🏏 India tightens grip in Colombo Test despite SL fightback

India managed to tighten their hold on the Colombo Test despite a determined Sri Lankan comeback effort on the third day. The hosts finished the day at 265/8, having lost six wickets, while Sri Lanka trailed by 238 runs. Sonal Dinusha remained unbeaten on 85 runs, supported by Lahiru Kumara, as rain intervened. Despite some breakthroughs by Prasidh Krishna and Manav Suthar, Sri Lanka managed to stabilize their batting innings. Play was halted after 83.4 overs due to deteriorating light and rain conditions. 🏏

🥂 Varun Beverages is entering the alcohol game 🍻

Varun Beverages is officially diversifying into the alcoholic drinks market with a new subsidiary. This move was led by appointing Prathmesh Mishra, a former Diageo executive, to head the new venture in India. The company approved the incorporation of KIVA Spirits and Company Ltd with a paid-up equity share capital of Rs 9 crore. This expansion follows VBL's new agreement with PepsiCo and a partnership with Carlsberg in Africa. The company also greenlit a joint venture in Tunisia for beverage production.

🚨 Iran Cracks Down on Citizens Amid Economic Woes

Iran is severely restricting citizen communication with foreign media as internal tensions escalate. The government introduced new regulations criminalizing contact with 'hostile' outlets like US and Israeli media. Those sharing information face up to two years in prison, effective now. This crackdown occurs while the Iranian rial hits a record low under intense US sanctions. Critics say this is a strategy to rule through fear and silence dissent. 🚨

💀 Faridabad murder: Wife and lover allegedly kill husband

A woman and her lover were arrested after allegedly murdering the husband in Mojabad village, Faridabad. The deceased, 42-year-old Shyamveer, was killed by his wife, Keshav, and Kamat. The incident occurred on the evening of August 16, after Kamat intoxicated Shyamveer and struck him with a tile. Keshav locked the door during the assault before they buried the body near the house. Both accused will be presented before a court on Wednesday for legal proceedings. 💀

🧠 Brain Health: The New Longevity Metric?

Scientists are exploring the idea that the brain could serve as a key indicator for overall lifespan. Researchers in the study focused on how neurological markers correlate with aging processes in various populations. The findings discussed involved data collected across different age groups up until late 2023. This research aims to develop more accurate and non-invasive ways to predict human healthspan. Further studies are planned to validate these brain-based longevity predictors.

🧐 HC questions FDA over MCA kitchen hygiene

The High Court has directed the FDA to reinspect the kitchens of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. This action was prompted by concerns regarding the food served to the staff. The inspection order was issued following complaints about the quality of the non-vegetarian tea. This raises serious questions about the food safety standards in government offices. The FDA is now tasked with ensuring all kitchens meet necessary hygiene protocols. 🧐

😠 38 booked for molesting activist in Ranchi protest

A case has been filed against 38 individuals for allegedly molesting a member of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch. This incident occurred during a protest on August 21 in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The FIR names eight people and includes 30 unnamed individuals booked under BNS sections. The molestation happened while the group was protesting recruitment irregularities near Albert Ekka Chowk. The BJP has stated firm support for the students involved in this struggle. 😠

🏞️ Abandoned Mines Turned Bike Paradise in Minnesota

In 1993, Minnesota established the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, taking over 5,000 acres of abandoned iron mines and 15 flooded pits. This area is located in central Minnesota, transforming a former industrial zone into a major recreation hub. As of now, the site features over 50 miles of mountain bike trails and 25 miles of natural shoreline. The transformation allows for ecological recovery while providing public access to nature. Future plans focus on keeping the area largely non-commercial for continued restoration. 🏞️

🏭 TN exploring new industries on scrapped airport land

The Tamil Nadu government plans to explore alternative industrial projects on the land acquired for the scrapped Parandur Greenfield Airport in Kancheepuram district. Industries Minister S. Keerthana stated the goal is to generate employment and promote growth without harming local livelihoods. The Parandur project required 5,846 acres, with the government having acquired 1,802 acres, according to C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar. Keerthana clarified that land-use purpose can change under Clause 99 of the Land Acquisition Act, 2013. The state aims to achieve a $1.5 trillion economy by 2036 through these development efforts. 🚀

🔬 Student research shines at Anveshana 2026

The Anveshana 2026 initiative showcased student research projects from all over India earlier this week. Prayoga Institute of Education Research in Bengaluru hosted the event, featuring 61 students from Classes 9-12. A total of 20 independent research projects were presented, with the top four shortlisted for the final showcase. This five-month program has helped generate research contributing to international publications and patent applications. Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi recognized Prayoga's efforts during his Mann Ki Baat episode on August 24, 2026. 🔬

🧠 Language brain regions resist aging, study finds

A new study discovered that the brain region handling language might be more resilient to aging than others. Researchers from MIT and Boston University examined two groups, aged 17-39 and 41-80, to check this. During language tasks, the language processing network showed activity nearly identical to younger adults across both groups. Conversely, the decision-making network showed altered activity in older adults, being smaller and less synchronized. This suggests specialized language functions are more robust than general-purpose networks during aging. 🧠