🛰️ 1964 laser test tracks melting ice now

NASA successfully recorded the first laser returns from an artificial satellite on October 29, 1964, at Goddard Space Flight Centre in Maryland. The target was Beacon Explorer B, which featured a laser retroreflector array for the experiment. Initially, the system achieved 10 feet accuracy, making it 25 times more precise than radar at that time. This technique evolved to study Earth's shape and gravity, leading to modern laser altimetry. Now, instruments like ICESat-2 use this principle to monitor ice loss, showing Greenland and Antarctica contributed 0.55 inches to sea-level rise between 2003 and 2019. 🧊

🔬 NIST ditches tiny sensors for bigger quantum detectors

NIST researchers developed a new superconducting single-photon detector architecture that uses wires over 100 times wider than standard devices. This innovation was achieved by redesigning the detector using superconducting "rails" to manage electrical current across the wider wires. The team reported a billionfold reduction in dark counts in this new design. This advancement helps overcome limitations of nanoscale fabrication in detecting faint photons. Future testing is needed to confirm if these wider detectors match the 98% efficiency of smaller devices. 🔬

🇮🇳 Xi Jinping possibly visiting India for BRICS 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping is anticipated to visit India for the BRICS Summit 2026. This potential trip would mark his first visit to India in almost seven years. The summit is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. The visit aligns with efforts by both nations to mend diplomatic relations after the 2020 Galwan border clashes. Officials are currently finalizing security arrangements ahead of the high-level engagement. 🤝

🧐 Congress leaders ask PM Modi to change caste census method

Congress high-command leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi wrote to PM Modi on Tuesday regarding the caste census. They called for withdrawing the existing questionnaire, arguing the current method is misleading. These leaders emphasized that accurate caste data is vital for implementing social justice policies in India. They specifically objected to the open-ended question, fearing it could fragment single castes into thousands of names. The leaders warned this inaccuracy could negatively impact welfare schemes and government decisions. 🧐

🧐 Congress leaders question caste census method

Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi wrote to PM Modi urging a change in caste data collection for the census. The leaders raised concerns while addressing the Modi-led government in New Delhi. They warned that the current open-ended questionnaire could divide single castes into thousands of names. Accurate caste data is deemed vital for correctly implementing social justice policies across India. They further noted the lack of clarity regarding the size of the OBC population. 🧐

🔭 Meteorite dust reveals early Sun's magnetic power

A new MIT study suggests a strong magnetic field existed during the solar system's initial 200,000 years. The research team analyzed the primitive Antarctic meteorite DOM 08006. This ancient rock provided data on magnetic grains formed around 4.6 billion years ago. The findings indicate electromagnetic forces helped channel gas and dust towards the growing Sun alongside gravity. This confirms magnetism was a key factor in how stars and planetary systems formed. 🌌

🌧️ Kochi Onam shopping slowed by rain and early buys

Last-minute Onam shopping in Kochi was subdued on Uthradam day, August 25, 2026. This slowdown affected traders in Ernakulam market and Broadway due to heavy rain and advance customer purchases. Vegetable prices dropped significantly, with bitter gourd falling from ₹95 to ₹65 per kilogram. Business momentum suffered as rain hit the city, despite preparations continuing at the 2,000-year-old Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple. Traffic remained congested as people traveled for the upcoming Thiruvonam celebration. 🌧️

💧 Rivers flow again after dry spell in Andhra Pradesh

Several rivers in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts are now seeing significant water inflows after a 2.5-month dry spell. This revival is thanks to incessant rains in the catchment areas along the Andhra-Odisha border. The Gotta barrage on Vamsadhara received 15,647 cusecs, while Thatipudi reservoir got 15,111 cusecs on August 25, 2026. Farmers are relieved as the Nagavali River at Srikakulam is now full for drinking water. Officials are hopeful for better water levels as rainfall continues in the coming months. 💧

🌟 3 Korean Dramas Premiering at Busan Film Fest

The 31st Busan International Film Festival announced three major Korean drama series debuting at its event. These include "Dead-End Job," "The Remarried Empress," and "Road" featuring Son Suk Ku. The festival will run from October 6 to 15, showcasing these highly anticipated series. "Dead-End Job" stars Lee Jae Wook and Go Min Si in a realistic mystery setting. The 'On Screen' section brings exciting global series premieres to the big screen. 🎬

🏛️ SC issues notices to 20 rebel TMC MPs

The Supreme Court heard Abhishek Banerjee's plea regarding TMC's disqualification petitions against 20 rebel MPs. This action was taken by the Supreme Court of India on Tuesday following a writ petition filed by Banerjee. The petition challenges the delay in deciding the disqualification of these MPs, who defected in May 2026. These 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs want to align with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India. The court's key focus is whether the Lok Sabha Speaker will conclude the proceedings in a timely manner. 🏛️

📉 Sensex stuck in downswing for 697 days

The Sensex has not hit a new all-time high in 697 days, marking a severe downturn for Indian stock markets. This weakness was noted by an ET analysis concerning trading days ending with negative two-year returns. In 2026, 37% of Sensex trading days showed negative two-year returns, which is the highest since 2012. Market troubles stem from rising energy costs due to the US-Iran war and a massive FII exodus. Analysts suggest a potential rebound if geopolitical uncertainties lessen and FII buying moderates. 📉