinuation were noted. Zinc is vital for immune functions, which are often compromised in children with sickle cell anemia. This suggests zinc could be an inexpensive way to lower infections alongside existing treatments. Future multisite trials are needed to fully validate these promising findings. 🔬

🤖 EU tightens screws on ChatGPT and Big Tech

The EU has designated ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox as 'Very Large' under the Digital Services Act. This classification subjects them to stricter regulations regarding user safety and content. Specifically, OpenAI must mitigate risks concerning minors, mental health, and illegal content in the European Union. The DSA prohibits targeted ads to minors or based on sensitive personal data for these platforms. All three companies have until the end of December 2026 to fully comply with these new rules. 🧐

🎬 Mirzapur movie opens with big box office hopes

Advance bookings have started for 'Mirzapur: The Movie,' adapting the popular Amazon Prime series to the big screen. The film, starring Pankaj Tripathi, is expected to open in the Rs 15-20 crore range on day one. Ticket prices are soaring, with some premium screenings reaching Rs 1800 across major cities. Ali Fazal advised fans that watching the first six episodes of Season 1 is sufficient to understand the plot. The movie promises more violence and power struggles with new actors joining the cast. 🎬

🐘 Legal notice over elephant deaths near Walayar rail corridor

ANEC Trust served a legal notice to the State government regarding recurring elephant deaths on the Walayar-Kanjikode railway corridor. The Kochi-based group demanded immediate measures and full AI-based detection system operation on the stretch. Over the past two decades, 35 elephants have died from train hits, with a calf killed on August 12. ANEC also questioned mining projects and habitat loss near forests. The trust warned it would approach the Kerala High Court if action is not taken. 🐘

📈 India's GDP Growth Beats Odds Amid US-Iran Tensions

India managed to achieve a real GDP growth rate of 7.8% despite heightened global instability. This performance was registered in the backdrop of potential US-Iran conflict escalating tensions around the Hormuz Strait. The growth figures pertain to the fiscal year ending March 2023, showing resilience in the economy. Analysts noted that the nation navigated international supply chain disruptions and geopolitical risks effectively. Moving forward, the government aims to sustain this momentum while managing global economic headwinds.

🩺 Rare Cyst Found on Older Man's Upper Arm

A rare case involving a pilar (trichilemmal) cyst of the upper arm was presented to medical professionals. This unusual finding was observed in an elderly male patient. The case details were documented in the journal Cureus. This specific presentation of the cyst is noteworthy for its rarity. Further clinical observation and management strategies will be crucial for this patient's care. 🩺

📉 Zomato lays off 240 Hyderabad staff; here’s the deal

Zomato is laying off around 240 employees from its 'Customer Delight' operations in Hyderabad due to operational reviews. The company is providing these affected workers with their August salary and four months' pay. Eternal, Zomato's parent company, is also offering medical insurance and counselling support until March 31, 2027. This move comes as Zomato is integrating its customer support model closer to its Gurgaon functions. Furthermore, Zomato has introduced a zero-tolerance policy banning analogue dairy dishes on its platform.

😠 Punjab Govt transfers key union leader amidst ongoing strikes

The Punjab Government transferred prominent union leader Sukhchain Singh Khera from the Administration Branch to the Planning Branch. This move comes as protesting Punjab Government employees announced another mass casual leave for September 8. The government is attempting to quell protests by 4 lakh employees and 3.50 lakh pensioners. Previously, the government issued showcause notices after the August 27 mass leave to press for DA installments and Old Pension Scheme reversion. The federation has warned that punitive action could trigger nationwide protests against the AAP Government. 😠

📱 iPhone 17 under 54k on Flipkart for limited time

The iPhone 17 is currently available for under Rs 54,000 on Flipkart with a special offer. This deal is accessible to buyers holding specific credit cards and opting for a phone trade-in. The 256GB model is listed at Rs 80,900, which can drop to Rs 53,817 with a trade-in of an iPhone 13. This powerful phone runs on Apple's A19 chip and features a 6.3-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. Apple also confirms it offers up to 30 hours of video playback and fast charging capability.

🛂 31 Bangladeshi nationals deported from Bengaluru to West Bengal

Thirty-one Bangladeshi nationals were transported from Bengaluru to West Bengal for deportation on Monday, August 31. These individuals were detained across 10 different police stations in Bengaluru City. The transfer took place from Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal to Malda Railway Station. This action is part of 'Operation Muktha,' an ongoing drive by Bengaluru City Police against illegal immigrants. The police team of 20 is expected to reach Malda by Tuesday, September 1, at around 5 p.m.

📚 Sonia Gandhi memoir hold-up: PRHI denies outside pressure

Penguin Random House India stated there was no external pressure regarding Sonia Gandhi's memoir, 'Belonging: A Journey of Love'. The publisher clarified this on Monday, August 31, 2026, citing an impasse over a particular issue during discussions. This comes after Congress leaders alleged governmental pressure over content related to PM Modi and China. PRHI confirmed the manuscript went through its normal editorial process, but an agreement couldn't be reached. The author's team then chose not to proceed, a decision PRHI respected.