🗣️ DMK objects to Minorities Commission chief in TV debates

The DMK objected to Felix Gerald, chairman of the Tamil Nadu Minorities Commission, participating in political TV debates. This issue was raised in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, by DMK member S. Austin. Austin argued that Gerald, holding a statutory post, should not abuse Opposition members, referencing the Tamil Nadu State Minorities Commission Act, 2010. Law Minister R. Nirmalkumar countered that participation is an individual's choice and must be legally wrong. The assembly must now decide how to proceed with this controversial matter. 🤔

🌲 India's forest goals facing major scrutiny

India's Green India Mission progress is under fire as auditors found a 97.57% shortfall from the 2014 pledge. Independent assessments suggest forest cover is lower than government claims due to methodology differences. Over five years, India has approved forest land diversion equivalent to Hong Kong for development projects. The Great Nicobar Project proposes clearing 13,075 hectares for a major hub, sparking legal pushback. Experts warn that simple compensatory afforestation is not a complete fix for ecological health. 🌳

🏛️ Gadkari clarifies: Talk about youth was not political

Nitin Gadkari's office has clarified that his comments about giving younger generations more responsibility were related to the Laxmanrao Mankar Trust's work. This statement was made at an Eklavya Ekal Vidyalaya Teacher-Supervisor Training Class in Katol, Nagpur district. The remarks were made while discussing the Trust's functioning and future leadership, not his political career. Reports had linked these comments to speculation about his potential retirement from politics. Therefore, the office stressed that the remarks had nothing to do with his political future. 🏛️

🏛️ Satheesan Govt hits 100 days: welfare vs controversies

V.D. Satheesan's government has officially completed its first 100 days in office. This Congress-led UDF government is based in Kerala and has focused on several key initiatives. The government highlighted measures like free KSRTC travel for women and increased ASHA worker honorariums. However, the tenure has also faced political attacks and controversies regarding policy decisions. Satheesan insists the administration is open to genuine criticism as it moves forward. 🧐

🚀 DRDO missile tech moving to private players

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved the transfer of all DRDO-developed conventional missile technologies to India's private sector for domestic production. This move is set to involve competitive bidding among Indian private firms to become development-cum-production partners. The transfer explicitly excludes nuclear-armed strategic missiles like the Agni series. This shift aims to boost production capacity and ensure affordable mass production of conventional missiles. The goal is to strengthen the defence industrial base and reduce import dependence for the armed forces. 🚀

🤰 Anti-seizure meds during pregnancy linked to growth risks

A large international cohort study found that using antiseizure medications during pregnancy relates to differences in foetal growth. The study analyzed 15,893 offspring, comparing monotherapy and polytherapy use. Prenatal exposure to polytherapy showed higher odds of poor foetal growth compared to monotherapy. Specific medications like topiramate showed significant differences in birthweight centiles. These findings suggest personalized treatment planning for epilepsy during pregnancy is necessary. 🤰

⚽ Bengaluru FC signs Dutch defender Menno Koch

Bengaluru FC has officially signed Dutch centre-back Menno Koch ahead of the ISL 2026-27 season. The 32-year-old joins the Blues as a free agent from Sarpsborg 08, making him their fifth and final foreign signing. This transfer comes as the league prepares for its October 10 start with 13 participating clubs. Koch brings international experience from four different European countries to the squad. With this signing, Bengaluru FC has now finalized its foreign contingent for the upcoming campaign. ⚽

🏦 Federal Bank talks to buy Jana SFB

Federal Bank is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Jana Small Finance Bank, which could force an open offer for its shareholders. This potential deal involves Jana SFB's promoter selling their entire 16.9% stake to Federal Bank. The current situation stems from Jana SFB's promoter facing difficulties repaying a ₹700 crore loan to TPG Asia. Federal Bank is interested due to Jana SFB's high-yield book and geographic reach across 23 states. Further updates are awaited regarding the final deal terms and stock market reaction.

💡 The science of glow-in-the-dark art explained

Scientists are exploring the chemistry that makes glow-in-the-dark art possible. This phenomenon is achieved through specific chemical compounds that absorb light energy. These materials react to this energy, causing them to emit visible light slowly over time. Researchers are studying these processes to develop brighter and longer-lasting pigments. Future applications could see these materials used in safety signage and novel artistic displays. ✨

🌊 Bay Tides Swing By Nearly A Meter

Satellite imagery spanning four decades reveals significant tidal variations within a single bay. Scientists tracked these changes across the bay area to understand marine dynamics. The data shows that tides can fluctuate by almost a full meter across the monitored region. This research provides key insights into how coastal ecosystems are affected by long-term tidal shifts. Future studies will use this baseline data to predict coastal changes. 🌊

🧠 Good Brain Cells Might Be Causing Decline?

New research suggests that brain cells previously considered supportive could actually be driving cognitive decline. This study was conducted by researchers at a leading neurobiology institute. The findings detailed a correlation observed over a period spanning several years in the test group. Scientists are exploring the mechanisms by which these supportive cells might accelerate age-related memory loss. Further investigations are planned to fully understand this complex neurological process.