🧐 Isaac challenges GST logic in Messi Kerala raid controversy

Senior CPI(M) leader T M Thomas Isaac questioned the GST justification for the police raid connected to the failed Lionel Messi visit to Kerala. His criticism targeted the UDF government, where the raid occurred at a private Malayalam television channel. Specifically, he debated tax levied on Rs 78.2 crore paid on June 6, 2025, and Rs 47.8 crore paid on October 15, 2025. Isaac argued the tax on advances was invalid since the service would not take place by October 2025. He urged the business community to protest this alleged arbitrary tax intervention. 🧐

🏛️ Court orders TDB to upgrade sacred ornament security

The Kerala High Court has mandated the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) to adopt a proposal for better security and storage of the Thiruvabharanam. This directive was given to the TDB by the Thiruvabharanam Commissioner, who presented detailed suggestions. The Commissioner proposed a digital database featuring unique asset numbers and tracking history for all ornaments. He also recommended implementing a QR code or RFID system and upgrading strong room security across the 17 current storage rooms. The court previously noted irregularities in the registers, emphasizing the need for transparency moving forward. 🏛️

🌿 1,566 cannabis plants destroyed in Palakkad forest

Excise officials destroyed 1,566 mature cannabis plants found across six plantations deep within a Palakkad forest. The operation took place on Saturday morning near Kadugumanna in Attappady following a tip-off about large-scale cultivation. These plants were ready for harvesting, and the officials burned them after collecting samples. The Excise department is now investigating who was behind this cultivation setup. The identity of the growers remains unknown as the site was far from any residences.

🏛️ Karnataka HC halts salary hold for contract workers

The Karnataka High Court has stayed government circulars preventing salary payments to outsourced and contract employees. This order was passed by Justice H.T. Narendra Prasad after petitions from various unions. The circulars, issued by the Karnataka State Audit and Accounts Department on July 29, directed withholding based on revised minimum wages effective May 22, 2026. Unions argued these circulars were based on unauthorized oral instructions and violated the vested rights under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. The court's stay remains in place until further orders regarding the salary payments. 🏛️

🔋 Old EV batteries getting a second life, major win

Cornell researchers have developed a technique called DEER to revive worn-out lithium-ion EV batteries. This method restores electrodes without shredding them into raw materials, giving them a chance at reuse. The process successfully recovered up to 95% of the original capacity in the treated cells. This is significantly better than untreated batteries, which degraded at 0.072% per cycle. The research suggests electrodes could even be regenerated multiple times, offering a new path for battery life. 🔋

⏳ KEA extends fee payment deadline for medical and dental courses

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has extended the fee payment date for medical and dental courses following requests from UG NEET candidates. H. Prasanna, executive director of KEA, announced this extension for candidates admitted in the second round. This deadline is set for 5 p.m. on September 21, 2026, to secure admission at their chosen colleges. Additionally, mock seat allotment results for PG courses like MBA and MCA were announced. Candidates have until 11 a.m. on September 22 to modify or add options before the final results are declared.

🌿 Collector says Ayurveda is a lifestyle, not just medicine

NTR District Collector Dr. G. Lakshmisha participated in the 11th National Ayurveda Day rally in Vijayawada on Saturday. The event, themed "Ayurveda for a Healthy Future," was held at the Collectorate. He emphasized that Ayurveda offers ancient knowledge for a healthy lifestyle, not just medicine. The gathering included AYUSH officers, hospital staff, and students from various institutions. The focus remains on valuing traditional Indian medical knowledge for societal health.

🏍️ Marquez limits damage in MotoGP sprint clash

Marc Marquez focused on finishing behind Jorge Martin during the Austrian MotoGP Sprint. The battle took place at the Red Bull Ring, with Martin eventually taking the lead. On Sunday's event, Martin gained three points over Marquez, who lost the championship lead. Marquez admitted he didn't defend aggressively because the gap was minimal. He and Ducati are also reportedly struggling with the stiff rear tyre construction.

🚌 BRS accused of blocking TGSRTC union polls

Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar accused the opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi of creating hurdles for the TGSRTC trade union elections. These crucial polls are scheduled to take place on October 9th in Telangana. The last election was held on July 19, 2016, with no subsequent opportunities provided for the workers. Following the recognition elections, the government plans to start merging the corporation with the government while protecting employee interests. Representatives from the recognized union will be part of the committee for the merger process. 🚌

🎬 NLSIU drops Umar Khalid doc screening

The Law and Society Committee at NLSIU decided to drop the documentary screening on activist Umar Khalid. This decision was made after discussions involving the Student Bar Association, university administration, and faculty members in Bengaluru. The film, 'Prisoner No: 626710 is Present' by Lalit Vachani, was flagged by the CBFC as uncertified. The university administration and SBA concluded that screening it violates the Cinematograph Act without an exemption. NLSIU will instead hold a discussion series called 'The Criminal Justice Conversations'.

💡 Engineers urged to use tech for social good

Santhosh Kumar of Texas Instruments India urged engineers to apply their technical knowledge for societal improvement, especially for the economically disadvantaged. This address was given at the 24th Convocation of NIT Warangal, held on Saturday. On that day, 930 undergraduate graduands and 22 exit-degree recipients received their degrees. The context emphasizes building careers with integrity while contributing to the lower socio-economic pyramid. Moving forward, the institute has launched new M.Tech programs like Quantum Technology for 2026-27. 🎓