🏦 Banks hike FD rates for seniors, check out the numbers 💰

HDFC Bank and Federal Bank have increased their Fixed Deposit rates for senior citizens. Federal Bank's new rates took effect on August 17, while HDFC Bank's changes started on August 19. Federal Bank offers up to 7.20% on a 48-month deposit, and HDFC Bank reached 7.10% for specific tenures. These hikes are important for seniors relying on FDs for steady income and capital safety. Investors should still compare rates considering taxes and withdrawal penalties before switching.

🔋 Poco X8 Power drops with massive 10,000 mAh battery

The Poco X8 Power 5G has been revealed in a recent teaser video, showcasing its huge 10,000 mAh battery. This mid-range smartphone is set to officially unveil on Friday, September 4, and will launch first in India. Key features include 100-watt fast charging and a promise of six years of software support. It boasts a 50-megapixel main camera and is certified with IP68 and IP69K standards. Further specifications will be confirmed during the official launch event on September 4. 🔋

📱 Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 makes phone a full office

The author put the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 and Watch9 through a rigorous test to see their capabilities. This tech review focused on how these new gadgets could integrate into daily life. The foldable phone's functionality allowed it to seamlessly transform into a complete workspace. This feature shows the increasing potential of modern mobile technology in professional settings. It suggests a future where personal devices handle most of our daily tasks. 📱

💉 Congo rolls out Ebola vaccine for health staff

The Democratic Republic of Congo has begun the rollout of Ebola vaccinations specifically targeting healthcare workers. This vaccination drive is being implemented across the nation to protect frontline medical personnel. The program started on January 15, 2024, aiming for widespread coverage within the coming months. This initiative is a crucial part of the ongoing public health response to the Ebola outbreak in the region. Officials plan to monitor the vaccination efficacy closely to manage future risks.

⚖️ Jharkhand HC reduces sentence in old bribe case

The Jharkhand High Court granted clemency in a 1993 corruption case involving a ₹300 bribe demand. This case involved Samir Kumar Choudhary, accused of demanding money for provident fund dues in Jharkhand. The court considered the three-decade trial duration and the minor nature of the offense. The judge noted the appellant had faced 'agony of the trial' and had no prior criminal record. Consequently, the sentence was reduced to time served along with a fine of ₹5000.

🚨 TN govt watching essential commodity price swings

The Tamil Nadu government is closely tracking price fluctuations across 41 essential commodities via the Price Monitoring Committee. Food Minister P. Venkataramanan addressed the Legislative Assembly regarding rising costs of sugar, rice, pulses, and cooking oil. This recent price hike was attributed to the West Asia war impact and subsequent fuel price increases. Opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin demanded price controls, referencing 2007 measures. The government is actively ensuring the seamless availability of these necessary goods. 📈

🛡️ India boosts tank readiness with new overhaul facility

The Indian Army is getting a major upgrade with a new T-Series Tanks Overhaul Project at Vehicle Factory, Jabalpur. This initiative, launched by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, aims to strengthen indigenous maintenance for Russian-origin tanks. The facility will overhaul 80 tanks annually, helping meet the Army's requirement of around 230 tanks yearly. This is crucial for combat preparedness, especially amid supply chain vulnerabilities from Russia. The project also supports the broader goal of building a resilient domestic defence ecosystem. 🛡️

✈️ India eyes next-gen fighter jets globally

India has joined the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) as a dialogue partner for the UK-Japan-Italy sixth-generation fighter jet. This involvement offers New Delhi insight into advanced air combat technologies being developed internationally. GCAP recently secured $6.1 billion, with induction slated for 2034, while India also engages with the FCAS project. Defence secretary RK Singh confirmed India is weighing both GCAP and FCAS due to the huge demands of independent development. This dual engagement shows India's serious intent to become a major player in future air power. ✈️

😊 Modi celebrates Rakshabandhan with students

PM Narendra Modi celebrated Raksha Bandhan by interacting with young students at his official residence. Schoolgirls visited 7, Lok Kalyan Marg to tie rakhis on the Prime Minister's wrist. The auspicious time for tying rakhis on August 28, 2026, is from 5:57 AM to 9:48 AM. The festival emphasizes strengthening bonds of affection and mutual responsibility within society. Modi shared photos and videos of the warm interactions on his Instagram account. 🤝

🧅 Govt says onion stock quality is good for supply

The government confirmed that the onion buffer stock quality is good, according to Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare. This assertion was made on Friday, August 28, 2026, in New Delhi. The stock, which is 1.21 lakh tonnes, is now being stored by the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC) starting this year. This change, unlike previous years, aims to ensure better shelf life for the commodity. Retail prices in the capital rose 88% to ₹62 per kg on Thursday, August 27. 🧅

🩺 Congo starts Ebola vaccine rollout for health staff

The Democratic Republic of Congo began vaccinating frontline health workers to control its massive Ebola outbreak. Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba announced over 50,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine were received. Vaccinations started on Thursday in Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo province, on August 28. Although Ervebo targets a different species, early animal tests suggest it offers some protection against the Bundibugyo strain. The campaign will first focus on provinces near Ituri before expanding outward. 🩺