🛡️ Drone heading to Mecca intercepted by Saudi forces 🛡️

A Houthi-launched drone targeting Mecca was intercepted and destroyed by the Royal Saudi Air Defence Forces. This incident occurred on Tuesday evening, escalating tensions around the holy city. The Saudi-led coalition spokesperson warned that the security of the holy mosques is a "red line." This marks a sharp resurgence in the conflict that began in 2015. Riyadh has stated it will respond "firmly" to future strikes against urban areas.

💸 UPI MDR changes: What it means for shoppers

The reintroduction of MDR on select UPI transactions may not heavily affect consumers, according to executives. Larger merchants, like big retail chains, are likely to absorb the cost in the competitive market. Small merchants, however, might pass on some or all of the burden to customers. The government ensures small merchants under Rs 1 lakh monthly UPI revenue get zero MDR. The industry anticipates the main challenge will be enforcement across the vast universe of UPI merchants. 💰

🛡️ Houthi Drone Stopped Before Makkah

A Houthi drone was reportedly intercepted and destroyed before it could enter Makkah's airspace. Saudi Arabia confirmed this incident occurred in the region. The attack involved the drone, and officials have not released specific dates or exact numbers regarding the threat. This event underscores ongoing security concerns around the holy city. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation for any further incursions. 🛡️

🏛️ Vijay's London event cancelled due to police concerns

Tamil Nadu CM C Joseph Vijay's public event outside The Shard in London was cancelled because the Metropolitan Police flagged crowd safety issues. Hundreds of fans had gathered at the location, waiting for the actor-politician to appear. The cancellation was announced via loudspeaker due to a lack of necessary police permission for safety. Vijay is currently in the UK as part of a state delegation looking for investments for Tamil Nadu. He is scheduled to conclude his UK visit and return to India on Wednesday. 🧐

📸 Canon EOS R8 II drops with IBIS and 4Kp60

Canon has officially announced the new EOS R8 Mark II, a full-frame mirrorless camera designed for all skill levels. It is aimed at photographers everywhere, featuring a 24.2-megapixel sensor and the reliable Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system. The camera supports up to 40 frames per second and boasts 30% more continuous RAW photos than its predecessor. A major upgrade is the inclusion of IBIS, offering up to 7.5 stops of shake correction, making it the lightest full-frame EOS camera with this feature. The EOS R8 II launches in late October with an estimated retail price of $1,899. 📸

📸 Canon's retro camera: not just a gimmick

PCMag tested Canon's newly released retro camera to evaluate its features and performance. The device was tested by the publication's reviewers at an undisclosed location. The camera boasts several vintage design elements and modern functionalities. This testing aimed to see if throwback gear could offer genuine value beyond just aesthetics. The review offers insights into whether this retro offering is worth grabbing for photography enthusiasts.

📸 Canon R8 Mark II drops with major upgrades

Canon has officially unveiled the EOS R8 Mark II, a new full-frame mirrorless camera. This camera is aimed at aspiring photographers and is available in New York starting September 15, 2026. It features a 24.2MP sensor and offers 4K60p 10-Bit internal video. The camera boasts improved autofocus with dedicated modes for pets and motorsports. Users can expect enhanced buffer rates and a new multi-controller joystick for better control.

📷 Canon R8 II rocks retro style, boosts performance

Canon has unveiled its new 24-megapixel EOS R8 II, an entry-level full-frame camera with a distinct retro aesthetic inspired by the EOS 650 SLR. This latest model boasts 5-axis in-body stabilization and can shoot up to 40 fps in electronic shutter mode. It features overhauled Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with 100 percent coverage, and remains the lightest full-frame camera at 1.2 pounds. The R8 II is available for pre-order at $1,899, with shipping scheduled to begin in late October. 📸

📸 Canon R8 Mark II drops with IBIS and AF boost

Canon has officially announced the EOS R8 Mark II, fixing key gaps from its predecessor. This camera is aimed at travel and everyday shooting, available in the US and globally. It features 5-axis in-body stabilisation and 40fps continuous shooting, with details released on Canon's site. The update keeps the full-frame sensor while adding flagship-level autofocus and a new multi-controller. Additionally, it introduces Canon’s Dual Pixel 3D technology for capturing depth information. 📸

📚 Why parents ditch govt schools for private ones

Parents are opting for private schools despite similar learning outcomes, as seen in Salem district, Tamil Nadu. Families like Balakrishnan's pay fees of Rs 50,000 and Rs 20,000 annually for their children. This preference is driven by the belief that private teachers pay more attention and push students harder. Research, however, suggests learning differences are minimal when socio-economic factors are considered. Furthermore, some studies show government school teachers are more qualified than their private counterparts.

🏛️ Stalin's detention under MISA proved in TN Assembly records

Historical records from the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly confirm M.K. Stalin was held as a political prisoner under MISA during the Emergency. This detention occurred in Madras Central Prison, where 88 prisoners were held, including Mr. Stalin and K. Veeramani. The inquiry by the M.M. Ismail Commission took place after the government takeover in September 1977. Discussions on the report happened in the Legislative Assembly on April 6 and 7, 1978. M. Karunanidhi used this platform to highlight the mistreatment and read excerpts from Chittibabu's diary.