📱 EPFO 3.0 rolls out: UPI and ATM withdrawals are here 🚀

EPFO 3.0 is a major digital upgrade making provident fund claims paperless for subscribers. This system, implemented by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in July, centralizes the member database under CITES. The auto-settlement limit has increased to ₹5 lakh, allowing faster fund access in 3-5 days. Subscribers can now withdraw 50% to 75% of their balance via UPI or UPI-enabled ATMs. This shift improves claims processing time significantly from the previous 10-20 days.

😠 HC slams cops over activist's arrest for Kamra show post

The Karnataka High Court criticized the Whitefield Police for the alleged illegal arrest of an activist. The incident occurred in Bengaluru after the activist posted on Facebook about the cancellation of Kunal Kamra's show. This happened following a representation from Hindu Rashtra Samanvaya Samithi to the police. The activist was allegedly taken into custody in Udupi around 2 am and later held under BNS sections. The court has now asked the DCP and ACP for an explanation regarding these repeated alleged violations. 😠

🏏 South Africa clinches win against Zimbabwe

South Africa secured a seven-wicket victory against Zimbabwe in a T20I match. The game took place at the Namibia Cricket Ground, with the match concluding on Friday. Key moments included Duan Jansen and Prenelan Subrayen taking five wickets combined, and Dewald Brevis scoring a 75 not out. This win was significant as it helped South Africa avoid losing to both neighboring teams. The team managed to finish before the Springboks match began, despite broadcast issues.

💧 Tech-driven plan to boost minor irrigation in Telangana

The Telangana Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Commission recommended reviving a dedicated minor irrigation system using modern tech. The Commission submitted its report to Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy in Hyderabad on Saturday, August 29. Key suggestions included command-area management and a specific Minor Irrigation Act for tank protection. This effort aims to ensure water security and stabilize rural livelihoods in the state. Moving forward, CM Revanth Reddy suggested focusing on crop diversification and FPO strengthening.

🗳️ Tripura village elections set for late 2026

The State Election Commission has decided to hold the long-pending elections for village committees in the TTAADC areas. This decision was made amid demands from tribal parties and subsequent High Court petitions. The election body stated that the official poll schedule would be announced on August 31, 2026. These polls will determine representation for 587 village committees across the region. Further details will be shared at a press conference hosted by State Election Commissioner Pradip Kumar Chakraborty. 🗳️

😠 CPI(M) slams VHP over Durga Puja rules

The CPI(M) criticized the VHP for trying to control how Durga Puja is celebrated in West Bengal. Mohammed Salim made these remarks during a two-day meeting in Kalyani, West Bengal. The VHP objected to some Durga Puja themes and pushed for banning non-vegetarian food starting around August 29, 2026. Salim also accused the BJP government of focusing on 'religious purification' instead of job promises. He demanded a judicial inquiry into the 2011 Kishenji encounter as well. 😠

🔬 New method lets graphene grow from carbon waste

Researchers at Nanowerk have developed a novel low-temperature graphene growth method. This breakthrough technology enables the efficient upcycling of carbon waste materials. The process was documented in studies detailing its potential applications. This innovation offers a significant, greener alternative for managing various industrial byproducts. Scientists believe this method could seriously impact future sustainable manufacturing practices. 🔬

😠 Pinarayi blames Kunhikrishnan for Payyanur loss

Pinarayi Vijayan accused Independent MLA V. Kunhikrishnan of collaborating with CPI(M)'s rivals to cause the LDF's defeat in Payyannur. This was stated on Saturday, August 29, 2026, during a CPI(M) program in the constituency. The party's vote share dropped from over 62% in 2021 to roughly 44% this time, while UDF got about 49%. Vijayan seriously views the 18% of former supporters who did not align with the LDF. The CPI(M) stated it will take steps to regain the trust of those who switched allegiance. 😠

🎓 TGEAPCET 2026 Counselling Starts Soon for Bi.PC Students

The TGEAPCET 2026 counselling for Bi.PC stream students is set to kick off on September 12. This process is for admissions into courses like B.Pharmacy and Biotechnology for the 2026-27 academic year. The initial phase runs from September 12 to 16, with certificate verification happening from September 15 to 17. First-phase seat allotment will be out by September 21, followed by fee payment on September 21 and 22. The final phase starts on September 25, concluding with seat allotment before September 29.

🏏 Anaya Bangar aims for India World Cup after cricket lifeline

Anaya Bangar is now focused on playing for India and winning the Women's World Cup after receiving a cricket lifeline. She is the daughter of Sanjay Bangar and has been cleared by Cricket Australia to compete in community and Premier Cricket. This clearance allows her to keep the prospect of elite-level cricket from March 2027 on the horizon. She is prioritizing her return to competitive cricket in Australia and aiming for a spot in the WBBL. Anaya also hopes the BCCI creates inclusive policies for women's cricket. 🏏

🌳 One crore teak saplings to be planted yearly

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced the 'Teak Wealth' scheme, which involves planting one crore teak saplings annually on farmer and government lands. This initiative was declared at Suttur Mutt, and the Forest Department will supply the saplings. Farmers or landowners will manage the maintenance, with 70% of teak returns going to them and 30% to the government. Over the next 25 years, this scheme aims to boost Karnataka's forest wealth significantly. This plan mirrors earlier efforts to increase the state's green cover. 🌳