Kerala student wins Miss Universe India 2026

Kaziah Liz Mejo, a 19-year-old law student, has been crowned Miss Universe India 2026. She secured the title at the national finale held in Jaipur, defeating 52 other contestants from Kerala. This victory makes her the first Keralite to win the Miss Universe India title. Mejo will now represent India at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico this November. Her journey showcases a blend of academics, modeling, and diverse talents. 👑

🩺 New study cracks the HFpEF code 🧬

A new study has advanced the understanding of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) mechanisms. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin–Madison studied 48 PH-HFpEF patients. The study, published on August 24th, found RV dysfunction is a better prognosis indicator. They also identified molecular changes related to diminished mitochondrial function. This research aims to pave the way for better, personalized treatments.

🌳 Orange Waste Turns Desert into Forest in Costa Rica 🍊

In 1998, 12,000 tonnes of orange waste were spread on degraded pasture in Costa Rica's Guanacaste Conservation Area. Ecologists from Princeton University and Del Oro initiated this conservation experiment with the ACG. After a legal dispute, researchers in 2013 found a 176% increase in forest biomass and tripled tree diversity. The treated area transformed into a dense forest, unlike the nearby open pasture. This shows how waste management can support effective forest restoration efforts.

🚧 Chittur Bridge Traffic Restrictions Announced 🚧

Traffic restrictions are being implemented on the Chittur river bridge along the Thattamangalam-Nattukal road for necessary repair work. This closure affects travel for all vehicles heading to Chittur in the Palakkad district. The restrictions will run from September 5 until November 2, 2026. Alternative routes like Peruvambu junction-Palathully bridge are suggested for commuters. Furthermore, water supply will be disrupted on alternate days for three days in some wards.

✅ Karnataka Assembly Clears Remote Property Registration Bill

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly passed the Registration (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, 2026, without debate. This legislation is for Karnataka, allowing property registration without physical presence at sub-registrar offices. The Bill outlines e-registration and a virtual copy distribution system, effective from a date not specified. This move aims to simplify processes and prevent illegal registrations in urban areas. Future efforts will focus on integrating software and penalizing portal hacking. 🏠

🤖 Microsoft shifts AI governance to real-time checks

Microsoft is moving AI governance from written policies to active runtime enforcement for deployed AI applications. This new framework spans nine domains and uses four functions: policy, control, visibility, and proof. The system operates as a continuous loop, where controls enforce policies and observability captures system behavior. Evaluations test safety pre-release and post-deployment, while audits create compliance evidence. This approach aligns with vendor-neutral standards like the NIST AI Risk Management Framework.

💣 UK shares missile tech with Ukraine, Putin is mad

Britain has agreed to share classified technology for European SCALP long-range cruise missiles with Ukraine. This move was announced by Prime Minister Andy Burnham during his visit to Kyiv. The decision allows France and Ukraine to start local production of the weapon system. The Kremlin strongly condemned this action, claiming it obstructs any path to a peace settlement. Britain continues its support, having pledged over £25 billion to Ukraine. 🧐

🐾 Kerala approves SOP for rabid stray dog euthanasia

The Kerala government has officially approved a Standard Operating Procedure for stray dog euthanasia based on Supreme Court guidelines. This SOP applies to stray dogs in Kerala that are rabid, ill, or dangerously aggressive. The guidelines mandate that euthanasia must be humane and approved by a Stray Dog Management Committee. Only a qualified veterinary surgeon can conduct the procedure using specified drugs like sodium pentobarbital. Local bodies are required to maintain a detailed register for every dog euthanized. 🐾

🚨 Influencer Ajeet Bharti booked over Azad remarks

Influencer Ajeet Bharti faces an FIR under the SC/ST Act following remarks about Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad. The case was registered at Delhi's North Avenue police station after a complaint from the Delhi unit president of the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram). The FIR relates to his August 22 YouTube broadcast, where he made alleged casteist and abusive comments. Bharti denies using a casteist word, calling the FIR "pressure-driven" despite attending the August 21 protest. He claims the case "won't survive two minutes in court."

🤢 Mumbai cricket spots lose food licenses in FDA crackdown

Five food outlets at the Mumbai Cricket Association premises had their licenses suspended due to food safety violations. The Maharashtra FDA took action against these five spots, namely Permit Room, Pavilion, Mediterranean, Oriental Swing, and Clubway & Pastry Counter, on August 20th. This was part of a statewide drive where the FDA inspected 45 eateries and conducted 25 raids. Deficiencies ranged from poor sanitation to inadequate temperature control across the inspected locations. The FDA is intensifying these inspections across Maharashtra to enforce strict food safety compliance moving forward. 🤢

🏅 SCR Kabaddi Players Head to Asian Games 🇯🇵

Four kabaddi players from South Central Railway have been chosen for the Indian national squad. The players are Ritu Negi, Pinky Roy, Ayan Lohchab, and Sumit Sangwan from various departments in Lallaguda and Mettuguda. The 20th Asian Games will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026. These athletes will represent India in the multi-sport event featuring 43 sports. They will compete in the Tokai Citizens Gymnasium in Tokai, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.