🏛️ Bengal SIR: 80% tribunal appeals challenge voter inclusion

The Supreme Court was informed that nearly 80% of the 38 lakh appeals in West Bengal SIR tribunals challenge voter inclusion. Specifically, only 7 lakh appeals were filed by individuals excluded from the electoral rolls after the SIR exercise. Out of 83,000 decided appeals, over 75,000 were allowed, meaning almost 90% favored the voters. Senior Advocate Sankaranarayanan urged tribunals to prioritize the 7 lakh exclusion appeals. The Court then ordered the ECI to provide detailed affidavits on appeal statuses. ⚖️

🎉 Kerala CM wishes unity for Onam celebrations

Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan sent Onam greetings to all Keralites this Tuesday. He stressed that Onam is a cherished tradition transcending caste and religion across Kerala. The message highlighted that people stand united despite attempts by vested interests to spread division. Satheesan noted that celebrations inspire resilience even after recent natural disasters. The government has made arrangements to ensure joyous Thiruvonam for everyone.

🍪 Scientists made edible cookies from plastic 🍪

Scientists have successfully transformed PET plastic into nutritious, edible cookies called "µBites". This innovation was presented by Sandhya Jayasekara at the American Chemical Society's Fall 2026 meeting in Carbondale. The process involved a 32-step method using programmed yeasts to convert plastic components into proteins, vitamins, and flavorings. This research aims to combat rising global food demand and pollution risks by 2050. Further development is ongoing, with a goal of making them a more consumer-friendly food source in a few years.

🚗 Mumbai drivers challenge Marathi language rule in HC

Auto and cab drivers have approached the Bombay High Court against a new Marathi language rule implemented by the Maharashtra government. Four drivers filed the petition, arguing the rule jeopardizes the livelihoods of lakhs of workers. The government notification was issued on August 12, and the case is set for mention before the Chief Justice on August 26. Drivers contend this requirement exceeds the powers under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and violates their fundamental rights. They are seeking an immediate stay on the notification to prevent widespread economic hardship. 🚗

✈️ AP Minister rejects Sri City airport idea for Chennai

Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh publicly rejected a social media proposal suggesting Sri City could be an alternate airport hub for Chennai. He made this statement in response to Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay scrapping the Parandur greenfield airport project. This rejection comes after Vijay dropped the Parandur plan on Monday, stating the government would find a less disruptive alternative site. Former CM M.K. Stalin called this decision an irreversible setback to Tamil Nadu's growth. The ongoing airport debate is now a major political talking point between the two neighboring states. ✈️

🌧️ Monsoon's Tale: East Rains, West/South Dry

The Indian monsoon is showing a split pattern across the country this week. Heavy rainfall is expected in the eastern parts of the nation. Meanwhile, the western and southern regions are experiencing a dry spell. This weather pattern is influencing agricultural activities across different states. Forecasters are monitoring the situation closely for the coming days.

🌧️ Monsoon split: East gets rain, West stays dry

States in East and Northern India are expected to receive heavy rainfall soon, while West and South regions will remain dry, according to IMD projections. The low-pressure area over Jharkhand is causing isolated heavy rain in East UP, East MP, and Chhattisgarh today. Isolated heavy rainfall is forecasted for Bihar and Uttar Pradesh over the next three days. Peninsular India is set to see subdued rainfall activity for the next week. The low-pressure area is expected to shift west-northwestwards by tomorrow morning.

📱 Galaxy S26 FE event set, sale date is still pending

Samsung confirmed a Galaxy Event on August 27 at 9 p.m. KST, which is 12 p.m. UTC, to likely unveil the Galaxy S26 FE. This event will stream live on Samsung.com and YouTube to showcase the newest addition to the Galaxy S26 family. While the reveal date is set, the actual sales launch date has not been disclosed by Samsung. The phone is expected to feature core Galaxy S26 experiences and AI capabilities. Buyers are watching to see if the FE maintains its budget-friendly price gap despite the S26's higher launch cost.

🌕 SpaceX Falcon 9 blasts open 60-foot moon crater

A spent SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage created a new crater on the Moon's surface. This impact happened on August 5, 2026, near the lunar surface. NASA's LRO photographed the fresh scar between August 11 and 12, 2026, measuring about 60 feet across. This event offers scientists a rare look at lunar geology unfolding in real time. Future observations will utilize these data to better understand lunar impacts. 🚀

💧 Chennai woman dies in waterlogged pit mystery

A 59-year-old woman, Kalavathi, died after being found unconscious in a waterlogged pit in Chennai. She was located near the Anna Nagar Tower Metro station in Padi Puthunagar by passersby on Sunday, August 23. Authorities mentioned minor electric shocks were felt when people tried to lift her out, leading to electrocution suspicion. The family blames civic negligence for not barricading the stormwater drain pit, while GCC denies an open trench existed. A post-mortem is pending, and police are examining CCTV footage, which the family claims they have been denied access to.

😠 ICC penalizes Jayasuriya over umpire outburst

Prabath Jayasuriya received a sanction from the ICC for his conduct during the second Test against India in Colombo. The Sri Lankan spinner was found guilty of a Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct on Monday, the second day of the match. This disciplinary action resulted in one demerit point being added to his record, as he struck boundary markers after his dismissal. Jayasuriya was reportedly frustrated with the umpires regarding the fading light and was also filmed flinging his gloves. He accepted the punishment, meaning no formal hearing was required for the charge.