🩺 BCCI cautious on player fitness before tours

The BCCI, selection committee, and CoE, led by VVS Laxman, are adopting a cautious stance regarding player fitness for international games. This policy change stems from past issues, such as Harshit Rana being dropped from the England tour after a comeback in June. They now require 200% confidence in a player's availability before officially declaring them fit for selection. This led to conditional picks in the T20Is against Afghanistan, where Bumrah and Nitish Reddy were listed with caveats. The CoE insists on transparency, ensuring players understand their fitness status before being released to the press. 🏏

📈 India's GDP hits 7.8% despite global chaos

India's GDP grew significantly to 7.8% in the first quarter of FY2026-27. This growth figure is for India, with the rise from 6.9% recorded in the same quarter last year. Economist Sanjeev Sanyal noted that domestic demand and government investment are driving this resilience. Despite geopolitical tensions and inflation, the economy is showing strong performance across key sectors. The focus now shifts to whether India can maintain this growth momentum throughout the rest of FY27.

💧 BJP protests Kalaburagi's drought list exclusion

The BJP is protesting the exclusion of Kalaburagi from the drought-affected areas list by the State government. Former MP Umesh Jadhav and former MLA Rajkumar Patil Telkur stated this at a press conference in Kalaburagi city on Tuesday. The district received 352.4 mm of rainfall against a normal of 438.2 mm by August 24, showing significant deficits. They claim the government ignored severe rainfall shortages and flawed ground assessments. The BJP has given the State government eight days to declare the district drought-hit or face a 'Kalaburagi bandh'.

✊ Congress protests FIR against Rahul Gandhi's remarks

Members of the Kalaburagi District Congress Committee staged a protest on Tuesday against the FIR registered against Rahul Gandhi. The protest took place in Kalaburagi, targeting the case related to his remarks on a 'purification' ritual. This incident followed AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge's address in Haldwani on August 8, and the FIR was registered on August 30. Congress leaders argued Gandhi sought action to highlight untouchability faced by Dalits. The party warned of nationwide protests if the FIR wasn't withdrawn and action taken.

🔬 New algorithm simplifies gene tracking in single-cell data

A new computational method called scLS was developed to analyze gene expression trajectories from scRNA-seq data. Researchers from Waseda University in Japan introduced scLS to handle complex cellular data sets. The study was made public on July 16, 2026, and published in Nucleic Acids Research on July 22, 2026. scLS uses the Lomb–Scargle periodogram to analyze irregularly sampled and branching trajectories without explicit regression models. This tool supports both dynamic and shifted gene expression tests, offering an efficient screening method. 🧬

🌧️ Uttarakhand rain fury claims 7 lives

Heavy rain in Uttarakhand on Tuesday caused landslides and house collapses, resulting in at least seven deaths. The casualties were reported from Almora, where five died, and Dehradun, where two perished. This deadly weather event occurred amid continuous downpour since Monday night, leading to widespread disruption. Consequently, schools were closed in several districts, and rescue operations were actively underway. Authorities are monitoring the situation while working to restore traffic on the damaged Dehradun-Mussoorie highway. 🌧️

🧅 Centre pushes onion stock to curb price hikes

The Union Consumer Affairs Ministry started a calibrated release of onion buffer stocks to manage rising prices. This action involved dispatching consignments from Nashik, Maharashtra, to major consumption centers like Delhi and Chennai. Specifically, two 'Kanda Express' rakes were sent, totaling 1,290 MT, alongside road transport of about 1,000 MT. The government also lowered the dealer stock limit for sugar from 4,000 to 2,000 quintals. These measures aim to prevent hoarding and ensure continuous availability of essential commodities. 🧅

🐄 Haryana milk prices set to jump to ₹100/litre

Buffalo milk prices in Haryana districts might hit ₹100 per litre as dairy farmers push for a rate hike. Farmers in Jind, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Rohtak, and Hisar held meetings to discuss the issue. Current prices are between ₹60 and ₹80 per litre, while the new rates plan to start from September 5. This proposed increase is due to rising costs of cattle feed, fodder, and transport expenses. Violators of the announced prices will face a heavy fine of ₹21,000. 🐄

✊ BJP targeting Rahul Gandhi, says M.B. Patil

Congress workers held a protest rally in Vijayapura on Tuesday against the FIR registered against Rahul Gandhi. District In-charge Minister M.B. Patil led the demonstration, condemning the registration of the FIR against the Opposition Leader. The protest march went from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Circle to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, submitting a petition to President Droupadi Murmu. Patil alleged that the FIR is vindictive and politically motivated, following an incident in Uttarakhand. They stated they have faith in the judicial system and will fight the case legally. ✊

🪐 Pioneer 11 first visits Saturn in 1979

NASA's Pioneer 11 probe became the first spacecraft to fly by Saturn on September 1, 1979. This mission utilized Jupiter's gravity assist to reach Saturn, four years and nine months after launching in 1973. During its closest approach, it gathered data and photographed Saturn, discovering new moons and a ring. This pioneering flight path helped prepare for the Voyager probes' later visits to the outer planets. The probe survived for 22 years before ceasing operations in 1995. 🚀

🫡 IPS Officer Ravikante Gowda Retires in Davangere

Senior IPS officer Ravikante Gowda was felicitated by police personnel and civil society groups on Monday. The farewell took place in Davangere, where he served as the Inspector-General of Police, Central Range. Roughly two decades ago, he was key in stopping illegal liquor trade in Hubballi's Kamaripet area. His colleagues praised his loyalty, discipline, and commitment to public service. Dr. Gowda advised personnel to maintain hobbies like reading and listening to music.