🧊 Enceladus's south pole ice might be super thin

Scientists found that the ice above Enceladus's hidden ocean could be just 1 to 5 kilometres thick near its south pole. This finding comes from combining Cassini measurements of the moon's gravity, shape, and libration. The estimate stems from 2016 studies, contrasting with Europa's 29-kilometre shell depth from Juno observations. These models suggest a dramatically thinned shell at Enceladus’s pole, favoring it as a sample source. The real shortcut, however, are the existing fractures ejecting material from the ocean. 🧊

✈️ Annamalai: New airport site could take 10 years

Annamalai questioned the Vijay-led TVK government's decision to scrap the Parandur airport project. This move affects Chennai, Tamil Nadu, where the project was slated for the second airport. He warned that finding a new site and securing approvals could take at least 10 years from August 24, 2026. Annamalai pointed out that the current Chennai airport has limitations in land area and taxiways. He urged the state government to urgently find an alternative location for the airport. ✈️

🚨 High Court summons Abhijit Iyer-Mitra in privacy suit

The Delhi High Court summoned Abhijit Iyer-Mitra and several media portals in a privacy suit filed by Saurav Das. The complaint alleges unauthorized entry and posting of his residential address online on August 5. Das is seeking damages exceeding Rs 2 crore for the alleged privacy and security violations. The suit also asks the court to prevent further disclosure of his address and to take down related content from platforms like X and Google. The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on September 14. 🏡

🔬 Crickets in space hatched earlier in 2005 study

In 2005, scientists fertilized crickets aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to study microgravity's effects on reproduction. This experiment involved 112 embryos and larvae from spaceflight, compared against 103 ground-control specimens. A key finding was that the larvae exposed to microgravity hatched earlier than their Earth-based counterparts. This suggested microgravity influences the timing of development without disrupting basic neural structure formation. These findings are crucial for planning future long-duration space missions.

🤕 Jason Smith sidelined for Namibia T20I series

Middle-order batter Jason Smith has been ruled out of the season-opening T20I tri-series in Namibia due to an adductor muscle strain. Smith, who has played 11 T20Is and three ODIs for South Africa, was part of the squad heading to Namibia. He will be assessed for availability in the ODIs, which kick off on September 9th. South Africa has chosen not to name a replacement for Smith in the current setup. The squad is set to depart for Windhoek on Tuesday to face the hosts on Friday. 🤕

🔬 Freezing fiber boosts light-sound interaction 1000x

Scientists managed to make light and sound interact over 1,000 times stronger by freezing liquid inside an optical fiber. Researchers from Max Planck Institute and others achieved this by cooling the liquid core to -196°C using nitrogen. This extreme cold turned the liquid into a solid while still allowing light and hypersonic sound waves to pass through. The team successfully demonstrated optoacoustic memory, storing light information in slow sound waves. This breakthrough could lead to lower-energy photonic computing systems and quantum tech. 💡

🗳️ MK Stalin challenges TVK MLA's win in Madras HC

MK Stalin has filed an election petition in the Madras High Court to nullify TVK MLA VS Babu's victory in the Kolathur constituency. The petition was filed by DMK president in Chennai, alleging mismatches and technical faults in the EVMs. Stalin is demanding 100% VVPAT counting and verification of all 286 machines within a set timeframe. He cited issues like non-functioning VVPATs and a ballot unit with his name not being detected by the control unit. The petition highlights concerns over procedural breaches and lack of transparency in the election process. 🗳️

📚 IIMs reveal CAT 2026 selection criteria

The Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have shared insights into their admission selection process for the CAT 2026 exam. This crucial information was released by the various IIMs across India. The criteria involve more than just raw marks, focusing on holistic candidate profiles. This signals a shift towards comprehensive evaluation in management admissions. Candidates should now prepare for a multi-faceted assessment system. 📚

🦠 Bird flu hits mammal in Australia for the first time

Australia has confirmed its first case of H5N1 bird flu in a mammal, which was found in a long-nosed fur seal in South Australia. South Australian authorities confirmed this detection at Beachport, located about 310 km south of the capital city. This case comes after the virus first appeared in migratory seabirds earlier this year. The federal Agriculture Minister stated that significant losses are possible once the H5 bird flu spreads in the natural environment. Further monitoring is underway as seals are at high risk due to living near wild birds. 🐾

🤔 R Madhavan on parenting struggle: Privilege vs. Achievement

R Madhavan shared his biggest concern as a father regarding his son, Vedaant. The actor expressed his worry about whether to let Vedaant enjoy privileges or focus on earning medals. This internal conflict reflects the modern dilemma parents face today. He is navigating the balance between unconditional support and fostering self-reliance in his child. The decision-making process remains an ongoing challenge for him as a parent.

😠 Six arrested in Bengaluru shop owner's murder

Six people have been arrested in connection with the murder of medical shop owner Suhail by the Madiwala police. The accused include Adil, a rowdy-sheeter, and his associates, Yasin, Abbas, Afivuallah, Shaan, and Syed Farhan. The deceased was allegedly hacked to death at the Madiwala traffic signal on Saturday, August 22nd. Police suspect the murder was an act of revenge for the earlier killing of Adil’s friend Shabbir in January. Investigators are now questioning the arrested individuals before they could flee to Mumbai. 😠