🔭 NASA's starshade could image rocky exoworlds

A NASA-led team plans to use a hybrid telescope featuring an orbital starshade for directly imaging earthlike exoplanets. This starshade will work with ground telescopes like the ESO's Extremely Large Telescope in northern Chile, scheduled for late 2030. The project, HOEE, is seeking Phase B NIAC funding by 2027 to overcome current imaging limitations. It aims to block starlight to reveal faint, rocky worlds within twenty light years of Earth. This technology could eventually help identify chemical signatures suggesting life on these distant planets. 🔭

🏛️ Jadavpur University inquiry panel chief steps down

The head of the five-member inquiry panel at Jadavpur University resigned on Monday, August 24, 2026. This panel was set up by the university to probe campus vandalism that occurred on August 20. The incident followed a clash between ABVP members and student groups in Kolkata on August 21, 2026. Professor Subha Shankar Sarkar cited his inability to conduct the inquiry effectively, especially remotely. The university will now appoint a new committee head to carry out the investigation. 🧐

🚨 New probe looks at police force in CJP protests

A new investigation has been launched to document instances of unlawful and deadly force used during the CJP-led protests. This action is taking place in the context of ongoing police impunity issues. The probe is focusing on incidents that have occurred recently, though specific dates are not provided in the source. The protests are organized by the CJP, highlighting ongoing civil unrest. Authorities will likely present findings detailing the misuse of force in the coming weeks. 🚨

🕊️ Europe joins Zelenskyy for Ukraine's Independence Day

European leaders joined President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv to celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day amidst the ongoing Russian invasion. Key figures like U.K. Prime Minister Andy Burnham attended with nearly a dozen other dignitaries on Monday. The war, which began in February 2022, continues with escalating aerial attacks and little progress on the front lines. Visiting leaders pledged more military and financial support, including discussions on missile technology. Both nations are employing long-range strikes to inflict economic damage on the other. 🕊️

🚨 BJP leaders detained trying to siege Vidhana Soudha

Several BJP leaders and party workers were taken into custody by police on August 24, 2026. This action occurred in Bengaluru as they attempted to lay a siege to Vidhana Soudha demanding Minister B. Nagendra's resignation. The protest followed Nagendra being charged in an ST welfare fund embezzlement case. The BJP members gathered at Freedom Park and marched towards the Legislature complex. Leaders were eventually released after the police foiled their siege attempt.

🏎️ Leclerc reveals Ferrari kept him out in Dutch GP

Charles Leclerc explained why he was instructed to stay out during the Dutch Grand Prix incident. The situation involved Lewis Hamilton closing up on Leclerc during the race. Hamilton finished fourth, but Leclerc stated he was told to stay out instead of letting him pass. Leclerc focused on tire delta strategy, which ultimately didn't pan out as planned. He accepted the outcome, noting that sometimes bad luck is just part of the sport. 🏎️

🌌 Astrophotographer rappels 330ft into cave for photo

An astrophotographer captured an award-winning photo in a deep cave system. The photographer, Tom Rae from New Zealand, took the shot in a cave on the North Island. This incredible image won first place in the "Creatures of the Night" category at the Capture the Dark contest on the latest edition. To get the shot, he had to rappel roughly 330 feet (100 m) into the otherworldly cavern. He managed this extreme challenge despite the dense humidity and low light conditions. 🌌

💰 TN's gold ring scheme for newborns costs ₹220 crore upfront

The Tamil Nadu government has issued work orders for nearly 1.28 lakh gold rings under the 'Maternal uncle gold ring scheme'. This initiative targets babies born in government hospitals across the state. The first batch covers eligible babies born between June and September, costing approximately ₹220 crore. The scheme aims to boost institutional deliveries and build public trust in state healthcare. A dedicated administrative body will manage this welfare program moving forward. 👶

🛡️ Europe's defense champs are teaming up

France opted for a Safran and MBDA consortium instead of the HIMARS system at the Eurosatory defense expo. This move signals a push towards European defense sovereignty amidst shifting US security priorities. While FCAS faced setbacks, industry leaders recognize that no single state can afford next-gen tech alone. MBDA is leading the HYDIS2dp consortium, involving 28 partners from 18 countries for hypersonic defense. Furthermore, the EIB approved a €3 billion loan for Airbus's continental R&D.

🚨 Social media posts revealing Das' address taken down

Social media platform X informed the Delhi High Court that posts allegedly revealing the residential address of Janta Party's Saurav Das have been removed. This happened in Das' lawsuit against Abhijit Iyer Mitra and several web portals, filed on Monday, August 24. The suit seeks injunctions and damages claiming violation of his privacy and security due to personal info leaks. Das alleges defendants unlawfully published his address, causing him risk of violence and targeting. The matter is scheduled for its next hearing on September 14. 🧐

🚨 Social media posts revealing Das's address removed

X informed the Delhi High Court on Monday, August 24, that posts showing Cockroach Janta Party's Saurav Das's address were taken down. The submission was part of Das's lawsuit against Abhijit Iyer Mitra and web portals regarding personal information leaks. The suit claims violations of his right to privacy, dignity, and security due to this disclosure. Das alleges the dissemination of his address poses a real risk of violence and endangers others at his residence. The case is next scheduled for listing on September 14. 🏡