🗳️ Akali factions exploring BJP alliance for 2027 polls

Punar Surjit faction leaders are in pre-poll talks with the BJP regarding a potential alliance for the 2027 Assembly elections. These talks involve the BJP and the Sukhbir Badal-led Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in Punjab. Discussions are centering on the NDA induction, with the faction splitting in August 2025 due to party reforms. A key proposal involves both factions joining the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. Seat-sharing discussions will consider factors like the 10 stalwarts who left Sukhbir after the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. 🤝

🎓 AI needs human touch, says TI chief at NIT-C convocation

Santhosh Kumar, President of Texas Instruments, delivered the 22nd convocation address at NIT-C on Saturday, August 29, 2026. He emphasized that AI's potential requires human intelligence and creativity to guide it effectively. Mathew P. Tharaniyil also spoke, highlighting that entrepreneurship presents opportunities for growth despite its difficulties. A total of 2,134 students were conferred degrees, marking the highest number in NIT-C's history. The graduating class included 1,162 BTech and 136 PhD graduates, with Prof. Prasad Krishna presiding over the event.

🏥 Cochin Cancer Centre to hire doctors ASAP

The Cochin Cancer Research Centre (CCRC) is prioritizing the recruitment of 36 doctors to address staffing shortages. This move comes from Fisheries Minister V.E. Abdul Gafoor in Kalamassery. Currently, over a hundred sanctioned posts remain vacant at the centre. The urgency stems from the high incidence of cancer in Kerala and rising treatment costs. A recruitment board is set up to ensure the facility becomes fully operational soon. 🏥

🩺 Antibiotic side effects linked to manic symptoms

A case report documented a temporal association between the start of manic-spectrum symptoms and the administration of co-amoxiclav. This occurred in a patient who was undergoing treatment in a clinical setting. The timeline noted the onset of symptoms correlating with the antibiotic use. This highlights a potential adverse drug reaction that needs further investigation. Clinicians are advised to monitor for such symptoms when prescribing this medication. 🩺

🛡️ CJI says court fights digital arrest scams proactively 🛡️

The Chief Justice of India highlighted the Supreme Court's quick action against the 'digital arrest' scam. This happened during his address at the 43rd International Symposium on Economic Crime in London. The court has directed Union and States to tackle this issue and create a specific offence for it. This shows the Indian Judiciary is actively responding to new fraud schemes instead of waiting for Parliament. The core focus remains on due process, proportionality, and the presumption of innocence.

😠 Thomas slams police action against local Congress leader

Former Congress leader K.V. Thomas criticized the police action against a local Congress leader in Thiruvananthapuram. The incident involved Anilkumar, alias Chenthi Anil, allegedly blocking CM V.D. Satheesan's convoy and misbehaving with him. This happened on Friday, August 28, 2026, as the CM headed to Sree Narayana Gurukulam at Chempazhanthy. Thomas compared this to a past clash during a K. Karunakaran event, questioning Satheesan's handling of his party worker's arrest. Anilkumar was expelled from the party on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

⚽ Alvarez update: Barca pursuit officially shut down

Mateu Alemany stated that the plan regarding Julian Alvarez is very clear for Atletico Madrid. The forward missed training this week with Diego Simeone’s side due to feeling unwell in Madrid. As of August 29, 2026, Atletico confirmed they would not sell the player to Barcelona. Alemany mentioned Alvarez trained yesterday and they hope he'll be available for the next LaLiga match. Despite Arsenal's interest, Alvarez reportedly told Mikel Arteta he does not want to move.

💸 iPhone 17 prices dropping before iPhone 18 drop

Retailers are cutting prices on the iPhone 17 models globally ahead of the September 9th iPhone 18 launch event. In the UK, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is now £1,099, with JB Hi-Fi in Australia showing the largest discount at AUD$1,899. This price slashing is happening as retailers try to clear existing stock before the new model arrives. Furthermore, research shows 92.6% of iPhones lost value in the ten days before the iPhone 17 release. Shoppers are advised to wait for iPhone 18 reviews or utilize trade-ins, as prices are likely to drop further post-launch.

🏔️ Himalayan tragedy: Bhotekoshi flash flood devastation

A massive flash flood in the Bhotekoshi River devastated areas across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading districts. The disaster struck on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, causing over 600 deaths and leaving nearly 2,500 missing, including foreign nationals. Officials believe the source involved an ice avalanche, permafrost movement, and a rockslide near the Nepal-China border. Experts are investigating if climate change played a part in this extreme event. Weeks of assessment are needed, as around 93,000 people are estimated to be affected. 😥

🎾 US Open Day 1 predictions drop for big matches

The 2026 US Open kicks off with 18 matches, promising an entertaining start to the tournament. Venus Williams is set to face Sofia Kenin in New York, while Jasmine Paolini plays Veronika Erjavec. Predictions suggest Sofia Kenin should beat Venus Williams due to fitness gaps. Furthermore, Wang Xinyu is favored to overcome Emiliano Arango in their matchup. These early matches set the tone for the rest of the US Open action. 🎾

🔋 Garage idea to huge battery plant in 6 years

Four engineers started Moment Energy in a British Columbia garage in 2020, focusing on used EV batteries. The company officially opened Megafactory 1 in the Vancouver region, repurposing retired EV batteries for energy storage systems. These systems are now powering data centres and hospitals across North America. The facility is set to hit 1 gigawatt-hour annual capacity by 2030. Next, Moment Energy is developing a gigafactory in Taylor, Texas, with US government support. 🔋