🚗 DMK MLAs reject government cars, political clash heats up

All 59 DMK MLAs in the Tamil Nadu Assembly have decided to forgo the government-provided cars for legislators. This decision was announced by Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin in the Assembly on Friday. The proposal involved providing vehicles and monthly allowances to all 234 MLAs, announced by CM C Joseph Vijay. The DMK cited concerns over the state exchequer's financial condition for their refusal. Meanwhile, Minister Aadhav Arjuna defended the provision, calling transport a necessity for elected representatives.

💰 ₹9 Crore Cash Seized Near Bengaluru-Tamil Nadu Highway

Income Tax officials seized a massive ₹9 crore in unaccounted cash from an SUV traveling from Bengaluru towards Hosur in Tamil Nadu. The Bengaluru City Police intercepted the vehicle, registration KL 20 T 8629, near BETL Toll on August 18th around 10:30 p.m. During the search, the cash was found, and one occupant, Sachin, 42, from Sindhu Jewellers, was detained. Further searches in Tamil Nadu led to the seizure of an additional ₹1.3 crore in cash. The Income Tax Department is now investigating the source and final destination of all the seized funds. 🧐

🤖 Nothing OS 5.0 based on Android 17 drops Aug 25

Nothing has officially confirmed the launch of Nothing OS 5.0, which is built upon Android 17. The unveiling is scheduled for August 25 at 11:00 BST, according to an announcement on X. Eligible phones include the Nothing Phone (4a) and several Phone (3) models. The update might bring more personalization and colourful visual elements to the interface. Details on the stable rollout and full features will be revealed during the August 25 event. 📱

💸 SBI withdrawal fees change starting October 1st

SBI is changing its cash withdrawal rules effective October 1st for BSBD accounts. Customers in branches will now pay Rs 15 plus GST for withdrawals exceeding four free transactions monthly. Previously, AePS transactions were exempt, but this exclusion has now been removed under the revised policy. Meanwhile, SBI also lowered interest rates on domestic bulk term deposits starting August 15th. The bank reported a 10.23% net profit increase in Q1FY27.

🧑‍🚀 VR might boost astronauts' mental health

Researchers are exploring virtual reality to improve the mental wellness of astronauts during long space missions. The study was conducted by Texas A&M University on sailors aboard a US Navy ship for two weeks. Participants used HTC Vive Pro Eye headsets combined with a compact scent generator featuring real-world smells. The goal was to create immersive experiences mimicking nature to combat isolation. The results showed reduced negative emotions, suggesting broad benefits beyond space travel. 🚀

✨ Android 17 beta drops with killer new features

Google rolled out Android 17 QPR2 Beta 3 shortly after the Pixel 11 lineup announcement. The update brought significant changes, including customizable Quick Settings layouts and better Dynamic Color theming. Users can now tailor their Quick Settings panel layout and fine-tune color variations using Neutral, Soft, Bright, or Bold presets. Additionally, the App Lock feature adds extra security by hiding notifications and restricting app access via PIN or fingerprint. Pixel 6a users and newer can download this beta now, with a stable release expected in December.

🔥 Heat + workout = kidney danger? Know the risks.

Dehydration during intense workouts in extreme heat can significantly reduce kidney function. This risk was studied in a 2020 US CDC study involving participants exercising near 40°C. Researchers observed higher kidney-injury biomarkers when dehydration and overheating occurred together. Severe fluid loss strains kidneys by reducing necessary blood flow, potentially leading to Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). Experts advise moving workouts to cooler times and focusing on fluid replacement over intense targets.

🚀 From low scores to IIT Bombay success story

Jainendrajeet initially scored 54% in Class 10, with only 41 marks in Maths, which was tough for him in Vrindavan. He faced peer criticism after his poor results, especially due to health issues keeping him on bed rest for 40 to 50 days. However, he revamped his study methods, focusing on consistency and reducing distractions. Three years later, he achieved 99.98 percentile in JEE Main 2023 and secured AIR 349 in JEE Advanced. This success earned him a seat in the Computer Science program at IIT Bombay. 🤩

🔋 Holes boost battery material conductivity at TU Graz

Researchers at TU Graz successfully increased the ionic conductivity of lithium titanate by deliberately creating defects in its crystal lattice. This was achieved by Bernhard Gadermaier and Martin Wilkening at TU Graz, transforming pure Li4Ti5O12. The team heated the material in a low-oxygen atmosphere to 300 degrees Celsius to create oxygen vacancies. These vacancies unlock a previously blocked migration pathway for lithium ions, significantly improving conduction. This work opens long-term perspectives for advanced electronic components. 🔋

🌲 Boston Woman's Land Gift Started Acadia NP

In 1908, Eliza Homans donated 140 acres near Maine's Beehive and Bowl to prevent future development. She was a longtime resident of Bar Harbor, owning the land featuring the Bowl and Beehive. This donation initiated the protection of land that eventually grew to 5,000 acres, leading to the formation of Acadia. Her act started the conservation momentum for what is now Acadia National Park. Today, the park covers over 49,000 acres and is managed by the National Park Service. 🌲

🏏 Hashan Tillakaratne joins Sri Lanka coaching staff

Sri Lanka Cricket has officially appointed Hashan Tillakaratne as the batting coach for the Senior Men's Program. He will be working with the national team players at the SLC's National High Performance Center. The 59-year-old coach has significant experience, including past roles with the men's and women's national teams. His new appointment starts immediately and runs until December 31, 2027. Tillakaratne previously played for Sri Lanka, scoring over 8200 international runs.