🏛️ Modi might hit EU summit in Brussels this December

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reportedly planning to attend the European Union summit in Brussels in December. This visit could potentially boost the ongoing India-EU free trade deal between the two entities. The European Council's final meeting of the year is scheduled for December 17-18, according to reports. Negotiations for the comprehensive FTA concluded on January 27 this year, and the deal is still on track for signing before the end of 2026. The pact covers a market of nearly two billion people and could offer preferential access for Indian goods. 🇮🇳

🪐 Trump's Big Ideas for Pluto?

Donald Trump has proposed potentially renaming Pluto in a bid to make it 'Great Again'. The suggestion was floated in the context of his political commentary. There are no specific dates or numbers attached to this proposal at this time. The idea stems from his recurring theme of revitalizing American icons and places. Future moves on this topic remain entirely speculative. 🪐

🏞️ Nepal rejects foreign flood aid; deaths rise

Nepal has declined assistance from international rescue teams amidst severe flooding. The country is facing this crisis in the region, as reported by local authorities. The death toll has neared the 500 mark, with continuous flooding impacting communities. This decision reflects the nation's preference for self-reliance during the disaster. Officials are now focusing on internal relief efforts to manage the ongoing situation. 🏞️

🏗️ Vyttila Junction overhaul is nearly done

A ₹1.5 crore project to redevelop Vyttila Junction is nearing completion in Kochi. The Kerala Road Safety Authority (KRSA) is managing the redevelopment work beneath the Vyttila flyover. Eighty percent of the junction redevelopment is finished, with paving on Kaniampuzha Road still underway as of August 29, 2026. The aim is to create a signal-free junction to streamline traffic flow through this major hub. Next steps include preparing a dedicated bus bay and clearing encroachments from S.A. Road.

🏙️ Chennai Corp floated 14,500 tenders last year

The Greater Chennai Corporation floated over 14,500 tenders in the last financial year, significantly more than the usual 4,000 to 4,500. Commissioner G.S. Sameeran revealed this during a Council meeting on Friday. He noted that over 1,000 files face procedural issues regarding these tenders. Proper financial provision and administrative sanction must precede any tender registration. The GCC has allocated ₹100 crore for monsoon-related preparatory work. 🌧️

🌊 Assam youths missing in Nepal floods

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reported that six youths from Assam are missing following the devastating floods in Nepal. Two individuals from Langhin in Karbi Anglong district, Rituparna Brahma (24) and Mantri Basumatary (28), are among them. Additionally, Shatadal Nath from Hojai district is reported missing since the massive natural disaster on August 26, 2026. These youths were in Nepal for work, and their families cannot reach them since the flood hit. The Assam Government has set up a helpline for any necessary coordination and assistance. 😥

🔬 Cool temps unlock graphene for recycling

Researchers have developed a new method for growing graphene at low temperatures. This process was achieved by a team at the university in India. The new technique operates at temperatures as low as 100 degrees Celsius. This breakthrough offers a potentially sustainable way to recycle valuable resources. Scientists are now looking into scaling this process for industrial applications.

🌊 TN Govt pushes for Water Metro and new Metro lines

The Tamil Nadu government has ordered the preparation of a Detailed Feasibility Report for a Water Metro link. This link will connect Chennai Central and Mamallapuram, which is about 55 km south of Chennai on the East Coast. The government also mandated DPRs for three new Metro Rail corridors. These DPRs are for connecting Siruseri SIPCOT II and the International Convention Centre at Muttukadu, Kilambakkam Bus Terminus and Chengalpattu, and Wimco Nagar and Assisi Nagar. These orders were issued in June after the TVK-led government took office.

🍄 Fungi making clothes that can actually live

Researchers developed a flexible, living textile using caterpillar fungus, or Cordyceps militaris. This innovative material was grown in liquid culture by Zhong Chao and his team at SIAT of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The dried fungal pellets formed sheets that could be folded, cut, and sewn into structures like a prototype dress. The material also features self-cleaning and UV protection from engineered yeast and Aspergillus niger. Future work will focus on improving washability and manufacturing consistency for broader applications. 🍄

👷 57 lakh workers pending e-KYC for new job scheme

Currently, 57 lakh active workers remain unverified under the new VB-G RAM G scheme. This data is from August 9, 2026, after the scheme's launch. While the active worker e-KYC rate is 94.88%, the overall verification rate stood at 71% two months post-launch. The Ministry has pushed for completion by several deadlines, but targets were missed. This delay raises concerns about workers accessing employment under the new system. 😥

📉 Gold dips below key MA; Fed hike bets rise

Spot Gold has fallen sharply on Friday, dropping below the 200-day moving average at $4526.24. This puts the metal below $4481.78, which is 20% from its peak of $5602.23. Some analysts now see gold entering a bear market territory. Meanwhile, Warsh delivered a hawkish speech, increasing September hike odds from 35% to 61.5%. The market now watches for breaks near $4311.04 or $4697.11. 📉