Tesla Shares Plunge as Elon Musk Launches Political Party, Sparking Investor Jitters
Tesla shares took a major hit on Monday, plummeting 6.8% to close at $293.94 on the Nasdaq, following CEO Elon Musk’s surprise announcement that he is launching a political party named the ‘America Party.’ The move has heightened investor concerns that Musk’s growing political interests are further distracting him from Tesla’s core business, which is already facing declining sales and increased competition. One of Tesla’s Worst Days in 2025 The sharp decline marked one of the worst single-day performances for Tesla this year. In monetary terms, the EV giant lost more than $68 billion in market capitalization in a single session. If the downward trend continues, analysts estimate that Tesla could shed over $80 billion in valuation, raising questions about the company’s long-term stability and leadership. Political Feud with Trump Escalates The controversy escalated after Musk had a very public falling out with former ally and current U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly over a tax-cut and spending bill. Trump mocked Musk’s new party as “ridiculous” and threatened to cut off billions in federal subsidies to Musk’s companies. The feud, which began in early June, previously wiped $150 billion off Tesla’s value in a single day during that period. Investor Concerns Over Distraction and Leadership Musk’s political ambitions are prompting renewed scrutiny of Tesla’s governance. While Tesla Chair Robyn Denholm denied earlier reports of efforts to replace Musk, the latest developments have reignited debate over the board’s oversight. Some analysts argue that Musk’s increasing political entanglement is eroding public trust and shifting focus away from Tesla’s innovation and performance. “The company is set to lose more than $80 billion in market valuation if current losses hold,” said Jed Dorsheimer, an equity analyst, as quoted by Bloomberg. Musk’s Net Worth Takes a Hit The fallout also dented Musk’s personal fortune. On Monday alone, his net worth dropped by $15.3 billion, reducing his year-to-date wealth loss to $86.7 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Despite the dip, Musk remains the world’s richest person, with an estimated net worth of $346 billion. What’s Next for Tesla? With Tesla shares already down 27% this year, largely attributed to Musk’s political distractions and market headwinds, investors are watching closely for any corrective measures from the board or leadership reassurances from Musk. As Tesla juggles falling consumer demand, rising competition, and internal distractions, the road ahead may prove turbulent unless priorities are refocused.

Common Anxiety, Sleep, and Depression Medications Linked to Higher ALS Risk: Study Warns Against Panic, Urges Caution
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology has raised concerns over a potential link between commonly prescribed psychiatric medications and the risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)—a progressive, incurable neurological disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, ultimately leading to muscle paralysis and death. The study analyzed data from over 1,000 ALS patients and more than 5,000 healthy individuals in Sweden, using the Swedish Motor Neuron Disease Quality Registry. The medications under scrutiny include: Key Findings: Important Caveats: Association, Not Causation Neurologists caution against misinterpreting the findings. Dr. M. S. Panduranga of Dharamshila Narayana Superspecialty Hospital noted that early ALS symptoms—such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression—may precede diagnosis by years, leading to increased medication use. Thus, the medications may be markers of early disease rather than its cause. Dr. Manjari Tripathi of AIIMS added that many neuropsychiatric medications work by dampening brain activity, which might unintentionally interfere with motor neuron function over time. She warned that long-term, consistent use could potentially have toxic effects on the nervous system. ALS: A Silent but Devastating Disease ALS causes progressive muscle weakness, leading to difficulty in performing basic tasks like walking, speaking, swallowing, and eventually breathing. Although rare, its impact is devastating. One of the most well-known ALS patients was physicist Stephen Hawking, who lived with the disease for decades. Dr. Madhukar Bhardwaj from Aakash Healthcare pointed out that individuals with a longer history of psychiatric symptoms and prolonged medication use (over 10 years) showed stronger associations with ALS, particularly in younger patients. Medical Advice: Do Not Discontinue Medications Abruptly Despite these findings, neurologists strongly advise against panic or self-discontinuation of psychiatric medications. “There is no definitive proof that these medications cause ALS,” said Dr. Anshu Rohatgi of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. “However, physicians should be vigilant when prescribing these drugs to individuals showing early neurological symptoms.” Conclusion: While this study opens the door to important discussions about the long-term neurological safety of psychiatric drugs, more research is needed to understand whether the association is biological or due to heightened medical observation in patients already at risk. Patients are urged to consult their doctors before making any changes to their medication regimen.

Climate Change May Trigger Surge in Explosive Volcanic Eruptions, Study Warns
Melting glaciers and ice caps caused by the ongoing climate crisis could significantly increase the frequency and intensity of volcanic eruptions, according to a new study. The loss of ice reduces pressure on underground magma chambers, making eruptions more likely — a process already observed in Iceland. Now, groundbreaking research in Chile shows that this phenomenon could occur across entire continents. The study, led by Pablo Moreno-Yaeger of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, found compelling evidence that after the last ice age, volcanic activity in the Chilean Andes surged as thick ice sheets melted away. Presented at the Goldschmidt Geochemistry Conference in Prague, the research is currently under peer review and provides key insights into the relationship between deglaciation and volcanic behavior. Pressure Release and Volcanic Eruption Researchers conducted detailed fieldwork around Mocho-Choshuenco, a volcano once buried under a 1,500-metre-thick Patagonian ice sheet. Using radioisotope dating and mineral analysis of volcanic rocks, they found that eruptions were suppressed between 26,000 and 18,000 years ago due to the heavy ice load. As the ice melted around 13,000 years ago, pressure on the underlying magma chamber was released. Gases trapped in the magma expanded, leading to a phase of frequent and explosive eruptions. “We found that following deglaciation, the volcano starts to erupt way more, and also changes composition,” Moreno-Yaeger said. The magma became more viscous and explosive as it melted surrounding crustal rocks during the suppressed eruption phase. Risk Zones: Antarctica and Beyond The findings raise concerns about future volcanic risks, especially in West Antarctica, where over 100 volcanoes lie hidden beneath rapidly melting ice. Other vulnerable regions include North America, New Zealand, and parts of Russia. Volcanic eruptions can temporarily cool the planet by releasing sunlight-reflecting aerosols. However, sustained volcanic activity would inject large volumes of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, potentially setting off a vicious climate feedback loop: warming melts ice, triggering eruptions that release gases, which in turn intensify warming. Need for Urgent Research Although it is well documented that global volcanic activity spiked two- to sixfold after the last ice age, little research has been done on how modern climate change is influencing volcanic systems. The Chilean study is one of the first to provide concrete geological evidence of this interaction on a continental scale. A recent review by scientists concluded that more attention is urgently needed to understand the links between climate change and volcanism — especially as extreme rainfall, another result of global warming, may also fuel violent eruptions. This emerging area of research holds critical importance for global safety and climate forecasting, as our warming planet continues to reshape geological as well as environmental systems.

Jr NTR Wraps Shoot for War 2, Calls Hrithik Roshan “Inspiring”; Action Spectacle Set for August 14, 2025 Release
Telugu superstar Jr NTR has officially completed filming his portions for the highly anticipated action thriller War 2, directed by Ayan Mukerji and produced by Yash Raj Films. The actor took to X (formerly Twitter) on July 7 to express his excitement and admiration for his co-star Hrithik Roshan. In his heartfelt note, Jr NTR wrote: “And it’s a wrap for #War2! So much to take back from this one. It’s always a blast being on set with @iHrithik Sir. His energy is something I have always admired. There is so much I have learned from him on this journey of War 2. Ayan has been amazing. He has truly set the stage for a big surprise package for the audience. A big thanks to the entire @yrf team and all our crew for the love and effort. Can’t wait for all of you to experience this high on August 14th.” War 2 brings together Hrithik Roshan’s iconic character Kabir from War (2019) and introduces Jr NTR in a pivotal, adversarial role. The film is positioned as a massive pan-India release and is a key installment in the ever-expanding YRF Spy Universe, following Pathaan and Tiger 3. Set to release globally on August 14, 2025, just ahead of Independence Day, the film is expected to be one of the biggest cinematic events of the year. With a record-breaking release planned across 7,500+ screens worldwide and a three-week exclusive IMAX run, War 2 promises a gripping blend of intense action, emotional drama, and patriotic fervor. Interestingly, the promotional strategy for the film reflects the onscreen rivalry between Jr NTR and Hrithik Roshan — the two stars will promote the film independently to preserve the tension of their characters’ clash. Adding to the film’s commercial buzz, Sithara Entertainments’ Naga Vamsi has acquired the Telugu rights for ₹80 crore, underscoring the movie’s massive market value. With a powerhouse cast, sleek direction, and Ayan Mukerji’s vision guiding the franchise, War 2 is shaping up to deliver a cinematic spectacle unlike any other in the spy-action genre.

RCB Pacer Yash Dayal Booked Under BNS Section 69 Over Allegations of Sexual Exploitation
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and India fast bowler Yash Dayal has been booked under Section 69 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following a complaint of sexual harassment and exploitation filed by a woman from Ghaziabad. The FIR was registered at Indirapuram police station after a preliminary probe into the allegations received through the Chief Minister’s grievance portal (IGRS). Section 69 of the BNS pertains to sexual acts committed under false promises—such as fake assurances of marriage or employment—and treats them as a serious offense involving deception and exploitation. Conviction under this section can lead to imprisonment of up to ten years. The woman, in her complaint, alleged that she had been in a five-year relationship with Dayal, during which she was mentally, physically, and financially exploited under the false pretense of marriage. She claimed that Dayal introduced her to his family and acted as though they were already married, thereby gaining her complete trust. However, when questioned about his intentions, he allegedly turned violent and continued to harass her. She further accused the cricketer of borrowing money from her during the relationship and claimed that he has a history of similar behavior with other women. According to her, she has preserved evidence in the form of chat logs, screenshots, video call recordings, and photographs to substantiate her claims. As of now, Yash Dayal and his family have not issued any public statement regarding the allegations. The 26-year-old left-arm seamer was a key contributor to RCB’s historic IPL 2025 triumph, picking up 13 wickets and delivering critical overs at the death. He also received his maiden India call-up last year for the home series against Bangladesh, though he is yet to make his international debut.

MP High Court Seeks Action Report on Private Hospitals Flouting Rules; Questions State on Jabalpur Fire Probe
Bhopal: A division bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on Monday directed the state government to submit details of the steps taken against private hospitals that are allegedly operating in violation of prescribed norms. The bench, comprising Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf, also asked the state to hand over the inquiry report of a high-level committee investigating the tragic fire at New Life Hospital in Jabalpur, which claimed eight lives in August 2022. The directive came during the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed in 2022 by Vishal Baghel, President of the Law Students’ Union. In his plea, Baghel alleged that numerous hospitals were granted permission to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic despite violating key regulations. These included non-compliance with the National Building Code, lack of fire safety measures, absence of a valid building completion certificate, failure to maintain a mandatory six-metre open space for fire brigade access, and insufficient parking facilities. The court has also instructed the state government to respond within two weeks to a detailed questionnaire submitted by the petitioners. The questionnaire reportedly raises critical questions about regulatory oversight and accountability. Notably, during the pendency of the petition, the devastating fire at New Life Hospital brought the issue into sharp focus. A high-level probe committee, formed by the state government, found that local health department officials were responsible for allowing the hospital to operate without the necessary infrastructure and approvals. However, no punitive action was taken against the concerned officials even after the findings. Taking serious note of the lapse, the court has now directed the state to submit an action-taken report and forward the committee’s findings to the police for further examination. The case highlights ongoing concerns over regulatory negligence and safety violations in the state’s private healthcare sector.
