✨ Bunny Levine, 'Gilmore Girls' star, passes away at 97

Actress Bunny Levine has passed away at the age of 97 after a life that included a late career change. She was known for roles in shows like 'Gilmore Girls' and 'Shameless' while living in New Jersey. Her career spanned decades, with notable credits including 'La La Land' and 'Thelma' from 2024. Levine transitioned from a school librarian role to full-time acting after early retirement. Her extensive work showcased her distinctive presence across comedy and drama genres. 🎬

🏦 NSE's IPO snag: listing on rival exchange?

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) is advancing towards its highly awaited IPO despite regulatory hurdles. The exchange faces a structural issue because Regulation 45(2) prevents it from listing its own corporate shares on its platform. Consequently, NSE must formally list its shares on its rival, the BSE, in 2026. The NSE plans to use the 'Permitted to Trade' category so investors can trade its shares on both exchanges. This move could allow NSE to qualify for major indices like the Nifty 50, benefiting from passive fund demand. 📈

🔬 Student builds system to track wildfires from smoke

Anish Peri developed a system that uses smoke to locate the starting point of a wildfire. This project was created by the high-school student from Eden Prairie, Minnesota. The research was recognized at the 2026 Minnesota State Science and Engineering Fair, where he got the NOAA Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award. Inverse atmospheric dispersion modeling allows the system to work backward from gas sensor readings to estimate the origin. This innovation connects atmospheric science with environmental engineering to aid in fire detection. 🔬

🤔 India's ethanol plan has some serious math problems

India is diverting taxpayer-bought rice meant for food security to ethanol distilleries at a lower price. This move is happening even though ethanol remains more expensive than petrol currently. The government claims the Ethanol Blended Petrol programme cuts oil imports to save foreign reserves. However, experts question the food-versus-fuel trade-off, especially with 80 crore people relying on free rations. CEA V Anantha Nageswaran suggests a cautious approach before pushing higher ethanol blends. 🌾

🇧🇩 Bangladesh links PM visit to bilateral talks

Bangladesh stated there is no immediate rush for Tarique Rahman's visit to India. The nation emphasized it will not compromise its national interests while building a positive relationship with New Delhi. State Minister Humayun Kabir noted the visit depends on sufficient progress in bilateral discussions. He mentioned that if an agreement based on national interests is reached, the visit could happen next week or the week after. These comments followed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's statement on mutual interests.

🚨 Amnesty says police used excessive force in Delhi protests

Amnesty International stated on Monday, August 24, 2026, that police used excessive force during youth-led protests. This action followed protests that led to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation last month. The report cited witness testimony confirming the use of pellet guns and electric shock devices in Delhi and Bihar. While Delhi Police claimed force was used only after violence started, Amnesty calls the heavy-handed response state-sanctioned violence. A Supreme Court panel was set up on August 20, 2026, to investigate the violence.

⚓ Navy sailor's dad arrested by ICE during deployment

US Navy sailor Joshua Aviles learned his father, Luis Manuel Aviles Roa, was arrested by ICE while he was deployed aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. The arrest happened in Key West, Florida, on 22 August, as the DHS confirmed Roa entered the US illegally. Despite the family's efforts for his green card, he now faces deportation proceedings. Aviles expressed deep heartbreak over his father's situation during his long deployment. He promises to do everything he can to bring his dad back home. 💔

🚀 Shein eyes $27bn valuation in Hong Kong IPO

Fast-fashion giant Shein plans to raise up to HK13.86bn during its stock market debut. The company will offer nearly 280 million shares on the Hong Kong stock market starting September 1st. This sets a valuation of almost $27bn, significantly lower than its $100bn private valuation in 2022. The IPO is backed by Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and JP Morgan, following failed US and London listings. Shein recently reported a $99m loss in the first quarter, amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.

⛽ Iran warns: No oil exports if US economic war continues 🚨

Iran has issued a major warning that it will halt all oil exports if the US continues its 'economic war' against the nation. This stern message came from Mohsen Rezaei, the Supreme National Security Council Secretary, directed at the US and its allies. The threat was made as Washington planned to announce a fresh round of economic sanctions targeting Iran and its trade partners. Rezaei also stated that any country supporting the US campaign would be considered to be committing an 'act of war'. These tensions are set against the backdrop of ongoing global concerns over the Strait of Hormuz.

✈️ Skyways Air Services IPO opens Aug 24: Worth the hype?

Skyways Air Services' IPO is opening on Monday, August 24, and is set to close on August 27. The Delhi-based logistics firm plans to raise around ₹582.8 crore by issuing 4.22 crore equity shares. SBI Securities rated it 'Neutral,' citing strong growth but also high debt dependence. Swastika Investmart recommended subscribing, pointing to the company's leading position in air freight forwarding. The shares are expected to list on September 1, 2026.

⛽ Iran finds massive new gas reserves in Fars

Iran has successfully discovered over 200 billion cubic meters of fresh natural gas reserves. This significant find was made in the Fars province of the country. The reserves were documented as part of ongoing geological surveys, though specific dates of discovery are not provided. This discovery boosts Iran's domestic energy security and export potential considerably. Officials are now planning the necessary infrastructure to start extracting and utilizing this gas. ⛽