✈️ Chennai's Parandur Airport Project Dropped

Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay announced on August 24, 2026, that the Parandur airport development plan is being scrapped. The project was intended for Parandur village in Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu. Originally planned on 5,746 acres, the project had faced local opposition since 2022. The government is now exploring alternative sites, including the Hosur project, while focusing on Terminal 5 upgrades. This shift comes after the TVK strongly opposed the airport before gaining power. ✈️

🔬 Lead exposure messes with brain cell waste system

Scientists at ICMR-NIN in Hyderabad studied how lead and Alzheimer's-related amyloid-beta peptides affect human nerve cells. They found that lead or Aβ peptides individually damaged the cells' waste-clearing lysosomes. However, when exposed together, the disruption was much greater, reducing cell survival and damaging lysosomal structure. These results suggest environmental lead exposure could worsen the cellular stress from amyloid-beta. This research emphasizes the link between environmental pollutants and brain health.

🌏 Doval in Beijing for China border talks

NSA Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing on Monday for diplomatic discussions with China. He is scheduled to meet Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on Tuesday for the 25th round of Special Representatives' Talks. This visit occurs amid efforts to normalize relations following years of tension along the 3,500-kilometre border. The main focus will be managing boundary issues and maintaining peace along the Line of Actual Control. Both sides aim to consolidate recent positive momentum in their bilateral relationship. 🤝

📉 Big Short investor dumps Alibaba for rival JD.com

Investor Michael Burry has completely sold his Alibaba stock and shifted his investment to its competitor, JD.com. This move comes as Alibaba announced a HK$80 billion share sale to fund its AI expansion. Burry criticized the share issuance despite acknowledging Alibaba's impressive low-cost LLM efforts. The stock remains significantly down due to tech crackdowns and fierce competition. He is also shorting Oracle and Micron over AI overexposure.

🕊️ Doval in Beijing for India-China border talks

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval arrived in Beijing for a two-day visit to hold crucial talks. He is scheduled to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday regarding the border issue. These discussions mark the 25th round of Special Representatives' Talks, following recent diplomatic thawing. Both nations are working to normalize relations after severe tensions along their 3,500-kilometre disputed border. The talks aim to maintain peace and stability while addressing unresolved boundary differences. 🤝

😠 Auto drivers protest Marathi language mandate in Mumbai

Auto and taxi drivers staged a protest in Kandivali, Mumbai, against the Marathi language mandate enforced by the Maharashtra Transport Department. The drivers claim the requirement to learn Marathi is 'unfair' to them. Currently, 1.65 lakh drivers have completed the Marathi training among the state's 9.65 lakh drivers. Officials are giving drivers one month to learn, otherwise, badges could be suspended or permanently cancelled. Drivers argue they are being penalized despite their years of experience driving in the city. 😠

🧠 REM sleep apnea might boost Alzheimer's vascular risk

REM sleep-related sleep apnea could worsen the vascular issues leading to Alzheimer's disease, according to a new framework. Researchers highlighted the link between breathing problems during REM sleep and brain damage in older adults. Studies showed REM-predominant apnea linked to higher cardiometabolic risk and cerebrovascular markers. Vascular pathways from REM-related lack of oxygen connect to memory issues in the medial temporal lobe. This suggests routine sleep studies should now include REM-specific indices for better risk assessment. 🧠

📉 FIIs cut holdings in 11 midcaps; shares drop up to 50% 📉

Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) trimmed holdings in about 51 midcap companies across the March and June 2026 quarters. Among these, roughly 11 midcap stocks saw declines between 15% and 50% so far in 2026. For example, one stock fell 50% from Rs 1,174 to Rs 589 during this period. However, some stocks like Sona BLW Precision Forgings rallied 70% despite the selling pressure. Investors are watching to see if this selling continues or if performance improves next.

🔥 Govinda spotted with Komal Rani Swarnkar after legal warning

Govinda was recently seen in public with Komal Rani Swarnkar despite issuing a Rs 100 crore legal notice. This sighting happened shortly after the notice targeted platforms spreading claims about their alleged court marriage. The legal warning, issued by Govinda, seeks damages of up to Rs 100 crore against those spreading false content. This whole drama continues amid ongoing public speculation about his relationship. The controversy surrounding Govinda and his alleged partner shows no signs of slowing down.

💰 Hindustan Zinc stake sale coming soon

The government is planning to launch an Offer for Sale (OFS) in Hindustan Zinc within the next two weeks. This move involves the Centre selling a 1.5-2% stake in the mining company located in India. The proposed stake sale could generate between Rs 4,000 and Rs 5,000 crore, depending on the final pricing. This transaction is part of the government's ongoing disinvestment push to raise funds from public sector holdings. The sale aims to boost receipts towards the annual target while the government currently holds a 27.92% stake. 💰

⚖️ Goa asks SC: Tejpal should have surrendered earlier

The Goa government informed the Supreme Court that former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal should have surrendered before appealing his rape conviction. Representing Goa, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that surrender was necessary for the appeal to proceed. Tejpal's lawyer, Kapil Sibal, countered that the High Court had granted him time to surrender until the first week of September. The case stems from 2013 allegations, leading to his conviction and a 10-year sentence in May 2021. Goa is also seeking an enhancement of his sentence to life imprisonment. ⚖️