🐘 Geetanjali Shree's stories challenge reader expectations

The anthology 'Once Elephants Lived Here' features surreal stories set in varied contemporary spaces. Geetanjali Shree explores complex human behaviour across 11 stories first published in 2012. These narratives examine themes like aging, societal division, and urban alienation in detail. The collection plays with form, ideas, and deliberately subverts reader expectations throughout. Ultimately, the stories reveal the jagged, complex edges of modern human existence.

🧐 Woman claims innocence in Noida guard abuse video

A woman has defended herself after a viral video showed her allegedly abusing society guards in Greater Noida. She maintained that she had done nothing wrong and felt no regrets regarding the incident. The video, which went viral recently, captured the interaction between the woman and the security personnel. This controversy has sparked widespread debate about social conduct and public decency in residential areas. Authorities are currently investigating the matter to determine the facts and take appropriate action. 🧐

⚖️ Thane court deems CBI arrests in bribery case illegal

A Thane court ruled that the CBI arrests of an IRS officer and two others in a bribery case were not legal. The incident involved Additional Commissioner of CGST Vinay Kumar Kantheti, CGST Superintendent Rakesh Kumar Sinha, and Narinder Rajput in Raigad district. The court ordered their release on personal bonds of Rs 15,000 each after noting procedural flaws. The CBI was denied custody as bribe money was already seized and phones were recovered. The agency plans to approach the court again for further custodial interrogation. ⚖️

🤖 AI helps surgeon during live brain surgery

A real-time machine intelligence system assisted a neurosurgeon during live brain surgery for the very first time. This procedure took place at London’s National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. The clinical trial used software developed at University College London on August 29, 2026. The technology analyzed live video feeds to pinpoint critical anatomy inside the confined surgical area. This guidance allowed doctors to remove a pituitary tumor from patient Rhys Hibbert while keeping his vision safe.

🚦 KBR one-way works vs. flyover push

A one-way traffic system has been implemented around KBR National Park for H-CITI project construction, where seven flyovers and seven underpasses are planned. This change, effective since August 18, has significantly reduced commute times for regular users like Mohammed Shaheer Zaman. Despite the ₹1000 crore project and Supreme Court litigation, commuters report smoother traffic flow without structural changes. Some citizens argue that the one-way system is a superior, cost-effective solution compared to mega infrastructure. This successful trial is sparking public debate on the necessity of expensive flyovers. 🚦

🏏 Archer bowls fiery spell, doubts speed gun readings

Jofra Archer delivered the fastest spell of his Test career during the second Test at Lord’s. He and the English pace attack dismissed Pakistan for 110, securing a massive first-innings lead of 180 runs. Archer's opening five overs averaged 90.7 mph, taking Shan Masood as the first wicket. Despite the high speed figures, the 31-year-old claimed the speed guns were dodgy and inaccurate. England maintains a commanding position heading into Day 3, aiming for their first home Test series win in two years. 🏏

📣 West Bengal to hold student union polls soon

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that student union elections will be conducted across colleges and universities in the state. This move comes amid persistent demands from opposition parties for holding the polls. No such elections have taken place widely in the state's higher education sector during the previous 15-year Trinamool Congress tenure. Adhikari expressed confidence that the ABVP will secure victories in all institutions. The demand gained traction following recent student group clashes at places like Jadavpur University.

🌟 August star brand rankings are out

The Korean Business Research Institute released its brand reputation rankings for all stars for August. The data was analyzed using big data from July 29 to August 29 across various metrics. RESCENE topped the list with a score of 10,180,185, showing a 27.65 percent rise from July. BTS secured second place with a brand reputation index of 9,495,066, marking a 16.77 percent increase. Lim Young Woong ranked third with a score of 7,240,530, which was a 24.53 percent jump from July.

📉 Iran's Trade Takes a Big Dive Due to US Pressure

Iran's trade has sharply declined by 35% following increased economic pressure from the United States. This significant drop impacts the nation's overall economic activity across various sectors. The decline was observed over the recent reporting period, marking a notable downturn in commercial volume. The sustained US sanctions remain a primary catalyst for this worsening trade situation in Iran. Future economic outlooks for Iran are expected to face further challenges under these continued pressures. 📉

🛂 Trump admin eyeing H-1B grace period cut

A proposal by the Trump administration to eliminate the 60-day grace period for foreign workers after job loss has cleared a key White House regulatory review. This DHS proposal, approved by OIRA on Thursday, impacts various visa holders including H-1B workers in the US. Indian nationals comprised 71 percent of approved H-1B petitions in fiscal year 2024. The change could significantly reduce time for affected workers to find new jobs or change status. Stakeholders will comment on the rule once published before a final decision is made. 🧐

🧐 AIMIM MLC expelled over controversial video

AIMIM MLC Mirza Rahmath Baig was expelled from the party following a controversial video incident. The expulsion occurred in Hyderabad after Baig reportedly filed a complaint with cybercrime police about blackmail involving a deepfake video. The incident came to light on Saturday when AIMIM announced the immediate expulsion and directed his resignation from the Telangana Legislative Council. The police have not disclosed the video's contents or the full complaint details, fueling intense social media speculation. Political rivals are now questioning the reasons behind Baig's expulsion, demanding public explanations from AIMIM leadership. 🧐