😥 Congress MP asks LG to help find stranded tourists

Congress MP V. Vaithilingam met Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan at Lok Niwas on Friday. He sought the LG's intervention to trace three tourists from Puducherry caught in Nepal's flash floods. The MP was accompanied by the relatives of the missing tourists. The LG assured the MP that he and officials were in constant contact with the Central government for the tourists' safety. Furthermore, Home Minister A. Namassivayam urged External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to assist in the search and rescue efforts. 😥

🏏 Namibia stuns South Africa in Tri-Series opener

Namibia managed another upset by defeating South Africa by 18 runs in the opening match of the T20I Tri-Series 2026. This match took place at the Namibia Cricket Ground, where the hosts defended 163/9 against the Proteas. On Friday, South Africa was dismissed for 145/9, despite Dewald Brevis scoring a brilliant 75 off 50 balls. The hosts started strong with an 84-run opening stand but lost momentum late in the innings. Namibia's bowlers kept the pressure on to secure the victory. 🏏

💧 ₹169 Cr Ex Gratia for Veligonda Displaced Folks

Water Resources Minister Nimmala Rama Naidu announced a ₹169 crore ex gratia payment for displaced villagers. This announcement was made at the Markapuram Collectorate on Friday, addressing protesting residents. Previously, ₹905 crore had been distributed to 7,027 households under the R&R package. The payment targets residents who turned 18 after the 2019 cut-off date, based on a humanitarian approach. The project is set for inauguration by the CM on August 31, 2026.

🔬 AI search engine could unlock cell biology secrets

A new Google-like search engine designed for single-cell RNA data has been developed. This tool is aimed at researchers working with complex biological datasets. It promises to answer questions that were previously considered impossible to address. The system will significantly advance our understanding of cellular mechanisms across various life forms. Future applications could revolutionize disease research and drug discovery processes. 🧬

🏏 Namibia beats South Africa in thrilling T20I

Namibia managed to win against South Africa by 18 runs in a tense first match of the tri-series. The match took place in Windhoek, where Namibia batted first after setting a target of 163. Key performances included Frylinck's 60 and Brevis's 75 off 50. Despite South Africa's efforts, Namibia secured the victory, maintaining their unbeaten record against the neighbours. The series continues with South Africa facing Zimbabwe on Saturday. 🏏

📈 India's forex reserves hit a record high

India's foreign exchange reserves reached a new all-time high of $729.328 billion in the week ending August 21. This surge was achieved with the support of RBI measures to boost overseas dollar inflows. Foreign currency assets increased by $9.482 billion to $591.333 billion during the reporting period. This continuous rise marks the eighth consecutive week of growth for the country's reserves. The RBI intervened in the market, partially offsetting some of the recent dollar inflows. 💰

🔭 Astronomers spot possible first starless galaxy, Cloud 9

Scientists are close to confirming 'Cloud 9' is the universe's first starless galaxy candidate. This object is located 14 million light-years away near Messier 94 (M94). It contains a vast cloud of hydrogen gas with 1 million solar masses, detected in January of this year. The emptiness in the deep images suggests it has failed to form significant stars despite having raw material. Further investigation using tools like the James Webb Space Telescope is required for a final confirmation.

😟 Cricket boards unhappy with Asian Games 2026 lodging

India and Pakistan are among cricket boards dissatisfied with the facilities for Asian Games 2026. Full-member boards raised concerns about the small size of the allocated rooms in Japan. The issue was discussed during an ACC meeting, noting that rooms are too tiny for two cricketers and their bags. One board member warned they might send a B team if standards aren't met. Representatives are being asked to visit Japan immediately to assess the accommodation firsthand.

🚁 CM mandates helipads on high-rises for safety

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that building helipads on high-rise buildings will become mandatory in the city. This directive was given at the Manekshaw Parade Ground in Bengaluru on Friday. The government plans to coordinate with military and air force officials regarding this proposal. This move aims to protect citizens during emergencies like fire mishaps or terrorist attacks. Additionally, the state government will increase the hardship allowance for police by 50%.

🧬 Cancer gene's secret role in aging cells revealed

A cancer-linked gene, CCND1, surprisingly influences non-proliferating, 'zombie-like' cells that fight cancer. Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys published this finding on August 20, 2026, in Nature Aging. This gene drives chronic inflammation linked to age-related diseases, as seen in aging mice livers. Blocking CCND1 with palbociclib reduced DNA damage and improved older mice health. This suggests repurposing this drug for healthier aging in humans. 🧬

⚔️ Elden Ring Tarnished Edition drops new loot and spots

The Tarnished Edition of Elden Ring has introduced several new content locations for players to explore. These additions are available in the game for players across the Lands Between. The update features brand new weapons, armour sets, NPC invasions, and horse armour options. This content expands the already massive world and challenges players to discover new secrets. Developers are expected to keep releasing further updates to enhance the game experience.