🏛️ CM Vijay: Kids in campaign won't cancel election

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay asserted in the Madras High Court that using children in his election campaign is not grounds to void his win. This was stated in the case titled Inigo Irudayaraj Vs Joseph Vijay before the court. The petition was filed by a DMK candidate against the CM's victory. Vijay argued that the alleged violation did not materially impact the final election result. The court will now consider the specifics of the election petition's claims.

🗳️ Children in campaign won't invalidate election: CM Vijay

Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay told the Madras High Court that using children in his election campaign alone cannot void his win. This submission was made while responding to an election petition filed by defeated DMK candidate S Inigo Irudayaraj in Tiruchirappalli East. Vijay secured his victory by a margin of 27,416 votes, facing allegations about children's involvement. He argued that even if the ECI directive was violated, it doesn't provide a legally sustainable ground to overturn the result. The case is scheduled for further hearing on August 31. 🗳️

🧬 Iranian researchers build 'bacterial transistors' for smart plants

Iranian researchers, collaborating with MIT scientists, have engineered modified bacterial cells to act as biological transistors. Led by Hamid Doosthosseini, the work focuses on creating computer architecture components within living cells. Each cell can detect specific molecules and transmit signals, allowing complex circuits to be built. This could eventually enable plants to sense and react to environmental changes like drought or pests. The technology is still in the research phase and needs further development for real-world use. 🔬

🎖️ Actor's Dad Martyred Fighting Terrorists, Awarded Ashoka Chakra

The father of actress Rukmini Vasanth was martyred while engaging in combat with eight terrorists. This brave act took place in a high-stakes confrontation. The father was posthumously awarded the prestigious Ashoka Chakra. His sacrifice highlights the bravery of security forces against terrorism in India. The nation honors his immense courage and dedication to the country. 🇮🇳

😠 Punjab employee strike turns chaotic in Jalandhar

A scheduled meeting between CM Bhagwant Mann and protesting Punjab government employees in Jalandhar turned into a standoff on Thursday. The protest was organized by unions demanding restoration of the Old Pension Scheme and pending DA installments. CM Mann called off the talks just before 1 pm, stating strike and talks couldn't happen simultaneously. This move caused anger, leading employees to block BMC Chowk and eventually clash with police. Police later confirmed the talks were deferred to next week, though representatives remained waiting.

🎬 Ranabaali set for October 16, 2026 release

The period action drama Ranabaali has officially locked its worldwide theatrical release date for October 16, 2026. This film stars Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna and will hit cinemas during the Dussehra festive weekend. The ambitious spectacle is directed by Rahul Sankrityan and backed by Mythri Movie Makers. The story focuses on the intense conflict between righteousness and tyranny in a period setting. Fans can anticipate this major cinematic event, complete with music by Ajay–Atul, in late 2026.

🔋 India to fund battery parts to beat China 🔋

India is rolling out a new incentive program worth up to Rs 13,000 crore to boost local battery part manufacturing. This initiative is targeting component makers in New Delhi to reduce reliance on Chinese suppliers. The funding will cover five key battery parts like anodes and cathodes, aiming to improve national energy security. This plan builds on an existing 50 GWh battery incentive scheme that has seen some delays. The proposal is scheduled for review by the Indian finance ministry's Expenditure Finance Committee.

🗳️ West Bengal voter appeal decisions lagging behind

Only 2% of the 38 lakh appeals against exclusion, filed after the West Bengal SIR, have been decided by appellate tribunals as of August 7. This means a huge 97.83% of the total 37,27,838 appeals are still pending review. During this period, 91% of the names that were reviewed have been restored to the voter rolls. The process started in March 2026 following the Special Intensive Revision. Authorities continue to process the backlog of voter inclusion cases. 🗳️

🗳️ Only 2% of exclusion appeals decided in West Bengal

The RTI response detailed that only 2% of 38 lakh appeals against exclusion in West Bengal SIR have been decided so far. This information was provided following an application by Congress MP Isha Khan Choudhury. The final SIR roll saw a drop of 1,15,57,397 electors from the 2024 figure of 7,60,10,006 by February 28, 2026. The Supreme Court bench directed the ECI to provide details on these pending appeals and the relief sought. Consequently, a significant portion of names have been restored to the voter rolls across the state. 🗳️

📉 TCS cuts pay for mid/senior staff, juniors get full payout

TCS reduced quarterly variable payouts for mid and senior employees for the April-June quarter. This change affects employees at the massive IT services company in India. Mid and senior staff received 60-70% of eligible pay in Q1FY27, while junior staff kept 100%. The move addresses margin pressures alongside investments in AI capabilities. TCS will continue linking payouts to office attendance under its five-day work-from-office policy.

😥 TN CM orders high-level monitoring for Nepal flood relief

Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay directed officials to manage the rescue operations following devastating floods in Nepal. Ashish Kumar, Resident Commissioner, along with a team, was sent to Kathmandu to oversee relief efforts. A total of 103 Tamil Nadu pilgrims were stranded in Nepal after the floods hit on Wednesday, August 26. During an emergency meeting, Vijay also tasked four ministers to go to New Delhi for coordination. These ministers will monitor relief and ensure the safe, speedy return of the survivors. 😥