🛰️ Bandicoot maker Genrobotics dives into defense and space tech

Genrobotics, famous for its 'Bandicoot' scavenger robot, is now expanding into defense and space technology. The company inaugurated a new facility at KINFRA, Menamkulam, Thiruvananthapuram, on Thursday. This unit is geared towards R&D and production for defense and space applications. They have also brought in senior staff from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This move signifies a major evolution from their initial sanitation robotics work. 🚀

🤖 Chinese hackers automate attacks on 170k servers with AI

A Chinese-speaking cybercrime group is using AI-assisted tools to automate attacks against vulnerable Windows and Linux web servers globally. This threat group, tracked as UAT-10147 by Cisco Talos, targeted servers for data theft and SEO fraud across countries like Brazil and Canada. The activity was spotted in early 2026 after a public directory exposed malware and a list of roughly 170,000 URLs. The group leverages AI to create scalable workflows using exploits like Dirty Pipe and deploys custom backdoors such as SPECTRE. Security experts advise patching servers and monitoring for unusual system changes to counter these advanced threats. 🤖

😠 MLA demands action against sand mafia in district

TDP MLA Bonela Vijaya Chandra called on the Collector and Mines Department officials to stop the sand mafia in Parvatipuram-Manyam district. He mentioned receiving numerous complaints from residents in Parvatipuram town and mandal recently. The issue involves people being forced to pay bribes despite the government's free sand policy from two years ago. Specifically, Rompilli Prasada Rao was allegedly forced to pay ₹13,000 bribe due to local influence. This matter will now be brought to the notice of CM N.Chandrababu Naidu and other senior officials.

🚁 Millionaire Food Tycoon Dies in Kenya Helicopter Crash

Miami entrepreneur Roger Duarte was tragically killed in a helicopter crash in northern Kenya on Wednesday. He was travelling with six others when the Eurocopter EC130 B4 crashed near Mount Ololokwe in Samburu County around 9:13 am. All seven people aboard, including the Kenyan pilot, died in the incident. The crash occurred while the aircraft was on a charter flight from Loisaba Conservancy towards the Ewaso Nyiro area. Kenyan aviation authorities are currently investigating the cause of this fatal accident.

🤔 OBCs challenge census caste counting method

OBC community members have voiced strong opposition to the proposed caste enumeration method for the Census 2027. This opposition was raised by the All India OBC Students’ Association at an event in Hyderabad. Speakers demanded a halt on Census 2027 until unique caste codes are finalized. They argued that the current open-field methodology risks inaccurate data collection, similar to the 46 lakh names in the 2011 SECC. A consultative system involving experts and state governments is being requested for proper identification.

🎣 Big fund boost for Kerala's fisherfolk

The State government has approved ₹62.46 crore for a livelihood support scheme for fishers during off-season months. The Fisheries department plans to initially use ₹20 crore under the 'Livelihood and nutritional support' scheme. This support aims to aid fishers during lean periods and promote saving habits. The Union government sanctioned the ₹62.46 crore on August 13, with shared contributions from Central, State, and beneficiary sources. Additionally, ₹1.79 crore was cleared for July 2026 widow pension distribution. 🎣

🏛️ TN CM's big talk with Amit Shah on delimitation

Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay raised serious concerns regarding the proposed Delimitation Bill, 2026, during a meeting with Union home minister Amit Shah. He worried that Southern States could lose parliamentary representation if seats are redistributed based purely on population figures. The 1971 Census freeze nears its end, prompting his call for legislative guarantees against penalization for successful population control. Vijay also stressed adherence to court orders in the ongoing Cauvery river dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Furthermore, he pushed for TN to use Class XII marks for state quota medical admissions.

🛰️ French astronaut makes history on spacewalk

ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot successfully completed a spacewalk on Tuesday, August 18th, becoming the first French woman to do so. She conducted the mission outside the International Space Station alongside NASA's Anil Menon. The six-hour, 23-minute EVA aimed to replace a failed space-to-ground antenna tracking NASA’s satellite. However, stuck bolts delayed the antenna replacement, requiring a revised plan for a future spacewalk. This marks the 282nd spacewalk supporting station maintenance. 🚀

🚨 Woman abducted, murdered in Raichur district

A 21-year-old Dalit BA graduate was abducted, gang-raped, and murdered in Hokrani village near Sirwar on Wednesday evening. Four local residents—Gundya, Mahanthesh, Veeresh, and Mundargi Basawaraj—were booked after a complaint from the victim’s father. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. when she went out for defecation near the temples. The body was later found floating in the Doddyala well on Thursday morning. Police have registered an FIR and launched a full-scale investigation into the crime. 💔

🚗 Kia Sorento lands in India with hybrid and diesel options 🤩

Kia India has officially unveiled the new Sorento SUV for the Indian market. This seven-seater is set to arrive with both hybrid and diesel powertrain options in India. The official launch is scheduled for September 4, 2026, with an expected starting price around Rs 40 lakh (ex-showroom). It features a new design, twin displays, and premium amenities like a panoramic sunroof. This launch positions the Sorento against rivals such as the Skoda Kodiaq and Toyota Fortuner.

🐍 Orry slams Akanksha over Gaurav's image

Orry, a co-contestant from Khatron Ke Khiladi 15, publicly criticized Akanksha Chamola regarding her divorce from Gaurav Khanna. He accused her of actively trying to tarnish Gaurav's image and exploiting his fame for personal views. Akanksha had previously announced their separation and impending divorce during Lock Upp Season 2. Orry also commented on Shagun's claims of bullying, stating he teased her but remained friends. This controversy follows Akanksha's earlier clarification that the separation was genuine, not publicity-driven.