🛰️ NASA wants tiny sun-powered floats to map space's edge

NASA is exploring a new method to study the 'ignorosphere,' the tricky area between 30-100 kilometers in the atmosphere. Researchers, utilizing a technology from Rarefied Technologies, plan to deploy microscopic sensors that float using the photophoretic effect. These sensors will be launched by balloons to reach about 30 km, then autonomously rise to their stable altitude of 90-100 km. Instead of transmitting data, they will reflect LIDAR light, allowing orbiting satellites to track their ionospheric conditions. While nighttime drops are a hurdle, this could revolutionize upper atmosphere weather monitoring. 🛰️

🏏 Rohit Sharma might coach MI post-retirement, but Kohli needs a break

Former spinner Ravichandran Ashwin suggested Rohit Sharma could take on a coaching role with Mumbai Indians after retiring. Ashwin noted that Virat Kohli might need a break before taking on any coaching responsibilities. He advised MI to immediately absorb Rohit, a tactical genius who won five titles. This is predicted as franchise cricket increasingly favors specialized roles like mentors. Ashwin believes players should not be let go post-retirement if opportunities exist.

🧠 Autism care needs lifelong, holistic support

Early intervention and therapies significantly improve outcomes for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Experts highlighted that a comprehensive life-course approach is necessary for autistic individuals. About 90% of these children have at least one or two co-occurring medical or psychiatric conditions. This evolving needs require continuous, coordinated, and person-centred support into adulthood. The two-day national conclave addressed gaps in care continuity among various stakeholders.

🏛️ Leader asks CM to pause Raidurg land auction

T. Harish Rao, Deputy Floor Leader of BRS, urged CM A. Revanth Reddy to halt the proposed auction of 10.63 acres in Raidurg. This land, located in Raidurg Panmaktha village, was declared a heritage site via GO 4 on January 2, 2003. The Supreme Court had already instructed the State government on May 7, 2025, to resolve the issue without third-party interests. Rao stressed that the government must protect the heritage site despite its estimated ₹2,000 crore value. He requested a halt to all sales until legal ownership is determined. 🏛️

🏏 Litchfield's takeover fuels Sunrisers' turnaround

Phoebe Litchfield's batting has significantly boosted Sunrisers Leeds' performance in the Hundred tournament. She joined the team at No. 3 after an early batting struggle during the group stage in Leeds. Litchfield has maintained an amazing strike rate of 228.26 across her four innings at the top of the order. Her strong play has helped the side move from a slump to a winning streak of four games. Now, she has the chance to play in two Lord's finals within six weeks. 🤩

✈️ Leonardo ups Eurofighter Typhoon pitch to Philippines

Leonardo has ramped up its pitch to sell the Eurofighter Typhoon to the Philippines, offering new customization options for Manila. The company, led by Enrico Fossatti, presented this during the Philippines' search for a new multi-role aircraft amid South China Sea tensions. They previously offered up to 32 Tranche 5 fighters back in September 2025. This acquisition is key for the Philippines' modernization program to build air deterrence against China's claims. The consortium promises full transparency and tailored delivery plans should a contract be signed. ✈️

🇮🇳 Puttaparthi hosts rally for national pride

A 'Har Ghar Tiranga' rally was organized in Puttaparthi to boost patriotism and national unity. Sri Sathya Sai district Collector A. Shyam Prasad and SP Satish Kumar led the event on Thursday. The rally, which started at Satyamma temple, saw participation from officials, students, and children on August 13, 2026. The Collector encouraged people to hoist the national flag at home and maintain its dignity. Participants concluded the event by taking the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' pledge for national integrity.

😠 CPI(M) slams Kerala CM over MDMA case claims

The CPI(M) accused Kerala CM V.D. Satheesan of making false claims regarding his meeting with an MDMA accused. CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan presented photos showing the meeting happened before the alleged police action. Govindan further challenged Satheesan's denial of the accused being his social media coordinator, referencing a five-year posting. He also criticized the CM for perceived attempts to implement RSS agenda regarding Vande Mataram singing. The controversy surfaced following the Navakerala Sadas event on August 13, 2026.

🎭 Rahul mocks Modi's 'hug diplomacy' at convention

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi mocked PM Narendra Modi's foreign policy during the Rachnatmak Congress Organising National Convention in New Delhi. He used a mock hug with Sandeep Dikshit, playfully involving Italian PM Giorgia Meloni in the joke. This incident drew sharp criticism from the BJP, which labeled the gesture as 'gutter-level' behaviour. Gandhi also questioned India's role in the West Asia war and border issues with China. He suggested India missed a major opportunity to broker peace leveraging its global friendships. 🇮🇳

💖 Dutch friends find out they're sisters from India

Two childhood friends, Meena Geltink and Minal Tijssen, discovered they are biological sisters after nearly 40 years. Both were left as infants at an orphanage in India before being adopted in the Netherlands. Minal found out via a MyHeritage DNA test in April, showing a 100% sibling match with Meena. Though they grew up apart, they first met in 1996 and later reunited in the Netherlands. The sisters expressed deep emotions upon realizing they were related all along. 🫂

📚 Vidya scholarship starts at Moyan school in Palakkad

The Vidya scholarship scheme was officially launched at Government Moyan Model Girls Higher Secondary School in Palakkad on Thursday. Balakrishnan Mahadevan, a post-doctoral fellow from IIM Bangalore, instituted this program to aid students from economically weaker backgrounds. The scheme also includes subscriptions to The Hindu Teen Digest for the beneficiaries. Satyanarayanan T., the Principal in-charge, presided over the event, highlighting educational support. This program, which began years ago, has already helped dozens of students continue their studies. 📚