🛰️ ISRO shifting launch vehicle production to private players

Former ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair has questioned the viability of the government's plan to privatize launch vehicle production. This shift involves private companies and PSUs taking over manufacturing, while ISRO retains critical operations like final assembly and launching. Currently, industry handles around 90% of the work for rockets like PSLV and GSLV. Nair argued that the massive investment required might not yield sufficient returns for private entities. The government aims for ISRO to focus more on research and advanced technologies moving forward. 🚀

🚀 ISRO shifting launch vehicle production to private players

Former ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair has questioned the viability of the government's plan to privatize launch vehicle production. This move involves Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) stating ISRO will stop manufacturing them for private sector or PSUs. Currently, industry handles around 90% of the work on rockets like PSLV and GSLV, with final assembly remaining with ISRO. Nair noted that building an equivalent facility costs around 50,000 crores with minimal returns, raising doubts. The shift aims to let ISRO focus on research while industry takes on routine manufacturing. 🚀

🏏 Bangladesh jumps to Test No. 6 spot

Bangladesh secured a historic climb to No. 6 in the ICC Test rankings after their series debut in Australia. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto called the ranking jump a huge achievement for his team in the series. The ranking improvement was due to a win in Darwin, moving them up three spots from No. 9. Shanto expressed a desire for consistent Test matches in Australia to help players adjust to conditions. He specifically requested more matches in similar conditions instead of waiting 23 years. 🏏

🧠 Melinda French Gates on handling life's toughest shifts 🧘‍♀️

Melinda French Gates shared that her separation from Bill Gates was one of her most difficult life transitions. She discussed this experience in her 2025 book, The Next Day: Transitions, Change, and Moving Forward. The couple divorced in 2021 after 27 years of marriage and share three children. French Gates advises taking quiet time for self-care during major changes instead of rushing ahead. She also noted that discomfort is a normal part of adapting to significant life shifts.

🏏 Shanto wants more Aussie Tests after ranking jump

Bangladesh achieved a major milestone by climbing to No. 6 in the ICC Test rankings after their debut series in Australia. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto highlighted the historic win in the Darwin Test, which propelled them up three spots from No. 9. However, the team faced a tough loss in the final Test in Mackay, where they were defeated by 51 runs. Shanto stressed the need for consistent tours to help players adjust to Australian conditions. Therefore, he requested playing in similar conditions regularly instead of every 23 or 25 years. 🏏

🚨 Ex-Andhra Minister Arrested in Liquor Scam

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested former Andhra Pradesh minister K Nageswara Rao. The arrest took place in connection with a major liquor transport scam. The investigation involved alleged illegal movement of liquor across states. This action stems from ongoing probes into illicit liquor trade networks. Authorities are expected to continue the investigation to uncover more details of the network.

🧐 NITI Aayog flags youth unemployment and low female workforce participation

NITI Aayog has highlighted a massive issue with India's youth demographic. A staggering 8.7 crore young people are currently neither working nor studying across the nation. Data from the report indicates that only 3% of women are employed in formal jobs. This situation points to significant gaps in educational and employment infrastructure. The government is expected to address these employment challenges in upcoming policy reviews. 🧐

⚡ Honda drops new SUVs soon: Elevate facelift and 0 Alpha EV

Honda Cars India plans to launch two new SUVs before the end of this financial year to boost sales. These vehicles include the facelifted Elevate and the 0 Alpha concept electric SUV, both spotted testing on Indian roads. The Elevate upgrade will bring cosmetic changes and features like ventilated seats, while the 0 Alpha EV is slated for a March 2027 launch. The 1.5L petrol engine remains in the Elevate, which launched in September 2023. The electric SUV will be built at Tapukara, Rajasthan, competing in the EV segment.

👀 What is Squint Eye (Strabismus)?

Squint eye, medically known as strabismus, is a condition where both eyes do not align properly. This issue affects about 138.5 million people globally, or 1.81% of the population. It can manifest as esotropia or exotropia, impacting vision development, especially in children. Causes range from genetic factors to adult conditions like diabetes or stroke. Treatment often starts with glasses, but surgery might be necessary for correction.

🚀 China's Chang'e-7 targets lunar ice for secrets

China's Chang'e-7 mission is currently focused on investigating the lunar south pole's icy regions. The mission is being conducted by the Chinese National Space Administration at the Moon's surface. It is aiming to collect crucial data regarding the water ice present in these extremely cold areas. This research is vital for understanding the composition of the Moon's coldest zones. Future plans involve utilizing this lunar water for potential in-situ resource utilization. 🚀

🇧🇩 No rush for PM Rahman's India trip, says Bangladesh minister

Bangladesh stated there is no urgency for Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to India, prioritizing national interests above all else. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir made these remarks in Dhaka on Saturday, August 23, 2026. India had invited him for a bilateral visit and the BRICS summit on September 12-13. This visit is key for mending ties strained since Sheikh Hasina's government fell in August 2024. Dhaka maintains its stance on Hasina's extradition while keeping diplomatic discussions steady. 🤝