A roundup of recent global science and technology news covering SpaceX lunar debris, NASA wildfire damage, new quantum computing research, exoplanet discoveries, AI health startups, and European tropical diseases.
Voting is underway in the final phase of Pakistan-administered Kashmir's Legislative Assembly elections, with polls open in only four of 11 scheduled constituencies due to regional unrest and protests.
A British national from Peterborough was killed by a stray bullet in Pakistan-administered Kashmir during protests, while another Briton remains detained.
A series of cloudbursts and flash floods across Jammu and Kashmir killed at least 28 people, destroying homes, infrastructure, and threatening indigenous communities in the Pir Panjal mountains and Gurez Valley.
Pakistan-administered Kashmir is in a severe political crisis following weeks of deadly protests demanding electoral reforms and economic concessions. The unrest, led by the banned JAAC, has caused staggered regional elections, internet blackouts, and over 50 deaths, with voting continuing until August 10.
Black Mambas, the fastest and deadliest snakes in Africa, are highly venomous and aggressive, responsible for countless human deaths. Residing in southern and eastern Africa, these serpents inject potent neuro and cardiotoxins, with untreated bites having a 100% fatality rate, often within hours, due to limited antivenin availability in rural areas.
Protests in Pakistan-administered Kashmir led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) have resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries, with demonstrators demanding affordable flour, electricity, and basic rights. The government accuses JAAC of disrupting elections and being foreign-funded, while protesters fear arrest at hospitals.
Local elections in Pakistan-administered Kashmir are underway, but face a boycott from the recently outlawed Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). The dispute centers on 12 regional assembly seats reserved for refugees from India-administered Kashmir, sparking protests and security concerns that have delayed voting in some areas.
Protests, strikes, and a prolonged internet shutdown in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, particularly Poonch Division, have severely disrupted daily life, impacting healthcare access, education, and businesses. Residents face fuel shortages, expensive transport, and financial difficulties, leading to fading public sympathy for the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in some areas.
UBT leader Vinayak Raut, his son Gitesh Raut, and five others have been booked by Kapurbawdi Police following a complaint by Raut's daughter-in-law, Girija Raut. She alleges physical, mental, and emotional harassment, occult rituals, and administration of unidentified pills since her 2017 marriage.
Nizamabad police arrested three individuals, including a wife, for allegedly murdering her husband by sedating and poisoning him, attempting to pass it off as an accidental fall. The victim's wife allegedly conspired with her associate and his friend to commit the crime.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay participated in and completed a 6km anti-drug awareness marathon in Chennai, showcasing his fitness and inspiring participants. Videos of his active involvement went viral, drawing praise.
An 84-year-old woman was found dead at an aged care home in Sydney's Rooty Hill. Her 53-year-old daughter was arrested at the scene, suspected of administering an unknown substance. Police are investigating the motivation, including potential assisted dying.
A 40-year-old German palliative care doctor confessed to killing 12 patients during his high-profile trial at the Berlin Regional Court. Charged with 15 murders, he admitted administering a "lethal mixture of various drugs" and apologized to victims' relatives.
A comprehensive review of IVF add-ons found most lack reliable evidence of effectiveness, offering false hope and financial strain to patients. Only three showed weak evidence of possible benefit.
Ajla Tomljanovic has slammed the four-year doping ban given to Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova as a 'disgrace,' accusing tennis anti-doping authorities of targeting players unfairly. Vondrousova was banned for refusing a drug test at her home in December.
Police registered an FIR against two nursing officers at AIIMS Bhopal following the death of a three-year-old child. An internal inquiry found gross negligence in handling a hazardous chemical, formalin, which was administered to the child instead of IV fluid, leading to his death.
Life Biosciences has administered its experimental treatment ER-100, targeting age-related vision loss diseases like glaucoma and NAION, to the first participant in a Phase 1 clinical trial. The treatment aims to restore cellular gene expression patterns to a younger state. The primary focus of this early-stage trial is to assess the safety and tolerability of ER-100 in humans.
Three Indian crew members were killed when the US Navy attacked merchant ships off the Oman coast; India lodges strong protest with the US.
A Russian-built Mi-17 transport helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Wednesday, killing all 22 military personnel on board due to a technical fault during take-off. Security sources confirmed the death toll, which included officers and soldiers, with formal military burials held on Thursday.
A Pakistan army Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Muzaffarabad due to a technical fault during takeoff, killing all personnel on board. An inquiry has been ordered. The incident occurs amid heightened security and protests in the region.
A resident of Russia's Kursk region with melanoma has become the first person to receive Russia's personalized cancer vaccine, NeoOnkovac. The vaccine is reportedly highly effective, with doctors reducing the dosage for the patient.
A Delhi consumer court upheld Bajaj Allianz's rejection of a Rs 41,530 health insurance claim. Investigators found discrepancies, including an injection given after discharge and a pathologist denying verification of reports, indicating fabricated medical documents.
A 37-year-old visitor from California died Tuesday after losing consciousness on the hazardous "Crawler's Ledge" section of the Kalalau Trail in Kauai, Hawaii. Bystanders and emergency crews attempted resuscitation efforts, but the man was pronounced dead at Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital.
