Anna's Daybreak News

_{Just facts, you think for yourself}

Wednesday, 5:23 AM

August 27, 2025

Good morning news friend! Catch today’s key moments as they unfold—shaping the headlines of tomorrow. 📰🌟

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India’s Tariff Hikes

President Trump doubled U.S. tariffs on many Indian imports from 25% to 50%, targeting goods like garments, gems, and chemicals due to India’s Russian oil purchases.

This affects 55% of India’s $87 billion exports to the U.S., threatening jobs and small exporters. Trade talks stalled after five rounds, with India seeking a 15% tariff cap. India plans to boost domestic demand through tax cuts and a simpler GST, aiming to offset export losses.

Despite U.S. pressure, India will continue Russian oil imports. The tariff hike may reduce India’s GDP growth by up to 0.8 points. Security cooperation continues, but economic ties face strain amid rising global trade tensions.

Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg, JapanTimes, BBC.

SpaceX Nails 10th Flight

SpaceX’s Starship completed its 10th test flight, deploying eight Starlink satellite simulators and returning most of the vehicle intact after 66.5 minutes.

The 400-foot rocket lifted off from Texas, with the Super Heavy booster performing a controlled splashdown after engine shutdown, while the upper stage reignited an engine in space. Reentry caused damage to the engine skirt and a control flap, but the rocket landed safely in the Indian Ocean.

This flight follows previous losses due to structural failures, prompting hardware redesigns. The mission advances reusable rockets, in-space engine restarts, and heat shield durability, supporting Musk’s vision for lunar, Martian, and rapid satellite deployment missions.

Sources: Bloomberg, Space, Cbsnews, ABC.

Exxon Eyes Return to Russia

Exxon Mobil is negotiating a return to the Sakhalin-1 oil and gas project in Russia after exiting in 2022 due to sanctions and a $4.6 billion loss. Russia’s President Putin authorized foreign firms to regain shares if they support sanctions relief and supply critical equipment.

U.S. and Russian officials discussed easing sanctions tied to Ukraine peace talks, including selling nuclear icebreakers to Russia. Arctic LNG 2 resumed operations in April, shipping five LNG cargoes under sanctions.

Exxon’s leadership engaged directly with Russian officials. These developments could reshape U.S.-Russia energy relations and global markets.

Sources: Reuters, BS, Bloomberg, WallStreetJournal.

China’s $1 Trillion Stock Surge

China’s stock market surged $1 trillion, pushing onshore shares to a 10-year high. The Shanghai Composite climbed 12% in August, and the CSI 300 rose 9%.

Brokerages like Sinolink Securities increased margin deposit ratios to 100% for new financing, reversing cuts made in September 2023. Global hedge funds ramped up bets on Chinese A-shares, focusing on consumer staples and industrials, while reducing exposure to Hong Kong-listed internet giants through short selling.

The rally is driven by abundant liquidity and optimism over U.S.-China trade talks. China-focused equity long-short funds gained 3% in August, with 13.5% year-to-date returns. Despite rally optimism, risk controls are tightening.

Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters.

The Power of B Vitamins

Around 40% of adults aged 75-80 struggle to absorb vitamin B12, increasing dementia risk due to nerve damage. Standard blood tests miss many deficiencies; measuring methylmalonic acid and homocysteine improves detection.

Elevated MMA signals B12 deficiency, while homocysteine rise alone suggests folate deficiency. B vitamin-related vascular issues are common in dementia, often overlooked compared to amyloid and tau. Clinical trials show B vitamin supplements can slow brain shrinkage and improve cognition.

Riboflavin (B2) lowers blood pressure only in people with a specific MTHFR gene variant. Vitamins B6, B12, and folate reduce stroke risk but not heart attacks. Niacin improves cholesterol but causes flushing. Controlled B6 dosing may reduce chronic inflammation linked to heart disease and dementia.

Sources: SciTechDaily, News-Medical, Bestlifeonline.

Smartphone Biosensor Measures Cortisol

A new AI-designed protein biosensor measures cortisol levels in blood or urine with high accuracy using a smartphone camera.

The sensor emits light proportional to cortisol concentration, enabling at-home testing without lab equipment. It surpasses current hospital assays in sensitivity and dynamic range, detecting low to elevated cortisol levels quantitatively.

The test involves mixing a sample with the sensor solution and capturing the luminescence via a smartphone app. This method could improve monitoring of stress-related conditions and support drug development for cortisol imbalances.

Sources: SciTechDaily, Ucsc, Imeche.

“You must beware the fellow who makes a great and solemn show of being disappointed in everything. He's the sort of man who, if he were given a tour of the Creation, would likely complain to the Almighty that the oceans were a trifle damp and the mountains not quite symmetrical. He ain't a man of superior taste, you see; he's just a man with a superior opinion of his own taste, which is a common and tiresome affliction.”

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• AI & the Future of White-Collar Work

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Baked with love,

Anna Eisenberg ❤️