🏝️ Kerala revamps GIDA council structure

The government has reconstituted the general council of the Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA). Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan is now chairing the council, which includes various MLAs and local body heads from Ernakulam. The major ongoing work is building the outer bund for Thanthonnithuruthu Island, which started after KCZMA clearance on February 28, 2025. This project aims to curb coastal erosion and frequent flooding near Ernakulam and Mulavukad. GIDA, established in May 1994, now manages development across nine island areas.

🤒 Anna Hazare in ICU with severe infection

Social activist Anna Hazare has been admitted to the ICU at Bombay Hospital in Mumbai. His condition worsened while receiving treatment near his native village, Ralegan Siddhi, in Maharashtra. He is currently being closely monitored by Dr Gautam Bhansali as of August 31, 2026. The octogenarian developed a severe viral infection accompanied by acute dehydration. Doctors are conducting tests to decide on the next course of treatment for him. 🤒

🏛️ Kozhikode Mayor vows to protect market funds

Kozhikode Mayor O. Sadasivan has assured steps to prevent the diversion of Central Market modernization funds. The issue was raised by BJP councillor N. Sivaprasad during a council meeting on Monday, August 31. Reports suggested funds might be diverted to Kottakkal municipality due to project delays. The Mayor confirmed no official communication was received and discussed it with MLA Faisal Babu. Next, the civic body will take actions to address price uniformity in city hotels. 💰

🏏 Zimbabwe nails thriller after Namibia scare

Zimbabwe clinched a thrilling five-run victory after surviving a huge scare from Namibia in Windhoek. The match saw Zimbabwe post 195/6 before Namibia collapsed to 190, despite earlier strong play. The key turning point was a 109-run partnership by Zane Green and Alexander Volschenk. Namibia's chase faltered as they reached 76/6, making the final over intense. Brad Evans held his nerve in the last over to secure the remarkable win for Zimbabwe. 🏏

📈 OpenAI's ad biz hits $1B annualized run rate

OpenAI's advertising business has reached an annualized revenue run rate of $1 billion. This massive growth was reported by Reuters concerning the company's evolving monetization strategy. The figure reflects strong adoption and advertiser interest in their platforms. This milestone indicates a significant shift towards a more diversified revenue stream for the AI giant. Expect further expansion and integration of advertising across OpenAI's services moving forward.

🚨 SIT formed to probe attack on Veena George

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been officially formed to look into the alleged attack on former Health Minister Veena George. This incident occurred at the Kannur Railway Station on February 25, 2026. The attack happened during a black-flag protest organized by Kerala Students Union (KSU) activists. The SIT will be led by U. Preman and assisted by A.P. Asad. The team must submit a fortnightly progress report directly to the Police Headquarters.

📸 New robotic zoom camera raises funds

Former DJI engineers have launched FarseerTech's RocXZoom, the world’s first robotic extreme zoom camera. This device is being developed by the company founded by former DJI imaging engineers in the US. The project successfully raised $247,029 toward its $9,999 goal on Kickstarter as of the announcement date. It is designed to automatically track distant subjects using AI and motorized panning, solving framing issues at long focal lengths. Future milestones include independent footage and real-world testing before mass production.

🌱 Central Railway to use vetiver grass for slopes

Central Railway plans to use vetiver grass plantation to curb soil erosion and landslips during heavy rains. This initiative is targeting vulnerable ghat sections like Bhor Ghat and Thal Ghat. Pilot plantations have already covered areas up to 4,250 square meters across various sections. Vetiver's deep root system can increase soil shear resistance by about 30 to 40%. This nature-based solution aims to ensure safe and punctual train operations during the monsoon season. 🌿

🤖 Robots that jump forever with light 💡

Researchers have developed teardrop-shaped soft robots that perpetually jump when exposed to infrared light. The creation was done by scientists at North Carolina State University. These robots utilize torsion to store and release elastic energy, allowing self-resetting jumps as long as the light is on. Design changes, like the V-angle, control movement between crawling, forward jumping, and vertical leaping. This breakthrough could eventually aid in environmental navigation and swarm robotics.

🏯 400-ton castle moved back by volunteers

One thousand eight hundred volunteers pulled a 400-tonne historic Japanese castle keep back to its original spot in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. Organizers received approximately 8,000 applications for the volunteer slots, making the event four times oversubscribed. This move is part of a decade-long restoration, following the repair of the castle's stone embankment completed in December 2024. Later this August, around 4,100 volunteers are set to move the building another five metres. Heavy machinery will finish the journey, aiming for the structure to be fully reopened to visitors by 2033. 🏯

🕯️ Hyderabad vigil for murdered nurse; nurses demand action

The Telangana Nurses Association held a candlelight vigil at the Ambedkar Statue in Hyderabad on Monday, August 31. The protest was in solidarity with 21-year-old nurse Sirisha, who was raped and murdered in Thukkuguda. The group demanded accountability from the private hospital, calling for its license suspension and ex-gratia assistance for her family. Participants alleged the hospital failed to provide safe accommodation and staff faced threats. Authorities were urged to ensure safety facilities for all healthcare workers according to guidelines.