Mars Climate Clue: NASA’s Perseverance rover has identified scattered white rocks in Jezero Crater as kaolinite, pointing to long-lasting warm, humid conditions on ancient Mars—an oasis-like environment that could have supported life. BRICS Summit Watch: India’s PM Modi says BRICS talks will be “positive and meaningful,” with leaders including Ramaphosa and Putin arriving for a focus on resilience in food, energy, health and supply chains. Russia-India Bilateral Push: Putin’s New Delhi visit includes talks with Modi on defence, energy, technology and people-to-people links, as BRICS security and logistics ramp up. Local Tech Policy: South Africa’s Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina showcased green hydrogen progress in Japan, while the Electricity and Energy ministry confirmed media accreditation for the 2026 Africa Green Hydrogen Summit in Cape Town (15–16 Sept). Digital Government: SITA’s GovTech 2026 is set to spotlight digital transformation and emerging tech as SA marks 20 years of the conference. Defence Innovation: AFRICOM leaders highlighted defence innovation and rapid experimentation at NDIA’s Emerging Technologies for Defense conference, with African partner participation. Health & Inequality: A study links maternal anaemia to smaller infant brain volumes by age two, underlining early-life health risks. Safety in Schools: A firearm-in-backpack case in Atlantis shows why weapon access can’t be treated as just “learner misconduct.” Energy & Health Costs: Research estimates Sasol’s Secunda pollution contributes to about 1,000 deaths a year and costs the economy around R19bn annually.