UK launches bold Synthetic Human Genome Project: Can human DNA be built from scratch?

In what could mark a turning point in modern biology, a team of scientists in the UK has officially begun work on building human DNA from scratch. Backed by a £10 million grant from the Wellcome Trust, the newly launched Synthetic Human Genome Project is being described as the world’s first serious attempt to assemble parts of human genetic code molecule by molecule. The research, which builds upon the legacy of the Human Genome Project completed 25 years ago, seeks to go beyond reading DNA to actually constructing artificial chromosomes. If successful, it could lead to next-generation therapies that regenerate damaged organs, treat age-related illnesses, and even correct genetic disorders.

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BJP MLA sparks controversy with remarks on welfare beneficiaries, says ‘you have clothes because of us’

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Babanrao Lonikar has triggered political uproar with remarks suggesting that those who criticise the party owe their material possessions and benefits to the BJP-led government. The comments, made during a public function in Maharashtra’s Jalna district, have drawn sharp rebuke from both opposition leaders and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

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J-K: Terrorist killed in encounter with security forces in Udhampur, operation underway

A terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Thursday. As per officials, the operation is still underway in district’s Basantgarh area. The killed terrorist is said to be from Pakistan, belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammed. In the ongoing joint operation by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice in #Basantgarh, one #terrorist has been neutralized till now. #Operation continues (sic),” White Knight Corps posted on X. 

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Adorable baby elephant halts traffic for a snack break in new viral video: Watch

Cute elephant videos are not a rare thing to come across on the internet. A video recently shared on X adds to the long list of videos depicting these pachyderms going viral.

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Iran’s Foreign Ministry says its nuclear installations ‘badly damaged’ by American strikes

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, on Wednesday said that the country’s nuclear facilities had been “badly damaged” in American strikes over the weekend.

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OPINION | Was Trump-brokered Iran-Israel ceasefire planned in advance?

After 12 days of intense bombing and missile attacks, life is now returning to normal both in Tel Aviv and Tehran as the US-brokered ceasefire now appears to be holding. People in both countries have been asked to come out of the bunkers. Airspace in the Middle East has now reopened with international flights resuming. At the NATO summit in Europe, US President Donald Trump, claiming credit for the ceasefire, said, “The US hit on Iran ended the war…Iran’s nuclear programme has been put back by decades..” Asked if the US would strike Iran again if it rebuilds its nuclear enrichment program, Trump replied: “Sure”.

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Pakistan LoP Omar Ayub Khan warns of possible Indian strike within a year after Operation Sindoor | Video

Pakistan’s Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the National Assembly, Omar Ayub Khan, has raised concerns about another attack from India, citing New Delhi’s recent arms development. Khan also issued a sharp critique of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership, highlighting Pakistan’s widening military gap with India. Speaking against the backdrop of rising regional tensions, Khan raised alarm over India’s expanding defence capabilities and warned of serious implications for Pakistan’s national security.

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Himachal Pradesh: Cloudburst in Kullu leads to flash floods in Jiwa Nala, alert issued | VIDEO

As the monsoon makes its entry, several regions are experiencing heavy rainfall across the country. One such incident occurred in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu, where a cloudburst struck the Sainj Valley. The cloudburst led to flash floods in the Jiwa Nala which prompted the local administration to issue an alert for surrounding areas. Authorities have also warned of the rising levels of the Parvati River, which is currently flowing above its normal levels.

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Zak Crawley-Ben Duckett pair breaks 76-year-old world record at Headingley during IND vs ENG 1st Test

England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett have shattered a 76-year-old record at Headingley during the second innings of the first Test between India and England in Leeds. Chasing a target of 371 in the fourth innings to win the Test, the English openers took the hosts off to an unscathed start on Day 4, before putting in a strong show in the first session on Day 5. 

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Good News For EPFO Members: Auto-settlement limit for advance claims raised to Rs 5 Lakh – Check details

In a major relief for members of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the government on Tuesday raised the auto claim settlement limit of provident funds (PF) from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. This will enable EPFO ​​members to have faster access to funds, especially in times of urgent need. According to the information shared, advance claims filed by the members will get settled in auto mode within three days of filing. 

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