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The World Health Organization has just declared a global health emergency due to a rare Bundibugyo Ebola strain outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. This strain is concerning as it lacks existing vaccines and therapeutics, and infections have occurred in healthcare settings, raising fears of wider spread.

Sidney Crosby was a major talking point after cameras captured him questioning officiating decisions during Team Canada’s International Ice Hockey Federation World Championship victory over Italy. Canada controlled play, but Pittsburgh Penguins captain calmly spoke with an on-ice official about the penalty disparity. The highlight was Crosby’s leadership role alongside young captain Macklin Celebrini in another dominant Team Canada showing at the tournament.

Elon Musk's xAI reportedly promised employees $420 for submitting personal US tax returns to train its AI, Grok. However, payments are delayed by two months, raising concerns about data handling and compensation commitments. This initiative aimed to enhance Grok's financial capabilities, but internal disruptions may be the cause of the hold-up.

Iran has introduced 'Hormuz Safe', a digital insurance platform. Commercial ships can now use this system to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Payments are accepted in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin. This initiative aims to manage the waterway commercially. It is expected to generate significant revenue for Iran. The platform ensures secure cargo transits through cryptographic verification.

Eight-year-old Om N. from Karnataka has achieved a world record by reciting the Shiv Tandav Stotram while performing a wall-supported hands-free Shirshasana. He completed the challenging feat, requiring immense concentration, balance, and discipline, in 3 minutes and 47 seconds. This remarkable accomplishment highlights the enduring appeal of Sanskrit chanting and yoga among younger generations.

The Central Information Commission ruled the BCCI is not under the RTI Act, dismissing an appeal seeking information on its national representation and player selection. The CIC noted that increased government oversight could disrupt BCCI's finely balanced economic structure, citing its financial independence and market-driven operations, particularly the IPL's success.

Actor Ravi Mohan announced a hiatus from acting until his divorce from Aarti Ravi is finalized, citing emotional distress and online trolling. Aarti responded fiercely on social media, warning against mistaking her silence for weakness. She previously denied being a "controlled wife," attributing their marital issues to an external influence and her protective love.

Indian health experts assure no need for panic as WHO declares Ebola a global health emergency. Unlike COVID-19, Ebola requires close contact for transmission. India's vigilance, robust lab capacity, and lessons from past outbreaks, including a 2014 case, ensure preparedness. Early detection and screening remain vital.

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has explained the company's decision not to expand its work-from-home policy, emphasizing the critical role of in-person collaboration for R&D productivity. Instead of WFH, Zoho is investing in electric bus fleets, electric cooking, and solar energy to reduce fuel consumption.

Bokaro Steel Plant has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining Lloyd's Register certification for its indigenous shipbuilding steel grades. This crucial approval bolsters India's self-reliance in strategic steel production, marking a breakthrough for the nation's maritime and shipbuilding sectors. The plant successfully navigated stringent international welding norms and quality standards.

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has busted a pharmaceutical unit in Uttarakhand used by an international cartel to manufacture captagon, a potent psychotropic drug. In a separate operation, a Myanmar-based drug kingpin, wanted for running a large narcotics trafficking network along the India-Myanmar border, was arrested in Delhi.

Fuel prices in India have surged by approximately ₹3 per litre, impacting travellers with rising costs for road trips and daily commutes. This hike is attributed to global crude oil price increases driven by West Asian geopolitical tensions. Travellers are advised to plan smarter by opting for trains, metros, EVs, carpooling, and shorter trips to mitigate increased fuel expenses.

After a long hiatus, Mammootty and Mohanlal's reunion in 'Patriot' generated significant buzz. While the film's domestic run has seen a decline, its international performance has been exceptional, pushing the worldwide gross towards an impressive Rs 80 crore. The action thriller, directed by Mahesh Narayanan, explores a conspiracy involving a powerful spyware system.

The NCB’s Rs 182 crore Captagon bust has exposed India’s first known link to a narcotics trade tied to Syria, Gulf smuggling routes and organised crime networks. But what exactly is Captagon, and why is it called the “jihadi drug”?

A Brazilian influencer, Rosa Iberê Tavares Dantas, has become a fugitive after fleeing the country before beginning a three-year prison sentence for negligent homicide. She was convicted in a fatal road accident that killed a 31-year-old personal trainer. Authorities have placed her on Brazil's arrest warrant system and notified international agencies.

Congo's alarming Ebola fatalities ignite fears of a potential spillover into Uganda and South Sudan. The elusive Bundibugyo strain, devoid of a viable vaccine, complicates the task of controlling the situation. While asymptomatic spread is rare, the illness presents flu-like symptoms in its early stages, which can postpone diagnosis and facilitate the spread through bodily fluids.

The US has imposed visa restrictions on 13 individuals, including the owner of an Indian online pharmacy, KS International Traders, accused of selling illicit fentanyl-laced drugs to Americans. This action follows previous sanctions against Indian nationals and firms involved in trafficking fentanyl and its precursor chemicals, highlighting a joint effort between the US and India to combat drug networks.