🇮🇹 MEA warns about jab at India-Italy ties

The Ministry of External Affairs urged caution regarding the strong relationship between India and Italy. This followed remarks by Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Sandeep Dikshit targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on foreign policy. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that ties have strengthened significantly in recent years, emphasizing mutual respect. Rahul had mocked Modi's foreign policy handling at an event on Thursday. The MEA stressed maintaining diplomatic practice while strengthening bilateral bonds. 🇮🇹

🗳️ CEC boosts global election diplomacy amid SIR

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is intensifying India's international election diplomacy while the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is ongoing. He has met with ambassadors from 41 countries since mid-July, leveraging his role at International IDEA. These discussions focus on electoral cooperation, clean rolls, and technology in elections. The CEC is also inviting delegates to an international conference planned for January 2027. By September, he anticipates meeting representatives from a total of 81 countries. 🇮🇳

😟 Wild boar deaths spark worry in Kerala border area

The death of at least 10 wild boars has caused concern in Vorkady panchayat on the Kasaragod-Dakshina Kannada border. Local reports indicate that carcasses were found across different parts of the panchayat over the last two weeks. As of Thursday, two more carcasses, including a large female boar, were discovered in areas like Poyya and Kalla Jail. Authorities from Health, Animal Husbandry, and Forest departments visited the site and sent serum samples to Kannur for testing. Residents are worried about potential health risks, especially following a detected H1N1 influenza case. 😟

🦟 GBA warns against water stagnation for dengue prevention

The Greater Bombay Area (GBA) has issued a dengue advisory urging residents to prevent water stagnation in all areas. This advisory specifically targets both private homes and public spaces across the region. The warning was issued in light of rising dengue cases and ongoing monsoon activities. Authorities emphasize that stagnant water bodies are breeding grounds for mosquitoes carrying the disease. Citizens are advised to take immediate preventive measures starting now to ensure community health. 🦟

📉 India cuts windfall tax on fuel exports starting Saturday

India has slashed the windfall tax on petrol, diesel, and jet fuel exports, effective from Saturday. This change affects exports from India, where the duty on diesel drops to Rs 24 per litre. The levy on petrol is now zero, down from Rs 3.5 per litre, while ATF export tax lowers to Rs 19.5 per litre. The government reviews these export levies every two weeks based on global crude oil prices. These cuts are not expected to impact domestic fuel prices, according to the government. ⛽

📺 India lifts 12-min ad time limit for TV channels

The government decided to remove the 12-minute advertisement duration cap for TV channels on Friday, August 14, 2026. This change affects all TV channels across India as part of promoting fair competition and ease of doing business. Previously, the cap was implemented in 2006 when there were only 62 channels, versus the current 900+. The Ministry noted that digital media lacks such regulations, creating an uneven playing field. The decision will start from the notification date in the Gazette. 📺

🚀 Alphabet's SpaceX Investment Skyrockets to $94B

Alphabet's financial commitment to SpaceX has increased dramatically over the last ten years. The tech giant, Alphabet, has significantly backed the aerospace company, SpaceX, based in the United States. The total investment has grown to an impressive $94 billion as of recent reports. This massive funding reflects Alphabet's long-term belief in SpaceX's space exploration and technological capabilities. Further strategic collaborations and investment decisions are expected in the near future.

😔 Cambridge prof found dead amidst plagiarism scandal

Jason Arday, a former Cambridge professor, has been found dead in south London. He was 41 years old and was found unresponsive in Battersea on Friday afternoon. Arday resigned as professor of sociology of education on August 5 after facing plagiarism allegations and scrutiny over his achievements. The controversy followed questions about his PhD thesis and other claims regarding his life. Authorities are treating the death as unexpected and not suspicious at this time. 😔

🤖 Snapdragon 8 Gen 6 Pro scores big in benchmark test

The next-gen Snapdragon 8 Gen 6 Pro chip has leaked in an AnTuTu 11 benchmark run. This new chipset, internally named SM8975, was tested in a run showing an impressive 4.83 million points. This score represents a slight 5% boost compared to the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5's typical 4 to 4.6 million points range. Both Pro and non-Pro versions are rumored to be built on a 2nm process and feature Oryon CPU cores. The Pro version is expected to power upcoming devices like the Xiaomi 18 Pro and Pro Max arriving in September. 🚀

🏏 Walter shines as Super Giants reach Hundred final

Manchester Super Giants defeated Sunrisers Leeds by 20 runs in the Eliminator to qualify for the men's Hundred final. The match took place at The Kia Oval, featuring Manchester Super Giants against Sunrisers Leeds. Manchester Super Giants scored 186-4, while Sunrisers Leeds managed 166-7 on August 26th. Paul Walter's 80 off 46 balls was the key performance, setting a strong foundation for the team's success. The Super Giants will now face Trent Rockets in the final at Lord's this Sunday. 🏏

🔬 Dragonflies help track mercury pollution in US waters 💧

Scientists developed a new model using dragonfly larvae to estimate mercury risk across US freshwater ecosystems. The US Geological Survey and National Park Service utilized data from 21,000 larvae collected over 13 years. This model combines larval mercury levels with water chemistry and landscape data for risk assessment. It is particularly useful for remote protected lands lacking direct monitoring data. Future use includes guiding fish testing and informing consumption advisories.