Can reducing sugar intake during early childhood lower the risk of dementia later in life?

A new study published in the journal Neurology suggests that limiting sugar consumption during the first two years of life may be linked to a significantly lower risk of developing dementia in adulthood.

Researchers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology analyzed data from more than 64,000 people in the United Kingdom, comparing those born during and after the era of sugar rationing. The findings indicate that individuals exposed to lower sugar intake early in life had a 21–23% lower risk of dementia, with some cases delayed by an average of 2.6 years.

However, experts caution that this is an observational study, meaning it identifies an association rather than proving that sugar directly causes or prevents dementia.

Can Eating Less Sugar in Childhood Reduce Dementia Risk? New Study Reveals Surprising Link

A map displayed by the U.S. government during the AIDS 2026 Conference in Rio de Janeiro has sparked controversy after reports claimed that every African country was incorrectly labelled or misplaced.

The map reportedly showed Nigeria as a landlocked country, placed Mozambique in the Horn of Africa, and positioned Ivory Coast on the wrong side of the continent. The slide also reportedly carried an OpenAI watermark, raising questions about whether AI-generated content was used without proper verification.

U.S. Sparks Controversy After Mislabeling Every African Country on Conference Map

Could Viagra, the widely used drug for erectile dysfunction, become part of the fight against cancer?

A new study suggests that sildenafil, commonly known by its brand name Viagra, may help slow the spread of cancer by limiting the ability of cancer cells to use cholesterol—an essential component that helps them migrate and form new tumors.

Researchers say the drug's anti-metastatic effects could become even stronger when combined with statins, which reduce cholesterol production. The findings, published in the journal Cancer Research, also indicate that patients taking sildenafil showed improved survival rates.

While the research is promising, scientists emphasize that more clinical studies are needed before Viagra can be recommended as a cancer treatment.

Viagra May Help Fight Cancer Spread? Scientists Discover Promising New Use for Sildenafil

Kashmir's breathtaking landscapes have long made it one of India's most sought-after tourist destinations. But rapid tourism-driven construction is now raising serious environmental concerns. According to official figures, more than 5,000 hotels have been built across the Kashmir Valley since 2021, with authorities stating that around 90% allegedly lack the required approvals. Popular destinations such as Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Gurez, and Doodhpathri are witnessing a surge in hotels, homestays, and commercial buildings.


Kashmir's Tourism Boom Sparks Environmental Fears | 90% of New Hotels Allegedly Illegal

A deadly coal mine explosion in Pakistan's Balochistan province has claimed at least 34 lives, with rescue teams continuing efforts to locate workers who remain trapped beneath the debris. Authorities believe a methane gas explosion triggered the collapse at the mine near the provincial capital, leading to one of the deadliest mining disasters in the region in recent years. Rescue operations have continued through the night, while officials warn that the death toll could rise further.

Pakistan Coal Mine Explosion Kills 34 | Rescue Teams Race to Find Trapped Miners

Saudi Arabia's economy has contracted 4.8% year-on-year in the second quarter, according to flash estimates, highlighting the kingdom's continued dependence on oil revenues despite years of economic diversification efforts.

The decline was driven primarily by a 24.7% drop in oil-related activities, while non-oil sectors provided only limited support. The latest figures come as geopolitical tensions across West Asia continue to influence oil production, energy markets, and global supply chains.

Although Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 aims to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons, the latest GDP data underscores the challenges of transforming an economy still heavily tied to crude oil exports.

Saudi Arabia's Economy Shrinks 4.8% as Oil Slump and West Asia Tensions Weigh on Growth

South Africa is calling for an Africa-wide conference on migration following weeks of deadly anti-migrant violence and growing tensions over undocumented foreign nationals.

As Africa's largest industrial economy, South Africa has long attracted migrants from across the continent. However, rising unemployment, economic pressures, and concerns over illegal immigration have fueled renewed protests and calls for stricter border controls. Thousands have reportedly fled amid escalating tensions, while anti-illegal immigration demonstrations in Cape Town have demanded tougher action against undocumented migrants, tighter visa policies, and investigations into fraudulent immigration documents.

South Africa Seeks Africa-Wide Migration Summit After Deadly Anti-Migrant Violence | Immigration Crisis

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a highly unusual closed-door meeting at the White House, sparking intense speculation over the future of the Iran conflict.

Unlike previous meetings, there were no public remarks or joint press interactions before the talks. The White House released photographs only after the 90-minute meeting, raising questions about what was discussed behind closed doors.

Trump-Netanyahu Meeting: What's Really Changing on Iran?

#Gravitas Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to have narrowed the gap with his main challenger in the race for public support for the 2026 national elections.  A poll shows Netanyahu and former Israel Defence Forces chief Gadi Eisenkot tied, with 38 percent of respondents saying they would prefer each of them to lead the country.   

Netanyahu's Poll Numbers Rise Amid Internal Turmoil

#Gravitas U.S. Officials say Beijing is rapidly narrowing America's long-standing advantage in orbit by building one of the world's largest surveillance satellite networks. 

China Builds 500+ Spy Satellites as U.S. Space Lead Shrinks  | GRAVITAS 

China has showcased its advanced YJ-20 hypersonic anti-ship missile, a weapon that analysts believe could significantly challenge the dominance of U.S. aircraft carriers in the Pacific.

State media footage reportedly shows a Chinese Type 055 destroyer launching the YJ-20, also known as the Eagle Strike-20. The missile is designed to travel at hypersonic speeds, maneuver during flight, and evade interception, making it one of Beijing's most advanced anti-ship weapons.

China Unveils YJ-20 Hypersonic Missile | New Threat to U.S. Aircraft Carriers?

Israel's political landscape is entering a crucial phase as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces one of the toughest elections of his career. With Knesset elections approaching, questions are mounting over whether Netanyahu can retain power or if Israel is on the verge of a major political transition.

The report examines how the recent war, shifting public opinion, strained perceptions of Netanyahu's relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, and the rise of challenger Gadi Eisenkot are reshaping Israel's political battlefield.

 The Verdict: Netanyahu's Political Future Is a Grim One | Wion News 

The United Kingdom has a new prime minister as Andy Burnham takes charge of the Labour government, beginning a new chapter in British politics. Just days into office, Burnham faces major challenges, including rebuilding public trust, addressing policy concerns, and managing criticism from both opposition parties and Labour lawmakers. His leadership comes after the downfall of Keir Starmer, whose popularity declined following criticism over policies including welfare reforms and the controversial winter fuel payment cuts. During his first public engagements, Burnham highlighted the importance of improving the social care sector, promising to address concerns over cost-cutting and support for vulnerable communities.

Andy Burnham Takes Charge as UK PM, Faces Labour Challenges and Reform UK Threat

Dr. Anthony Fauci appeared before a Republican-led Senate committee hearing and repeatedly invoked the Fifth Amendment, declining to answer dozens of questions about his role in the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci, who served as one of the leading figures during America's coronavirus response, was subpoenaed to testify under oath by Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. During the hearing, Fauci refused to answer more than 100 questions, reigniting long-running political debates over COVID-19 origins, pandemic policies, and government decision-making.

Anthony Fauci Pleads the Fifth Over 100 Times During Senate Hearing on COVID Response

A Russian missile has reportedly crashed in Poland, leaving behind a massive impact crater captured in newly released images from the site. The incident has heightened tensions as investigations continue into the missile's origin and the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Visuals from the scene show extensive damage and a large crater, highlighting the force of the impact. Polish authorities have secured the area while military and security officials continue their assessment.

Poland: Images from the Site Show the Huge Impact Crater

At least five Kenyan police officers have been killed in a deadly attack allegedly carried out by the Somali militant group Al-Shabaab. The assault highlights the continuing security challenges along the Kenya-Somalia border, where militants have repeatedly targeted security personnel and civilians.
Authorities have launched investigations and intensified security operations in the affected area as concerns grow over cross-border militant activity. The latest attack underscores the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts in the region.

Somali Militant Group Attacks Kenyan Officers, 5 Killed | Wion News 

Hundreds of members of Pakistan's transgender (Khwaja Sira) community and their supporters gathered in Karachi to protest against soaring inflation, rising fuel prices, expensive food, and the increasing cost of living.

The demonstrators carried placards demanding urgent government action, better employment opportunities, and financial relief for vulnerable communities. Protesters said the rapid increase in the prices of essential goods, housing, and transportation has made survival increasingly difficult, especially for transgender Pakistanis who continue to face discrimination and limited access to formal employment.

Pakistan's Transgender Community Protests Rising Inflation and Cost of Living in Karachi

China's economy is increasingly becoming a tale of two contrasting realities. While provinces driven by artificial intelligence, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and exports are experiencing rapid economic growth, regions dependent on tourism, real estate, and traditional industries are struggling to keep pace.

The latest provincial economic data highlights a widening K-shaped economic divide, with technology hubs such as Zhejiang, home to Alibaba, DeepSeek, and Unitree Robotics, outperforming the national average. Other manufacturing powerhouses including Shanghai, Anhui, and Shandong have also recorded strong growth, fueled by rising global demand for high-tech products.

China's K-Shaped Economy Deepens as AI Boom Widens Regional Gap

The conflict in West Asia has intensified once again as the United States launched a fresh wave of military strikes against Iran, following Tehran's missile attacks targeting American bases in Jordan. The renewed escalation comes after nearly a week-long pause in hostilities, raising fresh concerns over regional stability. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes were carried out in response to attempted Iranian attacks on US forces stationed across the region. Iran confirmed launching ballistic missiles toward US positions in Jordan, while the US said all incoming missiles were successfully intercepted.

US-Iran Conflict Escalates: Fresh Strikes, Missile Attacks and Rising West Asia Tensions

Tamil Nadu is considering a major change to its school nutrition program by introducing chicken biryani into the government's midday meal scheme. According to reports, the proposal has been put forward by the state's Education Minister to Chief Minister Vijay, who is expected to take a final decision soon.

If approved, government school students could receive chicken biryani once a week as part of their midday meals, marking one of the most significant upgrades to Tamil Nadu's school nutrition program. The proposal aims to improve the quality, nutrition, and appeal of school meals while continuing the state's long tradition of strengthening welfare schemes for students.

Chicken Biryani in School Meals? Tamil Nadu Government Weighs New Proposal 

The war in West Asia is entering a dangerous new phase as the conflict spreads beyond Iran and Israel, drawing more countries into the escalating crisis. Egypt has reported a drone attack near its strategic Mediterranean port of Damietta, while the United States and Saudi Arabia have jointly launched airstrikes against Iran-backed armed groups in eastern Iraq. The latest developments come after Washington resumed military strikes on Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate with fresh attacks across the region.

According to reports, Jordan intercepted missiles fired from Iran, while Kuwait reported that an Iranian strike hit a building belonging to a Chinese company, resulting in casualties. Meanwhile, Egypt's Damietta Port, a key energy and shipping hub, was targeted in a drone attack that damaged gas-related infrastructure, raising fresh concerns over the security of global energy supply routes.

West Asia War Expands as Egypt Hit, US-Saudi Strikes Iraq and Iran Launches Fresh Attacks

India's monsoon emergency continues to intensify as devastating floods wreak havoc across multiple states, with Assam remaining the worst affected. The flood death toll in Assam has climbed to 78, while more than 3 lakh people across seven districts continue to battle rising waters, damaged homes, and widespread destruction. Over 550 villages remain submerged, and more than 21,500 hectares of farmland have been destroyed, severely impacting livelihoods. Relief and rescue operations are underway as authorities distribute food, clothing, and essential supplies to affected communities. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reviewed the flood situation with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and assured all possible assistance from the central government. An inter-ministerial team has also completed its assessment of flood damage in Upper Assam.

Assam Flood Death Toll Rises to 78 as Heavy Rain Triggers Fresh Alerts Across India

Erling Haaland's FIFA World Cup campaign became much more than a football success story. The Norwegian superstar's performances, personality, and viral fan culture transformed Norway into a global phenomenon, driving tourism, merchandise sales, and consumer spending worldwide.

From the iconic Viking chant to sold-out Norway jerseys and a surge in international travel interest, Haaland's influence extended far beyond the pitch. Visa data showed spending in Norway nearly doubled during the team's matches, while Google searches for Norway jumped by around 300%. Businesses linked to Haaland also experienced record sales, proving how a modern sports icon can reshape a nation's global image and economy.

Erling Haaland's World Cup Impact Sparks Record Tourism, Business and Global Attention for Norway

#Gravitas Thailand is set to abandon one of its biggest infrastructure projects.  A fresh government review concluded that a $30 billion proposed landbridge project aimed at bypassing the Malacca Strait is no longer financially viable and could cause serious environmental damage. 

Thailand Plans to Scrap Land Bridge Project Bypassing Malacca Strait  | GRAVITAS 

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