Author: Abhirami Priya

London: London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has been associated with improved lung development among children, according to a new study examining the effects of reduced traffic-related air pollution. The research found that children in London, who had significantly smaller lung capacity than children in Luton before ULEZ was introduced, experienced improvements in lung growth as the scheme was expanded. Over a five-year period, the difference between the two groups narrowed considerably. Researchers led by scientists from Queen Mary University of London followed more than 3,400 children aged between six and nine, carrying out annual health assessments from 2018 to…

Oakland, California: Meta has come under its biggest legal challenge yet over allegations that it deliberately designed Facebook and Instagram to keep children and teenagers engaged on its platforms, despite knowing about potential risks to their mental health. A jury in Oakland, California, has begun hearing arguments in a trial expected to last six weeks. The case involves attorneys representing several US states and lawyers defending Meta. During opening arguments, Megan O’Neill, a lead attorney for California, accused Meta of knowing that large numbers of children aged 11 and 12 were using Instagram while doing little to prevent them from…

Washington: Fast-growing nicotine pouches are emerging as one of the tobacco industry’s biggest bets on a future beyond cigarettes, offering rapid sales growth, strong profit margins and, for now, less regulation than several competing nicotine alternatives. Investors are increasingly watching whether products such as Philip Morris International’s Zyn and British American Tobacco’s Velo can expand beyond the United States and Scandinavia, where oral nicotine products are already well established. The companies see the category as a potential new source of growth as cigarette consumption continues to decline. However, nicotine pouches face two major challenges: convincing consumers in countries without a…

London: People aged 60 and above may face serious health risks from extreme heat at temperatures lower than previously understood, according to new research published in The Lancet Public Health. The study warns that older adults are likely to be among those most affected as heatwaves become more frequent and prolonged due to rising global temperatures. Researchers say increasing exposure to extreme heat could leave millions of people experiencing uncompensable heat stress (UHS), a condition in which the body can no longer effectively cool itself, potentially leading to severe illness or death. Researchers from Stanford University and other institutions found…

California: Ferrari’s first fully electric production car, the Luce, has sold for $40 million (£29.5 million) at a charity auction in California, setting a new record for the highest price ever paid for a new car at auction. The special Luce was sold by RM Sotheby’s, with the auction raising more than 35 times the vehicle’s typical price. The auction house described it as the car’s ‘first production chassis,’ featuring an exclusive finish and a range of bespoke components. All proceeds from the sale will go towards educational programmes run by the Ferrari Foundation. The identity of the buyer has…

London: The UK government has introduced major planning reforms that will make proposals to build homes near train, tram and underground stations more likely to receive approval, as ministers seek to accelerate housebuilding and tackle the country’s housing shortage. Under changes taking effect today, housing developments within walking distance of public transport stations will receive a ‘default yes’ planning approach. The government will also establish expectations for how many homes should be built around transport hubs, with ministers saying the reforms could help deliver thousands of new homes in well-connected areas. https://twitter.com/AngelaRayner/status/2089067518073663501 The changes are intended to help people live closer…

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the 80th Independence Day, announced a wide-ranging set of initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s capabilities in artificial intelligence, education, sports, civil defence, semiconductor manufacturing, nuclear energy and women-led development. Among the major announcements was a plan to train one crore young people in AI skills over the next year. Modi said that the rapid growth of artificial intelligence makes it essential for India’s youth to develop the skills needed to compete and lead globally. The Prime Minister also announced free online coaching for students preparing for…

Originating in China as a martial art, Tai Chi has evolved into a mind-body practice built around slow, gentle movements, controlled breathing, physical postures, and mental focus. The movements can be adapted for people with different abilities and can be performed while standing, walking, or sitting. A 30-day Tai Chi challenge can therefore be presented as an accessible experiment: dedicate 10 to 15 minutes a day to slow, deliberate movement and see whether consistency changes the way you approach exercise, relaxation, and body awareness. Why Tai Chi? The appeal of Tai Chi lies partly in its low-impact nature. Rather than…

London: Searches for UK homes equipped with air conditioning have more than doubled this summer, as repeated heatwaves prompt buyers to place greater importance on keeping properties cool alongside traditional priorities such as location, schools and transport connections. Property website Rightmove reported a 104 percent increase in searches for homes with air conditioning compared with the same period last year. The rise came during the UK’s fifth heatwave of the summer, when temperatures in parts of England reached 38°C. Consumer research Rightmove’s consumer research also found that 87 percent of people consider a home’s ability to remain cool important when…

Tokyo, Japan: Record-breaking rainfall in Japan’s Chiba prefecture has caused widespread flooding, disrupting roads and rail services, cutting power to thousands of homes and leaving around 7,000 travellers stranded at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport. More than 360mm of rain was recorded over a 24-hour period in parts of Chiba, which borders Tokyo, during one of Japan’s busiest holiday periods. Floodwaters inundated roads and railway lines, while authorities confirmed at least four deaths and reported one person missing. One of the confirmed victims was found trapped inside a submerged vehicle. Soldiers have been deployed to assist with emergency response and relief…