🧠 Depression might stop brain from making new neurons

New research suggests depression is more complex than just chemical imbalance. A study published in Nature Medicine found that adult neurogenesis stalls in people with major depressive disorder in the hippocampus. The team analyzed nearly half a million brain cells from patients and controls, showing disrupted neurogenesis and inflammation. This implies depression affects the whole hippocampal network, not just neurotransmitters. Scientists hope this leads to precision treatments tailored to specific cellular dysfunctions. 🧠

😠 Stalin demands top judicial probe into forest official killing

Udhayanidhi Stalin called for a high-level judicial inquiry into the killing of three Tamils by Karnataka Forest Department personnel. The incident took place in Chennai, where Stalin raised the issue in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Post-mortem reports allegedly showed the three men, Antonysamy, John Rose Peter, and Kumar, were brutally murdered. Stalin questioned the TN government's communication with Karnataka regarding the incident and the CM's reaction. He further insisted the government provide financial and legal aid to the victims' families. 😠

🚨 Police staff transferred over Onam reel incident

Seven Museum police personnel were transferred to AR Camp due to alleged negligence regarding an incident. This happened in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, after accused individuals filmed reels near the station. Around 25 accused, including I.P. Binu, must report every Saturday, and some misused the Onam swing. DCP Shahansha K.S. will conduct an inquiry to see if further action is needed against the transferred staff. The SHO has also been told to ask the court to cancel bail for at least two accused.

🧠 Early smartphone use linked to weaker memory and grades

A new study suggests that high screen exposure during early childhood can negatively impact children's memory and academic abilities later on. Researchers from Inserm and the National University of Singapore tracked 502 children from the GUSTO birth cohort. The findings showed that more screen time in infancy, especially at age 1, correlated with poorer academic performance at age 9. This research, published in the World Journal of Pediatrics, examined screen use across six different ages to pinpoint critical periods. Experts suggest reduced time for play and reading might be a contributing factor to these observed outcomes. 📱

🇮🇳 DRDO missile tech moves to Indian defence firms

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved transferring all DRDO-developed conventional missile system technologies to Indian defence firms. This move is set to boost domestic manufacturing capabilities across the Indian defence ecosystem. The initiative aims to enable indigenous production of these missile systems within the country. This transfer facilitates the shift from development stages to industrial-scale production for these systems. Ultimately, this strengthens India's defence industrial base and pushes for self-reliance. 🚀

🛣️ Fastag local passes now online at 121 plazas

The National Highways Authority of India made its digital FASTag Local Pass available at 121 toll plazas for eligible residents. This feature allows residents within 20 km of a plaza to get monthly passes via the Rajmargyatra app. The pass costs ₹350 monthly for private vehicles and grants unlimited crossings at the registered plaza. This digital shift replaces old paperwork, especially as barrier-less tolling rolls out. Commuters must check the app for coverage to avoid e-notices. 🚗

🚀 SpaceX stock jumps before Starlink launch

SpaceX is set to conduct a major satellite mission today, which is causing market buzz. The company, known for its space exploration endeavors, is seeing positive investor sentiment. Specific financial details regarding the stock movement on this date are not provided in the source. This launch is a key part of SpaceX's ongoing Starlink constellation deployment strategy. Investors are closely watching the mission's success to gauge future company performance. 🚀

✈️ Goyal subtly throws shade at China with Jack Ma reference

Union Minister Piyush Goyal made a veiled jab at China while promoting India as a reliable investment spot. He used the example of Alibaba founder Jack Ma to assure Japanese investors in Tokyo. Goyal highlighted that success in India doesn't risk turning into an academic career, referencing Ma's retreat after 2020. This was during his four-day visit to Japan, where India has seen $48.14 billion in FDI from Japan between 2000 and 2026. The minister stressed India's commitment to respecting IP and not being just a China alternative. 🇮🇳

💡 Top 10 cool gadgets under 10k in 2026

Several cool tech gadgets are available under Rs 10,000, featuring items like the Oppo Bubble and CMF Headphone Pro. These products are available on Amazon and Flipkart, with prices ranging from Rs 1,749 to Rs 7,999. The selection includes wireless headphones, gaming mice, and smart speakers to upgrade your daily tech experience. Consumers can choose from devices offering features like 100-hour battery life or 4K streaming capabilities. These affordable gadgets promise to add a serious boost to any tech setup. 🤩

🦟 Scientists release 'good' mosquitoes to fight dengue

Scientists are deploying male, non-biting mosquitoes in the San Gabriel Valley to curb disease-carrying populations. These insects, shipped from Kentucky, are intended to mate with wild females, causing their eggs not to hatch. The plan involves releasing nearly half a million males weekly across areas like Los Angeles County. This strategy is urgent due to locally acquired dengue cases in California since 2023. Success will be measured by a drop in the numbers of disease-carrying female mosquitoes.

😠 Patna teacher protest escalates; police use water cannons

A large group of TRE-4 BPSC aspirants marched from Gandhi Maidan toward the CM's residence in Patna on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. Police detained several protestors at the Dak Bungalow crossing while they attempted to surround the Chief Minister's residence. Law enforcement deployed water cannons to disperse the agitating students who clashed with police barricades. The students demand a single-tier examination for TRE 4.0 and transparency in state recruitment processes. Tejashwi Yadav has urged CM Samrat Chaudhary to engage in dialogue to resolve these ongoing issues. 😠