🌊 Assam youths missing in Nepal floods

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reported that six youths from Assam are missing following the devastating floods in Nepal. Two individuals from Langhin in Karbi Anglong district, Rituparna Brahma (24) and Mantri Basumatary (28), are among them. Additionally, Shatadal Nath from Hojai district is reported missing since the massive natural disaster on August 26, 2026. These youths were in Nepal for work, and their families cannot reach them since the flood hit. The Assam Government has set up a helpline for any necessary coordination and assistance. 😥

🔬 Cool temps unlock graphene for recycling

Researchers have developed a new method for growing graphene at low temperatures. This process was achieved by a team at the university in India. The new technique operates at temperatures as low as 100 degrees Celsius. This breakthrough offers a potentially sustainable way to recycle valuable resources. Scientists are now looking into scaling this process for industrial applications.

🌊 TN Govt pushes for Water Metro and new Metro lines

The Tamil Nadu government has ordered the preparation of a Detailed Feasibility Report for a Water Metro link. This link will connect Chennai Central and Mamallapuram, which is about 55 km south of Chennai on the East Coast. The government also mandated DPRs for three new Metro Rail corridors. These DPRs are for connecting Siruseri SIPCOT II and the International Convention Centre at Muttukadu, Kilambakkam Bus Terminus and Chengalpattu, and Wimco Nagar and Assisi Nagar. These orders were issued in June after the TVK-led government took office.

🍄 Fungi making clothes that can actually live

Researchers developed a flexible, living textile using caterpillar fungus, or Cordyceps militaris. This innovative material was grown in liquid culture by Zhong Chao and his team at SIAT of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The dried fungal pellets formed sheets that could be folded, cut, and sewn into structures like a prototype dress. The material also features self-cleaning and UV protection from engineered yeast and Aspergillus niger. Future work will focus on improving washability and manufacturing consistency for broader applications. 🍄

👷 57 lakh workers pending e-KYC for new job scheme

Currently, 57 lakh active workers remain unverified under the new VB-G RAM G scheme. This data is from August 9, 2026, after the scheme's launch. While the active worker e-KYC rate is 94.88%, the overall verification rate stood at 71% two months post-launch. The Ministry has pushed for completion by several deadlines, but targets were missed. This delay raises concerns about workers accessing employment under the new system. 😥

📉 Gold dips below key MA; Fed hike bets rise

Spot Gold has fallen sharply on Friday, dropping below the 200-day moving average at $4526.24. This puts the metal below $4481.78, which is 20% from its peak of $5602.23. Some analysts now see gold entering a bear market territory. Meanwhile, Warsh delivered a hawkish speech, increasing September hike odds from 35% to 61.5%. The market now watches for breaks near $4311.04 or $4697.11. 📉

⛽ Iran War: Europe's Economy Holding Up Better

Six months into the Iran War, Europe's growth has held up better than feared, and inflation concerns have subsided. The crisis has been milder for Europe compared to the Ukraine invasion fallout four years prior. Energy's contribution to eurozone inflation has dropped from four percentage points in July 2022 to less than a quarter currently. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury proposed revoking Banque Misr UAE's correspondent banking access under Operation Economic Outcast. This move aims to sever economic lifelines for the Iranian regime. ⛽

✨ September night sky: What to check out 🔭

September brings some cool sights for stargazers before fall vibes hit. There are two minor meteor showers, the Aurigids peaking on Sept. 1 and the Southern Taurids starting Sept. 20. The moon will hang out near planets like Mars on Sept. 7 and Mercury on Sept. 12. A new moon on Sept. 11 offers clearer viewing, while Venus is brightest on Sept. 18. The season officially changes on Sept. 22 with the fall equinox.

⚽ VIS U-15 Football Tournament Kicks Off August 31

The third edition of the Vellore International School U-15 Inter-School Football Tournament is set to start on August 31. Sixty-four school teams from six districts, including Chennai and Tiruvallur, will participate in the knockout format. Daisuke Korenaga, Chairman of Football Club Jurong, Singapore, will inaugurate the event. The tournament intends to give young footballers a competitive stage and boost school football in the area. Opening matches will feature KC High International School against PAK Palanisamy Higher Secondary School.

🏆 Thailand pulls off thriller win against Hong Kong

Thailand clinched a thrilling six-run victory over Hong Kong in the Women's Asia Cup in Dubai. Captain Naruemol Chaiwai scored 43, but a late collapse left them at 120/9. Marina Lamplough was key for Hong Kong, taking 4/11 and scoring 22 off 11 balls. Thailand maintained their composure to restrict Hong Kong to 114/7. This win extends Thailand's unbeaten streak against Hong Kong to eight matches.

⚖️ Judge won't immediately block Trump's citizenship order

A federal judge declined to instantly block President Donald Trump's new executive order limiting birthright citizenship. This decision was made by US District Judge Deborah Boardman in Greenbelt, Maryland. The order was signed on August 6, targeting 'birth tourism' and other specific groups. The judge questioned the viability of this new rule, especially after the Supreme Court rejected his previous attempt. Plaintiffs can now supplement their complaint to challenge the order swiftly.