Key Points Researchers have discovered a variant of the rustrela virus (RusV) in a wild mountain lion in Colorado. This is the first documented case of the rustrela virus linked to "staggering disease" in North America. Staggering disease, a severe neurologic condition, has primarily affected domestic cats in Europe, particularly in Sweden and Austria. The affected mountain…
In Short: A troubling series of accidents at the same spot on the Udaipur-Kurabad Bambora road near Bhutiya village, Rajasthan, has alarmed both locals and travelers. Recent viral CCTV footage, spanning from October 2022 to August 2024, captures numerous accidents involving stray animals and poor road conditions. The unsettling video has sparked widespread speculation online, with some…
In Short Paranormal investigator Lee Steer claims that a doll he purchased from eBay, which he believes is the most haunted in the UK, has attacked 17 men. This doll is purportedly possessed by the spirit of a spurned bride, and exhibits aggressive behavior towards men, particularly those who are married. Steer, who spent over $1,000 on…
In Short Electric buses in India face significant hurdles, particularly in the private sector, where adoption remains minimal despite the country's ambitious climate goals. India aims to cut carbon emissions and achieve net-zero by 2070, with road transport being a key focus due to its substantial contribution to emissions. The government has incentivized the electrification of various…
In Short Hyderabad and nearby districts are preparing for a week of heavy rainfall as predicted by the IMD. The city is under the influence of a cyclonic circulation over Rayalaseema and a trough stretching from the Arabian Sea to the Comorin area, which are causing ongoing showers. Authorities expect the heaviest rainfall to occur on August…
In Short: A massive cyberattack has resulted in the theft of over $230 million from the Indian cryptocurrency exchange WazirX, with forensic analysis by Mandiant Solutions providing some clarity on the incident. Mandiant's report, which focused on three key laptops used by WazirX, found no evidence of compromise in these devices, implying that the attack did not…
Summary The Noor-ul-Ain, a remarkable pink diamond from India's Golconda Mines, is one of the largest and most renowned colored diamonds in the world. Originating from the historic Kollur Mine, it is part of the Noor-ul-Ain Tiara, which was commissioned by the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in 1958 for his wife, Farah Diba. Crafted…
Summary Maharaja Umaid Singh of Jodhpur, who reigned from 1918 to 1947, is renowned for his pioneering role in aviation in India. As the first Indian prince to earn a Level ‘A’ Flying Licence, Singh's achievements marked a significant development in the aviation sector of his princely state. Rising to prominence at the age of fifteen, he…
Summary Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman increased the customs duty on laboratory chemicals from 10% to 150% in the Union Budget 2024. This significant rise is causing disruption in research activities at university labs across India, with many cancelling work orders due to the prohibitive costs. The new duty impacts chemicals essential for basic experiments, and funding agencies…